About Us

Sam Dekin combines his years of experience in behavioral health with a mission to innovate treatment methods and processes for mental health and substance abuse. As one of the founders, Sam not only brings to the table his successful career owning and managing successful treatment facilities around the country, but his dedication to creating an environment of healing. Sam obtained his Masters in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

As Chief Clinical Officer and one of the founders, Melissa Flanigan, Psy.D. overseas the delivery of clinical services for individuals both in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. In the early 1990’s, Dr. Flanigan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California and later received her Master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University. Throughout her graduate career, she became a researcher and contributor in the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology, receiving her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Melissa’s experience includes two decades of specialization in an interdisciplinary approach working in a wide arena of settings, and ultimately focusing her attention to treating trauma. She has provided her clinical services across the continuum of care, including substance detoxification, residential treatment settings, intensive outpatient settings, sober living environments, and one-on-one therapy. In addition to Chief Clinical Officer, Melissa’s role as a psychologist also includes supervising students and associates in pre and post doc training, serving as expert witness testimony in court proceedings involving complex and acute trauma, and consulting for film and television as an addiction specialist.

Finally, Melissa remains grateful for many years of personal recovery and most importantly, she is thankful for the constant learning in being a parent to her children.

Stephanie manages the compliance, human resources, staffing, operations, insurance contracts, utilization review and financial systems of Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. Stephanie is heavily involved in the day-to-day management of both locations. She has a background in real estate and finance. She obtained her degree from Washington University in St. Louis. As one of the founders, her own recovery inspired her decision to apply her skills to a cause that carries great purpose and hope.

The biography of Dr. Rodney Collins, MD reads like a fairy tale - from the tough streets of South Central Los Angeles, to Stanford University and beyond. Dr. Collins became the valedictorian of his class at Dorsey High School and later received his Bachelor's degree in Human Biology at Stanford, and then matriculated Howard University's College of Medicine in Washington D.C. He finished his medical training at UCLA/Olive View Medical Center in Sylmar, CA in 1999.
Dr. Rodney Collins has a Board-Certified Addiction Medicine/ Psychiatrist in Beverly Hills for the past 15 years. Prior to, Dr. Collins practiced psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente, Bellflower and Exodus Medical Groups, and Brotman Hospital in Culver City, California. At the start of his medical career, Dr. Collins served four years as a primary care physician in the US Army as a Captain in the 1980's.
As an addiction specialist, Dr. Collins also evaluates nurses and other professionals currently monitored by the California Nursing Board and other state licensing agencies. With such an extensive background, it was only destined that Dr. Rodney Collins would eventually create his own medical practice.

Rob helps coordinate intake and care for incoming clients. He has a background in addiction disorders counseling. He obtained his Certified Addiction Treatment Certificate in 2019. His passion for helping others overcome their adversities is what drives him to work in the field of mental health.

David provides individual, family, and group therapy. He has an extensive background in attachment, spirituality, and addictions. He obtained his Master's in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his doctorate from The Catholic University of America. His clients' courage and willingness to address their most difficult problems is a constant source of inspiration for him.

Jeff Mailes has been licensed as a marriage and family therapist since 2003. He has a background in trauma exposure, PTSD, addictions, and adolescent and family work. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, he obtained a BA in Communications from UC Santa Barbara and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Loyola Marymount University in Los
Angeles.
In addition to his therapeutic background, Jeff had a successful career at CBS News in Los Angeles, both in the field covering news stories and in management.
Jeff is passionate about working with clients and assisting them through life transitions and recovery. “Working with people who are experiencing roadblocks to happiness and productivity, for whatever reason, is very rewarding for me. Everything is possible.”

