STAFF
She/Her
Becky Gatdula
Executive Director/Founder
She/Her
Sober since she was just 16 years old, Becky Gatdula has dedicated her life to helping other women achieve sobriety. Her commitment to those suffering with substance abuse began with a volunteer position in 1996. She then went on to work full time in the substance abuse field beginning in 2003. In 2005, Becky earned her Chemical Dependency Counselor certification. With over two decades of experience in the field, Becky has opened, designed, supervised and operated numerous treatment programs. Her deep devotion and loyalty to this community inspired her to found Rising Roads Recovery Services for Women, LLC. Rising Roads Recovery has become a benchmark in the gender specific treatment world; a place where women can address their issues and take positive steps forward to build happy, meaningful lives. With a team of trustworthy and skilled professionals by her side, Becky is delighted to lead Rising Roads Recovery.
Will Sanchez, MA, LMFT, SEP
Clinical Supervisor
He/Him
Will Sanchez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience specializing in working with young adults. Will is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree. He earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Concordia University, Irvine. He completed his practicum hours working at Silverlake Medical Hospital in Rosemead, gaining invaluable experience as a counselor for adults with various chronic mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. Will has a long history of working with the young adult population. He coached high school soccer at Newport Harbor High School for 5 years and worked for the City of Costa Mesa with the teen recreation programs for many years as well. Will has worked as a primary therapist at the adolescent and adult treatment center level for the last several years. Specializing in substance use disorders, adding an experiential approach to therapy both individually and in the group setting, Will believes in a Client-centered approach when he works with the clients at Rising Roads Recovery. His groups are both informative and fun.
Andrew Schneider, DO
Medical Director
He/Him
Dr. Andrew Schneider is a licensed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatrist. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, after completing his General Psychiatry Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. To supplement his Western medical training, he also studied Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Phoenix Arizona. Dr. Schneider also holds a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign and enjoys working with athletes of all ages.
Practice Philosophy
I take a holistic approach to practicing psychiatry. I am a strong believer in the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions as well as the benefits of psychopharmacology.
Medication Management
I use psychotropic medications in the safest possible manner‐‐the optimal dose for each patient with close monitoring.
Psychotherapy
Psycho‐therapy is encouraged in my practice, whether as the primary form of treatment or in conjunction with medication. My approach is eclectic and individually tailored to each patient. I
have received training in the areas of cognitive‐behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, behavior modification, and play therapy (for children). I emphasize the importance of a strong
therapeutic alliance with patients.
Alternative Medicine
I received formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine with an emphasis in Chinese herbal medicine. I also keep abreast of the latest research in complementary and alternative treatments
(CAM). I offer these treatment options to my patients, particularly those who may want to try CAM treatments as an alternative to Western psychotropic medication.
Stefani LaFrenierre, MD
Psychiatrist
She/Her
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre is a licensed Medical Doctor and board-certified Psychiatrist. She received her Medical Degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her Adult Psychiatry residency training at San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. She also completed a fellowship through the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma with a certification in Global Mental Health, Trauma and Recovery.
Dr. LaFrenierre has expertise in the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. She has performed in several leadership positions, including Medical Director of an addiction treatment group practice and as Chief Resident during her training. She also received the Resident Award in Excellence two years in a row during her training. She was awarded the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship award through the American Psychiatric Association and developed a Cultural Competency curriculum for her residents in training. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment centers, state and forensic hospitals, academic settings, and has experience with assertive community treatment and full-service partnership teams. She is committed to providing safe, equitable, and inclusive treatment for all.
Practice Philosophy
My treatment philosophy focuses on building resiliency through holistic, long-lasting changes to help my patients achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I have been fortunate to develop many different skill sets in the treatment of mental health and addiction, and I am excited to be able to offer customized treatments to my patients. I provide a warm, empathic, and active therapy style, and I bring a conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of health in treatment planning. My role is to help my patients reach their goals by providing clinical expertise, education, and compassion in a non-judgmental space. I incorporate prescription medications, plant-based diet changes, lifestyle changes, and elements of mind-body medicine into a complete treatment plan to help you reach your goals. I also provide education about treatment, diagnosis, and medications to my patients at every step to help guide treatment decisions and to maximize the benefits of our work together.
