The Morningside Recovery Team
KENNETH PERLMUTTER, Ph.D1
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS SPECIALIST
Dr. Perlmutter also serves on the Graduate Faculty at San Francisco State University, Counseling Department and is Associate Professor of Chemical Dependency Studies at CSU East Bay. In the past he has led the clinical teams at Alta Mira Treatment Programs and The Boyer House Foundation. Kenneth has a deep understanding of addiction and the co-occurring interpersonal, physical, spiritual, and economic disorders that accompany it. He strives to constantly identify and test treatment methods to help those suffering to find sustainable recovery.
“Most families struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders are wounded by legacies of loss, disconnection, illness, tragedy, and pain. Each member tries to cope as best they can whether by using substances, attempting to fix or control things, working to keep everyone happy, accepting blame, or escaping either physically or psychically. Physical or emotional illness develops in most members, often in subtle and secreted forms (distorted eating behavior, sleep disturbances, sexual obsessing, lying/covering up, loss of pleasure, over-working, and even substance abuse in those other than the originally identified alcoholic or addict). We must help each member in these wounded systems find alternatives to the destructive coping mechanisms they adopt and the forces that encourage them. In so doing, we interrupt the transmission of addiction, compulsion, and shortened lifespan that will otherwise plague the next generation.”
MICHELE LOB, Psy.D, LMFT
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Dr. Lob believes that each client is unique and understands that the nature of addictive behaviors takes emotional and physical tolls on the sufferer and their loved ones. She integrates multi-dynamic therapeutic styles and techniques to work collaboratively with clients for the best possible treatment and recovery outcomes. Dr. Lob works closely with her staff in guiding each client’s path to sustainable recovery. Through her supervision, she challenges her staff to provide world-class therapeutic care.
With over 12 years of experience as a clinician, Dr. Lob has worked in private practice and as the clinical director in inpatient and extended care treatment programs specializing in chemical and alcohol dependency, eating disorders, and other self-harm behaviors. Her compassion and expertise particularly shine in treating clients with disordered-eating issues and co-occurring disorders. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Master of Arts, Psychology, Doctor of Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist.
Dr. Lob is a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) and an Orange County Board Member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). She is also a certified Life Coach.
NISHANT KUMAR, D.O.
PSYCHIATRIST*
Dr. Nishant Kumar is a Board Certified General Psychiatrist qualified in Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Kumar attended the University of California, Los Angeles where he graduated with a degree in psychobiology and economics. He then went on to pursue his medical training at Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California, graduating with a D.O. degree. Dr. Kumar received his psychiatry residency training at the distinguished Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, where he served as the Academic, Research and Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Kumar has completed advanced training in Addiction Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he is also serving as part of the Medical Staff and supervises Psychiatrists in training. Dr. Kumar is an approved and licensed buprenorphine provider and is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has extensive experience working with both outpatients and inpatients in treating substance abuse disorders, eating disorders and various other psychiatric disorders. In addition to his clinical skills, he is actively involved in addiction related research and is currently a Principal Investigator for Friends Research Institute in Torrance, California. Dr. Kumar is involved in a private practice in Newport Beach that provides consultation and treatment for co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders that also integrates a mindfulness based intensive outpatient program as well as provides FDA approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression.
Having grown up in Southern California, Dr. Kumar has a deep understanding of the various challenges faced by today’s diverse communities and attempts to bring this insight into every aspect of his clinical practice.
CARLOS MONTANO, M.D.
MEDICAL DOCTOR*
Dr. Montano oversees the medical component of our program. He has longstanding experience with all detoxification protocols. Dr. Montano is a licensed Suboxone and Subutex provider, as well as a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and California Society of Addiction Medicine. He monitors patients who are on medication and conducts physical assessments on all patients. In addition to his vast medical experience, Dr. Montano brings warmth and understanding and offers guidance to families to help them better understand the physical aspects of recovery. Addiction can place such tremendous physical stress on and pose certain dangers to the individual. He says, "it is my goal to get them through the process safely, humanely."
Dr. Montano's approach to treating patients with Addictive Disorders is to treat the whole person, after a full assessment of his/her present and past history. He treats every patient with the same respect and understanding as he would a patient with any other medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension.
FOUZIEH NIKZAD, LMFT
CLINICAL TEAM LEADER
Fouzieh has a strong background in addiction, nutrition, mood disorders, and sexual addictions. Fouzieh has been working in the field of chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders since 2004. At Morningside she serves as a primary therapist working with patients diagnosed with substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Her favorite part of connecting with clients occurs when she can witness their tremendous growth first-hand. She particularly enjoys working one-on-one with a diverse group of clients. Prior to joining Morningside, Fouzieh worked with adolescents in a residential center focusing on the treatment of drugs and alcohol and co-occurring disorders. She has also worked with a range of individuals in Southern California, providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling, and developmental testing. Fouzieh has worked closely with the Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego County probation and Social Service departments in providing the most effective treatment for their clients.
