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Meet The Team

ORANGE COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT CENTER

D’Amore’s Clinical Team works together to provide comprehensive care to our patients, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, therapy, and medication management. They also collaborate with primary care physicians and families to provide a continuity of care.

Our Clinical Team is comprised of Doctors of Psychology, Psychiatrists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Nurses, Nutritionists, Certified Addictions Treatment Counselors (CATC), and Group Facilitators. Learn more about the D’Amore family and the people who make our program unique.

Our Clinical Team

Clinical

Gary Tucker - Chief Clinical Officer

Gary has a personal history of long-term recovery from addiction and has experienced struggles with mental health issues with close family members.  These experiences inspired him to become involved in helping others who face issues with addiction and mental health.  However, he felt that he could not abandon his career as a businessman. In 2009 an opportunity arose that allowed Gary to return to school, which led him to become a licensed psychotherapist.

He has now worked in the field for approximately 10 years. Gary finds his work to be incredibly fulfilling: “I can say without hesitation that the last 10 years have been the most emotionally rewarding of my life. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say being a part of someone’s journey dealing with mental health and addiction issues brings a sense of fulfillment that is hard to put in words.”

gary

Gary Tucker

Chief Clinical Officer - Licensed Psychotherapist

Jamie Mantell - PsyD, LMFT

Jamie Mantel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a Psy.D. in psychology.  Jamie has worked for non-profits for over 20 years working with agencies, as well as her private practice in Huntington Beach, California. Bullying is a special area of interest to Jamie, as she has seen and worked with many young people who have been bullied, as well as those who have bullied, through the years. In working with teens and children, Jamie has helped several learn new skills to cope with bullies, and with the bullies to stop their negative behaviors, and their parents to help their children survive and protect them.  Jamie’s agencies have included foster care agencies, out-patient mental health, probation department, and group homes working with both teen boys and girls, and their families. 

Since recently working with adults in a psychiatric, partial-hospital setting, and doing research for her doctorate program. Jamie became interested, and wanted to help patients suffering from mental illness, such as chronic and persistent mental illness, such as schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, and including substance abuse addiction, by focusing on how mental, emotional, and social factors affect a person's physical well-being. Jamie has had the opportunity to continue working with adults diagnosed with chronic and persistent mental illness in addition to substance use disorders at D’Amore Healthcare to assist patients in improving their insight, judgment, and symptom awareness to help prevent long-term hospitalization and transition them to a less structured environment. 

jamie

Jamie Mantell

PsyD, LMFT

Shanene Romero, LMFT Therapist III

Shanene grew up in Riverside County and spent 9 years working in a residential treatment facility for abused children as a Childcare worker. She spent the next 15 years working as a Special Educational Teacher’s Assistant working with moderate to severe children until she enrolled at California Baptist University where she obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Shanene graduated in 2019 with a 3.9 GPA.

“Having grown up in an unstable home environment, as well as having been subject to abuse at a young age, this has led me to a field where my heart’s desire is to help others not only to know that they can heal, but also for them to truly find their value and worth. I truly believe that no matter what a person has endured, there’s healing and restoration.”

Shanene believes one key to healing is by involving all aspects of a person’s being, emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. “When a person involves all aspects of their being, they truly become more accepting of themselves, and healing and growth happens.”

Shanene is a proud mom of three grown children, 7 grandchildren and currently working on her hours to become a licensed therapist which she is hoping to obtain in 2022.

shanene

Shanene Romero, LMFT

Therapist III

Valerie Matweef, ACSW - Therapist II

Valerie has always had a passion for working with people struggling with mental health issues stemming from family and friends who have struggled with both addiction and mental health. Valerie has worked in the medical field for over 8 years and the past 4 years has worked in mental health as a school counselor at an elementary school, therapist at a nonprofit for women and children and a therapist at nonprofit working with homeless adults who suffer from Schizophrenia and Bipolar. Valerie received her MSW at USC and is currently working towards her LCSW.

