Daniel Samson
Founder / President
A welcome message from our Founder and President, Daniel Samson.
“Destinations is one of the premier teen treatment centers in the country. Both our residential and out-patient programs are designed to support the whole family throughout their journey to sustainable wellbeing. Our dedicated team of therapists and staff are there for each teen and their family at every stage of their recovery and beyond. By providing a quality safe-haven, a full range of treatments, and an uninterrupted education, we have one of the highest rates of success in the country. Whether treating mental illness, addiction, or both, our concierge service delivers a customized program for each teen with the goal of establishing a pathway to realizing a stable and productive future. We are also one of the ONLY facilities that separates pure mental health clients from those with addiction issues.”
Clinical Leadership
Dr. Baback Gabbay, MD
Chief Medical Officer
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Dr. Gabbay is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in the following: substance abuse and eating disorders; adolescent mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Gabbay earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and also underwent medical school training at UCLA.
After medical school he completed both general adult psychiatry residency and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He has had extensive training within the realm of emergency psychiatry room, inpatient, residential and outpatient treatment settings. His clinical experience encompasses medication management and therapy services to a diverse range of clients, with specialized intensive clinical training with dual diagnosis clients. Prior to joining Destinations to Recovery, Dr. Gabbay served as Attending Psychiatrist for Center for Discovery Adolescent Group residential homes in the South Bay. He also has extensive experience treating low socioeconomic and foster care patients through The Help Group and Penny Lane Mental Health Centers.
Dr. Gabbay currently works as Destinations’ Chief Medical Officer where he is passionate about the care he provides and strives to constantly self-educate through continuing medical education trainings/self-directed learning, as well as teaching his colleagues. Dr. Gabbay’s philosophy towards medication management follows a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Clinical information is gathered from multiple sources (client, family, school, therapist, nursing and outside referral sources) in order to make an informed decision regarding a definitive diagnosis and appropriate medication recommendations. Dr. Gabbay evaluates all clients whether they are prescribed medication or not. In his spare time, Dr. Gabbay loves to swim and play basketball. He frequently will spend spare time hiking with his wife. He is a huge fan of comic book movies (both Marvel and DC Comics) and 1980’s popular music. His family has been known to chuckle on more than one occasion at his Spotify music list.
After medical school he completed both general adult psychiatry residency and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He has had extensive training within the realm of emergency psychiatry room, inpatient, residential and outpatient treatment settings. His clinical experience encompasses medication management and therapy services to a diverse range of clients, with specialized intensive clinical training with dual diagnosis clients. Prior to joining Destinations to Recovery, Dr. Gabbay served as Attending Psychiatrist for Center for Discovery Adolescent Group residential homes in the South Bay. He also has extensive experience treating low socioeconomic and foster care patients through The Help Group and Penny Lane Mental Health Centers.
Dr. Gabbay currently works as Destinations’ Chief Medical Officer where he is passionate about the care he provides and strives to constantly self-educate through continuing medical education trainings/self-directed learning, as well as teaching his colleagues. Dr. Gabbay’s philosophy towards medication management follows a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Clinical information is gathered from multiple sources (client, family, school, therapist, nursing and outside referral sources) in order to make an informed decision regarding a definitive diagnosis and appropriate medication recommendations. Dr. Gabbay evaluates all clients whether they are prescribed medication or not. In his spare time, Dr. Gabbay loves to swim and play basketball. He frequently will spend spare time hiking with his wife. He is a huge fan of comic book movies (both Marvel and DC Comics) and 1980’s popular music. His family has been known to chuckle on more than one occasion at his Spotify music list.
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Andrew Levander, LMFT, M.A.C.
Clinical Director
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Andrew Levander, LMFT, M.A.C., is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds many national certifications, including: Master Addictions Counselor, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Bereavement Counselor, Certified Cognitive Behavioral therapist, Certified Internet Addiction and Web Psychology Specialist and is a Workplace Mediation Specialist. Andrew developed the first three residential treatment programs specifically serving adolescents and adults who struggle with self-injury and for self-injurious process and chemically addictive behaviors. He has over twenty-four years of experience in adolescent, adult and family psychotherapy and fifteen years of national/international professional education in the fields and study of social work, counseling, addiction and clinical practice. Andrew is the founder of The Healing House of Los Angeles, a private treatment center for self-injurious behaviors, eating disorders and addiction with offices in Pasadena, Encino and Montrose, CA.
