Meet Our Team
Quote: “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 -Health Coach-CADC III-Ph.D, Student
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.
Quote: “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 – Executive Director
Quote: “Guiding Hands Healthcare provides a community of support for their staff, unlike any other company. This position has offered me the tools necessary to thrive, and I am truly grateful to be part of their mission. They are not just treating conditions but transforming lives.”
Brianna de Loach – Director Of Operations
Brianna de Loach is a RADT-certified practitioner with extensive experience in the field of customer service and administration. She has two associate degrees in Psychology and Liberal studies and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with dreams of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. Brianna has a passion for helping others work through difficult emotional experiences and has felt firsthand the painful consequences of mental illness.
Brianna believes healing comes from a holistic approach incorporating therapy, movement, diet, and mindfulness practices. She hopes to impact the healing community with this approach when she becomes a licensed therapist. Brianna enjoys engaging clients in experiential groups that empower them to tap into their creativity and nurture their inner voice. Brianna likes to rejuvenate in her spare time by hiking, doing yoga, crafting, writing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Quote: “I knew I had to work with Guiding Hands Healthcare, because I see how much they care about their employees wellbeing and try to protect them from burning out. I can’t think of another company who does that.”
Christina Galindo – Operations Assistant
Christina brings a wealth of expertise from the realm of customer service, with six years of invaluable experience in healthcare and administration. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, Christina is deeply committed to engaging with individuals from all different walks of life. Her personal journey with mental health challenges fuels her dedication to assisting others in triumphing over their own hurdles.
With a holistic approach to healing, Christina firmly believes that through mindfulness and mental resilience, individuals can lead their own path toward fulfillment and joy. In her free time, you can find her reading, playing guitar, and doing yoga.
Quote: “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 - CADC 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.
Quote: “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 - CADC Intern
Adam is a certified RADT practitioner, yoga instructor, group fitness instructor, and life coach. His personal experience in addiction recovery has inspired him to grow as a leader, healer and to be of service to others. He is honored to work with people from all walks of life on their journey out of addiction, finding it extremely rewarding to bring value and assistance to clients as they move forward with their lives. In his spare time, Adam enjoys exercising, swimming, cycling, playing sports, and practicing yoga.
Quote: “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 - CADC
Joshua’s journey began as a medic and later a paramedic with the Marines, where he gained invaluable experience. However, this path also led to the development of unresolved PTSD. Recognizing the urgency of healing, Joshua pursued his CDAC license and M.S. in industrial Psychology, not only to help himself but also others grappling with PTSD and addiction. Outside of his work, Joshua finds comfort in intense exercise and traveling with his family and friends.
Cecily Renteria –Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Quote: “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 allows me to do what I love and teach groups that come from my heart.”
Tatum Mayers – ACSW
Since 2018, Tatum has been working in the mental health field, providing support to a wide range of clientele that includes newly postpartum mothers, veterans, children, adolescents, and adults.
She helps clients develop emotional regulation and communication skills, while also integrating mindfulness practice. Her approach is grounded in a holistic, down-to-earth, and practical manner, emphasizing on leaning into clients’ strengths to help them achieve their goals and overall well-being. While being well-versed in various therapy modalities, Tatum excels in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the Hawaii Pacific University program.
Quote: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.”
Rebekah Felleke - ACSW
Quote: “Teachable moments present themselves every day in behavioral health settings. Working with Guiding Hands allows me to encounter these moments and nurture them into opportunities for growth.”
Libby Prior - CADC-I
Libby Prior is a CADC-certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy from Pepperdine University. Libby practices a compassionate, non-judgmental counseling approach with our clients and integrates experiential elements into her group sessions. She uses motivational interviewing to guide our clients through their unique internal processes and to foster inspiration for sustainable behavioral change. She knows firsthand that recovery is possible and strives to share knowledge and resources to help empower others on the path to wellness. Libby enjoys yoga, paddle boarding, and exploring National Parks in her free time.
Quote: “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.”
Sarah Reed - RADT-Certified Yoga Instructor-Reiki Practitioner and CADC Intern
Sarah Reed has been through her own treatment for an eating disorder and again a few years later for alcohol addiction. She has also overcome both anxiety and depression. While experiencing her treatment, Sarah had the most amazing facilitators, who forever positively touched her life. As a result, she genuinely believes facilitating groups is exactly what she is meant to do. She hopes to share her strength, hope, and kindness with as many people as possible.
Quote: “I chose GHH because of its mission to heal the mind, body, and soul.”
Gloria Saadeh - APCC
My name is Hala Saadeh, and I graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. I have a strong passion for advocating for mental health and supporting clients’ journey of recovery.
Quote: “My personal experience has fueled my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Tammy Steward-Nelson - CADC II
With over 15 years of experience in behavioral health care, I am wholeheartedly committed to guiding individuals toward sobriety and cultivating self-love. This mission holds deep personal significance for me, having tragically lost both my parents to addiction. My personal experience has fueled my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. I am passionate about helping individuals break free from addiction’s hold and uncovering their innate resilience and self-worth
Quote: “I’m so excited to be on board with Guiding Hands Healthcare. I believe this organization provides excellent service and genuinely cares for the population that we serve.”
Albert Perez – SUDCC II
“Quote: My “Why” is sharing a message of hope and showing people that they don’t have to “hurt” any longer. .”
Troy Talbert, RADT, CADC
Intern, Marathoner
Dr. Steven Hobson - Ph.D, Social Work - SUDCC Certified
Dr. SL Hobson, Ph.D., MSW, CCSP, SUDC IV, is a highly experienced mental health practitioner who has spent decades championing comprehensive mental health services in various professional settings. His expansive career spans law enforcement, education, and residential care, as well as a variety of therapeutic modalities, thus showcasing his versatility and adaptability in tackling mental health challenges.