Kimiko Miller, MA, LMFT
Primary/Family Therapist
She/Her
Kimiko Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has specialized in substance use disorders and mental health issues for over 7 years. Kimiko received her Masters of Arts from Fresno Pacific University. She has extensive training in Expressive Arts Therapy, Psychodrama, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral therapy), and love and sex addiction recovery. In her spare time, Kimiko also leads workshops for R.A.D Team Building which aims to empower and activate individuals to their highest potential. Kimiko provides an authentic and safe space for clients to experience and explore emotions in greater depth and to begin their journey by fulfilling their deepest hopes and dreams.
Christina Henderson, MA, LCSW
Primary Therapist
She/Her
Christina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in History from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino. Christina is a Southern California native and grew up in diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural environments. Christina has great enthusiasm for helping others break through their emotional barriers to become excited about change. As a therapist, she assists clients with co-occurring disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. Christina strives to provide trauma-informed care by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Crisis Intervention. Christina’s passion is to educate and empower people to pursue a fully realized and healthy life, free from the shame of PTSD, addiction, and mental health stigmas.
Dr. Brett Furst, PsyD., LMFT
Director of Specialty Services
He/Him
Dr. Tricia Marzullo, PsyD.
Group Therapist
She/Her
Dr. Damaris Galarza, PsyD
Group Therapist
She/Her
Dr. Damaris Galarza is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Psychological Assistant and Primary Therapist under the Supervision of Dr. Helene O’Mahony. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and has worked in the forensic field since 2012.
She received a doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University in 2017. Dr. Galarza’s therapeutic experience includes working with adults from underserved communities and forensic populations providing groups, individual, couples’ therapy, as well as conduct psychological evaluations. After working in the forensic setting and exploring trauma from the aspect of the abuser, Dr. Galarza looks to help those who have been victimized by them.
She brings a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to therapy with her clients, encouraging them to embark in the personal exploration needed to resolve past traumas and have healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Lindsay Guin, MA, LMFT
Lead Primary Therapist
She/Her
Lindsay has an MA in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Pepperdine University. Through her own experience of addiction and recovery, Lindsay became passionate about helping others to achieve freedom from addictions and mental health struggles through connection, hope, and presence.
Lindsay is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT) and trained in EMDR. She takes a trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach to healing.
Lindsay has been a yoga (RYT) and meditation teacher for almost a decade and brings a strong foundation of mindfulness and body-based healing to her work.
Outside of the office, Lindsay enjoys the beach, skateboarding, and spending time with her husband, their two children, and three badly behaved bulldogs.
Llysa Lott, MA, AMFT
Primary Therapist
She/Her
Llysa Lott has experience working with a variety of mental health disorders including Major Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Llysa has previously worked as a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy counselor and is especially helpful in assisting clients to regulate their emotions and maintain positive relationships. Llysa takes a systems approach when working with families and believes that all clients operate as an extension of their family of origin.
Llysa has an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University. She is experienced in working with individuals, families, children, and couples. As a solution-focused therapist, she is passionate about helping clients find their potential and reach their goals. Her easy to talk demeanor and supportive nature allow her to build rapport quickly.
Sarah Litwiller, MS, ACSW
Primary Therapist
She/Her
Sarah is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, San Marcos. Beginning as a wilderness guide and outdoor educator in Colorado for many years, Sarah developed a passion for working with others and finding creative ways to find hope, freedom, and healing. Her clinical background includes suicide prevention and extensive experience with grief & loss counseling. Sarah is also trained in EMDR. Using a client-centered approach and systems theory lens, Sarah’s commitment is to provide compassionate and dignified care to each of her clients.
Joanne Brennan, MS, LAADC, SEP
Group Facilitator
She/Her
Joanne Brennan received her MS In Human Services in 1999 at National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois. Joanne grew up on Chicago’s North Shore, where she knew from an early age she wanted to help others who had experienced trauma. Joanne has been working with women in trauma treatment and addiction recovery since moving to California in 2007. Joanne has been trained in Somatic Experiencing and prefers to use this more gentle approach when treating trauma. She uses a variety of modalities, including SE, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. On a personal note, Joanne has 3 children and two grandchildren and currently resides in South Orange County with her husband. Her hobbies include knitting, gardening, and reading.
Christina Huxford, CTP, STR
Group Facilitator
She/Her
Christina is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). She is also certified in Somatic Trauma Resolution, is a Reiki Master and has completed certification with Spirit2Spirit Healing. Christina uses Somatic modalities including Psychodrama and Psychodramatic Bodywork to help her clients heal from varying types of abuse, traumatic injury, abandonment, grief, loss or other events that results in the traumatic “overwhelming” of the nervous system. Her extensive work with trauma survivors has evolved to helping individuals with addiction and abuse issues, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Christina’s holistic approach to the recovery process is augmented by her passionate energy, creativity, intuition and natural healing talents. Her work in individual sessions and as a group facilitator brings her clients hope and dramatic, healthy changes.
