Kari

I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of experience in counseling a variety of clients. In 2001, I opened my private practice, Foothill Therapy, to service the nearby communities of Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Orangevale, Shingle Springs, and Cameron Park. Personally, I am married and have two children who are now young adults. In my work with clients, I emphasize building strong therapeutic relationships, as research has shown that this is one of the most effective means of change in therapy. We are all faced with a variety of challenges at different stages of our lives. My goal is to create life-long relationships with my clients so that you will seek me out at those times when you are in need of extra support, are in crisis, or just want to grow in your life and relationships.

Education and Training

I received my B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Chico, in 1991 graduating Cum Laude.  I then earned my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Sacramento in 1995, graduating with honors.  I received my California State License in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2001 (MFC38089).  I have participated in trainings all over the country from some of the leading experts in the field of psychotherapy, including Harville Hendrix, the creator of Imago Relationship Therapy and author of Getting the Love You Want; John Gottman, leading researcher in couples therapy and author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work; and Sue Johnson, creator of EFT and author of Hold Me Tight. In addition, I have taught Couples Communication classes and have been a part-time faculty at CSU, Sacramento teaching Couples Therapy and Family Therapy to graduate students.

In 2014, I brought MFT Intern Jennifer Hagar into the practice and provided supervision to Jennifer while she was working toward licensure.  Jennifer became licensed in 2016 and is now practicing on her own! In 2024, I brought Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Rose von Blanck into the practice and I provide supervision to Rose as she works toward licensure. She’s a wonderful addition to Foothill Therapy!

Rose

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, currently supervised by Kari Gallego (MFC38089). With a deep passion for exploring individual stories, I believe in the power of collaboration by helping clients tap into their own inner strengths and providing tools needed to encourage change. My background demonstrates a varied experience but at the heart of all that I have done is the common thread of helping each person create connection – connection to others and connection to their own authentic self.

Education and Training

I received my BA from UCLA, my MA in Education from CSUN, and my MA in Marriage Family Therapy from Touro University. My time as a teacher and in school leadership gave me special insight into the developmental stages and the pressures faced by young people. This experience allows me to connect with teens/young adults and their families on a deeper level, providing strategies that address both academic and emotional needs during these crucial developmental years.

On a personal note, I have been with my husband for over 25 years and as a mother to two daughters, one senior in high school and the other in college, I understand the complexities of marriage, family dynamics and parenting. I especially enjoy working with couples at all stages of their relationship, understanding the challenges they must navigate from premarital anxieties through the struggles inherent within the empty nest and aging. There is no magic formula but where there is a desire for continued connection, hope grows, and with that, anything is possible.