Our Team
Ben Heilveil, MA, LMFT
Ben Heilveil is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, an Associate Professor at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and an EAGALA-certified equine therapist. He teaches courses on ecotherapy, community mental health and clinical practice to graduate students, emphasizing the integration of nature-based healing into traditional therapeutic practices. With a background in depth psychology, Ben mentors future therapists, helping them develop practical skills in ecopsychology and innovative approaches to community mental health.
In his clinical work Ben has worked extensively with couples and families, focusing on creative interventions and tailored support for complex trauma, relationship dynamics, and crisis intervention. His diverse experience includes facilitating mindfulness retreats for teens, high-acuity residential care, and direct clinical work across various settings. At California Woodland Institute, Ben combines his expertise in ecotherapy, psychodynamic approaches, and creative process, offering unique, holistic care that fosters resilience and connection for clients.
Ashley Lowe, MA
Ashley Lowe, MA, is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute with a background in depth psychology and business management. She has extensive experience overseeing the operations of a successful psychotherapy practice, coordinating international workshops, and managing large-scale events. Ashley’s skills as an academic editor have helped numerous students and writers refine complex depth psychology projects, showcasing her talent for mentorship and clarity.
An Iowa native now living in Ojai, California, Ashley and her husband Ben have built a small farm using regenerative agriculture practices. Her commitment to environmental sustainability led her to secure a $40,000 federal grant for a conservation program at Sage Hill Ranch. This initiative aligns with her holistic approach, integrating sustainable land management with innovative therapeutic practices to support the ranch’s mission. Ashley’s expertise in business, psychology, and conservation guides the growth and integrity of California Woodland Institute.
Alia Shahi, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist | Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy | EMDR Trained
Based in Ojai, California, Alia Shahi is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to guiding individuals through meaningful healing and transformation. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Alia's therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion, presence, and connection. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and specializes in treating anxiety, trauma, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. Her priority is creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel deeply seen, heard, and supported.
Alia has integrated her lifelong passion for horses into her practice through Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) in 2017, she blends clinical skill with the unique healing power of horses. Alia continues to be inspired daily by the grace, sensitivity, and resilience of these animals and finds profound fulfillment in helping clients heal through their presence.
At the heart of Alia’s work is a deep belief in the transformative power of connection—whether with self, others, or the natural world.
Jennifer Ollestad, MA, LMFT
Jennifer Ollestad is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#42053) with the State of California (2005). She is strongly committed to understanding her clients as whole individuals, living within a global framework including biological, cultural, social and spiritual influences.
Jenny helps clients seeking support for trauma and loss, anxiety and depression, addiction, disordered eating and stress management. She enjoys working with all sorts of relationships and families, helping people to relate with one another in more effective and satisfying ways.
Her work with teenagers focuses on developing the emotional awareness, healthy coping skills, direct and assertive communication, agency and self-reliance necessary for a successful transition from home into adulthood.
Jenny integrates a psychodynamic model, contemporary psychoanalytic and relational approaches, family systems therapy, mindfulness, a humanistic outlook and both Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapies.
Jenny maintains a private practice in Ojai and in Santa Monica, and is also certified in equine assisted psychotherapy through the Eagala model (2025). She enjoys working as a clinical supervisor to associates who are training to become licensed therapists.
If you are interested in working with us as a licensed clinician, equine specialist, ranch hand, or if you are an associate or intern looking for supervision please reach out here.