Josie Trillo, CADC-II
Case Manager
She/Her
Josie has been in the substance abuse industry since 2015. She has always been on the frontline starting as a case manager from day one. Her journey began in her recovery in 2010 and found she had a passion for inspiring others who were beginning their Josie had been in the mortgage industry since 2004, and as her disease progressed she began to lose everything worthwhile in life. Thankfully, she ended up in addiction treatment with a case manager who challenged her and changed her life. Josie became passionate about helping others and decided she wanted to inspire people just like her case manager had done with her.
Jenna Shea-Evans, CADC-II
Case Manager
She/Her
Jenna has been in the substance abuse industry since 2017. She began her career as a treatment technician and worked hard to pursue her role as a case manager. Jenna spent 18 years working as a preschool teacher with an emphasis on behavioral modification for children and teenagers with special needs. After a personal experience with recovery, Jenna followed her true love of helping others. Jenna is grateful to be an active participant in watching others experience the freedom, and contentment recovery brings!
Brandie Ford, CADC-II, CIP, PRC
Program Director
She/Her
Brandie began her career with the US Forest Service, becoming a certified first responder. She then joined the inland respite center where she worked as a caregiver providing in-home support services to those in need. She always knew she wanted a more active role with those suffering from substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Hence, she returned to school again and attended the Christian Institute to become a Certified AOD counselor. She is now a CADC-II and furthered her skill set earning her Certified Intervention Professional certification from the PA certification board. She is dedicated to helping women find their path to recovery in all its forms. She is a mother and a much-loved member of the RRR team.
Chelsea Gatdula, MBA
ELEVATE Director
She/Her
Chelsea has been committed to academics for most of her life. She is passionate about academic success and about supplementing personal recovery with attainable scholastic goals. Chelsea has an MBA from CSU – Monterey Bay and has studied International Management at Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz in Switzerland. Recently, she returned to the United States from Spain, where she studied at Instituto Hemingway and became fluent in Spanish. Chelsea is passionate about education and what it can provide both personally and professionally. She is excited about the opportunity to support you or your loved one in the pursuit of higher education and career planning.
George Brouillet, AMFT, CADC-I
Collegiate Therapist
He/Him
George is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Towson University, where he also attended graduate school to become a teacher. It was at this time that George’s problems with mental health and addiction finally brought his life to a point of unmanageability, causing him to seek treatment in Bel Air, Maryland. George moved to Southern California for continuing care at PACE, where he discovered a newfound passion for working with others in recovery. George credits PACE for providing him with the tools required to lead a prolonged clean and healthy lifestyle, centered around helping others. George understands the academic difficulties associated with early sobriety, and draws from personal experience when implementing individualized plans catered to each client’s personal needs. With an emphasis on providing structured academic support in order to increase accountability and independence, George strives to leave each client with the skills necessary to achieve long term academic and professional success; all the while, focusing on recovery as the essential cornerstone for all of their future accomplishments. George is also a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor who specializes in mental health and addiction. He is able to help coach his Clients through whatever stressors they might be experiencing during their academic endeavors.
Daniel Patterson, MAT
Education and Curriculum Specialist
He/Him
Daniel Patterson has over seventeen years of experience in the field of secondary education. Holding a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Willamette University and an Administrative Services Credential from the University of California, Irvine, Daniel has served as a classroom English teacher, a student council director, a varsity tennis coach, an assistant principal, and the director of a therapeutic high school. During his tenure, Daniel has earned recognitions such as Teacher of the Year (2012), Administrator of the Year (2016), as well as the PTA Honorary Service Award (2012, 2016), and City of Newport Beach Mayor’s Proclamation (2017) for his work in education. Additionally, since launching his private consulting practice, Daniel also has performed extensive post-secondary and college counseling with a vast array of students ranging from vocational training to Ivy League schools. Daniel’s areas of expertise include course planning, graduation requirements, transfer protocol, credit recovery, alternative schools, boarding schools, private schools, and public education. He holds a versatile skill set that produces tangible and specific educational plans for the unique goals of his clients. In addition to education, Daniel is the author of The Assertive Parent ( 2018) and RECOVER[edu] (2020) and has contributed to publications such as The HuffPost, Thrive Global, MSNBC, NBC News, Fox News, The LA Times, and The OC Register, among others.
