Our Staff Team | Crownview Co-Occurring Institute

Alexandria Avalos, MSW, ACSW
Therapist

Alexandria is an Associate Clinical Social Worker working towards state licensure. Alexandria’s career began working with at risk children and adolescents with developmental, emotional, and behavior problems. Alexandria also has extensive experience working with current and formerly homeless individuals and their families, spending several years working for the Los Angeles County Social Services as well as with a nonprofit assisting families in the San Diego area that suffer from addiction and mental health issues obtain employment and permanent housing. Alexandria is passionate about helping her clients achieve self-empowerment and feel heard so they can go on to live healthy and productive lives, something working at Crownview allows her to do on a daily basis.

Alexandria graduated from Cal State LA with a B.A. in Social Work and went on to USC where she earned her Masters in Social Work.

Alexandria enjoys spending time with her family including her cat and dog. Originally from Los Angeles, Alexandria loves San Diego life.

Michelle Ertel
Director of Case Management

Michelle began her career in 1997 in Alcohol & Other Drugs Services after graduating California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources, acquiring her CADC II certification she continued her education through MARSTE Counseling Services. Over the course of her extensive career in non-profit organizations spanning over two decades, she has held various titles such as Shift Supervisor, Substance Abuse Counselor, Program Manager, and Program Director. Subsequently, as a result of her vast experience and knowledge in the field (but more importantly her compassionate heart), Michelle was recruited to the CCI team in February 2017. She initially joined the team as a Case Manager for one of CCI’s men’s houses, but due to her exceptional leadership skills Michelle was rapidly promoted to Director of CCI’s Case Management Services. Despite Michelle having held many titles throughout her career, she considered her greatest title being that of “Nana” to her 6 year old grandson.

Jovanna WigginsAdministrative Assistant

Jovanna was born and raised in Lancaster, CA and moved to Oceanside in 2011. She studied Special Education at CSUSM & WGU. Jovanna worked in the Special Education field for 5 years primarily working with students with autism and behavioral and learning disabilities. After becoming a licensed site supervisor, she managed a licensed childcare facility providing child development, vocational services and providing support to children and families of Oceanside.
After many of those close to her began to struggle with mental health and substance abuse it led her to a change in career where she could help those struggling with mental health and addiction. At Crownview Co-Occurring Institute, every day makes her feel like she is helping others and making a difference, even if it is in the smallest gestures. CCI is about acceptance and positive change. Working in an environment like CCI has been life-changing to Jovanna and those around her.

Kelly Schwarzer
Medical Assistant

Kelly was born in San Dimas, CA and has lived in southern California all her life. She moved to Oceanside in 2015 after living in the Inland Empire. She has been married for 25 years and has two amazing children. Kelly went to school at Concorde Career College for both her Medical Assistant and her Vocational Nursing diploma. She has been a medical assistant for 20 years and a vocational nurse for 10 years. She has worked in several different medical settings including instructing at a vocational school and as a health technician in an elementary school. Kelly has always had a strong passion to help and advocate for others. She has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field since 2016. After having several instances in her life that have involved some form of mental health or substance abuse issue, she felt this field calling to her. Working here at Crownview Co-Occurring Institute allows her to share her experience, strength and knowledge with our clients on a daily basis.

Brittany Iparaguirre
Associate Director of Operations

Brittany possesses a B.A. in Psychology from CSUSB and is currently working on her M.A. Brittany joined the team back in March 2015 and knew she found her passion on her first day of work. Brittany has held several positions at Crownview Co-Occurring Institute, such as: Support Staff, House Manager, and Associate Director of Operations. Brittany works closely with each department and client, ensuring all day to day needs are met. When Brittany is not at work, she is cheering on the Yankees, watching The Office, going to shows, and spending time with her family and friends.