When patients come into our program most are at rock bottom and feel hopelessness and helplessness with the unmanageability that their MI has caused in their life. Valerie feels honored to work with patients by helping them regain a passion for life and watching them realize they are more than just a person who has a MI. “I am a human and you are a human, we are working through this challenging time in your life together.”

valerie

Valerie Matweef, ACSW

Therapist II

Sarah Nguyen, AMFT, APCC - Therapist I

Sarah Nguyen is a dedicated professional who has spent five years passionately serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Behavior Therapist. Her academic journey began with a focus on Psychology and Health Science at California State University, Fullerton, providing her with a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and well-being. She furthered her expertise by earning a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Sarah's mission is to guide individuals toward becoming the best versions of themselves through the transformative power of psychotherapy. With her guidance, you can navigate through your mental health challenges, alleviate symptoms, and embark on a journey of self-improvement. Her empathetic and skilled approach to therapy offers a supportive space for growth and healing, empowering you to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Sarah Nguyen

Sarah Nguyen, AMFT, APCC

Therapist I

Paul Capone - Therapist I

Paul brings lived experience and continuing education to D’Amore after working the last several years in child and adolescent behavioral and mental health. After completing his addiction studies and bachelor’s degree, he is currently working toward the completion of his master’s degree in clinical psychology at Vanguard University. Paul combines personal insights from his own experience and past challenges in the recovery process, with skills he has learned from working with some of the county’s highest need populations. This combination provides him with a unique ability to connect on a meaningful level with others looking for hope in their current struggle.

Paul has dedicated himself to helping others with commitment to affect change for those who feel change is impossible, and provide hope for those who feel hopeless. Believing that “every experience I’ve ever had, has led me right here to this very moment, to do everything I was meant to do in this life of mine”, he continues to work toward being a better version of himself everyday while he helps others become a better version of themselves.

Paul C Staff Photo

Paul Capone

Therapist I

Catherine McCarthy - Behavioral Health Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Catherine Mccarthy

Catherine McCarthy

Behavioral Health Technician

Jaida Hammond - Behavioral Health Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Jaida Hammond

Jaida Hammond

Behavioral Health Technician

Kristina Zepeda - Behavioral Health Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Kristina Zepeda

Kristina Zepeda

Behavioral Health Technician

Megan Hou - Behavioral Health Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Megan Hou

Megan Hou

Behavioral Health Technician

Sergio Gomez - Behavioral Health Technician

Bio Coming Soon

Sergio Gomez

Sergio Gomez

Behavioral Health Technician

Medical

Dr. Mohamed El Gabalawy, MD - Psychiatrist & Addictionist

Dr. Mohamed El-Gabalawy, MD is an addiction psychiatry specialist and has been practicing for over 30 years. He graduated from the University Of Cairo, Faculty Of Medicine in 1978 and specializes in Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. El-Gabalawy did his Psychiatric Residency at Winnebago Mental Health Institute and Loyola University Medical Center, and his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in their Substance Abuse Treatment and Research Center. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, and through American Society of Addiction Medicine in Addiction Medicine. With fluency in English, Arabic and Spanish, Dr. El has substantial affiliations with Hospitals and societies that fight addiction and help individuals face mental illness.

Dr. El-Gabalawy has four children, 2 of which are following his footsteps and pursuing careers in medicine. His favorite books are An Unquiet Mind and Feeling Good, movies Beautiful Mind and Sound of Music, favorite foods are seafood and French pastries.

mohamed el

Dr. Mohamed El-Gabalawy, MD

Psychiatrist

Dr. Paul Chung, MD

Dr. Chung graduated from UCLA San Fernando Valley psychiatry residency and then completed a one-year fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry. He is double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
 
Dr. Chung was commissioned in the US Navy, and received his medical degree from Uniformed Services University, in Bethesda, MD. He then completed his transitional internship at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He served as a flight surgeon for 7 years, separating from the US Navy as a Lieutenant Commander.

