Our Admissions and Clinical Staff

Clinical Staff

Director of Clinical Operations

Kristine Emry, LCSW

"It is amazing to be part of a journey of authenticity." - Kristine Emry

Kristine is a vivacious and creative individual who embodies our facility's mission of creating a personalized treatment experience for every individual and showing them that life without drugs or alcohol can be better than they ever imagined possible.

After graduating magna cum laude with a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Kristine moved to California to become the clinical supervisor at a shelter for teens in Long Beach. Kristine then earned her LCSW and developed a program for severely emotionally disturbed youth.  She expanded her knowledge and became certified in several modalities including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), and Motivational Interviewing.  Kristine was awarded LPS designation and UCLA’s certification for co-occurring disorders.

Program Administrator

David Hickman, B.S., Th. M., CAS-II

"It is incredibly rewarding to work with the clients individually  - and also working with such a great staff as well." - David Hickman

David Hickman has 18 years of experience treating addiction in a wide variety of clinical roles.  David has built his expertise in the field of recovery by participating in the entire continuum of addiction treatment settings including medical detoxification and inpatient psychiatric facilities.  David is also a minister and has an extensive background in spiritual counseling, recovery, and crisis management.  David's group process and counseling focus is on family dynamics and personal responsibility.

David brings a calm and caring demeanor to the men and women he works with. Known for building positive and sincere relationships with the clients at Sober Living by the Sea as well as in the local recovery community which he has been a part of for the past 20 years, David has been married for 31 years, has two adult children, and recently became a grandfather.

Director of Program Development
Stephen Odom, M.S., M.F.T.

"I feel honored and inspired each time I witness the breakthrough moments of clarity that lead to paradigm shifts; insights & connections; and hope and confidence." - Stephen Odom

Stephen has over 25 years of professional practice experience as a therapist and health care administrator. Stephen's educational background is in clinical psychology and health care administration. This valuable combination allows him to integrate current research knowledge, clinical understanding and practical experience to diagnose what areas our clients should focus on for the most effective treatment.

Staff Therapist
Jerry Brown, PsyD, MFT

"In sobriety, life gets better and better...don't quit before the miracle comes." - Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown has worked over 37 years in the counseling field, and over 25 years in the field of recovery.

Jerry has taught both graduate and undergraduate college courses in the area of counselor training and is the author of Militant Parenting, A Survival Guide For Parents with Problem Kids. Dr. Brown is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Program Administrator of The Rose
Sandy Taylor B.S. CADAC II, CCGC, EDS

Sandy Taylor has over 15 years of experience in chemical dependency treatment programs, working primarily with women in recovery. With over 21 years of personal recovery, she is extremely qualified to teach by example the benefits of living a full life in sobriety. Sandy has helped hundreds of women find a new way of living and taught them how to work through all the issues that surround early recovery. Her nurturing and caring demeanor offers women in recovery the opportunity for personal growth.

Program Manager of The Rose 
Tanya Desloover, CADC II and M.A. Counseling Psychology

"Nothing is more rewarding to me than watching the metamorphosis of recovery." - Tanya DesLoover

Marriage and Family Therapist in Training, Tanya joined our staff in 2004 and was the program director of the Reflections Program for Mature Adults prior to becoming program manager at the Rose.  Prior to joining us, Tanya had a 20 year career in pediatric research at Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

Director of the T.E.A.C.H. Program
Heather DeVore,  CAADAC II, B.S., M.SPsy

"It is an honor to witness people remember who they truly are.  I am the luckiest person I know." - Heather DeVore

Heather assists recovering students get college credits by directing our T.E.A.C.H. College Program

Heather has many years working in both the education field and the field of recovery. 

Heather brings with her enthusiasm, insight and a healing presence which are key factors in her success as a clinician.

Case Manager
Johnny Orlando, CAS

"I do this work because I love to help the alcoholic and the drug addict.  Helping young people change their lives is my passion." - John Orlando

Mr. Orlando has many years of experience working in the social model of recovery. His many years of experience in the field of chemical dependency include helping clients take ownership for their actions, creating positive plans for the future.

Johnny O. is known around Sober Living by the Sea for his Big Book studies, STEP workshops, and an uncanny ability to address core issues in the context of 12-Step recovery.