Charley has committed himself to healing work, mindfulness, and the fostering of human potential. He received his Masters of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He teaches mindfulness to both adults and children in group settings such as schools, corporate workplaces, and medical treatment facilities. Charley has received extensive training in mindfulness practice and its application in psychotherapy, and he uses these collaboratively with clients to increase resilience, self worth and a felt sense of security. He also has a background working with clients recovering from addiction, trauma, anxiety and shame based thinking. Charley's approach is mindful and body-centered as he assists clients in increasing awareness of feelings, needs and individual values in order to move towards well-being and whole hearted living.

David Rosenholz (or “Rosie”) is the Director of Operations at Mission Harbor in Santa Barbara. As a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor - Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC-CAS) with over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment, David brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to his role. He considers himself lucky to be able to do this very important work.

Alina Tarrin is the Director of Operations at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Alina was inspired to help others struggling with addiction and mental health disorders by the change she has experienced and witnessed in her personal life. Alina's experience includes working with adults experiencing homelessness to assist them in finding housing and services for crisis stabilization. Alina has also worked with transitional age and at-risk youth within the mental health system in Santa Barbara County. Alina is and will always be a safe person for clients to come to when experiencing a crisis.

Feli provides person-centered support with clients navigating their physical and mental health needs. She obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She has a background in behavioral therapy working with families and people with all developmental abilities and disabilities. Her background in behavioral therapy, along with her desire to facilitate healing with compassion and kindness to all abilities has inspired her to follow the path of becoming a clinician to support people with finding comfort in the discomfort of going into the depths of self.
``The ego says, 'I shouldn't have to suffer,' and that thought makes you suffer so much more. It is a distortion of the truth, which is always paradoxical. The truth is that you need to say yes to suffering before you can transcend it.``
-Eckhart Tolle

Silla Siebert earned her BSc. of Psychology at Middlesex University in London, UK. She intended to complete her MA, after backpack-travels in Central America. Life happened, and she immigrated to California in 2001. She trained and worked in LA/Malibu, as a yoga & mindfulness teacher with adults, and children through local schools as a mentor. In 2017 she earned an MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara in June 2017. She has experience in supporting clients with substance misuse, opioid replacement therapy, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, severe mental illness and medication, crisis management, adjustment disorders, and generalized anxiety disorders, parenting coaching, and anger management. Silla brings a broad and multi-cultural perspective, and an existential/gestalt foundation, to her therapeutic work with a wide variety of clients.

Johni Hull is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is passionate about supporting children, teens, young adults, and families during times of challenge or life transitions. Johni works with individuals and families struggling with trauma, substance abuse, mood disorder, anxiety, depression, behavior disorders, issues related to divorce, grief and loss.

Johni has worked in adolescent intensive outpatient treatment programs, community counseling clinics, substance abuse clinics and in local high schools as a support therapist. She practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Client Centered Therapy. Johni believes that the greatest gifts of her work are being able to walk with her clients through difficult times and help them come out stronger, more resilient and able to visualize a better future.

Dr Andrea Carter Best is an Integrative Medicine physician and Holistic Psychiatrist in private practice in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, CA. A physician for 25 years, she has trained in Western and Eastern medicine, general and holistic psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, nutrition, and chemistry. In 2005, after training, traveling the world learning various forms of healing, and working in various medical settings, Dr Best combined her areas of interest and opened her first Center for Integrative Medicine. Offices in Valencia and Northridge, CA. Offices in Studio City, and Santa Monica followed. The Beverly Hills office opened in 2023. Ten years ago, she began using telemedicine for individual consultations and group workshops. She has been creating workshops and wellness retreats around the globe over the past decade. She co-hosts various podcasts, and particularly enjoys collaborating with other health, nutrition professionals. Dr Best is CEO of LightGuide Productions and Travel.

Stephanie Anderson is an AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. Stephanie graduated from Phillips Graduate Institute with a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and has experience working with adult clients of all ages, couples, families, and children.

Stephanie’s clinical focus is trauma-informed care paired with a mindfulness-based approach with intention and attention to mind-body-soul connection. As a strengths-based, culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming clinician, Stephanie honors the client’s internal compass and values psychotherapy as a non-judgmental, collaborative process with her clients. She incorporates aspects of Mindfulness-Based CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, Inner Child Work, and Art and Play Therapy.