Dr. Paul Chung, MD

Psychiatrist

Sharan Gill, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Bio & Pic Coming Soon

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Sharan Gill

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Karissa Chisum, PMHNP-BC - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Karissa was born and raised in Southern California. She has worked in the medical field for 7+ years. Her career began as a Registered Nurse, working in various hospitals and specialties throughout Los Angeles. During the pandemic, she decided to follow her passion for helping individuals with various mental health needs and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. She is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Outside of work, you can find Karissa spending time with her family and friends, traveling, exercising, and riding her bike at the beach.

karissa chisum

Karissa Chisum, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Sarah Chestnut, MSN, PMHNP - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Sarah is an ANCC board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has had four years of experience working as a psychiatric RN. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queens University of Charlotte (2010), a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington (2018), a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University – Long Beach (2022), and completed additional PMHNP training in the Northern California Veterans Affair’s PMHNP Residency Program.

Sarah believes in treating clients with compassion, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. She enjoys developing rapport and motivating each unique individual build their highest quality of life. She values a holistic approach to patient care that incorporates research and evidence-based guidelines.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family and exercising.

Sarah Chestnut

Sarah Chestnut, MSN, PMHNP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Wendy Gardner, LVN - Medical Manager

Wendy Gardner was born and raised in Orange County, California. She began her nursing career in 2008. Growing up with parents and family in addiction, she has always had a passion for helping others. It is a great honor to advocate help and hope.

She feels that she has found her true calling and it is a privilege to be a part of the D’Amore team. Outside of work, Wendy enjoys going to the beach, attending church and spending time with family. Her favorite quote is, “You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life.”

wendy

Wendy Gardner, LVN

Medical Manager

Daniel Escamilla - LVN

Daniel is a Southern California native, born and raised in Orange County. He started his medical career as a medical assistant for various clinics throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County.
 
Daniel joined the D’Amore team in 2017, starting off as a behavioral health technician and transitioning into his current role on the medical team as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. On his time off, you can find Daniel at the gym, working on his classic cars or riding down PCH on his motorcycle.
daniel

Daniel Escamilla

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Leah Dixon - LicLicensed Vocational Nurse

Leah relocated to Orange County at the age of 5 and has been in the medical field for over 20 years. Leah began her medical career as a Surgical Tech, transitioned to Registered Medical Assistant, achieved her LVN and is currently in the process of completing her BSN.
 
After spending the majority of her career in various aspects of Hematology/Oncology, she was drawn to the mental health field during clinical rotations in nursing school. It was then that she realized it was this specialty that she wanted to focus on. Leah has had the privilege to speak and collaborate with amazing people and make a difference in the quality of life for those struggling with mental illness.
 
Leah is a huge football fan and her heart is with the Green Bay Packers and football season is her favorite season of the year! In her free time Leah enjoys spending time with her son, and attempting various DIY projects.
 
Leah’s favorite quote “Just like the lotus we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness, and radiate into the world.” - Unknown

Leah Dixon

Leah Dixon

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Jayme Gee - Case Manager

Bio Coming Soon

Jayme G

Jayme Gee

Case Manager

Jonathan Santa Maria - Medical Administrative Specialist

Jonathan Santa Maria is the Medical Administrative Specialist, as well as a Fitness Facilitator for D’Amore Healthcare. Jonathan aspires to help individuals in need through his personal experiences in life. For over the last 15 years, Jonathan has worked in the medical field helping others. He began his career in the 911 emergency division as an EMT, then followed as a first responder set medic. Jonathan also owns his own Jiu-Jitsu Academy, where he teaches self-defense and awareness to ages ranging from three to 55 years old. In addition, Jonathan competes at a professional level in Bellator Mixed Martial Arts. “It is never too late to be the best you”.  

Jonathan

Jonathan Santa Maria

Medical Administrative Specialist

Operations Team

Michael Yamashiro, BA - Operations Director

Mike graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and started working with D'Amore Healthcare in 2018.  Mike oversees our operations team making sure things run smoothly on a daily basis while demonstrating gracious redundancy towards both our patients and staff.  Mike is passionate about helping others believe that recovery is a lifelong journey.  During his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his son, fishing, and has a passion for travel!
Michael Yamashiro

Michael Yamashiro, BA

Operations Director

Elissa Venegas, BA - Operations Manager

Elissa was born and raised in Southern California. In 2020 she graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. 
 
Elissa has nearly three years experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis, working with children on the autism spectrum. Following this, Elissa transitioned over to working primarily in mental health with adult populations. Elissa started at D'amore as a BHT eventually moving into her current role as supervisor. 
 