Andrew was the recipient of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Service Innovations Festival Award, “Enhancing Treatment Quality through Program Innovation and Educational Enrichment”. He was featured on The Dr. Phil Show, Oprah, The John Walsh Talk Show, NBC News, CNN, and a special on E! Entertainment as well as featured in Time Magazine, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times and many other media outlets. In 2002 and 2010, a documentary on Andrew’s unique treatment program aired on the Discovery and Discovery Health Channels.
Andrew’s current role is the VP of Clinical Operations at Destinations For Teens, where he continues his commitment to being of service to under-represented and misunderstood diverse populations of youth and families. Andrew’s twenty four years of clinical experience, knowledge and dedication to the profession of Marriage and Family therapy, Social Work and education have made him a skilled clinician, educator and leader in the field and study of mental health care and social services. Andrew loves to go deep sea fishing, play with his 12 year Black Lab named Coal, spend time with family and learn new magic tricks.
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Dr. Kristen M. Roye, Psy.D.
Director of Treatment Services
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Kristen Roye is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her doctorate of clinical psychology from California Lutheran University. During her time at Cal Lutheran she specialized in treating intimate partner violence and found a passion for attachment theory. She continues to use attachment theory in treating clients, doing research, and in training staff at Destinations. Additionally, she utilizes psychological and personality assessments to help create a more comprehensive diagnostic picture and personalized treatment plan for clients. Dr. Roye has several years of clinical experience ranging from the psychiatric inpatient setting to placing minors on psychiatric holds, to running clinical PHP/IOP programs. She has also received extensive training in DBT theory and skills.
Dr. Roye currently works as the Director of Treatment Services at Destinations for Teens where her main role is to ensure compassionate care for clients and families by implementing evidence-based clinical programming as well as trainings to the staff and community. She also strives to bring awareness to the stigma associated with mental illness and educate the public on suicide prevention. Dr. Roye was recently head of the committee for APA CE sponsor approval which allows Destinations to provide continuing education credits to local psychologists and mental health professionals. In addition to Destinations, Dr. Roye also works as a senior adjunct professor at Cal Lutheran and teaches in the psychology department for both the PsyD and Bachelors Degree for Professionals Programs. She has been teaching at Cal Lutheran for the past seven years and recently partnered with them to create a PsyD practicum student training program at Destinations. In her free time, you can find her at the beach, seeing live music, spending time with family and friends, or trying new recipes.
Dr. Roye currently works as the Director of Treatment Services at Destinations for Teens where her main role is to ensure compassionate care for clients and families by implementing evidence-based clinical programming as well as trainings to the staff and community. She also strives to bring awareness to the stigma associated with mental illness and educate the public on suicide prevention. Dr. Roye was recently head of the committee for APA CE sponsor approval which allows Destinations to provide continuing education credits to local psychologists and mental health professionals. In addition to Destinations, Dr. Roye also works as a senior adjunct professor at Cal Lutheran and teaches in the psychology department for both the PsyD and Bachelors Degree for Professionals Programs. She has been teaching at Cal Lutheran for the past seven years and recently partnered with them to create a PsyD practicum student training program at Destinations. In her free time, you can find her at the beach, seeing live music, spending time with family and friends, or trying new recipes.
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Clinical Team
Allison D. R. MacIntyre, LMFT
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Allison acquired a Master of Arts in Psychology in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy with a credential in Pupil Personnel Services from Phillips Graduate Institute in 2002. She has worked with emotionally disturbed youth for over 16 years. Allison has experience working with clients who present with oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, mild to moderate autistic spectrum disorder, as well as learning disabilities. In 2018 she received her LPS credential through the Department of Mental Health. In addition, Allison was trained in Bowen Family Systems Theory and incorporates cognitive behavioral techniques and solution focused methodology.
Allison joined the Destinations team recently and works as the Woodland Hills Program Director. Allison brings Destinations her passion to help youth thrive and reach their goals. When Allison is not working you can find her spending time with her beautiful two daughters or elbow deep in amateur vegetable and flower gardens.