In addition to psychotherapy, Stephanie has a background in yoga psychology, science of breath and thought, and an understanding of anatomy in relation to modern and advanced yoga practices as an active student and 500HR RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher). She believes her love for art, music, and movement is an integral part of maintaining her wellness through creativity and expression, and she is motivated to help her clients explore and integrate self-care rituals to deepen their sense of empowerment towards their mental health. Stephanie is passionate about her own healing journey and she strives to be a mirror to help guide her clients connect to the highest version of themselves.

A former professional athlete turned clinician, Gabe received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. During his time in practice, Gabe had the opportunity to work with a diverse client population ranging from 15-50 years of age, addressing a wide range of presenting problems in the clinical setting including but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, Life and Career Transitions, Interpersonal Relationships, Emotional Regulation, and Trauma.
Regarding his clinical style in the therapeutic setting, Gabe enjoys working from what he calls “The Modern Approach”. The modern approach is a way of understanding the client as a unique and completely individual experience. Traditionally, the client has been asked to fit into the box of the clinician’s particular orientation. Gabe believes that this method of understanding the individual is limiting and outdated, and may bear some of the responsibility for the developed fear and perceived stigma that the field has earned over the years.
In place of the traditional method of working with clients, Gabe enjoys being flexible and open in the therapeutic setting, working collaboratively with the client to mold the most personalized and beneficial treatment plan possible.
It is important for the modern therapist to be as flexible and multifaceted in the clinical setting as the modern man or woman must be to contend with the stressors of today’s fast paced world on a day to day basis.

Additionally, Gabe is trained in trauma work, with a particular emphasis in EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).

Lauren Kenneally is an Intern Therapist at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. Lauren graduated from Antioch University with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology and an A&R (Addiction & Recovery) Specialization. Lauren has clinical experience working with adult clients of all ages as well as adolescent clients. Lauren's clinical focus is on individuals that struggle with substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and emotional regulation.
Lauren's therapeutic approach is integrative, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed. Lauren is an EMDR trained therapist. Lauren incorporates aspects of attachment theory, compassionate inquiry, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) into her therapy as appropriate. Lauren takes human diversity, cultural diversity, social justice, etc. into account when a client enters the therapy room. Lauren believes it is important to treat each client as a unique individual and meet each client where she/he/they are at.

Ori Benoni is an associate clinical social worker at Mission Harbor behavioral Health. She graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2019 with her Masters of Social Work degree. Ori’s clinical experience includes working with adults, families, children, and most recently adolescents in a variety of settings such as school settings and outpatient therapy. Ori is passionate about spreading mindfulness and coping skills to adults and adolescents as well as relational skills. In her free time Ori enjoys reading, listening to the birds while drinking tea in the mornings, listening to podcasts, finding new events to go to in the area and connecting with people.

Jared Roehrig is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a Master's of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Jared is trained in EMDR and uses art processing and depth psychological theory as an orientation. He currently runs groups on Family Systems and Shadow work.
He worked at Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara as an Intern and Case Manager for two years, where he facilitated process and psychoeducation groups focused on substance abuse, PTSD, and the toxic effects of shame. In addition to Mission Harbor, Jared works in Solvang at the Family Counseling Trauma Healing Center with private practice clients while also practicing locally in Santa Barbara.

Wendy Thomas is a technician at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. She received her BA in Psychology and a minor in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. After her own mental health and eating disorder recovery, Wendy was motivated to help others through their own struggles. She loves to see the best in people and encourages others to see that light within themselves. Wendy believes in being transparent about ones’ hardships to reduce the stigma around mental health. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys painting, creative writing, and watching movies.