Fouzieh facilitates group therapy weekly for patients including relapse prevention, process and family educational groups on mental health. She finds this family work to be especially rewarding. Fouzieh attained her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Behaviors from the University of California Irvine. She continued her education and training at the University of San Diego where she attained her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Fouzieh has also completed training and coursework at The Center for Healthy Sex towards becoming a CSAT (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist).
MELISSA HOLMES, BA, CADC-II, LAADC
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SERVICES
Melissa recognizes that academic progress is frequently a casualty of drug and alcohol abuse. As the administrator for Morningside Academic Institute, her warm sense of humor and practical approach to academic issues help her constructively mediate between clients and their families. She connects clients to colleges in the area such as University of California at Irvine, Orange Coast College, Saddleback College, as well as a host of varied vocational schools. Melissa helps those in recovery move towards areas of study, academic achievement, and graduation. She handles all aspects of assessment prior to school enrollment, including placement of new and continuing students, as well as regular structured study sessions with a tutor. The discovery of an active positive passion is Morningside Academic Institute’s mission. Melissa provides the stewardship and oversight that allows students to reconnect with interests that will ultimately be life-sustaining.
Melissa has been an invaluable fixture at Morningside since 2007. Possessing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Limestone College and California Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification, she brings qualities of understanding and empathy that are vital to clients entering the journey of recovery.
REANNA ROBLES-CARR, MFTI
FAMILY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
With a life-long goal of becoming a therapist, Reanna provides the highest quality of care and commitment to her clients at Morningside Recovery. She has served as a primary clinician within our treatment program since 2007. After completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at California State University Northridge, she continued her education and training at California State University Fullerton where she received her Master’s in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Her professional experience includes training in trauma with EMDR, as well as training in child-abuse treatment through the International Child Abuse Network. She continued her professional experience working at College Hospital in the co-occurring disorder therapy program focusing on treatment for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder. Reanna also worked at Gerry House with mood disorders and substance abuse clients specializing in treatment for intravenous-drug users and patients living with HIV. At Morningside, Reanna primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic as her approach to treatment. She works both with group and individual therapy and provides education and training on addiction and co-occurring disorder treatment at Morningside.
VERONICA PARKER, MS, LMFT
THERAPIST
Veronica could be described as a “natural born” therapist due to her empathetic nature and compassionate disposition. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings a diverse range of knowledge and experience to her role. She previously worked in residential treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. She has also served in community mental health clinics. Veronica incorporates an eclectic approach which draws heavily on Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems Therapies, in order to address the specific needs of each client. She frequently finds herself researching a particular therapeutic approach to help a client. Among her specialties are Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Veronica completed her undergraduate studies in Criminology, Law and Society at the University of California, Irvine and went on to receive her master’s degree in Counseling from California State University Fullerton. Throughout her career, Veronica has remained devoted to working with underserved populations, children, and the Latino community. In her work, Veronica seeks to empower clients to develop skills to cope with challenges in life and take an active role in their recovery.
KAREN ALONSO, MA
THERAPIST
Karen takes a creative approach when developing a treatment approach for her clients. She has worked in the field of recovery and co-occurring disorders since 1997. Prior to joining Morningside, Karen worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Karen enjoys working with a diverse group of clients who present with a wide range of ages and needs. Karen’s specialties include working with obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders, eating disorders, self-harm, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. She is trained in Somatic Experiencing and uses this along with Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral and Experiential Therapeutic approaches with her clients. Karen is a talented artist and enjoys sharing her expertise while leading therapeutic art sessions. Karen obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University. Karen also holds a Certificate from The Behavior Therapy Training Institute in St. Louis Missouri for treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She maintains memberships in the American Counseling Association, the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, The International OCD Foundation, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
Karen Alonso is also the author of the book Distinguish Yourself, a guide to deeper understanding of self, available here.
MELISSA BONDURANT, MA, MFTI
THERAPIST
Melissa has worked in the recovery field since 2006. Her passion for helping her clients discover new ways to approach their lives through recovery is driven by her belief that recovery is a process that encompasses every aspect of an individual’s life. Her goal is to inspire her clients to begin the journey of becoming the people they always wanted to be but never thought they could be. Her experience and education encompass addiction, mental illness, developmental delays, and women’s issues with an emphasis on disordered eating recovery. Melissa brings the disordered eating component to the Healthy Living Program at Morningside Recovery to offer both men and women a safe place to explore body image, self-esteem, and self-care. Her therapeutic approach stems from a background in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Bowenian Therapy (Family Systems). She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She is a Member of American Association for Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT).
