Meet Our Team
“Words cannot describe how thankful I am for having a devoted team, more like my family, to help me fulfill my vision. I could not have accomplished my dream of assisting treatment centers in creating productive members of society without their dedication. I am honored and so proud!”
Kimberly Lou - Integrative Life Mentor - CDAC III - Ph.D, Intern
Kimberly Lou is an integrative life mentor who coaches top CEOs, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and world-class athletes around the world. She helps them accelerate and thrive, through mental focus, emotional fitness and physical training. Her approach is perfect for people looking for more than just standard life-coaching, in order to excel at the maximum level of their ability.
Kimberly Lou’s own story was one of addiction, eating disorders, and professional and personal burnout. But she changed the story of her life and believes that every person has that same ability to take control of their own story. As a result of her success, Kimberly has appeared on E! Entertainment, MTV, HBO, ESPN, MSNBC, and ShowTime, among many others. But her greatest joy in life is acting silly with her daughter, Summer.
“Being a part of Guiding Hands Healthcare has provided me with the privilege of offering compassion, inspiring hope, and teaching others the necessary skills to overcome their current circumstances. They teach you the essential skills needed for the field, but they also provide support every step of the way. I feel like I am home.”
Andrea Barrero – Director Of Operations
Andrea Barrero is an RADT certified practitioner, an experienced professional in customer service and operations. She has worked in the customer service industry for the past 7 years. Delivering on quality satisfaction, retention, and experience. She has two Associates Degrees in Business and Architecture. She has a passion for inspiring others and providing quality service.
Andrea has enormous compassion for people going through life’s challenges and transitions, and feels privileged to work with those who are seeking support by helping them with art. She has trained in using the creative process to explore the conscious and unconscious, discovering feelings and experiences where there are no words. With the focus being on the process and materials, art therapy does not require art skill or experience. She creates the space to safely process, without judgement, and nurtures the courage to be imperfect.
To practice her own self-care, Andrea enjoys spending time outdoors with family, friends, and her furry baby (Koa). She enjoys yoga, spending time at the beach, reading and traveling the world.
“Guiding Hands Healthcare is incredible! The workplace culture offers what I’ve been missing over the past few years. I’m excited and pumped!”
Maggie DeCaro - HR
Maggie DeCaro has been employed at Guiding Hands Healthcare as a human resources administrator since 2022. Having worked mostly in mental health and addiction treatment for several organizations, she is very familiar with compensation, payroll, recruiting, and staff training. She is particularly experienced in the areas of strategic advice and directing complex administrative functions within treatment organizations, developing company culture, and mediating disputes.
Outside of work, Maggie enjoys everything outdoors and can be found kayaking, boating, hiking, and spending time with her two grandchildren.
“I’m proud to be a part of Guiding Hands Healthcare because I have the opportunity to share a new perspective of healing with people in need. Additionally, Guiding Hands Healthcare allows me to engage with clients and better understand how to serve them in their times of need.”
Bryan Aleman – RADT - CDAC Intern
Bryan dropped out of high school at the age of 15. He associated with negative influences and was placed into a recovery treatment center. Unfortunately, when Bryan was released, he began using drugs immediately and, as a result, became homeless. Bryan attributed this experience to a negative belief system, one that said he was “not enough” and that the world was a cruel place. It wasn’t until he experienced a nasty breakup and then witnessed his brother’s addiction, as well as that of other close relatives, that he was given the gift of desperation, accepted his recovery, and changed the story of his life; he then devoted his life to helping others who wanted to sustain their own recovery.
As a fitness professional, Bryan Aleman believes that physical fitness and mental health go hand in hand. Trained and well versed in the Pranayama breathing technique (Breathworks), Bryan aspires to help individuals in need through his personal experiences in life and group facilitating skills. Bryan is passionate about his practice and its benefits because he has the opportunity to support clients through hard times in their recovery and guide them to a new way of living. As an artist, Bryan believes it is never too late to make your life a masterpiece.
“I chose to work with Guiding Hands Healthcare because I could see that the team is hardworking, and they genuinely care not only about clients but also about supporting the treatment center staff. As we all know, working in this field can be challenging. However, I love the way they support me and how we encourage one another.”
