Our Admissions and Clinical Staff

Clinical Staff

Clinical Director for Extended Care
Evan Miller, M.A.

Ph.D Candidate, Clinical Psychology

"It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures in life.  Where you stumble, there lies your treasure." - Joseph Campbell

 Evan specializes in the treatment of addiction from a psychodynamic perspective, taking into account the complex underlying issues in each client’s pathology. Evan has an extensive background in psychological assessment, evidence-based treatment initiatives, and applied athletic performance enhancement. Evan is currently completing his doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute where his dissertation focuses on a re-visioning of contemporary sport psychology from a depth psychological perspective. His research areas include Axis-II personality disorders, archetypal theory, chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders, and depth-oriented sport psychology.
 

Director of Program Development
Stephen Odom, M.S., MFT

"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.

Consulting Physician
Dr. Warren Taff, MD, MPH

Dr. Taff works extensively both with chemically dependent and psychiatric patient populations. With specific expertise in medication management, he is on faculty at the University of Southern California for the psychiatric residents.

Warren is board certified and works as Medical Director for chemical dependency, eating disorders and psychiatric treatment programs with a vertically integrated delivery system and provides guidance to the treatment team in the delivery of their continuum of addiction treatment services.
 

Intake Coordinator
Jeff Reyes, B.S. (Behavioral Science)

"Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday, but each new day brings a chance for a breakthrough." - Jeff Reyes

It is very likely that Jeff will be the friendly voice at the other end of the line when you call our admissions team to ask questions about the treatment process. Jeff is patient and caring with the families he interacts with.

Jeff is a graduate from Loma Linda University and has worked in the Behavioral Health field for over 10 years.  Jeff has experience working with adolescents and adults at every level of care from outpatient treatment through hospitalization.  

Staff Therapist
Dr. 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

"I am dedicated to helping women to stop being 'prisoners' of their past and become 'pioneers' of their future."  - Sandy Taylor

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, MFT, CADCII

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

Tanya joined our staff in 2004 and was the program director for 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 Academic Development - T.E.A.C.H. Program
Emily Bielen

“I consider it an honor to be a part of the change our clients want in their lives.   I consider it a gift when they grab a hold of that change and never let go.” - Emily Bielen

Emily has a clinical background in social work and extensive experience in business development. She is also an active member of the 12-step community and both her clinical and personal experience has taught her that a strong recovery program is the best foundation for long-term academic success.

Emily's  goal with every TEACH client is to provide every opportunity to continue their education while in treatment. Whether it is starting college, finishing high school, or taking vocational classes, Emily works closely with each client to help them achieve their individual academic goals.

Dr. Joseph Bradley, M.S., D.C., DACACD
Director of Integrative Medicine and Family Services

Dr. Bradley is a dynamic and engaging speaker on various motivational, health-related and self-improvement topics. Dr. Bradley is one of the main facilitators of our monthly Family Program.  Dr. Bradley is an ACACD Board Certified Addictionologist. He has a Masters of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling and Education. Dr. Bradley brings a holistic approach to both his work and teachings.

Dr. Bradley is an Interventionist who consults, teaches and/or performs Interventions across the United States. In addition, he is an Adjunct Professor and has taught the Physiology of Addiction, Body Systems, Medical Terminologies, Psychopharmacology of Addiction and the Family System of Addiction.

 Dr. Bradley's approach is non-narcotic, abstinence based treatment. As such, he discusses the role of nutrition, diet, and the use of nutriceuticals in recovery.
 

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. 

Registered Nurse
Becky Gordon, RN

 "There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.” -Orison Swett Marden

Becky is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. She has clinical experience in a variety of nursing specialties including medical/surgical, psychiatric/mental health, neonatal/pediatric, and community health nursing. Becky's goal in working with people in recovery is to make them feel physically comfortable so that they can concentrate on the mental and emotional aspects of getting well. She enjoys being a part of the client’s pathway to health and strives to be a resource to any person who is need of care.

Program Director for Extended Care Residential Treatment
Jennifer Twist

"Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” – William A. Foster

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.  

Program Director, The Victorian for eating Disorders
Michelle Smith, LVN

"When women come to our treatment program... they have lost their feelings (good and bad).   To see the light that comes on in their eyes as they leave the darkness of their disease is what keeps me going." - Michelle Smith

Michelle has a strong background in addiction, nutrition, anxiety disorders, depression, and psychiatric illness.

Michelle works closely with the women at The Victorian (as well as their families) during the treatment process to make sure that the woman will get the best possible chance at recovery that treatment can provide.

Case Manager
Christina M. Carey, CATC, B.S. Psychology

"Through the experience of sobriety and the 12 Steps, you get the opportunity to discover the desire to live a fuller life with meaning and purpose." - Christina Carey

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.  Christina 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.  She recently completed her B.S. in psychology and is enrolled in a Clinical Psychology graduate program. 

 Heather is a very positive and uplifting individual who is very passionate about her role in showing the clients at our facility that they can enjoy life without drugs or alcohol.   Heather helps create and then oversees many of the activities that our clients participate in.

Heather brings to our team over 5 years of experience in the field of mental health and substance abuse -  primarily with acute psychiatric inpatient facilities. Heather is experienced in facilitating experiential groups such as rock climbing and group challenge activities. Heather believes in using a holistic approach to heal the person as a whole.

"I am dedicated to providing quality client care through continually improving all facets of insurance and facility licensing compliance.  I take pride in  fighting for treatment services through the insurance companies (on behalf of our clients)."   - Danielle Farnsworth

Danielle is a force of nature when it comes to dealing with insurance and overseeing facility licensing compliance.  She has been working in the field of treatment for a decade in a wide variety of roles including Program Director for residential treatment centers and a detox.

 Danielle served on the CAADAC Board of Directors and served as the Quality Assurance Chairperson for CAADAC.
 

"Today life is no longer a chore but a choice  - and I choose to live a happy one."   - Christian Ferm

Christian is very excited to be the Alumni Coordinator and reach out to all the alumni. Christian is an alumnus himself and is involved in the 12-step community. He has a passion for interacting with fellow alcoholics and addicts and he is driven to help them in their recovery.

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.