Elissa plans to continue expanding upon her professional career in the field, in hopes of changing the stigma in mental health.  
Elissa

Elissa Venegas, BA

Operations Manager

Jorell Kalaw - Operations Manager - NACHT

Bio Coming Soon
Jorell

Jorell Kalaw

Operations Manager - NACHT

Group Facilitators

Sidhartha Sticco - Group Facilitator Supervisor

Sidhartha was born in Inglewood, raised in Nepal, and relocated back to California in 2011. Sidhartha has a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior and is finishing his Master's in Mental Health Counseling. Since graduating in 2016, he has held positions such as DUI Counselor, ABA Technician, Case Facilitator, and Life Coach. Sid has also spent a considerable amount of his working career in customer service (Retail/Banquet Server for a fine dining cruise company).

 

Outside of work, Sid has been producing and performing music since 2011 and enjoys painting and watching/practicing mixed martial arts.

Sidartha

Sidhartha Sticco

Group Facilitator Supervisor

Patrick Leborio - Group Facilitator

Patrick Leborio joined the D’Amore Healthcare team in 2021.  Over his 20-year career in the field of mental health and addiction treatment, he has held positions as a Counselor, Case Manager, Group Facilitator, and Behavioral Health Technician.  Patrick takes great pride in a creative and engaging approach to group facilitation.
 
Patrick is also a professional comedian of 30 years, performing on every continent on Earth, and is the Founder of LAFFBiG, an organization bringing laughter to those in recovery. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Bethany College. Patrick resides in Costa Mesa and enjoys hiking, working out, bodyboarding, and writing poetry.
patrick

Patrick Leborio

Group Facilitator

Lily Chang - Group Facilitator

Lily has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently in a Master of Arts Counseling Psychology program working towards Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling licensure.

Lily’s specialized interests in psychotherapy and clinical counseling include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, cognitive development, and the psychology of pain. Lily approaches mental wellness through an Integrative model founded upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, incorporating Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, humanism and Positive Psychology. She focuses on Whole Person Health by utilizing comprehensive modalities like mindfulness, meditation, and expressive arts.

Lily has volunteered with Hoag Hospital and Habitat for Humanity. She resides in California and enjoys the beach, reading, gardening, and cooking.

Lily

Lily Chang

Group Facilitator

Sydney Egan

Sydney has a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton and is currently working on a Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, working towards Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling licensure. Sydney has a background in trauma and addiction, previously working as a Behavioral Technician and therapeutic assistant for women struggling with addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sydney is interested in expanding her knowledge in the clinical field and helping others along their journeys. She employs evidence-based therapeutic techniques focusing on interpersonal relationships, neurobiology, and life skills and is passionate about facilitating personal growth and emotional healing.

Outside of facilitating groups, you can find Sydney camping, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Sydney also has two cats and enjoys getting to lounge around the house with them.

Sydney Egan

Group Facilitator

Michelle Garcia

Michelle (Mich) Garcia currently has a B.A in Psychology and plans on applying to a masters program soon. She has a background primarily in Applied Behavior Analysis and has previously worked as a Behavioral Technician. She has worked with both children and adults with varied behavioral disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. 
 
Mich is interested in expanding her knowledge into clinical disorders and is interested in pursuing a career in clinical therapy.  Mich is an extremely proud cat mom and will take any opportunity to talk about her. 
michelle garcia

Michelle Garcia

Group Facilitator

Grecia Matweef - Group Facilitator

Grace joined the D’Amore Healthcare team in 2020 as a Behavioral Health Technician. She currently has a B.S in Correctional Behavioral Science and has a background in working with the elderly by offering care at the comfort of their homes or in a hospice facility. “I wanted to expand my knowledge in healthcare and found mental health being rewarding and fulfilling by helping individuals from all backgrounds struggling with their mental health”. 

Grace was recently accepted to the University of Southern California and will be starting her Masters in Social Work program in the Summer 2024. Grace also has had extensive career experience in the food/beverage industry including customer service. 

Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time with her loved ones, playing with her two pomeranians and loves to watch documentaries.