Adam Leiter – RADT - CDAC Intern
Adam is an RADT certified practitioner, a certified yoga instructor, group fitness instructor, and life coach. Adam has personal experience in recovery from addiction. And his journey has inspired him to grow as a leader as a healer and to be of service to others. Adam is honored to work with people from all walks of life on their journey out of addiction and he finds it extremely rewarding to bring value and assistance to clients as they move forward with their lives. In his spare time Adam likes to work out, swim, cycle, play sports, practice yoga,
I believe you can’t keep what you have unless you give it away. I chose Guiding Hands Healthcare because I love how they are a company of service. They genuinely care about not only the clients but the staff at each treatment center as well.
Joshua Martin - M.S. Industrial Psychology - CDAC
Joshua was a medic and then a paramedic with the Marines. Through this experience, he developed unresolved PTSD and realized very quickly that if he didn’t learn to heal this, he would lose everything. As a result, he achieved his M.S. in industrial Psychology and CDAC to help himself and others who struggle with PTSD and addiction. When Joshua is not working, he enjoys intense exercise and traveling with his family and friends.
Cecily Renteria –Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Cecily Renteria is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #113224) under the supervision of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Erin Lae (LMFT #52711) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Amy Field (LMFT #50105). She brings nearly 20 years of experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds in various community non-profit agencies.
Cecily has been supporting adolescents, teens, and adults as a therapist since 2017. She holds the therapeutic relationship and views her healing work with clients as sacred. Her experience includes working with a wide range of presenting issues, including anger management, anxiety and depression, LGBTQIA+, recovery, substance use disorders, and trauma and PTSD.
In 2019, Cecily graduated with her Masters in Counseling Psychology, emphasizing Marriage and Family Therapy, Profession Clinical Counseling, and Depth Psychology. She approaches her work with clients with empathy and compassion. She uses various modalities through a depth-oriented lens, which includes using metaphor, myth, symbols/archetypes, and dreams and images to inform her work with clients.
“Guiding Hands genuinely cares for their clients, and the support team is amazing.”
Andre Buggs – CATC 1
My name is Andre Buggs; I am a CATC 1 and have worked in the behavioral health field since 2015. I have a passion for helping people who are dealing with addiction/mental health. I am truly excited to join everyone here at Guiding Hands Healthcare and I look forward to bring understanding, compassion, and confidence helping others.
“Guiding Hands Healthcare has helped me love who I am, flaws and all. I feel that I have a sense of purpose that I have struggled to find. It feels great to be appreciated and a part of something that cares unconditionally.”
Kris Reindel – RADT - PsyD Intern
Kristen is a RADT facilitator whose focus in life is to promote and protect the mental health of all those in her care as well as ensure the positive well-being of their future. Kristen currently works with Guiding Hands part-time in the morning but spends her evening providing support and care to foster youths to help these kids overcome their mental/physical obstacles to be able to enjoy the life they deserve to have. Kristen has overcome her own mental health struggles and wants to be able to help individuals find their own purpose in life. Kristen enjoys being outside, reading, and remaining active in her free time.
Figuring out our purpose in life is one of the most difficult challenges in life. Although I am not 100% sure what my true purpose is, I am 100% certain that I was created to serve people. I will give my best and above to help people achieve a greater sense of mental wellness. I am for the people.
Ronal Ochoa – Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
The people who know me describe me as an empathetic, compassionate, and warm person. I will walk through hell and back with you. I will try my hardest to help you in any way I can because that’s who I am. I am a servant out on a mission to serve others. I play soccer on the weekends and enjoy working out. I am driven by adventures.
“I am simply amazed that I have the privilege of helping others stay motivated and letting them know they are not alone and that it is okay to be uncomfortable to get comfortable.”
Cheryl Williams – RADT - CDAC Intern
I am Cheryl Williams; I have my RADT certification, and I am currently working as a case manager to complete my hours to finish my CADT. Before this enlightened career change, I was an experienced professional in accounting and business management for over 30 years.
