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.

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.

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.

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, CADC-CAS (or Rosie) is thrilled to be a part of the Mission Harbor team as a Program Director! Bringing over 15 years of experience working in 100+ bed nonprofit residential facilities to the posh treatment centers of Malibu, he always looks forward to learning more. He's new to Santa Barbara, so when he's not working you can find him hiking in the many trails this place has to offer.

Alina Tarrin is a technician 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 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

Kathy provides group and individual therapy. She 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.

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.

Grant grew up in Los Angeles and feels at peace when he’s by the beach. He has worked in various mental health settings for over 9 years, with a specialty focus on substance abuse in the early part of his career. Grant feels the increase of mainstream exposure to mental wellness and substance abuse issues have helped improve the stigma surrounding treatment and hopes his work will contribute to that momentum. As a proponent of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with elements of Narrative Therapy, Grant structures his treatment with these principles in mind. He believes that everyone is capable of changing the plot in their “story” at any given time.

A former professional athlete turned clinician, I received my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. During my time in practice, I’ve 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 my clinical style in the therapeutic setting, I enjoy working from what I call “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. I believe 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, I enjoy 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 I am 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 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.

Savannah has over three years of experience providing individual and group psychotherapy. She began her career in crisis services, working in shelters for victims of domestic violence. It was this experience counseling survivors that she discovered the healing power of human connection, and knew she had found her calling. In graduate school, she received her formal training in a residential treatment center for adults suffering from chemical dependency; providing therapy to clients with co-occurring PTSD, substance-induced psychosis, mood, and personality disorders. Following the first Shelter-in-Place order, Savannah provided free individual psychotherapy to frontline workers, hospital personnel, caregivers, victims of domestic violence, and others impacted most by COVID-19.

Her style is highly collaborative, sincere, and professional. She offers realistic, solution-focused interventions that her clients can begin to implement immediately; helping clients understand, and overcome their perceived limitations to achieve personal growth and inner peace. Savannah works closely with her clients on mindfulness. Her current approach is rooted in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Existential Psychotherapy,

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.

Grace Kaiser is an Intern Therapist Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, graduating from California State University Northridge in May 2021 with her Master of Social work degree. Grace’s clinical experience includes working with adults and families from diverse populations experiencing homelessness to assist them in finding stable housing, as well as addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns. She also worked at her university’s counseling center, focusing on support groups, CBT-based workshops, and individual supportive therapy. Grace has a passion for working with those on their journey to overall mental wellness and recovery, as well as working with those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Ray Sullivan, MA, is an Antioch University doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, whose dissertation addresses how personal creativity can supplement psychological and social growth. Ray has worked with school-aged children and their families, adult populations, and military veterans in Santa Barbara. Ray also gained further training at two clinical rotations in Idaho. His clinical research interests include adolescents and subpopulations with high acuity needs. Ray applies evidence-based approaches with a psychodynamic foundation to his work with diverse populations, especially individuals or families in crisis.

Ray chose Mission Harbor because he has seen success in working with clients who make small changes and begin the process of working toward self-compassion and personal growth. Clients are often surprised by how much they learn in individual therapy about themselves and about various pertinent stages of addiction, recovery, and relapse. Ray practices self-care when working, and during his free time, he exercises and spends time with family and friends. He looks forward to meeting you.

Victoria received her MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Victoria discovered her passion for mental health while working as a hotline volunteer for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) for 5 years. From there, she became trained in Applied Behavior Analysis and conducted ABA therapy for children with varying degrees of Autism Spectrum Disorder. For the past two years, Victoria has been providing individual, group, and family therapy for both adolescents and adults with a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and substance abuse issues. Victoria is a huge proponent of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). One of her favorite parts of facilitating DBT skills groups is seeing the positive change in clients when they discover a skill that resonates with them. Victoria is passionate about fostering a therapeutic atmosphere of safety, compassion, and acceptance.