David Hall is an associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. David is a United States Marine Corps veteran and received his Master of Arts (MA) degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. His interest and love for psychology and counseling began with his own healing journey after he completed his military service in 2010. He has experience working as a drug and alcohol counselor, as a peer mentor to adolescents and young adults, and as a therapist for college students and adults of all ages wrestling with emotional and psychological challenges. David has a passion for working with and supporting those who are seeking to improve their mental health and the quality of their lives in a variety of different areas.
In his free time, David enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, watching football, reading, and going on adventures with his golden retriever, Rylee. David also has a passion for public speaking and for motivating and inspiring those who are looking to live purposeful and meaningful lives. As he continues to navigate through life and his own healing journey, his dream is to be a light in the world for others and a beacon of hope for those who are suffering and who are seeking to make positive and meaningful changes in their own lives.

Originally from New York City, Juliette discovered her passion for psychology at UCSB, where she earned a B.S. in Brain Sciences and a B.A. in Communication. She later completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. In her free time, she enjoys writing, meditating, running, and experimenting with new recipes.
Her specialties include working with teens who engage in unhelpful behaviors such as substance use, self-harm, school refusal, and academic disinterest. She also supports families struggling with parenting challenges by providing empathy, nonjudgmental support, and evidence-based interventions, helping her clients achieve self-discovery and clarity.
Juliette integrates tools from her training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), EMDR, somatic therapy, and other evidence-based approaches into her sessions. At the family and couple level, she focuses on improving communication skills and enhancing relationship dynamics among members.

Colin's career began in substance abuse treatment and he continues that work with Mission Harbor, in addition to providing cognitive therapies such as CBT and REBT. He obtained a certificate in Addiction Studies from Pierce College and a master's in social work from UMass Global. Colin is excited to work with clients who are open to changing the way they think, feel and act.

Thomas Tophia grew up in Los Angeles, California. Thomas earned both his Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Family and Child Services and earned his Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Therapy at the University of Phoenix. Thomas has worked with a wide range of individuals in both the substance abuse and mental health realms for the past decade in both in-patient residential and intensive outpatient settings. Thomas’ clinical experiences have made him uniquely suited to work not only with the individuals dealing with substance use disorders and those with emotional and mental health needs as well and their families to address the many underlying issues that affect the families in their entirety. Thomas strives to incorporate all that he has learned along with his life experiences to assist the client to find balance and a sense of wellness.

Gabby is an AMFT who obtained her MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. With a diverse background in both residential and outpatient treatment settings, she has worked extensively with clients facing a wide range of challenges, including substance dependence, mood disorders, and serious mental illness (SPMI). Gabby specializes in supporting clients on their journey of recovery from addiction and trauma.

Drawing from her training and experience, Gabby takes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating body-oriented and spiritual practices into her work. She believes in addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit to promote healing and growth.

With several years of personal experience in the recovery world, Gabby brings a unique understanding and empathy to her work with clients recovering from addiction. She is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals. Gabby dedicates her work in supporting her clients on their journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment.

Patti Devaney is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Patti’s clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults who struggle with substance use, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy relationship patterns. In addition to her clinical work, Patti is a certified mediator and brings twenty years of experience working with individuals, couples and families in conflict.
Patti uses a holistic approach for an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She is rooted in depth psychology while including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), in her therapeutic work. Patti is deeply inspired by those who seek to heal their internal pain so that they can change their lives and reach their potential.

Dr. Jazmyn Childress is a licensed and certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her goal in life is to reduce the stigma of mental health and increase access to mental health services. Dr. Childress has always had a passion for mental health and the healing art. She received her doctorate degree in Education and has a master’s in public health (MPH) as well as a master’s in nursing (MSN). Her career started off in hospital administration, research and in education as a professor. After receiving her MSN, Dr. Childress worked as a psychiatric registered nurse in the psych ER, adolescent psych ER and in the inpatient units. As a PMHNP, Dr. Childress specializes in mood and substance use disorders. She enjoys teaching and connecting to clients that she works with.