Allison joined the Destinations team recently and works as the Woodland Hills Program Director. Allison brings Destinations her passion to help youth thrive and reach their goals. When Allison is not working you can find her spending time with her beautiful two daughters or elbow deep in amateur vegetable and flower gardens.
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Ashley Shelton, LMFT
Senior Residentia Clinician
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Ashley Shelton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated from CSUN in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and in 2013 with a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. Ashley began her therapeutic career working with survivors of sexual assault where she developed her specialty in trauma with a specific focus on sexual trauma. From there she began her journey in residential care and has found a passion in working with teenagers who struggle with substance abuse/addiction, family issues, depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues.
Ashley currently work as Destinations Senior Residential Clinician and oversees all clinical aspects of the residential program. Ashley is passionate about helping struggling teens with addiction and mental health issues due to her own experiences with the loss of loved ones who lacked the resources that are now available. In her free time, Ashley is an avid basketball player, loves to be anywhere the ocean is and enjoys an active lifestyle.
Ashley currently work as Destinations Senior Residential Clinician and oversees all clinical aspects of the residential program. Ashley is passionate about helping struggling teens with addiction and mental health issues due to her own experiences with the loss of loved ones who lacked the resources that are now available. In her free time, Ashley is an avid basketball player, loves to be anywhere the ocean is and enjoys an active lifestyle.
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Kaitlyn Anderson, LMFT
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Kaitlyn Anderson is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist at the Canon residential facility. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University. Kaitlyn was inspired to become a therapist after seeing firsthand how therapy can assist people in changing their lives and recognizing their own strengths. She began her career working with adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health, which was extremely rewarding; however, I realized my true passion of working with adolescents and families at Destinations. Kaitlyn utilizes a cognitive behavioral lens to assist clients and their families with identifying what has kept them stuck and exploring healthy alternatives to begin doing things differently. In addition, Kaitlyn brings her passions for hiking, outdoor activities and baking to her treatment approaches, to incorporate fun and creative outlets into the treatment process.
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Lankavi Guneratne, AMFT
Therapist
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Lankavi Guneratne is an individual and family therapist at Canon House. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Music from California State University, Chico. Lankavi began her career working with survivors of sexual assault and received specialized training in crisis intervention, advocacy, and trauma-informed care. She then went on to work with high-risk youth and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse and anger management where she soon realized that her true passion was working with adolescents. Lankavi conceptualizes primarily from an attachment perspective but incorporates a variety of therapeutic philosophies to best meet the needs of each individual client. Being born and raised in a Buddhist family in Kandy, Sri Lanka, she is also familiar with mindfulness, meditation, and Eastern approaches to mental health treatment. In her free time Lankavi can be found playing music, cooking spicy food and hanging out with her pet bunny, Vader.
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Melissa Sanderson, AMFT
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Melissa Sanderson holds a Master of Science, with an emphasis in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. She is trained in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, mood changes, and other mental health difficulties, including addiction and dual diagnoses and often works with clients who are struggling in their relationships and dealing with difficult life events. Melissa conceptualizes systemically, primarily from an Attachment Therapeutic lens, working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Melissa also draws upon cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), insight development, mindfulness, and group therapy to provide a safe and supportive space from an integrative, interpersonal therapeutic approach, tailored to each unique client. Included within Melissa’s graduate studies, was a specialization in family mediation, as it pertains to varied nuclear family structures, which may include the family court system. Melissa is passionate about providing a comprehensive, multi-culturally competent, and LGBTQ+ affirming environment.
Melissa is currently working as an AMFT with individuals and families under the supervision of Allison MacIntyre, with Destinations for Teens. Melissa is also a twin mom and used to be a singer/songwriter.
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Skyler Roper, LMFT
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Skyler works as a therapist at Destinations Las Vegas PHP/IOP. He graduated from the University of Las Vegas with his Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Skyler brings great expertise to the Vegas team as he is certified in evidence based trauma treatments and interventions; and the 10 core competences of trauma, PTSD and grief. In his free time Skyler likes to watch football, go on hikes and spend time with my family.