GREGORY M. YOUNG, MS, MFTI
THERAPIST
Greg brings new light to the field of recovery. He utilizes a multi-dimensional approach in his counseling and therapeutic methods by incorporating science, spirituality, existentialism, Sandtray, dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. He believes that each client is unique and understands the emotional and physical pain co-occurring disorders inflict on the individual and their family. Greg’s ten years of experience with addiction and addictive-like behaviors adds insight and depth to his practice, which helps our clients gain a new perspective of life’s tribulations. Greg helps clients learn how to make safe, healthy transitions. In Greg’s own words:
“Awareness is the key to change. Without it, we routinely function using our maladaptive coping strategies that have proven to be harmful to ourselves and those around us. My awareness approach focuses on re-directing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that promote effective coping methods, a healthier outlook, and development of the tools necessary for long term recovery.”
Greg completed his undergraduate degree from the University of California Irvine’s Psychology and Social Behavior program graduating Summa Cum Laude, and earned a Master’s of Science in counseling degree from California State University Fullerton graduating Magna Cum Laude. Greg is also a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT) and is registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
ALLYSSA JAMES, MFTI
THERAPIST
Allyssa has worked in addiction and eating disorder recovery since 2006. She believes that recovery is possible with the willingness to embrace treatment, develop new coping mechanisms and support systems, and the openness to dive into therapy. Her goal is to instill hope in her clients and help them regain self-esteem and the belief that they can and deserve to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Her experience encompasses addiction, eating disorders, women’s issues and conduct disorder. Her therapeutic approach is a mix of both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Allyssa received her Master’s degree from Argosy University and she is a member of California Association of Marriage & Family Therapist (CAMFT), Orange County CAMFT, International Association of Eating Disorder Professional (IAEDP) and Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD).
JOEL EDWARDS, BS, WFR, CFR
DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
Joel has a personal zeal and deep appreciation for the addiction and recovery field. In his role as Director of Experiential Education, Joel organizes and facilitates equine therapy, art therapy, rock climbing, tai chi, Morningside Adventure Program, and much more. He leads hikes and ocean excursions, drawing upon local knowledge and prodigious energy. In addition to his work at Morningside, he leads the Refuge recovery ministry in Orange County working with men in all stages of addiction. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and went on to a successful career in management. His own triumph over addiction led him into the treatment field and allows him to provide empathy, support, and compassion for his clients. Joel has continued his education in drug and alcohol studies and enjoys his work as a counselor. He facilitates process as well as psycho-educational groups. In addition, he also provides one-on-one counseling with an emphasis on relapse prevention, family dynamics, and client motivation. With a healthy love for the outdoors, Joel can be found on the water, running, or with his wife walking their dog.
A.S. "Sandy" Giltinan, LAc
ACUPUNCTURIST
A graduate of the Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Sandy has worked as a licensed acupuncturist in private practice and in the recovery community for 10 years. He holds national board certification and state board certification in California, Oregon and Idaho. A former professional ski and kayak guide, Sandy brings his deep connection with the natural world into his approach, helping clients find wellness and energetic balance on their path to a whole, healthy and peaceful life.
JODY MARGOLIS, MS, RD
DIETITIAN
Jody Margolis has been dedicated to educating people on nutrition for over 14 years. She is a graduate of University of California, San Diego and hold’s a Masters Degree from Boston University in Human Nutrition and Metabolism. She is a Registered Dietitian and is certified by the American Dietetic Association in Child & Adolescent Weight Management. She has been on the Expert Panel for O.C. Parenting Magazine and speaks for national organizations on nutrition and wellness. In addition, Jody is a member of the California Dietetic Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As a valued team member of Morningside’s Healthy Living Program, Jody takes clients on educational shopping trips, teaches seminars, assists in meal planning and provides general nutrition advice. She also helps clients discover ways to find the long-term resources they need to accomplish their recovery goals.
Jody is committed to helping her clients by providing them with food and nutrition information they can trust. As a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) Jody helps you improve your eating habits to support a healthy life and teaches you how to break the cycle of disordered eating and addiction. She believes in making small changes to your diet that can help promote a lifetime of wellness. During counseling sessions she will empower you with nutrition knowledge, give you an individualized plan that is practical, and support you with words of encouragement to help you improve your body image. Jody believes that you truly are what you eat and will find which foods and lifestyle choices are right for you at any age.
PAUL PRIVETT, CADC
Case Manager
Paul feels that working in the recovery field is vital to his own recovery. He enjoys working with clients, helping them and sharing the common strength of sobriety. He believes there is nothing more rewarding than seeing people in crisis turn their lives around and start to see the best in themselves. In his daily rounds as a case manager at Morningside, Paul counsels, leads groups, and assists in treatment planning. Paul also works with Morningside's outpatient clients and is trained in The Matrix Model of Outpatient Addiction Treatment.
1Therapeutic services provided as Registered Psychological Assistant #PSB34350. Spvsr: Michele Saloner, PhD #PSY 11542
*Doctors Kaufman, Kumar, and Montano work with Morningside Recovery as consulting psychiatrists and physicians, not staff. Clients are free to make use of the services of any psychiatrist, physician, or prescriber, as well as receive second opinions, while in treatment.
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