Grecia Matweef

Grecia Matweef

Group Facilitator

Robin Hozu

Robin is an Orange County native who has been a fitness professional for over a decade. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Health Coach. She loves helping people improve their mobility and flexibility and get stronger. In her spare time, Robin enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, crafting, and hiking. She also volunteers at an animal shelter because she loves cats.

Robin Hozu

Robin Hozu

Group Facilitator

Lily Noble, MFT, RN - Group Facilitator

Bio Coming Soon

Lily Noble, MFT, RN

Lily Noble, MFT, RN

Group Facilitator

Sheryl JaSheryl Jakofsky-Menes, MS, RDN. - Registered Dietician

Sheryl is a graduate of California State, San Diego, and earned her Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science at California State, Long Beach. Over the last 20 years, Sheryl has worked in several out-patient clinics in addition to working with Southern Cal Gas executives, the L.A. Fire Department and L.A. Police Department personnel. She provides all her patients with nutrition guidelines and behavior modification.  Her passion for healthy, delicious dining has even inspired the Palms luxury weight loss camp to publish a book on Recipe Adaptation, using her well-honed knowledge and expertise.

When implementing a new habit or lifestyle change, Sheryl believes she must address the physical, psychological, and visceral aspects of a person’s life before any implementation can take place. Her ability to be approachable, empathetic and genuinely interested in each and every patient that she meets, makes a lifelong impact on the patients here at D’Amore Healthcare. “Good nutrition is forever…”

Sheryl

Sheryl Jakofsky-Menes, MS, RDN

Registered Dietician

Jeff Arimond - Sound Bath / Yoga Group Facilitator

Jeff was first introduced to yoga in 1974 in Costa Mesa, California when he, his wife, and a group of his friends decided to try this “yoga thing” out. He has been involved with yoga and Eastern Philosophy ever since. In 2020 Jeff completed a 200 hour yoga certification with Shanti Walling. 

Jeff also received training in healing through sound and has acquired Tibetan Singing Bowls that are between 100 and 400 years old through an importer in Los Angeles. Through the bowls and various other instruments with pranayama (breathworks), his students experience states of deep calmness and healing. This is Jeff’s passion, to be able to guide people into a meditative state where they meet their true self.  Jeff also teaches Restorative as well as Beginning and Gentle yoga. He knows that yoga meets the individual on a personal level. 

Jeff’s commitment to yoga and personal growth intensified when his beloved wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and who passed away in 2014. Having been involved with a 12 Step program for many years, and with the passing of his wife, Jeff is well aware of the compassion and love that needs to be shown to every individual regardless of past or present circumstance. 

Jeff has many years of experience surfing and a background of rock and ice climbing along with backpacking in the Sierras.

jeff

Jeff Arimond

Sound Bath / Yoga Group Facilitator 

Kimberly Lou, CADC III-Ph.D, Student - Integrative Life Mentor - Health Coach

Kimberly Lou is a world class lifestyle coach specializing in integrative emotional and physical well-being. Her Accelerated Performance Coaching ™ helps her clients reach their highest level of performance and elevates them to compete at the maximum level of their ability. Her program is perfect for people looking for more than just standard life-coaching, as it also focuses on accountability, mindset, nutritional and physical fitness. Her coaching also draws upon her expertise as a motivational speaker to provide the tools to help people excel in all areas of their lives.

Her success stems from her own personal journey toward wellness from when she weighed 200 lbs on a 5’ 3” frame. She was determined to change the cycles of her life — and through dedication and hard work, she did. As a result of her success, and with diverse qualifications and certifications, she has appeared as an Expert Fitness and Wellness Specialist on E! Entertainment, MTV, HBO, ESPN, MSNBC, ShowTime, just to name a few. 

Kimberly Lou’s biggest passion in life is acting silly with her daughter, Summer. Summer teaches her mom to play and treat life like a new adventure… one fun game at a time.

kim

Kimberly Lou, CADC III-Ph.D, Student

Integrative Life Mentor / Health Coach

Kirsten Wooley - Lead Instructor Equine - HB Therapeutic Riding Center

Kirsten has been heavily involved in adaptive horsemanship for the past 3 years, and is a PATH certified Instructor. She received notably high marks for her horsemanship skills in the evaluation process. In a adaptive riding program, it is of prime importance that the instructors have strong horse-handling experience.