Amy Thompson
Director of Human Resources

Amy studied business management, finance and accounting at Owens Collage in Toledo Ohio. Her education and aptitude for management eventually led her to finding a lucrative career as an Operations Director in various industries. In making the life changing decision to move to Encinitas, CA, eventually procuring a position as the Associate Operations Director for Crownview Co-Occurring Institute. Amy found not only a positive work environment but a family, as well as success using her true passion for recovery and her talents in business management. Amy has come to realize that working with others and helping clients on their own path in treatment and recovery has greatly enhanced her own. Amy believes she has found her true purpose at CCI.

Timothy Wieland
Medical Assistant

Tim was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2010 he enlisted in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman at age 18. In 2012 he did a combat tour in Afghanistan as a Combat Medic with the marine infantry unit 1st battalion 7th marines. His next tour of duty was in Naples, Italy as an emergency room team leader. In Naples Tim also got his EMT certification as well as designed, built, and taught the Combat Medicine course for the entire hospital. It was such a success that they began teaching the Army and Foreign military. Eventually he became the EMT instructor for the hospital as well. Finally, he deployed once more to Africa in 2016 with the marine infantry unit 1st battalion 4th marines. Tim was honorably discharged from the military in 2018 after 8 years of service. He was a full-time student for a time and decided to rejoin the work force. He has always been interested in psychiatry and applied to be a Medical Assistant at Crownview Co-Occurring Institute and was hired in December 2018.

Brieana Turner, MA, LMFT
Therapist

Brieana specializes in psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, and providing psychoeducation on healthy coping skills and teaching various life skills. She has an extensive background in working with teens and adults with severe emotional, mental and behavioral issues. She prides her work in establishing a safe environment, working one-on-one to promote healing of individual struggles, family relationships, alcohol and drug dependencies, and restoring healthy lifestyles. Her passion is seeing children, families and couples create strong, nurturing bonds that enable the healing process for all.   Brieana has an impressive resume including stints with various adult rehabilitation programs catering to co-occurring disorders, residential treatment programs for troubled youth as well as experience in local partial hospitalization programs. She holds a BA in Child and Adolescent Development: Youth and Family Services from San Francisco State University and a MA in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family therapy from National University.  Brieana enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, young daughter and two German Shepherds. She likes all things San Diego and cares about the well-being of the people in her community.

Stacy Morris
Administrative Coordinator

A native to San Diego, Stacy joined Crownview Co-Occurring Institute February 2017. She has been in the medical field since 1998, starting as a Certified Medical Assistant providing home health care, then transitioning into Office Management in specialties such as OB-Gyn, Chiropractic and Pain Management. Stacy has a passion and desire to help our community and increase awareness for our loved ones that are affected by addiction and mental health disorders.

Jeffrey Klein
Executive Director, CCI; CEO/President, Solutions in Recovery

After 11 years of experience in the field of Information Technology, Jeff was inspired to change careers as a result of his own experience with treatment and recovery in 2005. While completing his education in alcohol and other drug studies (AODS) at San Diego City College, he was hired at a long-term, residential treatment center for those suffering from severe psychiatric disorders and drug addiction. During his six year tenure, Jeff gained extensive experience in crisis intervention, case management and the overall treatment of co-occurring disorders. As Milieu Operations Director, he was instrumental in the development of the Chemical Dependency Department and was responsible for oversight of the company’s support staff and Housing and Admissions Departments.

In an effort to make treatment more accessible to those suffering from acute psychiatric symptoms, Jeff extracted tools and techniques being practiced in long-term psychiatric care and coupled them with his knowledge of standard chemical dependency interventions. This new and effective modality has since been adopted by the Intervention and Recovery Institute (IRI) in San Diego and continues to yield highly successful outcomes.

In 2013, Jeff was instrumental in reopening Pemarro Recovery Center, a sub-acute medical detoxification facility. While there, he worked diligently to build a comprehensive treatment program, focusing on providing clients a safe and effective detox and creating individualized transition plans to provide a structured path for clients to follow once they discharge.

