Treatment Team
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Benjamin Kaneaiakala III, BSB/M, MBA
Mr. Kaneaiakala has been working in the field of substance abuse and mental health for 21 years as a substance abuse counselor and administrator of addiction treatment programs. He is currently in his 4th year of a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership (DM) degree. With 21 years of substance abuse treatment experience, Ben is among the most qualified in the treatment field, today, providing unparalleled leadership, management, and consultation to treatment teams and the clients they serve. He is passionate about helping people attain the quality of life they desire.
Independent Physicians
ADDICTION PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Valeh Karimkhani, DO
Dr. Valeh Karimkhani is a psychiatrist, who specializes in Addiction Psychiatry. She is equally expert in the treatment of substance abuse Co-Occurring Disorders, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, among others. After completing her medical/psychiatric education in Texas, Dr. Karimkhani became a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado. She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
ADDICTIONOLOGIST
Dr. Kenneth Gheysar, MD
Dr. Gheysar, is an addiction medicine specialist, certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASA M). Dr. Gheysar holds medical degrees, with honors, from U.C.L.A. and U.C.I., and a residency at U.S.C. He has over 12 years of specialized experience in treating patients with addictions and other related illnesses.
MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
Charlene Manley
Ms. Manley has a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of South Carolina, where she was an All American, Division I athlete. She also has a two-year degree in Paramedic Science from TMCC/UNR. She worked for ten years as a paramedic, and 6 years as a flight paramedic. Charlene is an EMS instructor, who teaches EMT classes and CPR BCLS/ACLS to health care professionals, as well as to the public for The American Heart Association. She is also a clinical researcher for the University of California at San Francisco and the University of Southern California. She is an expert in chemical detoxification.
Psychologist / Therapists / Counselors
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Jocelyn Francisco, PsyD #PSY22249
Dr. Francisco is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who has is experienced in treating Dual Diagnosis issues, mood disorders - including depression and bipolar episodes, thought disturbances - including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, as well as behavioral disturbances that impair social functioning.Her expertise lies in providing an integrated treatment approach to not only addiction, but also co-occuring disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder and Eating Disorders.
THERAPIST
Dr. Kathy Thielen, PsyD #PSB35834
Dr. Thielen holds both a Masters and a Doctorate degree in clinical psychology. She specializes in trauma recovery, substance abuse treatment, anxiety disorders, art/music therapy and meditation and relaxation techniques. Dr. Thielen has worked with those suffering with addiction and trauma issues for over 10 years.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR / CASE MANAGER
John Mallett, CATC
John Mallett has over 16 years of addiction counseling experience. He is a graduate of Saddleback College Drug and Alcohol Studies. John is a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor with the State Of California and a member of the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators. He has developed unique, progressive treatment protocols that promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the causes of addiction and the corresponding necessary actions required to attain and maintain recovery. In his 16 years of treatment experience, John has been a member of some of the finest addiction treatment teams in the country. For the past 30 years, John has flourished in his own active recovery.
Adjunct Professionals
ACUPUNCTURIST / HERBALIST
Kate Fennelly, LAC
Kate Fennelly is a California State licensed acupuncturist and herbalist practicing in Orange County. She is a certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and uses the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NA DA) Auricular (ear) Protocol. She specializes in pain management, substance abuse, addiction recovery, detoxification and rehabilitation. Kate has also studied and continues to utilize Vipassana Meditation and is a Reiki practitioner.
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Sharon Hardy, RD/CDE
Sharon Hardy completed her degree in Nutritional Sciences from California State University, and her graduate work at Hoag Memorial Hospital, Newport Beach. Sharon specializes in medical nutrition therapy for those suffering with chemical dependency and other issues.
ACTIVITIES THERAPIST
Usha Delorme, MSW
Usha Delorme, MSW was born and raised in Mumbai, India, where she earned a Master's Degree in Social Work, the focus of which was drug intake general effects. Usha is a Registered Instructor with Yoga Alliance and has been a professional Yoga instructor for years. Additionally, Usha has extensive education and experience in Eastern holistic philosophy, integrating the mind, body and spirit, through the practice of meditation, restorative breathing, other complimentary physical activities, as well as therapeutic art.
LIFE COACH / SPIRITUAL THERAPIST
Mack Harris
Mack is a certified professional life coach, specializing in life transitions, marriage coaching, pre-marriage education, personal and spiritual growth, and vision development. He is also certificated by the state of California as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse. Mack is an ordained minister with over 17 years of experience in pastoral counseling and care. He is the current director of pastoral care and counseling in a large local church and congregation. Mack is passionate about helping people to integrate successful spiritual principles with their real life issues.
FOUNDER
Derik Brian
Derik Brian is the founder and owner of Miramar Recovery. Miramar Health, his behavioral health care company, comprises Miramar Recovery and the Eating Disorder Center of Newport Beach, as well. Derik's in depth understanding of addiction, both through personal and familial experience, lead him to create an addiction and dual diagnosis treatment program that is among the finest in the field, today.