Vicky Shemer, RDN
Registered Dietician
She/Her
Vicky Shemer, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and has been using the healing power of whole foods to successfully defeat her own health problems including gestational diabetes, postpartum weight, and leaky gut syndrome. Her nutrition journey began in Greece and continued in the USA where she graduated magna cum laude from CSULA. As a clinical and integrative dietitian, she has been helping her patients manage diabetes symptoms, inflammation, weight issues, and stop yo-yo dieting. Vicky’s professional interests include working with people who want to prevent disease, improve their relationship with food, and learn how to eat mindfully in order to maintain health. Being fluent in 4 languages, Vicky wants to reach clients in different communities and inspire them by introducing more whole foods to their lifestyles. Her passion is to share the knowledge of nutrition to empower and motivate patients. She wants to help others find sustainable pathways to mental and physical wellness.
Julie Landicho, RN, BSN, PHN, RN-COB
Nurse
She/Her
Julie graduated from Cypress College in 1998 with her ADN and went on to receive her BSN from Western Governors University. For 18 years, she has worked at St. Joseph Hospital in labor and delivery and the last three years in OB triage. During this time, Julie worked closely with women who had substance abuse issues. It gave her a passion for reducing the stigma of addiction and dependency and helping women find the resources and support they need. She is excited to be working in the treatment of these issues with the women of Rising Roads. Julie has two teenagers and a dog, which keeps her plenty busy when not at RRR.
Lisa Bahar, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Adjunct Therapist
She/Her
Lisa Bahar is licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional clinical counselor and a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Lisa Bahar provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families and specializes in treating addiction, mood and personality disorders.Lisa Bahar specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and works to provide clients the most comprehensive care based on their clinical needs and goals. Lisa Bahar serves as Adjunct Faculty for Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy; which is a program designed to serve those interested in counseling individuals, couples, and families as a marriage and family therapist as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California.
James Shoffeitt CADC-II
Surf Instructor
He/Him
Serene Waters Adventure Therapy was founded in 2016 By James Shoffeitt in Orange County California. James has a deep passion for helping guide men and women of all ages to discovering their own internal peace, sense of serenity, & character strengths. He has been clean and sober since 2008, and has been counseling since 2011. James learned to surf at age 7, and rekindled his relationship with the ocean in 2009. He is an avid waterman and loves to spend time with his family, hike, and camp He started practicing surf therapy in 2014 at a local substance abuse program. From there he founded Serene Waters Adventure Therapy specifically to promote happiness & serenity, and help others open up in an alternative therapeutic environment.
Jamie Longo
Sound Bath Healing
She/Her
Jami has studied, trained, and practiced for years the benefits of sound, vibration and frequency has on the body and mind. The wide range of instruments such as 432hz crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, Jupiter gong and other shamanic tools curate a deeper state of consciousness.
When you sink into one of Jami’s Sound Bath’s the intention is to guide your awareness to your listening, allowing your brain waves to slow, shifting from a more active state (beta) to a more relaxed state (alpha) or even a dreamlike state (theta). The sounds introduced during a Sound Bath are an invitation into a deeper state of consciousness, an opportunity to unplug from external stimuli and to gain perspective on what’s going on within you.
Each sound journey provides a space to rest, replenish, restore and rejuvenate while the gentle sacred sounds nurture with a motherly love.
Sonny Mayo, CADC-1
Rock to Recovery Facilitator
He/Him
Sonny started his professional music career in 1995 with the band Snot (Geffen Records) and, in 1998, went on to play in the band Amen (Virgin, Roadrunner Records). Having been in rehab as a teenager, Sonny continued to struggle with alcoholism and drug addiction while touring the world and writing/recording/releasing major label albums. On occasion he was issued ultimatums from his fellow bandmates, which would bring brief periods of abstinence, but would inevitably lead to another relapse. Spiraling ever downward, Sonny hit bottom in late 2001.
Desperate for sobriety, Sonny sought and received the help he needed in 12 Step fellowships. In January 2002, with less than 30 days sober, he went on his first clean/sober tour in Australia, where Sonny attended 12 Step meetings and began laying the foundation for a whole new experience as a professional musician, and has maintained sobriety ever since.
In late 2002 he joined his friend, Wes Geer (founder of Rock to Recovery®), as a touring guitarist in the band (hed)P.E. and, in 2005, joined the band Sevendust (TVT, Warner/Asylum Records).
