OUR TEAM
Dr. Anna | Director of Outreach & Clinical Services
Anna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist and serves as Clinical Director for Graduate Psychology interns at Hydro Theory. Focusing on the holistic practices of Nature-based models and expressive arts, she incorporates training to adapt to in-person and virtual group sessions.
Dr. Cho is a private practitioner at Heart Theory Inc., where she leads a team to focus on children, adolescents, adults and families challenged with PTSD, childhood trauma, multi-cultural/ generational/ systemic issues, mood disorders, learning disorders, and life transitions. Her passion in teaching the next generation clinicians has led to professorship at Cal Lutheran University’s Graduate Psychology program, and Clinical Supervisor for Outreach Concern Inc., school counseling non profit organization based in Southern California.
Anna understands the deep challenges of uprooted systems, multi-cultural adversities, and the importance of finding a home within the heart to sustain the potential of human development in life. During the pandemic she began to pursue her sentiment in Surf / Ocean / Community as healing, creating a program that can be easily accessible and introduced with less stigma surrounding mental health.
“Mental health practitioners are not immune to the negative impacts of humanity + nature. It is essential for the ethical roles we carry as clinicians to manage our own capacity to heal and be healed.”
Dave Scher | Clinical Surf Therapy Provider | Waves of Grief Regional Director
Dave is a Soul Surfer, Musician, sound + energy healer, qi gong instructor in-training, and a graduate student of Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. He brings many gifts and talents to our team and is currently a Surf Therapy Intern who holds space for our Sand & Sea programming, and co-facilitates individual, couples, family and small group sessions.
“The ocean is a great healer, provider, and equalizer… a treasured resource to share with all people and preserve for future generations.” ~Dave
Favorite quote: “Just take your time - wave comes. Let the other guys go, catch another one” ~Duke Kahanamoku
Erin Knipe |
Program Development / Surf Therapy Provider
Erin Knipe is a California native who grew up doing Jr. Lifeguards, surfing, and competing in long distance running. She loves connecting with humans and splits her nature time between trail running and surfing, finding joy and healing in the process of both. The ocean brings peace, clarity, and a daily reset. Erin is passionate about eating disorders and exercise addiction; she wants to help others who are struggling with unsuccessful coping mechanisms. Erin approaches the stigma around mental health with acceptance and honesty, mentoring through the process.
Erin has experience coaching running, mentoring foster youth, and is getting her ISA surf coaching certification. She has extensive self taught knowledge on what it takes to fuel your body for sport, exercise, and day to day life. She has learned what it takes to pursue goals while being a mom and understands how good it is for her girls to witness this. Erin honors the importance of sitting in discomfort, and uses the healing powers of nature to instill hope in the process.
Lauren Barth | Clinical Surf Therapy Provider : Lead
Lauren is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at Antioch University in Santa Barbara. She has many years of experience as a coach and teacher for children and adolescents, and has extensive experience working as an equestrian and researching equine and eco therapy. As a musician and artist, Lauren’s focus is on play therapy, healing through sound and visual art, and putting your toes in the sand as often as possible.
Katharine Hauschka | Clinical Surf Therapy Intern
Kate is currently in her Master’s program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in Santa Barbara with a concentration in Somatics. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their personal journeys toward healing, love, and self-discovery.
She is s photographer, certified in Reiki and Sound Healing, and has worked holistically with many clients to discover and heal their inner selves. Using her empathy, active listening, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel truly seen and heard.
“Everyone's journey is unique, and I am committed to walking alongside you with compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to see you thrive. Let’s embark on this journey of growth and healing together to achieve the balance, flow, and fulfillment you seek.”