Kirsten got her first horse at the age of 4, and soon started her ongoing tutelage from professional trainers. She has been highly successful on the IAHLA and IFSHA circuits, competing on Andalusian and Friesian horses. She also competed on the L.A. chapter Dressage circuit. This experience benefits us when our clients attend horse competitions for those with disabilities.

Kirsten Wooley

Kirsten Wooley

Lead Instructor - Equine HB Therapeutic Riding Center

Johnnie Peeples - CATC-I

Johnnie is a CATC-I CAADE Certified Addictions Counselor and has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Business Management and is currently working on an MBA in Leadership at Grand Canyon University. He is a member of Crosspoint Church in Huntington Beach and loves helping people change from the inside out through listening first and then implementing multiple sources of counseling to encourage them to seek a spiritual solution to combat their individual hurts, habits, hang-ups, afflictions, and destructive behaviors.

Johnnie is from Ft. Pierce, Fl. and is a Marine Corps Veteran. He is a certified ISSA Personal Trainer and the owner of Peeples Coaching. He is the current Defensive Back Coach and Sports and Conditioning Coordinator at Santa Ana College. Johnnie is married to his love Carla and has two beautiful children, Jonathan and Brooklyn, along with two dogs named Luckie and Bubba.

johnnie

Johnnie Peeples

CATC-I, Group Facilitator

Brandon Baker - Music Mindfulness Facilitator

Brandon Baker is a multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Long Beach, CA. He started on the flute when he was 10 years old. He picked up playing the guitar and saxophone when he was 13. At the age of 16, he got the opportunity to travel to Australia to perform at the Sydney Opera House as principal flutist of the Musique Sur La Mer Youth Symphony Orchestra. Ever since that inspirational experience, he knew his life’s calling was to become a professional musician.

He graduated from Long Beach City College in June 2018 with an Associate of Arts degree in music after studying saxophone and jazz voice. He recently graduated in May 2021 from Cal State Long Beach with his Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies. He is now pursuing a career as a music teacher/freelancer/studio musician post-graduation. 

In addition to teaching his own private students, he mentors aspiring musicians for a non-profit organization called Jazz Angels dedicated to creating environments for playing and preserving jazz while empowering young musicians to develop self-confidence and leadership skills. 

In his free time, he enjoys serving on the worship team at his church on bass and piano. He also volunteers annually as a stage manager/sound engineer for the Jazz Education Network.

brandon

Brandon Baker

Music Mindfulness Facilitator

Cecily Renteria, LMFT – Group Facilitator

Cecily Renteria is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #113224) under the supervision of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Erin Lae (LMFT #52711) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Amy Field (LMFT #50105). She brings nearly 20 years of experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds in various community non-profit agencies. 

Cecily has been supporting adolescents, teens, and adults as a therapist since 2017. She holds the therapeutic relationship and views her healing work with clients as sacred. Her experience includes working with a wide range of presenting issues, including anger management, anxiety and depression, LGBTQIA+, recovery, substance use disorders, and trauma and PTSD.

In 2019, Cecily graduated with her Masters in Counseling Psychology, emphasizing Marriage and Family Therapy, Profession Clinical Counseling, and Depth Psychology. She approaches her work with clients with empathy and compassion. She uses various modalities through a depth-oriented lens, which includes using metaphor, myth, symbols/archetypes, and dreams and images to inform her work with clients.

Cecily

Cecily Renteria, LMFT

Group Facilitator

Bryan Aleman, RADT - CADC Intern - Group Facilitator

Bryan dropped out of high school at the age of 15. He associated with negative influences and was placed into a recovery treatment center. Unfortunately, when Bryan was released, he began using drugs immediately and, as a result, became homeless. Bryan attributed this experience to a negative belief system, one that said he was “not enough” and that the world was a cruel place. It wasn’t until he experienced a nasty breakup and then witnessed his brother’s addiction, as well as that of other close relatives, that he was given the gift of desperation, accepted his recovery, and changed the story of his life; he then devoted his life to helping others who wanted to sustain their own recovery.
  