Case Manager
Jerry DeBeau, CATC

“When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.” - Jerry DeBeau

Jerry is a graduate in human services-drug and alcohol studies, a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC).  He is an active member of the 12-step community.  His community outreach includes being a committeeman for the First Step House of Orange County (detox facility) and a member of the board of directors.   Jerry applies education, with emphasis on the social model of recovery, behavioral modification through the 12-steps and therapeutic knowledge to help clients make desired changes in their lives. 

Director, The Victorian for Eating Disorders
Michele S. Lob, Psy.D., MFT

 "I feel fortunate to be in a position to offer hope, inspiration, and care to women suffering with addictive behaviors and witness to their journey of self-discovery”. - Michele Lob

Michele is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist who has extensive experience in working with families, children and individuals. She held the position of clinical director of the first substance abuse treatment center for women and children in Orange County. Michele’s passion and strength is in offering women a genuine love, hope and caring on their journey to self-empowerment and recovery.

Program Manager - Outpatient Treatment
Jay Rau, CAS

“I like to find the passion inside every patient and help them find that they really are okay. I like to teach each individual that the false beliefs they have about themselves has kept them in their addiction. This takes some digging.” - jay Ray

Jay Rau is a Certified Addiction Specialist that has a true passion for introducing spirituality and peace to addicts and alcoholics. Jay has not only found sobriety but serenity as well.

 Jay loves working with our patients and does his very best to not only help patients find sobriety but become at peace with them selves as well.

Director of Quality Management
Jennifer Twist

Jennifer Twist brings over twenty years of experience in health care with a primary focus on quality, risk management, compliance, and health law.  Jennifer believes that families and clients are the best source of information for continuous improvement.  At our facility, we are dedicated to outstanding customer service and client care. The feedback that we received from our clients and their families allows us to continuously enhance the services we provide.  

Director of Nursing
Michelle Smith, LVN

"I feel blessed to be part of a team that helps people come out of a state of anhedonia." - Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is a licensed vocational Nurse who completed her nursing credentials and licensure in 2005.

Michelle’s role at Sober Living by the Sea as Director of Nursing is to oversee and manage the medical department as well as give excellent nursing care to each patient. Michelle also works closely with each program director to ensure the client’s individual medical needs are met.  Michelle has a strong background in addiction, nutrition, anxiety disorders, depression, and psychiatric illness. As a core member of our clinical team she provides both medical and mental health care for our patients at Sober Living by the Sea.

Case Manager
Christina M. Carey, CATC-I

Christina is an outgoing counselor who takes pride in working with individual clients addressing their chemical dependency needs as they begin their process of recovery.  Christina’s approach stems from a foundation of personal 12-step recovery, with an emphasis on education, and practicing accountability and honesty.  She believes in the importance of instilling in clients the hope that they can enjoy a life of productivity, fun, and peace of mind in recovery.
Christina received her degree, magna cum laude in Human Services and Drug and Alcohol Studies, and is a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor-I.  She is currently working towards her B.S. in psychology. 

Celebrate Recovery Program Administrator

Michael Maxey, RAS, Domestic Violence Facilitation, Anger Management Facilitation

"For me this whole thing is very simple. Eventually, everyone gets it. When they do, the enlightenment that they go through makes all the effort worthwhile."

  - Michael Maxey

My life sucked when I was always drunk and/or loaded. One day it came to an end, GOD woke me up and I ended up in recovery. I was given a new lease on life.

Today, the very worst day I can have is still a “great day to be alive.”  Today life is simple because I get to make a choice. Live in the disease or live in recovery. Life really is that simple today. 

I get asked all the time, “why so many certifications”? I believe in a “whole person” approach. I have never met a client whose only issue was substance abuse. The more I know, the greater the help I can offer.

Case Manager

Merle Ihrman, BS, MA, CATC

 "I love serving our clients and witnessing their lives change." - Merle Ihrman

Merle has a BS degree in engineering and an MA degree in Religion. He made the switch from engineering to the human services field in 2002 and has never looked back.

Merle's experience includes church planting, pastoring a halfway house and working at Celebrate Recovery at Saddleback Valley Community Church. Merle has been at Sober Living as a Case Manager  since 2005.
 

Weekend Operations Manager
Kelly Kettle

 Kelly is one of our most passionate community staff members who never fails to inspire a smile and a laugh when works with the men and women in our program.  He is a frequent contributor to our blog and an inspiration for those who want to stay sober and work a program of recovery.