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Michael Brose, RAT-C
Residential Recovery Counselor
Michele Ryan, AMFT
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Michele Ryan works as the individual and family therapist at our Cheney House. She earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Nevada Las Vegas. During her studies and life experience Michele has gained specialized knowledge substance abuse and co-occurring disorders and has worked in the treatment field for the past 5 years. Michele is fully trained in EMDR therapy and working with trauma. Michele is passionate about her work here at Destinations and states “It is very empowering when you can be a part in changing the path of a teens life and perhaps be a part of them leading lives without the use of substances and other maladaptive coping tools. My goal with each teen is to help instill healthy coping skills for dealing with life’s problems in a healthy way. I feel that if I can make a difference in just one kids life my job has been a success.” When Michele is not working with clients and their families she can be seen at the beach, on a cruise ship and actively participating in mindfulness and meditation. Michele also is very passionate about animals and has been part of the organization to help save the wild mustangs of Nevada.
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Sarah Gallop, LMFT
Therapist
Steven Fisher, LMFT
Regional Director of Treatment Services – Las Vegas
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Steven Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certified Diplomat through the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. He is a veteran of the active duty US military, and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves. Steven graduated from Brigham Young University and has been fully licensed since 2007. He has nearly 10 years of clinical experience treating military and veteran populations, and nearly 15 years treating adolescents and adults in individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Steven is trained in trauma therapies including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure with and without virtual reality.
Steven currently works at Destinations’ Las Vegas location as the Regional Director of Treatment Services. He has a deep passion for working with individuals and families in their journey of recovery and resolution and is honored to be a part of that process. Steven is a father of five children, including three teenagers, a “tweenager”, and a toddler (a.k.a. the “boss” of the house). He loves spending time with his family attending his kids’ various events, going to the movies, “dating” his wife, and taking family road trips.
Steven currently works at Destinations’ Las Vegas location as the Regional Director of Treatment Services. He has a deep passion for working with individuals and families in their journey of recovery and resolution and is honored to be a part of that process. Steven is a father of five children, including three teenagers, a “tweenager”, and a toddler (a.k.a. the “boss” of the house). He loves spending time with his family attending his kids’ various events, going to the movies, “dating” his wife, and taking family road trips.
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Tierra Watts, CADAC
Recovery Counselor
Zoe Wick, AMFT
Therapist
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Zoe Wick works as the individual and family therapist at our Cheney House. She earned her Master’s Degree in counseling psychology from Saybrook University and her Bacherlor’s in sociology from Colorado College. During her studies Zoe has gained specialized knowledge in mindfulness and meditation; certificate in working with transgender clients, certificate in working with CSEC youth. Zoe is passionate about her work here at Destinations and states “There is so much to love about this field. For me, it is equal parts fascinating to learn about the mind and relationships; fun to spend time with kids and teens; and fulfilling to contribute to my clients’ healing processes at a challenging time in their lives”. When Zoe is not working with clients and their families she can be found making music, reading and going on hikes with her dog.
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Wellness Care
Laura Hubbard
Director of Health and Wellness
Academics
Breeanna Thomas
Academic Coordinator
Scott Decker, MA
Director of Education
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Scott Decker received his Master’s degree in Special Education from National University. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Scott has spent his entire career working with youth, young adults, and their families. He was a teacher for 4 years, moved into school administration as a Vice Principal and later into the role of Director of Education. Additionally, Scott is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in education.
Scott currently works as the Director of Education where he oversees the academic programs at all Destinations for Teens locations. His goal is to implement and create an academic program that is therapeutic and nurturing. He is dedicated to being a resource for both clients and their families. Scott is committed to serving diverse populations and the challenges our youth, young adults and families face. Scott is an avid cook and he likes to spend time with his two sons, play his guitar, go to concerts and shows, and travel/explore Southern California.
Scott currently works as the Director of Education where he oversees the academic programs at all Destinations for Teens locations. His goal is to implement and create an academic program that is therapeutic and nurturing. He is dedicated to being a resource for both clients and their families. Scott is committed to serving diverse populations and the challenges our youth, young adults and families face. Scott is an avid cook and he likes to spend time with his two sons, play his guitar, go to concerts and shows, and travel/explore Southern California.
