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. 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 for healing. Sam obtained his Masters in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

Melissa Flanigan, PsyD offers extensive experience as a clinician treating issues related to mental health. Dr. Flanigan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California and her Master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University. She later obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Flanigan is a member of the American Psychological Association and earned an academic membership in Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology.

Dr. Dustin Sanchez is board-certified in both adult and child & adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He specializes in the treatment of a wide range of psychiatric problems across the lifespan including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, psychosis, and personality disorders. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University and his medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. He went on to complete both his residency and fellowship at Stanford University, as well as a visiting fellowship in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at Duke University. Dr. Sanchez has served in clinical and leadership roles in a variety of academic and community settings. In addition to his current role as medical director at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, he has a private psychiatry practice and is a staff physician at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Dr. Sanchez utilizes a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, TMS, and other evidence-based interventions to help his patients achieve optimal health and wellness. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Sanchez frequently speaks about mental health issues and is actively involved in teaching residents and other trainees. He lives in Santa Barbara and enjoys being outdoors whenever possible.

Alessandra Fleming, Psy.D. has a background in supporting adolescents and families with mental health challenges. She is dedicated to working with the unique strengths and needs of each individual family and providing the support and tools needed to reach their potential. Dr. Fleming earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the APA-accredited Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA and her bachelor’s degree in both psychology and economics from the University of California, Berkeley. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Casa Pacifica in Camarillo, CA, providing therapeutic services to at-risk youth with severe mental illness. She is currently working under the supervision of our Clinical Director, Melissa Flanigan, Psy.D., accruing the necessary post-doctoral hours for licensure in California.

Christina earned her MSW from University of Southern California and is an experienced Certified Addictions Disorder Counselor. Her background in nonprofit business services management, as well as her social work focus in community organization, planning, and administration contribute to her qualifications in managing all aspects of the adult program at Mission Harbor.

Nicole Montgomery is a certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. For the past fifteen years, she has been specializing in geriatric, adult, and child psychiatric medicine and now is broadening her practice again by joining the Mission Harbor family.

She is a certified ANCC Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is credentialed to provide psychiatric care for any psychological issues across all age groups. She has experience in the therapeutic and medical treatment of adjustment disorders, addiction, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorders, insomnia, personality disorders, ADHD, dementia, anxiety disorders, panic, impulse control disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociative disorders, social phobia, autism, and developmental disorders.

Ms. Montgomery's training has been focused at the University of Tennessee of Knoxville and Johnson College near the Smoky Mountain Range. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Masters of Science in Nursing, all of which she graduated with the highest honors.

As soon as Ms. Montgomery graduated with her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, she began a private practice, counseling individuals and couples with various psychological and interpersonal issues. At that time, she was also maintaining two positions specializing in addiction therapy at DRD Knoxville Medical Clinic and the Blount County Drug Court Program. She performed individual counseling services at DRD and group therapy and psycho-education as the Blount County Drug Court Therapist.

While continuing her education in Nursing Science, she worked as a therapist in private practice, where she began working at Baptist Hospital East Tennessee. While there, she performed floor nursing, social work and therapist duties for both the adult and geriatric units. At the same time, she acted as an intake specialist who coordinated, directed, and transferred emergency room patients to the appropriate level of care.

After she left Baptist Hospital, she again held a number of positions on the adult inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient program at Blount Memorial Hospital. There she worked as a charge nurse, floor nurse, patient educator, intake specialist, social worker, therapist, and later a Nurse Practitioner.

As a Nurse Practitioner, she began treating patients at Blount Memorial Hospital's Elder Assessment Services and provided care at various other treatment facilities, such as the Tennessee state hospital, Lakeshore Mental Institute, and local convalescent hospitals through Paradigm Health Services. She also expanded her private therapy practice she started in 2002 to include psychiatric medical services as well as counseling.

Stephanie manages the finances, billing, and marketing. She has a background in real estate and finance. She obtained her Bachelors from Washington University in St. Louis. Her own recovery inspired her decision to apply her skills to a cause that carries great purpose and hope.

Crystal is a clinician specialized in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and eating disorders through modalities such as ERP, ACT, and PE. She earned her B.S. from North Carolina State University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, where she trained under Stanford Professor and Enneagram expert Dr. David Daniels. She also holds a certificate in High-Performance Leadership from Cornell University.

Prior to Mission Harbor, Crystal applied her entrepreneurial and psychology skills to the business world as Director of Operations at ImpactHub and by coaching executives, doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and Vienna, Austria. With mindfulness and awareness at the center of all her work, Crystal is a contributor to UCSB's Center for Mindfulness and Human Performance research.

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.