In May 2014, Jeff Klein and Dr. Mark Melden met over lunch to discuss a new approach to meeting the large and growing need of services for those suffering from psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. Through meticulous planning, intense effort and the formation of great team, Crownview Co-occurring Institute and Solutions in Recovery have established a successful partnership, bringing hope, healing and restoration to many wounded lives.

David Dalton, Facility Operations Director
Housing Director

David was born in Los Angeles California and raised in Indiana. Eventually residing roots in North County San Diego. David enjoyed a long successful, yet unfulfilling, career in communications as a fiber optic technician. Through personal recovery, he discovered a true passion for helping others and while on his journey had the pleasure of encountering Director Team Members of Crownview Co-Occurring Institute. As David likes to tell the story, “I believe they saw something in me that I had never seen in myself”. The team requested that David come in to interview and the rest is history. David soon realized he had an intuitive ability to meet clients “where they are at”, by understanding the journey himself. David has held many positions at CCI with a humble beginning as support staff, quickly being promoted to house manager. David’s most recent promotion includes carrying the title of Housing Director, overseeing all House Managers and Residents. David has dedicated his personal and professional life to helping others. He believes this is the essence of recovery.

Alexis Weintraub, PsyD
Psychological Assistant

Ms. Weintraub earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently working to complete her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology. Ms. Weintraub has more than seven years of experience in providing client care in outpatient and inpatient settings. These venues include crisis intervention centers, psychiatric hospitals, and community agencies. Her expertise includes both short-term and long-term therapy with clients coping with: bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ms. Weintraub is also proficient in administering, interpreting, and writing psychological assessments. Most recently she has worked with the LGBT community to address sexuality and gender identity issues and addiction to methamphetamine. Ms. Weintraub is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, and Mindfulness. Ms. Weintraub is passionate about helping her clients gain the emotional tools to better understand what drives their behavior and that of their surrounding circumstances.

Brittany Perkins, MA, LMFT
Therapist

Brittany specializes in prolonged exposure trauma therapy and family systems work. Brittany has significant experience in working with various emotional and behavioral issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, family dynamic issues, substance abuse and severe mental illness all in a range of settings from schools and nonprofit programs to outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. The common denominator in most mental health and substance use issues is often times trauma. Brittany values getting to the core of the issue by helping clients address their trauma through one of the gold standard treatments for trauma: Prolonged Exposure Trauma Therapy. Brittany has a passion for instilling confidence and promoting self-compassion to aid in empowering clients to take control over their own recovery. Brittany wants to support all clients in building healthier relationships both with themselves and other people by providing hope, individualizing each client’s treatment, and utilizing various theoretical and systemic approaches.

Brittany graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Psychobiology and went on to USD to receive a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is active in her local CrossFit gym.

Rebecca McKnight, PsyD
Psychologist

Dr. McKnight earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at UCLA and received her Doctorate of Psychology in 2009 from Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, California. She has been licensed since 2010 and has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field at various locations and with different populations.

Some of her work and training experiences include individual therapy, couples therapy, inpatient and partial hospitalization treatment, correctional (prison) psychology, PTSD study for the VA and long-term therapy and psychological evaluations with adolescents and adults. Dr. McKnight is a trauma specialist and is trained in Prolonged Exposure therapy.

Most recently she worked with active duty military personnel at the Mental Health Clinic at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton from 2012-2014. She has maintained her own private practice since 2009 because she is passionate about therapy and psychological testing.

Dr. McKnight treats adolescents and adults and provides individual and couples therapy as well as psychological evaluations. In her practice, Dr. McKnight focuses on a whole-person approach and incorporates CBT and mindfulness into her practice. Currently, she has dedicated her career to full-time private practice with clients at Crownview Medical Group and Crownview Co-Occurring Institute.