Dr. Minci Sekou Stenson is a Certified Psychaitric Nurse Practitioner who received her Doctorate specializing in mental health/psychiatry at the University of Arizona. She also has a background as a Women’s Health Registered Nurse and received her bachelor’s degree in science and nursing. She specializes in substance use disorders, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders along with medication management. Her philosophy in mental health is to treat each patient as an individual and focus on collaborative care. Her main goals are to focus on patient safety, stabilization of symptoms, education, teaching coping mechanisms and creating treatment plan that are sustainable for the patients after discharge. Outside of her passion for mental health, Dr. Stenson loves to travel the world to gain more knowledge about different cultures.

Morgan began working in healthcare in 2005 as an EMT in Colorado. He later went on to become a registered nurse, volunteered in orphanages in India while becoming a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, and a Nationally Certified Acupuncturist. Morgan combines his extensive understanding of modern medicine with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and functional movement.

Dr. Wood is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and has worked in the mental health field in Southern California for over 35 years. He received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology in 1991, and he completed four years of training as a candidate at the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies (L.A.I.S.P.S.). Dr. Wood is a Vietnam Combat Veteran and has extensive experience with many forms of PTSD.
He believes that recovery should be an opportunity to discover and resolve obstacles that are preventing a person from living the life they desire, and he believes people have almost an unlimited ability to self actualize and become their best self.

Dr. Rachel Alioto is a Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) who specializes in Gastrointestinal and Skin Health, Pediatrics, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Adjunctive Oncology and Hormone Imbalances. She earned her 4-year doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine at National University of Health Sciences in Illinois, one of seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. Her philosophy in healing is to address the root cause of symptoms and illness and heal that naturally using mainly diet, lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. Her goal is to heal, teach and inspire each person to be an advocate for his or her own health. Outside of her passion for naturopathic medicine, Dr. Alioto loves staying active outside and in the gym practicing what she preaches.

With over ten years of group facilitation experience in mental health and addiction recovery, Michael Bucher has committed himself to helping others gain access to physical and emotional wellbeing. After minoring in music from the University of California Santa Barbara, Michael went on to tour internationally as the bass player of Iglu & Hartly, known for their UK top-five song “In This City”. Michael discovered yoga in response to the physical and emotional demands of touring, and dedicated himself to the practice and to sharing it with others. He has completed over 500 training hours, including trauma-informed yoga. Because he also has faith in the power of the creative process, Michael trained in the Rock to Recovery method in order to offer music therapy in recovery settings. He believes that both the creative process and yoga share in common their ability to return people to their wholeness through the act of participation and connection with self and others.

Sonny has been a professional recording artist with the bands Sevendust, Snot, Amen, (hed)PE, and Ugly Kid Joe. Having been clean and sober since 2001, Sonny brings his recovery experience to clients in a unique, real world way that inspires clients and empowers them to realize that recovery is possible everywhere, even in the music business!

Briena Pearl, is a singer/songwriter and lifelong student of voice, theatre, and dance, born in the Bayou and raised in the heart of Appalachia. Pearl stepped onto the path of recovery on September 11th, 2016. Briena is a Registered Dance Movement Therapist with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University, New England. Passionate, strong, and expressive, Briena’s voice evokes the Spirit of Appalachia and the Soul of New Orleans with story-telling magic and the often rebellious brazenness of Rock and Roll.

She specializes in working with addictions and dedicates her practice to support addiction recovery. She is passionate about reaching beyond what is clinical, into the realms of creativity to discover and develop healthy habits for the daily maintenance of wellness.

Before becoming a music loving therapist, Pearl sang professionally for several rock bands, earning her the title, Rock N Roll Therapist. When she discovered Rock to Recovery, she leapt at the opportunity to get involved. Her candid transparency with her own humanness makes her a relatable and reliable Therapist + Rockstar.

