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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Dr. Kristen M. Roye, Psy.D.
Clinical Director
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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-based interventions and an integration of DBT skills in treating clients, doing research, and in training all clinical staff at Destinations. 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.
Dr. Roye currently works as the Clinical Director 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 is currently head of the committee for the APA sponsored Continuing Education Program 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. She has been teaching at Cal Lutheran for the past eight 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, or trying new recipes.
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Clara Mahmoudi
Director of Nursing
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Clara is a registered nurse who specializes in psychiatry and addiction. Clara originally obtained a Masters’ Degree in agricultural engineering in Toulouse, France. She has always been passionate about helping people thus motivating her to go to nursing school in Santa Monica. Clara has extensive experience in inpatient detoxification programs and acute psychiatric programs prior to joining Destinations. At Destinations, Clara oversees a team of nurses in order to coordinate interdisciplinary client care management efforts and ensure that nursing interventions meet the personal, physical and cognitive needs of each client. In Clara’s free time, she enjoys oil painting and training horses.
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Clinical Team
Ashley Shelton, LMFT
Residential Program Director
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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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Zoe Wick, LMFT
Residential Program Director
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Zoe Wick works as the program director and an individual and family therapist at our Cheney House. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Saybrook University and her Bacherlor’s Degree in Sociology from Colorado College. Zoe is passionate about working with youth recovering from trauma, and has gained specialized knowledge in mindfulness and meditation, working with transgender clients, and working with CSEC youth. Zoe 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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Dan Carroll, LMFT
Residential Program Director.
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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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Allison D. R. MacIntyre, LMFT
Outpatient Program Director
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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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Nora Durzo, LMFT
Telehealth Program Director
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Nora Durzo is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked in the behavioral health field for over 15 years. Born and raised in Southern California, Nora graduated from Chapman University with a Master’s degree in Psychology. Trained in family systems and depth psychology, Nora has dedicated her entire career to empowering families struggling with severe stressors. Having worked directly with families impacted by trauma, violence and substance abuse, Nora has developed a strength based approach to assisting clients with achieving their wellness goals. As a committed clinician and leader, Nora has provided clinical oversight, training and motivation to large teams of clinicians, including specialty crisis teams, various outpatient teams and first responders. When she’s not working, you’ll find Nora reading, running or enjoying time in nature with family.
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Melissa Sanderson, LMFT
Therapist
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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.
When Melissa is out of the office, she is also a twin mom and author.
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Laila Curtis, LMFT
Therapist
Leticia Tye, APCC
Therapist
Rebecca Escobar, AMFT
Therapist
Tal Kempler, ASW
Therapist
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Tal Kempler is a therapist in Destinations for Teens’ residential facilities, providing individual, family, and group therapy to clients under the supervision of Ashley Shelton, LMFT. Tal received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at UC Berkeley and holds a Master of Social Work from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she graduated on the Dean’s List. In addition to the training she received at USC, she gained experience as an intern at the Providence St. John’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, where she provided therapy to children and their families in both the outpatient and therapeutic preschool programs.
Tal is passionate about the relational aspect of the therapeutic process and believes strongly in the importance and healing power of human relationships. She practices a cognitive behavioral approach, while also integrating mindfulness into individual and group therapy in order to provide clients with the skills to help self-regulate and build resilience. Tal also believes in the power and importance of inclusion and integrates her core values of equity, self-determination, and the worth of every person into her practice. In addition to her work with her own clients, Tal spearheaded and facilitates a weekly LGBTQ+ support group for clients in all three residential facilities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time in nature.
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Katy Castronovo, MSW, ACSW
Therapist
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Katy is an Associate Clinical Social Worker and works as the individual and family therapist at Cheney House. She earned her Advanced Generalist Master’s Degree in Social Work and Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. Katy has over 12 years of experience working with children and young adults with special needs, addiction, and intellectual/emotional disabilities using Applied Behavior Analysis. Katy is an IATP Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and is also certified in Seeking Safety. She is passionate about working with adolescents struggling with trauma, PTSD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, parent-child relational problems, and personality disorders. Katy incorporates a strengths-based approach when using evidence-based modalities, such as TF-CBT, ABA, and DBT, when working with clients and families. When Katy is not working, you can find her at the beach with her dog or at a Zumba class.