John P. Flores, SUDCC-IV-CS, CADC II
Compliance Director

John was born and raised in San Diego. He is a certified addictions treatment counselor and clinical supervisor. J.P. has 14 years of experience working in the field of addiction and co-occurring disorders. He studied psychology, forensic addiction treatment and AOD studies at UCSD and Los Angeles City College. He specializes in facilitating process groups, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and community building. JP has extensive experience working with the criminal justice, Native American and Female populations. Before finding his way to CCI, JP was the clinical supervisor of a Therapeutic Community and substance abuse program in Vista California. Having gone through treatment himself, JP pursued a career in the field of addiction. “I love what I do because someone took the time to help me many years ago, I’m just giving back what was given to me”.

John Flores has earned the internationally-awarded Master Level Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor and Clinical Supervisor (SUDCC-IV-CS) certification from CADTP; and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II) certificate from CCAPP.

Jordan Granata, PsyD
Psychologist, Therapist

Jordan is a PsyD who comes from an in-depth background of psychology specializing in active hands-on and real-time oriented techniques utilizing a broad spectrum of classic and modern oriented therapeutic approaches. He also has significant experience in working with addiction, along with being certified in drug and alcohol studies. The core belief behind Jordan’s work with clients is to gain internal freedom, confidence, insight and deeper self-awareness through collaborative communication with clients and learning to adapt to each individual’s learning style and different forms of communicating. Working towards the goal of corresponding with the client in a manner that best suits each unique individual, tailoring the treatment to meet their specific therapeutic needs.

Jordan impresses upon each client’s self-empowerment, internal freedom, self awareness and peace of mind through equipping clients with the personalized skills of self-introspection, mental/emotional mindfulness, and communication skills. Aside from mental and emotional processing Jordan also teaches classes regarding psychoeducation and pharmacology.

Jordan completed his undergraduate B.S. in psychology at California Coast University, his drug and alcohol certification at U.C. Santa Cruz, and his Graduate Doctoral education at Ryokan College.

Mark Melden, DO/DABPN
Psychiatrist, CEO/President of Crownview Co-Occurring Institute

Dr. Melden earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Philadelphia College Osteopathic Medicine and went to USC Presbyterian Hospital for his residency in Family Medicine. He then completed his Psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine and went to UCSD Geropsychiatry pursuing a fellowship. Dr. Melden has over 14 years of experience as a clinician specializing in treating child and adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. He has devoted his life to psychiatry in a variety of different treatment settings including in- patient and out-patient environments. He specializes in the psychiatric evaluation, complementary therapy approaches, and medical management of individuals suffering from mental illness. Currently, he maintains a private practice with Crownview Medical Group in Coronado and Carlsbad, California where he is CEO/President.

Dr. Melden is a dedicated medical professional who provides a spectrum of services from general care to specialized state-of-the-art treatment. He is committed to providing specialized and individualized services with a comprehensive treatment plan for each client he treats. Dr. Melden believes the optimal way to provide excellent care is through continued attention and maintenance.

Nathan Kuemmerle, MD
Psychiatrist

Dr. Nathan Kuemmerle graduated from UC Irvine-College of Medicine with General Adult Psychiatry Residency training in Los Angeles. He has trained extensively in UCLA, Cedar-Sinai, VA and L.A. County systems. As an outpatient psychiatrist, Dr. Kuemmerle has worked extensively in California, including Downtown Los Angeles, Northern California, South Central, West L.A., and now Carlsbad.

Dr. Kuemmerle has been in actual private practice for five years and has continued to stay updated in the latest and best medical treatments for all psychiatric diagnoses. Dr. Kuemmerle was born in San Diego, lived locally, and attended Torrey Pines High School in Del Mar, California.

Laura Hopper, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Laura Hopper is an experienced psychologist with a strong background in psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, including the speciality of working with retired athletes. She has an extensive background in diagnostic and treatment planning, and in vocational testing. She has worked closely with our family interventions and both individual and group therapy programs, and participates in CCI’s weekly treatment team meetings to stay current with all facets of the cases she is involved with. Coming from a successful private practice and with a strong academic background, her work in our team setting has been highly effective.