After years of struggling with addiction silently. In 2020, I decided to make a change and go to treatment and discover my true love. I realized I wanted to help others like myself. Especially with the various barriers they encounter when seeking treatment, whether it be emotional, cultural, or personal.
I believe everyone deserves to be healthy and happy and learn to love themselves despite past decisions. I believe we are all strong survivors and can get through anything with support.
I am thankful and excited to have the opportunity to work with Guiding Hands Healthcare.
Natasha Fahti R.D., RADT
As a young girl, Natasha grew up in a health-conscious household. Most dinner table conversations revolved around the nutritional value of food. As a result, Natasha chose Nutrition in college and graduated with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the California State University of Long Beach.
She also completed her dietetics internship program, working with hospital patients, and has worked in hospital settings for the past four years. Natasha is super passionate about what she does and is excited to positively share her experience to impact and promote healthy living and lifestyle through Nutrition.
As a result of being in treatment myself and experiencing Kimberly Lou’s groups first-hand, I wanted to join her team and be in a supportive community like Guiding Hands Healthcare.
Mercedes Miller – RADT - Certified Yoga Instructor and Nutrition Coach
Through her struggles with anxiety and depression, Mercedes developed an appreciation for the mind-body connection. As a result, she became a certified yoga instructor and began school in holistic nutrition because food is her medicine, and medicine is her food. Today she is committed to sharing what she has learned through her journey and hopes to be a beacon like so many were for her. In her free time, she likes gardening, exercising, and playing with her puppies outdoors.
“The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. Guiding Hands Healthcare provides me the space to do what I love and teach groups that come from my heart.”
Bo Syrotiak – Ph.D, Occupational Therapist
Bo Syrotiak is a licensed occupational therapist (#OT9987) passionately engaged in wellness promotion and preventive healthcare. She chose to become an occupational therapist because of its holistic approach to healthcare. Integrative medicine, such as mindfulness practices, is at the core of her life and work.
In 2021, Bo earned her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Her research centered on community-based program development for retiring first responders. In her research, Bo suggested that healthy habits, routines, and rituals help cope with adverse events associated with life transitions and change. As a result, she encourages healthy habit-building to obtain life-long health and wellness.
Bo is also a certified yoga teacher. As a long-time yoga practitioner, she recognized that yoga successfully helped her manage stress and anxiety. Therefore, meditation, breathwork, and postures are part of her daily yoga practice. Since 2003, she has guided many participants to improve their physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being.
When Bo is not working, she enjoys photography, plant-based meals, and the company of her cat, Gigi, and two parakeets, Ocean and Sky. Daily contemplative practices and nature walks fill her soul with peace and strength. Her core values are authenticity, integrity, and faith. Being of service to others in a family-like work setting at Guiding Hands makes Bo truly happy.
Working with Guiding Hands Healthcare affords me the opportunity to exercise my passion for group counseling, and reach as many Clients as possible with the most effective strategies for overcoming mental health and addiction issues.
Marissa Cahill - CDAC-CAS - B.A. Psychology
Marissa is a Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor with CCAPP and has over 8 years experience in the field of substance abuse treatment. Through her own journey of recovery from addiction and mental health, Marissa has a unique gift and passion for relating to Clients in their pain and providing helpful guidance in their healing journey. She also has her bachelors degree in Psychology from Biola University, is a long time resident of San Diego County and enjoys surfing and serving others in her spare time.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group of people at guiding hands healthcare. I joined because I want to be a part of a team that cares deeply about what they do and the people they get to help.”
Sean Scanlon - RADT
Sean is a registered RADT counselor, having spent six years at Hazelden-Betty Ford in his hometown of Chicago, IL. He is also a certified Physical Education teacher and has extensive experience leading health and wellness groups.
He is a dedicated and passionate group facilitator with 18 years of sobriety and six years in an ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics). He has extensive experience and dedication to helping recovering alcoholics and addicts change their lives and free themselves from the grip of addiction.
In his free time, he enjoys his new hometown of San Diego by paddle boarding, hiking, and spending lots of time at the beach.
“Guiding Hands has given me the platform to help others in a loving and safe environment. The staff challenges me to be better and supports me in every way. Guiding hands care for their staff and clients in a genuine way I have never seen in a company before.”