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Michael Brose, RAT-C
Residential Recovery Counselor
Paloma Moran, MA
Practicum Trainee
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Paloma Moran holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Psychology and is in her fourth year pursuing her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from California Lutheran University. In her training at Cal Lutheran, Paloma has practiced a psychodynamic approach to specializing in the treatment of intimate partner violence and trauma. In her work at Destinations for Teens, Paloma integrates a behavioral approach into her therapy, focusing on providing clients with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With this clinical focus, Paloma works on building skills to help clients regulate their emotions, doing so on both the individual and group level. In the upcoming year, Paloma is excited to be broadening her client focus to include working with families, with the overall goal of incorporating DBT skills into a traditional family systems approach.
In both her research and practice, Paloma embraces a multicultural perspective to create a safe and supportive environment that is inclusive of LGBTQ+ communities. As a practicum trainee, Paloma is currently working under the supervision of Kristen Roye, Psy.D, the Clinical Director at Destinations for Teens. In her free time, Paloma enjoys attending concerts and spending time with her cute pup, Lily.
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Will McGarry, CADC 1
Recovery Services Manager
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William McGarry is the Recovery Supervisor at Destinations for Teens. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. William is certified by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. He has worked in and managed residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs in various treatment centers throughout Southern California. William is in recovery from substance abuse and understands the challenges to change as well as the daily attention it takes for continued sobriety. William enjoys using a variety of creative expression and play to build rapport and convey the principles of recovery including photo-therapy, gardening, journaling, and mindful tennis.
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Dr. Irit Bar-Netzer, PsyD
Director of Parent Support Programs
Academics
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
Kayvon Babakan, LMFT
Vice President of Admissions and Community Relations
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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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Halie Gibbs, MHA
Director of Community and Alumni Services
Sandra Shahrokh
Community Relations Coordinator
Selene Acosta, APCC
Assistant Director of Admissions
Jocelyn Chavez
Admissions Coordinator
Pyper Ramirez
Admissions Coordinator
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Meet Pyper Ramirez, Admissions Coordinator at Destinations for Teens. Pyper is originally from Jacksonville, Florida and recently retired as a combat medic in the U.S Army in Ft. Wainwright Alaska, where she was the first African American/Latina woman to receive an Army achievement medal in her department. Pyper comes to Destinations with a passion for helping people in their time of need and is dedicated to being the voice of hope when parents or clinicians reach out requesting mental health or substance use resources. Pyper is committed to walking individuals and families through the applications and admissions process here at Destinations. In her free time, Pyper enjoys spending time with her family and getting to watch her children grow into the amazing young people that they are today.
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Torri Shack
Community Outreach Liaison
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Please help us welcome Torri Shack as our Community Outreach Liaison for Los Angeles County. Torri joins Destinations with five years experience in the substance use and mental health industry and has helped hundreds of people find treatment and live a life of recovery. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Tangible Movement, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that inspires, educates, and provides support for individuals struggling with mental health conditions, racial and gender inequality, LGBTQIA+ and addiction issues. She is a national speaker & currently travels across the United States giving presentations and leading workshops at colleges, high schools, middle schools, conferences, and corporations. Torri is a certified mental health educator and presenter for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She speaks and leads seminars for their End The Silence Programs and Crisis Intervention Teams which are dedicated to educating law enforcement on how to do their jobs safely and effectively by using de-escalation tactics. Torri is also a Certified Peer Support Specialist and leads several peer-support groups throughout LA County on a monthly basis.
Torri was born and raised in California and graduated at the top of her class from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In her free time, Torri enjoys running, traveling, and reading. Torri has served on several boards in the mental health and recovery space and is passionate about advocating for individuals with substance use disorders and gender and racial equality. Torri, thank you for all that you do for our community and we are excited to support you in your continued success.
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Support Team
Elvis Reyes, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Annetta Vanbuskirk
Director of Provider Relations
Lesky Santos-Kiaee
Director of Human Resources
Tiffany Pineda
Director of Operations
Tiffany Hall
Facility Manager
Lori Roberts
Facility Manager
Samantha Skillin
Billing Manager
Erin Clark
Administrative Assistant
Judith Aguirre
Chef