Jessica Moss is thrilled to be working for Mission Harbor as a group facilitator. Jess received her MFA from the University of Washington, her BFA from Boston University and her Leadership and Performance Certification from Brown University. She specializes in psychodrama, creative arts healing and leadership and performance coaching. Jess has been working in recovery for the past four years and absolutely loves it. She believes deeply in the healing power of storytelling, psychodrama and theater. She hopes to bring a unique perspective filled with humor, passion and authenticity to the team!

Catherine Cooley is a communication coach, conflict mediator, speaker and founder of Peaceabl. https://www.peaceabl.com She helps people repair both business team and family relationships, applying Nonviolent or Compassionate Communication (NVC), a model used worldwide for conflict resolution, emotional self care, relationship transformation and community building.

Catherine co-developed second generation Active Peace Circles (APC), a Restorative Justice process to resolve and repair community conflicts, with Scott Brown of Active Peace. She facilitates Council Circles for women, couples, and organizations; leads practice groups for NYCNVC’s year long, international Compassion Course, and leads workshops in prison for the Alternative to Violence Project.

Catherine is a certification candidate with the Center for Nonviolent Communication and is a member of Rotary International’s E-Club of World Peace and Mediators Beyond Borders Intl.

Gina has been active in the recovery community for over ten years which has given her deep insight and a tremendous amount of empathy for those afflicted with addiction and mental illness. Having previously attended UCSB, she is currently completing her certification to become a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor through the Addictive Disorders Counseling program at Santa Barbara City College. Gina leads process groups and provides case management for those working on addiction, anxiety and other mental health challenges at Mission Harbor. Born in Santa Barbara and raised in Los Angeles, Gina is glad to be back among friends and raising a family in this beautiful city.

Nousha is an Integrative nutrition health coach and consultant, an integrative somatic trauma therapist and a yoga, meditation and breathwork facilitator. Her own journey with autoimmune disease, became the catalyst for her work today, directing her focus on the importance of nutrition, gut health, immune system, nervous system and most importantly, the connection between the mind and the body.

With over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness field, Nousha’s approach provides a one-of-a-kind combination that supports your bio-individual health and wellness needs with precision and care.

Jack began his journey in sobriety when he was 22 after being kicked out of college for alcohol and substance abuse. He eventually went back to school and earned his bachelor's degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and went on to earn his CADC-II. He has worked in treatment for over seven and half years and approaches sobriety with experience, an open mind, and compassion. Today, Jack spends his time happily married, working with newcomers, and traveling when he can.

Blitch is an interfaith substance abuse counselor, interventionist, lay chaplain, and graduate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas/ Angelicum in Rome, Italy. Although a native to the New York area, he completed his undergraduate work in philosophy at the Angelicum and chose to remain in Rome for his graduate studies. His master's thesis was entitled The Phenomenon of God in Recovery: On Grace and Addiction. For the last 25 years, Blitch has worked with addicts and alcoholics in New York City, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Paris, Vienna, Zurich and Rome and his clients have included monks, diplomats, sports and entertainment figures and CEOs.

Blitch is a founding member of EARS (European Association of Recovery Specialists) and a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, National Association for Lay Ministry, the Association for Practical Theology, and Mystical Theology Network at Oxford.

Blitch claims that an experience of the Divine is available to any person who desires one, regardless of background.

John Kimble for twenty years was the business partner of the late Sid Luft, Judy Garland’s ex-husband and manager. John currently manages an extensive list of assets which include Judy Garland television shows, PBS Specials, audio recordings and concerts.

John is responsible for utilizing the assets for projects that are marketed through live stage shows including Carnegie Hall, Boston Pops, Utah Symphony to name a few, broadcast TV, satellite, cable, Internet, DVD and iTunes. Executive Producer: “Sid and Judy” docudrama for Showtime.