Laura’s clinical understanding of cognitive and behavioral therapies, competency assessments, psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies, and juvenile delinquency issues give her a range of skills that enhance the success opportunities of each case she is involved with.

Her academic credentials include a BS in Psychology, with emphasis on Law and Criminal Behavior; a MS in Clinical Psychology, both from California Lutheran University, and a Ph.D. from Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology.

Milena Dun, PhD
Psychologist

Dr. Dun earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2010 from Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, California. She became licensed in 2016, and has more than 10 years of clinical experience working with various populations and with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. She has experience in providing care in outpatient and inpatient settings, including crisis intervention centers, hospitals, and community agencies.

Dr. Dun is trained in long-term as well as short-term interventions, including psychodynamic therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She has tended patients with various clinical needs, such as relational stress, attachment issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, severe mental illness, substance use, psychological distress related to chronic medical illness, personality dysfunction, academic and developmental issues. Dr. Dun has experience with working with adults of various ages, as well as with adolescents, and provides individual, family, couples, and group treatment.

Presently, Dr. Dun is dedicated her time to working with clients at Crownview Co-Occurring Institute. Dr. Dun is bi-lingual and offers services in English and Russian.

Joanne Talbot-Miller, M.A., LMFT
Therapist

Joanne Talbot Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a background in crisis intervention. Joanne began her career as an MFT working in an emergency shelter program for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking with substance abuse and severe mental health issues. Joanne has provided individual and group therapy within residential and outpatient transitional housing programs. She has facilitated groups on domestic violence education, safety planning, anger management, communication, substance abuse, prevention, and independent living. She has worked on a crisis hotline for students providing suicide assessments, suicide prevention and support to transitional age youth. Joanne provided crisis counseling and helped students connect with services such as drug and alcohol treatment, emergency housing, and mental health treatment.

Joanne’s career has a strong behavioral background working with children and adolescents with developmental, emotional, and behavior problems. Working with the whole family Joanne taught strategies to improve behavior, family functioning, and alleviate daily stress in the home.

Joanne brings an integrative approach to therapy that brings together the affective, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological levels of functioning. This approach helps individuals gain insight into themselves, and reduces unhealthy, dysfunctional defense mechanisms and patterns of behavior.

Joanne graduated from the University of Luton in England and continued her education earning her Master’s Degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix.

Kathleen McCarrick, MSW, LSW
Therapist

Kathleen is a licensed social worker with an 18-year background in acute psychiatric care and crisis intervention. Her highly respected private practice in psychotherapy, for individual clients and in group settings, gives her the depth and range of direct experience to assess, identify and treat multiple psychiatric issues. Among her professional strengths are her problem solving and decision making skills, intervention capabilities, treatment plan development, and effective communication with family members of her clients. She also has an extensive background in discharge planning and community resources. She served ten years at Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital as a social case worker.

One of her passions is advocating for women victimized by domestic violence, with many years of front-line service as a domestic violence advocate. She has served as advocate at the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as a Crisis Pregnancy Hotline volunteer during her school years, and as a Drop-In Center Crisis Counselor. Kathleen has received numerous awards for service excellence. Her academic background includes a MS as Social Worker from Widener University in Chester, PA.

Christina Lam, N.P.
Nurse Practitioner

Christina Lam is dedicated Nurse Practitioner with years of nursing experience. Her background is in psychiatry, emergency, and critical care. She is a skilled communicator who is professional, personal, and very adaptable. She is self-motivated with energy, initiative, and focus. She has a keen insight into the needs and views of others. She is able to listen and identify issues or problem areas and form innovative solutions.

Christina Lam graduated from University of San Diego. She is board certified as a nurse practitioner. She specializes in Children, Adult, Family, and Geriatric psychiatry.

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