Dr. Hobson’s extensive training and certifications underline his dedication to the mental health field. He is a Certified Supervisor for CCAPP, Board Diplomat for NAFC, Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, and holds numerous other prestigious accreditation. His massive clinical group hours highlight his hands-on experience and dedication to the patient’s well-being.
Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Hobson’s commitment to advocating for mental health on an organizational level is commendable. He also engages with the California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth.
Quote: “Guiding Hands genuinely cares for their clients, and the support team is amazing.”
Madison Meyer - AMFT
Madison Meyer is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family therapy from Touro University Worldwide. Madison has completed numerous hours working for community mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers focusing on substance abuse, and has had an established life coaching practice since 2018. He focused his experience on supporting individuals experiencing a variety of symptoms and provided the understanding of the origin of behaviors, as well as coping skills to encourage clients to continue their journey in mental health. He also has experience-supporting couples restore trust and common ground. Has been trained in a variety of different therapeutic modalities which allow him to focus on providing the most effective groups tailored to a unique client base. He believes that holding space for clients and providing a positive and healing environment should be a priority when offering support to individuals, children, or couples. Madison utilized a combination of experiential therapy, Cognitive behavioral group therapy, and Solution focused group therapy to provide the best possible care for his clients.
Quote: “I am honored to be a part of Guiding Hands Healthcare team because of their passion and commitment to helping people. They allow me 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 holding a non-judgmental, safe space where people feel free to express themselves openly.
Quote: “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.
Quote: “Guiding Hands Healthcare gets it: GHH recognizes and works to fill the gaps in modern mental healthcare by addressing the holistic needs of a person.”
Xiomara - AMFT
Xiomara is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in working with culturally diverse individuals, families, and couples of all ages. She has provided direct services to clients with ASD or related disorders at the STAR of California Behavioral & Psychological Services, and also worked with immigrant families and rehabilitating youth at New Directions for Youth Inc in Los Angeles. Fluent in Spanish, Xiomara has dedicated over 11 years to community service for various non-profit organizations in Santa Barbara County. Her primary objectives are to establish a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients while enhancing self-awareness and building effective coping skills
Quote: “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.”
Randi - CADC II
Quote: “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.”
Stephanie Gomez – Registered Dietian
Stephanie Gomez- RD Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian with a background in physical fitness and health coaching. Before attaining her RD certification, she excelled as a personal trainer, health coach, and group fitness instructor. Her expertise spanned a range of disciplines, including yoga with meditation, Pilates, calisthenics and resistance exercises, and indoor cycling. Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food sciences from California State University San Bernardino, and her Master’s degree in dietetics administration from Utah State University. Her favored approaches in addressing ambivalence and facilitating enduring transformations in clients’ lives involve Motivational Interviewing and the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For the past 15 years, Stephanie has been dedicated to helping people achieve their health and wellness goals, and truly enjoys her work. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, hiking, being physically active, going to the beach, and listening to live music. As Fabienne Fredrickson once wisely said, “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.” Stephanie wholeheartedly embraces this perspective as an empowering approach to behavior change. She believes in the significance of acknowledging that change is a process that demands patience and self-compassion. She considers it a privilege to be part of Guiding Hands Healthcare, a community where clients are supported by a wide variety of professionals who are here because we truly care about people!
Quote: “Guiding Hands Healthcare is incredible! The workplace culture offers what I’ve been missing over the past few years. I’m excited and pumped!”
Ivy Chase - 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.
Quote: “My career aspiration is to work in mental health. I strive to continually develop my professional experience through collaborating, educating, and empowering my clients. I’m proud to be on the Guiding Hands Healthcare Team. Guiding Hands Healthcare supports and provides a nurturing environment encouraging staff to be their best while serving the clients”.
Eric Burnell - MSW
Eric Burnell is a dedicated professional with a strong background in criminal justice and social work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University of Long Beach, and later pursued his passion by earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree from the same institution. Currently, Eric is focused on completing his clinical hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and is preparing for the LCSW exam. Throughout his career, Eric has developed valuable experience in the Orange County Probation Department, where he served as a Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer in Juvenile Hall for approximately 20 years. He primarily worked in the specialized mental health unit, demonstrating his expertise in the area. Additionally, Eric took on the role of Trauma Responsive Practice Trainer, contributing to the department’s efforts in trauma-informed care. He also co-facilitated the Mental Health Education and Support Group for parents of incarcerated youths facing mental health challenges.
Eric worked as a Therapist/Group Facilitator for KC Services, where he facilitated various Court Mandated groups. These included Men’s Domestic Violence, Parenting, Child Abuse, and DUI groups, highlighting his ability to address diverse client needs. Eric provided counseling to both individuals and families, to support their growth and healing.
His passion for helping youths and adolescents originated from a deeply personal experience. At the age of 14, his mother became a Foster Parent through Orange County Children Family Services, providing care for numerous children exposed to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Witnessing the developmental, emotional, and mental health challenges these children faced has influenced Eric’s commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.
Quote: “I’m so grateful to work for Guiding Hands Healthcare! It gives me the space to do what I am passionate about and work for a team that cares.”
Tayler Hunt – RADT - Yoga/Sound Bath Instructor
Tayler is a RADT-certified practitioner and a certified Yoga and Meditation instructor. Through her struggles with eating disorders and mental health issues, she found mindfulness had the most benefits for her journey, and she loves sharing the benefits of mindfulness with others.
Quote: “I’m so grateful to work for Guiding Hands Healthcare! It gives me the space to do what I am passionate about and work for a team that cares.”
Doc – PsyD
Doc’s BIo is coming soon.