In the late 80s and early 90s John spent his entire career in the music business as an artist, performer, musical producer and talent developer. As an acclaimed guitarist and member of numerous successful rock bands, he has firsthand experience in the challenges of talent development. He also has established a valuable network of record industry performers, producers and executives. John has been consecutively clean and sober since 1976, bringing his sober experiences through all aspects of life and the entertainment industry.

Jean has been a part of the recovery community for forty-four years and recently graduated from Santa Barbara City College completing a three-year program to become an addiction counselor.
She has been a resident of Santa Barbara since 1960 and raised her five children here. Along with her involvement in recovery over the years, she has also been a business woman. Even though her former professions served her well, she is most happy being part of the miracle in the recovery process witnessed every day at Mission Harbor.

Jan (“Yahn”) is a mindfulness meditation instructor studying with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. He has been practicing meditation for 11 years. Jan takes a trauma-informed and inclusive DEIA approach to facilitating meditation sessions, taking into account each person’s individual needs. He offers a variety of practices in his sessions from mindfulness of thoughts, feelings, and body, heart-based compassion practices for self and others, to managing craving and aversion. His aspiration is for each of us to discover the peace, light, and love that can be found within.

Corina graduated from The University of California, Sacramento with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration. She assists with admissions and provides helpful insight to new clients. With a background in youth development and a strong passion for her community, Corina continues to serve her community through providing a meaningful experience for clients and families at Mission Harbor.

Paige has been a Certified Nursing Assistant since 2015 and has cared for elders with mental health issues and hemodialysis. She has a strong passion for helping others and does everything she can to guide those in need in the right direction.

Matt Baker earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Matt Baker is currently a fourth-year student in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. His clinical experience and training include working with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds in both outpatient community health and detox and residential treatment programs with personality disorders, anxiety, mood, complex trauma, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. His aim is to encourage others and provide the best opportunity for them to make life-changing decisions in the face of adversity through creating a comfortable space for them to explore their difficulties and aspirations.

Kealakahi Spain (Kay) is a technician at Mission Harbor Behavior Health. At the age of 19 Kay began his journey of recovery. On discovering a new way of life, he became inspired to share it with others. Kay works extensively with people who suffer from alcoholism and addiction in his personal life, and is currently an active member of multiple non profit service committees that help those suffering from alcoholism.

Secel came into the recovery community in 2000 and has never looked back except to share the story of his journey. He is currently obtaining his Bachelors in Psychology at Antioch University and eagerly looks forward to getting his masters. He is excited and grateful to be a part of Mission Harbor Behavioral Health’s community. When not in school or working, he spends time helping other members of the community struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. Secel believes that we are all born with a purpose; that purpose is to give back and love.

Maura DeNiro is a client support technician at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. She received her masters degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. She has pursued continuing education in the areas of Nonviolent Communication and Interpersonal Neurobiology. Passionate about mental health and helping people on their paths, Maura is happy to be a part of the Mission Harbor team.

Lilia graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s in Sociology and minor in Chicana/o/e/x studies. She started an MSW at Columbia University but hopes to finish her education in LA and obtain an LCSW. The majority of her background has been in education where she gained knowledge counseling, tutoring, and teaching children and youth. While she loved working directly in enhancing one’s education, Lilia is very excited to be with Mission Harbor.

Siena is a current student at UCSB pursuing a degree in Psychological and Brain Science and set to graduate in June. Beginning with an interest in pharmacology and biology in high school, Siena followed this route and found her passion for psychotherapy and neuroscience in college. In her free time, she loves to swim, hike, or do anything in the sunshine. Siena hopes to continue her interests in psychology into graduate school, learning about the brain and improving her understanding of how to help others.

Evie is dedicated to helping others on their path to healing and a fulfilling life. She began her life in recovery at 18. She strives to provide support and guidance to individuals on any step in their recovery journey. Evie is a strong advocate for mental health and addiction recovery awareness. She believes strongly in the power of peer support and the importance of creating a compassionate and supportive environment for those in need. In her free time she loves ceramics, boxing and learning!