As a fitness professional, Bryan Aleman believes that physical fitness and mental health go hand in hand. Trained and well versed in the Pranayama breathing technique (Breathworks), Bryan aspires to help individuals in need through his personal experiences in life and group facilitating skills. Bryan is passionate about his practice and its benefits because he has the opportunity to support clients through hard times in their recovery and guide them to a new way of living. As an artist, Bryan believes it is never too late to make your life a masterpiece.
bryan

Bryan Aleman, RADT - CADC Intern

Group Facilitator

Elizabeth 'Libby' Prior, CADC II - Group Facilitator

Libby Prior is a CADC-certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy from Pepperdine University.

Libby practices a compassionate, non-judgmental counseling approach with our clients and integrates experiential elements into her group sessions. She uses motivational interviewing to guide our clients through their unique internal processes and to foster inspiration for sustainable behavioral change. She knows firsthand that recovery is possible and strives to share knowledge and resources to help empower others on the path to wellness.

Libby enjoys yoga, paddle boarding, and exploring National Parks in her free time.

Elizabeth 'Libby' Prior

Elizabeth 'Libby' Prior, CADC II

Group Facilitator

Joshua Martin M.S. Industrial Psychology - CADC - Group Facilitator

Joshua’s journey began as a medic and later as a paramedic with the Marines, where he gained invaluable experience. However, this path also led to the development of unresolved PTSD. Recognizing the urgency of healing, Joshua pursued his CDAC license and M.S. in industrial Psychology, not only to help himself but also others grappling with PTSD and addiction. Outside of his work, Joshua finds comfort in intense exercise and traveling with his family and friends.

Joshua Martin

Joshua Martin M.S. Industrial Psychology - CADC

Group Facilitator

Brandi Shikuma, AMFT - Group Facilitator

Brandi offers a warm and engaging therapy experience for individuals of all ages who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, anger and relationship issues. She incorporates expressive arts, client centered, and narrative therapy in her therapeutic approach. For children, Brandi creates a playful yet therapeutic environment to help young minds navigate the challenges of school, family, and relationships. Brandi supports young adults in building self-confidence, self-awareness, and transitioning into confident, competent adults.

Brandi Shikuma

Brandi Shikuma, AMFT

Group Facilitator

Tayler Hunt, RADT - Yoga/Sound Bath Instructor

Tayler is a RADT-certified practitioner and a certified Yoga and Meditation instructor. Through her struggles with eating disorders and mental health issues, she found mindfulness had the most benefits for her journey, and she loves sharing the benefits of mindfulness with others.

Tayler Hunt

Tayler Hunt, RADT

Yoga/Sound Bath Instructor

Community Outreach

Gregory Pierce - Certified Professional Life Coach, Master Certified Professional Coach, Community Mental Health Coordinator

We are so glad to have Gregory join D’Amore Healthcare, where he will serve as our Life Coach beginning in October 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the field of recovery, Gregory has been a part of many 12-Step programs around the Orange County area. Most recently, he helped to launch the Community Mental Health Night discussion group at CrossPoint Church in Huntington Beach, where he serves as the Recovery Care Pastor.

His passionate commitment to every person being known and valued for who they are is the reason why he is a perfect fit here at D’Amore. He believes that there is so much more that can be done to help treat mental illness and substance abuse.  He always says that "we must be for ONE what we wish we could be FOR ALL.”

Gregory will guide patients to make solid, informed life decisions as well as give spiritual guidance, if requested, to help put them on a path for success during their time at D'Amore and in the future after they leave our program.

Gregory P

Gregory Pierce

Certified Professional Life Coach, Master Certified Professional Coach, Community Mental Health Coordinator

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Aetna Insurance Logo
united health group logo
Oscar Insurance Logo
optum insurance logo
pathways insurance logo
Premera Blue Cross Insurance Logo
Ambetter Insurance logo

We work with most out of network PPO insurance plans including:

cigna insurance logo
New Directions Insurance Logo
beacon health options insurance logo
Magellan Health Insurance Logo
Department of Health and Human Services Logo
Verified by Psychology Today
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) logo
The joint commission logo
NAADAC Logo
IMS Incidental Medical Services Logo
California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Logo