Charlotte Belmont - RADT
Charlotte is RADT certified and in school to obtain her BA in Psychology and CDAC. Most of her life has been centered around suffering from eating disorders, addiction, and mental health issues. One day she decided to move to California for treatment and find a healthy way of living.
Her passion is working with others and learning from their hearts. Charlotte’s goal is to give back and help others in their personal journey to happiness and self-love.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group of people at guiding hands healthcare. I joined because I want to be a part of a team that cares deeply about what they do and the people they get to help.”
Liz Saucier-Johnson - RADT - Group Facilitator - BA Interdisciplinary Arts and Science
Coming Soon
“Guiding Hands genuinely cares for their clients, and the support team is amazing.”
Linda Critelli - RADT
Love is the Key ❤
I have been in this career for over five years and enjoy being that cheerful voice to encourage individuals who have had a challenging life. Life is a journey, and you will have some positive and negative aspects. However, you can overcome anything if you do not give up. There is always better for you if you believe.
“I am honored to be a part of Guiding Hands Healthcare team because of the passion and commitment they have towards helping people. They give me the opportunity to embrace what I love to do the most, which is bringing the healing arts into people’s lives.”
Danica Teysser - M.A. Expressive Arts Therapy - SUDRC
Having a unique Master of Arts degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from the European Graduate School I have training in all five main art disciplines. I specialize in using them intermodality. As an expressive arts therapist I am passionate about promoting themes of self-esteem and acceptance in my work with others. I emphasize on holding a non-judgmental safe space where people feel free to openly express themselves.
Guiding Hands affords me the opportunity to work in an area I’m passionate about: community mental health. I am honored to be a part of a caring team of skilled clinicians who genuinely value their clients.
Rebekah Rose - M.A. Community Counseling & Ph.D, Student
Rebekah Rose is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor under the supervision of Kevin Belcastor, LMFT. From a young age, she knew she belonged in a helping role, which was solidified in college. Her clinical and research interests include intergenerational trauma, attachment theory, spiritual abuse, and psychoanalysis. When she is not working or spending time with her 9-year-old son, Rebekah enjoys music, improvisation, reading, dance, and listening to podcasts.
Working with Guiding Hands Healthcare affords me the opportunity to exercise my passion for group counseling, and reach as many Clients as possible with the most effective strategies for overcoming mental health and addiction issues.
Marie Capizzi - M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Growing up with neglect, abuse, domestic violence and poverty, Marie knows what it’s like to deny, repress, and misinterpret long held stories of family trauma influencing critical beliefs and impacting a series of maladaptive behaviors that made it difficult to find joy in everyday life. Through spiritual practice, a variety of therapies and, most significantly, through artistic endeavors, Marie learned that the stress we experience depends more on how well we control attention than on what happened to us. Art made it possible for Marie to move out of mental rumination, cut through stuckness, gain confidence, connect directly to Self and thrive with authenticity and hope. Marie invites clients to slow down, make mindful art, find the flow, and reclaim the kindest, boldest, most loving version of themself. Counseling with creativity can be the container to remove blocks through “aha” moments, tap into intuition, build a solid inner relationship, so as to process through difficult stuff in a gentle but powerful way,
Marie is a trained facilitator of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, and she has helped to bring about meaningful change through individual and group therapy by utilizing such evidence based modalities as Internal Family Systems, Pesso Boyden Psychotherapy (psychodrama), Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Guiding Hands Healthcare offers me the opportunity to do what I love which is facilitating groups.
Eduardo Farias - CDAC III - M.S. Social Work Intern
I am Eduardo Farias; I dedicated my life to helping other especially those that are forgotten or in the most of need. I have my CATC III and B.S. Sociology- Social Work while currently working towards my MSW at USC. I have worked in treatment providing counseling for first responders, parolees, prisoners, and those experiencing homelessness. I have facilitated for many years in all types of curriculums many focusing on co-occurring disorders. I currently am working full time as a Journey Counselor III in California Institute for Men (CIM), facilitating 6-hour groups and case management.