Amanda has a background in nursing and a degree in Healthcare Policy. She has worked in substance abuse treatment and mental health for many years. She has a passion for helping individuals receive the treatment they seek.

Kathy received her bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and her master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is certified in EMDR, Gestalt and Embodied Imagination treatment therapies. Attending to the underlying trauma that fuels addictive behavior is central to her treatment philosophy. Kathy's academic research focused on the transformative quality of the creative impulse, while developing methods to inspire creativity in the individual lives of her clients.

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.

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.

Ashley graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has a background mentoring school-aged children in the field of mental health. At Mission Harbor, Ashley assists the admissions team with intaking and orienting new clients to our program and guiding the adolescents during their independent study hall period. She has a passion for helping people and believes in the potential of others to find their road to wellness. Ashley plans to continue her education in gaining her professional degree.

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.”

Lauren is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, she recently graduated from California Lutheran University with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is dedicated to providing clients with hope and the knowledge that everything they need to succeed is already within them. Lauren strives to create a safe place for clients to be heard and empowered.

``If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive`` - Brene Brown

Shaina McPhetridge, MA, LMFT specializes in an integrative approach to psychotherapy combining relational, EMDR and mindfulness-based therapies. She brings a unique blend of compassion, intuition, and humor to the sometimes challenging journey of self-work, providing a fresh perspective to the experience of therapy. Working from a holistic perspective, she strives to understand and help to heal the whole person rather than just symptoms. She has many years of experience working in private practice and a variety of agency settings around Los Angeles, where she mentored under renowned trauma therapists and experts in the cutting-edge modalities of EMDR and Somatic therapy.

Holly has a background in providing evidence-based therapy for a range of mental health issues. She is committed to providing treatment that integrates the unique strengths and
needs of her clients. Holly earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UC, Santa Barbara and her master’s degree from Palo Alto University in psychology. She completed
two years of clinical training at UCLA where she worked with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or anxiety disorders. Holly also has experience
providing psychological services at New Beginnings Counseling Center where she works with clients from diverse backgrounds. Our clinical director, Melissa Flanigan, Psy.D, is
currently supervising Holly as she completes her clinical internship. She is in her final year of Fielding Graduate University’s APA-accredited Ph.D. program in clinical psychology.

Feli provides person-centered support with clients navigating their physical and mental health needs. She is currently working on obtaining her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at 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

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.

Clarissa Dewhirst, PsyD student, was raised in New Mexico where she attended the University
of New Mexico and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has a background in
research with esketamine at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She is currently a student at
Antioch University where she is pursuing her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. She is
currently working under Melissa Flanigan, PsyD, accruing the necessary hours while finishing
her degree.

Gary conducts the “Interpersonal Neurobiology” group meetings. With extensive experience in the sciences, he is sometimes referred to as the “Spiritual Scientist”. Gary’s groups are packed with experiential/educational activities that are designed to impart the knowledge and tools necessary for improved mental health and recovery. Gary’s academic achievements include an AA (with honors), a BS (with honors) and a Master’s degree from California State University at Northridge. He is a licensed Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor Intern. “Helping people is my passion and being of service my fulfillment of this passion”

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.

Emily is a technician at Mission Harbor studying psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara. She has extensive experience as a Recovery Coach to those overcoming struggles related to mental health and addiction. In her free time, she enjoys stand-up comedy, live music, and beach volleyball.

Brian Tibbetts is the daytime technician at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. His journey through recovery has been deeply inspired by 12-step groups as well as meditation and he hosts a Buddhist-based Refuge Recovery meeting weekly at Mission Harbor. Since getting sober Brian has decided to redirect his career as to be of service and is attaining his Masters in Somatic Psychotherapy at Antioch University here in Santa Barbara.

Tina Brandt is a licensed practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine and a certified instructor of therapeutic yoga and meditation. Tina received her Master’s Degree in Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine in 2000 and since has had a private practice in Santa Barbara, California. She has trained in yoga and meditation disciplines since 1990, and has been an instructor for over 20 years. Tina offers her clients an integrated model of health, offering a variety of therapeutic modalities, which encourage the body, mind and spirit to flourish. At Changes Tina offers wellness consultations, acupuncture and acupressure treatments, herbal medicine support, nutritional rcommendations, yoga instruction, and meditation instruction. As a whole, her services are designed to compliment, fine tune, or completely transform a person’s approach to health.

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.

Katie loves people, caring for them and hearing their stories. In her time in undergrad where she obtained a BA in psychology, Katie has had the privilege of working with many populations with a variety of mental health issues and ailments. Mission Harbor has allowed her to walk alongside patients on their journey toward happiness and better living.