Since 2013, Sonny has been facilitating Rock to Recovery® sessions, serving substance use disorder and mental health facilities, as well as Air Force Wounded Warriors (AFW2), Semper Fi Fund, and other non profit organizations.
Sonny finds purpose and fulfillment in using his experience in recovery and music to help transform the lives of others.
Carli Barldwin
Yoga Instructor
She/Her
Carli has been practicing Yoga Asana for over a decade, becoming intimately aware of the psychosomatic benefits and deep healing offered with mindful movement. Through years of study, personal practice, and intensive training, she has developed a passion and gift for holding space for the healing, grounding, and release in both private and group settings. Carli is trained in many styles, including Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga, all rooted in trauma-informed care.
In this practice of Yoga Asana, participants are offered a chance to practice somatic awareness, mindful breathing, simple postures and grounding meditation. These tools, combined with positive affirmations, create a sense of personal empowerment Carli aims to impart on each of her students, for use on and off their yoga mats.
Kayla Garner
Operations Assistant
She/Her
As an alumnus of the program, Kayla was significantly impacted by the staff members here and dreamed of one day helping others the way Rising Roads Recovery had helped her. She currently works as a behavioral health technician, otherwise known as support staff, and coordinates the medical director's visits and orders. Kayla is pursuing her bachelor's degree in psychology and hopes to become a case manager.
Shahan Suzmeyan
Chief Strategy Officer
He/Him
Shahan has been employed in the recovery field for over two decades and brings best-in-class leadership in strategic initiatives, licensing, payor relations, quality management, and compliance to his role. As Chief Strategy Officer, Shahan focuses on coordination of insurance benefits for families, quality treatment, best practices, and providing the industry’s best standard of care to our clients. In addition to his work here, Shahan has been a four-term Governing Board Member of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council, the Hollywood District Animal Welfare Representative for the LA SPCA, a member of the Intercoast College Business Development Board, a member of the Los Angeles Harm Reduction Task Force, and a Governing Board Member of East Hollywood Community Church.
Kim, McClaskey
Insurance Liason
She/Her
Kim has worked in recovery for more than 10 years and is dedicated to being in an environment where people learn to live a happy, productive drug-free life. She has lived in Orange County her entire life and been in recovery herself for over 15 years. She knows the struggles of finding sobriety and happiness. She credits 12-step programming and the fellowship of AA for her recovery. In Kim’s spare time she loves to spend time with her 3 children and friends.
Nicole Cavanagh, RADT
Operations Director
She/Her
With over 10 years of experience working in treatment compliance and insurance coordination, Nicole is a true asset to both Rising Roads Recovery staff and the family members of clients. Her tremendous knowledge and compassion arm her in her role as advocate for our clients and their families with the insurance companies. Nicole’s goal is to help families feel comfortable and secure in their decision to pursue treatment, and she strives to make the insurance and financial process as stress-free as possible. Nicole is also responsible for our licensure and compliance, ensuring Rising Road Recovery up to date with all city and state regulations.
Jordan Spektor, MBA
Chief Development Officer
He/Him
Jordan is a native of Seattle, Washington. In 2007, He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business. While in college, Jordan began an 8 year battle with alcoholism and addiction that affected every aspect of his life. After getting sober in 2011, Jordan discovered a passion for helping people. He has over 11 years of experience working in the behavioral health field. In 2020, Jordan graduated from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver with a Master of Business Administration, majoring in Healthcare Administration. He attributes his recovery as the number one reason he was able to achieve his lifelong goal of obtaining an MBA. Jordan loves watching the Seahawks, Mariners, Kraken and Trojans, playing golf and spending time with his wife Brittany, son Jayden and their golden retriever Jagger.
Sarah Schauer, CADC-1
Financial Administrator
She/Her
Sarah began working in the addiction treatment field after completing her substance dependency counselor education. She is a Chemical Dependency Counselor and an Addiction Specialist. Sarah specializes in working with individuals who struggle with substance use issues and mental health issues. Prior to returning to school Sarah earned a BA in History from Concordia University. However, she has always had a love for the field of psychology and counseling. Sarah all things accounting here at Rising Roads. Her responsibilities include working with clients’ families on a day-to-day basis, coordinating with community resources when necessary; handling insurance inquiries and billing correspondence, financial correspondence, and much more. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys scuba diving, and spending time with friends, and can often be found any place live music is being played.