Jared Roehrig is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) 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 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. He worked closely with teens in the Child and Adolescent program, using expressive arts to build better personal resiliency and inner strength. In addition to Mission Harbor, Jared works in Solvang at the Family Counseling Trauma Healing Center with private practice clients. Prior to working in Santa Barbara, Jared lived in the Bay area where he volunteered for the Crisis Support Services of Alameda County with individuals in acute crisis. He likes to spend his time throwing a ball for his goofy German Shepherd, practicing Kundalini Yoga, and writing fiction and poetry.

Thomas Tophia grew up in Los Angeles, California. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science in
Human Services with a concentration in Family and Child Services from the University of
Phoenix and is currently finishing his Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family and
Child Therapy also 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.

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. I aim 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

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.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and have worked in the mental health field in Southern California for over 35 years. I received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology in 1991, and completed four years of training as a candidate at the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies (L.A.I.S.P.S.). I am a Vietnam Combat Veteran and have extensive experience with many forms of PTSD.

I believe that recovery should be an opportunity to discover and resolve obstacles that are preventing a person from living the life they desire. I believe people have almost an unlimited ability to self actualize and become their best self.

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.

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.

Georgia is a Board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, credentialed in Addiction medicine. With her double certification, Georgia brings a wealth of experience to New Vision Medical Group and their affiliate facilities. Georgia is a dedicated professional with strong values and is committed to providing high quality patient-centered care. Georgia works with adults, individuals, and families and treats a wide range of mental health disorders. She also cares for children and adolescents with ADHD and anxiety. She has been working with clients who are afflicted with substance use disorder since 2017 as well.

Mental wellness is more than medication management; hence we utilized a collaborative and collegial approach with other providers to enhance a holistic approach, facilitating other multimodalities such as therapy sessions, mindfulness, and yoga. Georgia effectively works with a diverse patient group and familiarizes herself with cultural sensitivity.

Caring for a multitude of patients afflicted with various mental illnesses and substance use disorders presents difficult challenges which requires a wealth of knowledge. Utilizing skillset as board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and addiction specialist complements her professional goal. She is vested in her clients’ well-being and takes great satisfaction in their success. In her spare time Georgia loves traveling, cooking, baking, and gardening. Georgia is an active in her community and is a staple for numerous homeless organizations that supports causes to eradicate homelessness.

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.

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, CA. She has trained in yoga and meditation disciplines since 1990 and has been an instructor of yoga and meditation for over 25 years. At Mission Harbor Tina offers clients an integrated model of health which encourage the body, mind, and spirit to flourish.

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.

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.

Nousha is a plant based integrative nutrition health coach, educator and artist. She helps people end their struggle with food & their bodies, become confident in their own skin, honor their emotions and fall in love with food. With over 20 years of experience in the creative world and the health and wellness industry, plus adding her Persian flare, her work offers a unique combination that supports your bio-individual health and wellness journey with precision and fun. Nousha facilitates breathwork and meditation circles, yoga classes, 1:1 coaching sessions and group programs.

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.

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.

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.

Juliette Raynaud is a technician at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. Falling in love with Psychology at UCSB, Juliette received a B.S. in Brain Sciences and a B.A. in Communication. She loves writing, meditating, running, and trying out new healthy recipes in her free time. Currently in the MA program for Clinical Psychology at Antioch, she is passionate about various therapeutic approaches and models, constantly pursuing further learning opportunities. In the future, she is excited to use an integrative approach and become trained in multiple modalities. She takes great pride and fulfillment in providing support and care to clients outside of the therapy hour, especially in knowing how much it will prepare her in her own journey to become an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

Adalis Rojas is a technician at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and English at the University of California, Santa Barbara. As someone with lived experience and passion for reforming diverse populations’ mental health, she previously interned at The Carter Center, researching mental health policy and school-based
behavioral health resources. Adalis also provided mental health resources, programs, and workshops within her university. She believes in destigmatizing mental illness and humanity in
helping others, regardless of their journey. Adalis plans to continue her education and her advocacy in the mental health field in the future.

Secel came into the recovery community 21 years ago and has never looked back except to share the story of his journey. He is currently finishing the ADS program at Santa Barbara City College and eagerly looks forward to getting his Bachelor and 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.