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Community Relations
Cynthia A. Della Ripa, LMFT
Clinical Liaison
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Cynthia Della Ripa is a licensed, marriage and family therapist. She received her Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. Cynthia has provided therapeutic services in a variety of settings including elementary and high schools, hospitals, private practice and at Destinations for Teens with adolescents struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. In her current role as Clinical Liaison, Cynthia connects with clinicians, doctors and other health care providers in the community to gain knowledge about treatment resources and to inform the community about Destinations’ program and services. She oversees and coordinates school P.E.P. Talks, a prevention program offering free onsite workshops for parents, students and school administrators on topics related to mental health and addiction. In addition to her role at Destinations, Cynthia maintains her private practice where she provides therapeutic services and mindfulness education to teens, adults, couples and groups.
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Dan Carroll, LMFT
Assistant Director of Admissions
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Dan Carroll is the Assistant Director of Admissions and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who specializes in anger management counseling (NAMA Certified), trauma resolution, and has training in attachment theory and CBT. Dan has over 6 years of experience working in the field of mental health, providing services to people of all ages, with an emphasis on adolescent and young adult populations. Additionally, Dan has experience providing in-home behavior therapy and utilizes a collaborative, multifaceted approach to therapy. Dan has provided services to adults and youth facing challenges with aggression, mood disorders, ADHD, Autism, high family conflict, and personality disorders. Dan graduated with a B.S. from CSUN, majoring in Psychology, and earned an M.S. in the CSUN Counseling program, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dan is a dedicated martial artist, who loves cooking, traveling, and reading.
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Kayvon Babakan, LMFT
Director of Admissions
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Kayvon is a licensed marriage and family therapist who graduated in 2008 from UCSD with a Bachelors in Psychology and in 2012 from Phillips Graduate Institute with a Masters in Psychology and an Emphasis Marriage and Family Therapy. Kayvon identifies himself as a CBT therapist and has extensive experience in a hospital setting. From the beginning of his therapeutic career he has worked with adolescents with issues related to addiction, family issues, ADHD, failure to launch, depression, anxiety and high end athletes.
Kayvon focuses his energy in providing the safest environment for his clients to comfortably explore their lives and grow as individuals. He enjoys working with a wide array of diverse clientele, especially with kids, teens and young adults to whom he offers a unique understanding due his strong connection to youth culture. Therapy with Kayvon involves challenging yourself and growing as a whole person in every aspect of life.
Kayvon currently works as Destination’s Director of Admissions and is passionate about helping struggling teens due to seeing the lack of resources for the teen population growing up. Kayvon is also a fluent Farsi speaker and can seamlessly conduct therapy sessions in both English and Farsi. Kayvon’s understanding of the middle-eastern cultural dynamics helps ease families into the idea of therapy. Sometimes children growing up in multiple culture households can feel unheard and riddled with anxiety. Kayvon’s soft approach and personal experience helps increase the family communication, boundaries and healthy connections. In his free time Kayvon loves working on cars and motorcycles and racing both.
Kayvon focuses his energy in providing the safest environment for his clients to comfortably explore their lives and grow as individuals. He enjoys working with a wide array of diverse clientele, especially with kids, teens and young adults to whom he offers a unique understanding due his strong connection to youth culture. Therapy with Kayvon involves challenging yourself and growing as a whole person in every aspect of life.
Kayvon currently works as Destination’s Director of Admissions and is passionate about helping struggling teens due to seeing the lack of resources for the teen population growing up. Kayvon is also a fluent Farsi speaker and can seamlessly conduct therapy sessions in both English and Farsi. Kayvon’s understanding of the middle-eastern cultural dynamics helps ease families into the idea of therapy. Sometimes children growing up in multiple culture households can feel unheard and riddled with anxiety. Kayvon’s soft approach and personal experience helps increase the family communication, boundaries and healthy connections. In his free time Kayvon loves working on cars and motorcycles and racing both.
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Sandra Shahrokh
Community Relations Coordinator
Support Team
Annetta Vanbuskirk
Director of Provider Relations
Charlene Hampton
Outpatient Facility Manager
Dustin Johnson
Cook
Elvis Reyes, CPA
Vice President of Finance
Erin Clark
Administrative Assistant
Lesky Kiaee-Santos
Director of Human Resources
Lisa Altemus, LMFT
Program Director
Lori Roberts
Facility Manager
Samantha Skillin
Billing Manager
Tiffany Hall
Facility Manager
Tiffany Pineda
Operations Manager