Meet the Maternal Mental Health Team

Lead Therapist, Elisabeth Farnsworth, LMFT Elisabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and was trained by Postpartum Support International (PSI) in the treatment of Perinatal Mood Disorders in 2005. After her training, she worked in private practice where her specialty was helping women recover from emotional illness during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She currently serves as PSI’s Orange County Coordinator, offering support and connecting women to community resources.

Care Manager, Angela Mains, LCSW Angela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working with individuals facing life changing events. She completed her training at UCLA and became a member of the Hoag Care Management Team in 2001. She is passionate about addressing emotional and psychological needs of women facing challenges during the perinatal experience. As a mother herself, Angela brings both personal empathy and professional expertise to her role.

Director of Clinical Operation and Program Development, Salpi Salibian, MS, PA-C Salpi joined Hoag in2015. She oversees and helps develop integrated programs and offerings such as the Maternal Mental Health Clinic, Pelvic Health Program and wellness services at the Hoag for Her Center for Wellness. Salpi is a Certified Physician Assistant with over 10 years of clinical practice and research experience in various healthcare settings. She holds a Certificate in Leadership for Healthcare Transformation from University of California, Irvine, as well as a Master of Science degreein Physician Assistant Studies from Northeastern University, Boston.

Physician Director, Mercedes Szpunar, MD, PhD Dr. Szpunar is a board-certified Psychiatrist who completed her medical training at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in 2014. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Psychiatry Residency Research Track in 2018 and began working at Hoag Hospital as part of the Consultation and Liaison service as well as supporting the Maternal Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Szpunar’s training included successful completion of the UCSD Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program, specializing in mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. She has authored multiple scientific publications in the field and continues to engage in research. While trained in psychopharmacology, she advocates that her patients include psychotherapy or behavioral modification – including diet, exercise, sleep – to encourage a holistic approach to wellness.