Christopher Howard, PsyD, QEEG-D
Clinical Director
Dr. Howard is a neuropsychologist, licensed clinical psychologist, Quantitative EEG Diplomate, licensed continuing education provider, clinical supervisor, author, and professor of neuropsychological assessment, psychobiology and psychopharmacology. Dr. Howard received his doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Family Forensic Psychology in 2010. His speciality is forensic neuropsychological evaluation and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). He has published in a number of respected peer-reviewed journals on topics including neurobiology, trauma, psychospiritual resilience and intimate partner violence. Dr. Howard works with a number of local law firms as well as the Diocese of Monterey, providing neuropsychological assessment, treatment and consultation.
Megan Payer, PhD, BCBA, RYT
Assistant Clinical Director
Dr. Payer is a licensed clinical psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, registered yoga teacher and professor of Psychological Testing and Dissertation Development. She started a three year training program in Somatic Experiencing (a body-mind approach to healing trauma) in October 2022. Her interests include the unique human experience, neuropsychology, meditation and yoga, and somatic psychology. While she considers herself an existential therapist, she also draws from many theoretical frameworks to inform her approach, based on what each individual needs. Dr. Payer has extensive experience assessing and treating neurocognitive, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders; anxiety, depression, spiritual issues, trauma, and the stress that comes with significant life transitions. She enjoys working with people who are interested in learning about themselves and how they can live more authentically.
Daniel Gaona, MA
Clinical Associate
A native to the Central Coast, Daniel has dedicated the past three years towards earning a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. Daniel currently holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, which he earned in early 2015. Daniel’s clinical experience includes providing individual therapy to adolescents in the Santa Ynez Valley. Prior to joining the Coastal Sage Neuroscience team, Daniel taught a range of psychology courses at Allan Hancock College located in Santa Maria, CA. Currently, Daniel’s passions lie in understanding the different neurobiological mechanisms responsible for the development of psychopathologies, e.g. depression, in addition to neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s Diseases. Furthermore, Daniel is very interested in examining alterations in neuroplasticity as a result of behavioral addictions. Daniel is currently working on his dissertation, which will investigate whether enough evidence exists to classify excessive smartphone use as a behavioral addiction.
Elexia Estrada, MS
Clinical Associate
Elexia Estrada, LMFT 97172, provides treatment that validates and advocates for her clients. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, she uses various psychological skills depending on her clients’ needs. She works with people that come from diverse belief structures. She is especially passionate about her work with people from the LGBTQ+ community. She obtained her MS in Counseling and is currently completing her Ph.D. dissertation on providing affirmative care to people in the LGBTQ+ community. She has been working with clients with a variety of trauma experiences, mental health issues, and addiction for the past 14 years. She uses a variety of techniques including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills and Positive Psychology to help clients find life balance and wellness. She believes in tailoring treatment to fit your needs.