The Morningside Recovery Team
KENNETH PERLMUTTER, Ph.D
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.”
MEDICAL DOCTORS*
Morningside Recovery works with highly qualified, recovery focused physicians to oversee the medical needs of our clients. These doctors have longstanding experience with all detoxification protocols and are licensed Suboxone and Subutex providers, as well as a members of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and California Society of Addiction Medicine. They make an initial medical assessment of all clients and continue to monitor patients who are on medication.
PSYCHIATRISTS*
Morningside Recovery utilizes an experienced team of board certified psychiatrists, including Nicole Poliquin, M.D., to provide comprehensive psychiatric services to our clients. All clients receive an initial psychiatric evaluation and continued pyschiatric care from their psychiatrist for the duration of their stay. This care and any recommendations are integrated into a holistic treatment plan administed by the client's therapist.
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’s approach to therapy reflects 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 Exposure Response Prevention and implements this treatment along with Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapeutic approaches. 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.
ELIZABETH WATERMAN, Psy.D
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
Elizabeth has worked in the recovery field since 2008. Her experience and education encompass addiction, mental illness, developmental delays, trauma, and attachment disturbances. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Orange County.
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).
DWAIN SALWASSER, MA, LMFT
THERAPIST
Dwain is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in the addiction and mental health treatment fields since 1998. Dwain’s specialties include working with addiction, dual-diagnosis, anxiety and depression disorders, and self-harm. Dwain enjoys making a connection with clients and seeing their growth through Morningside’s treatment programs. His therapeutic approach is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy and he is experienced in The Matrix Model of Addiction Treatment.
Dwain has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University, Fullerton, California. Additionally, Dwain is a college instructor in a substance abuse counselor program.
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.
MAGGIE BAUMANN, MA, LMFT
ADULT ADOPTION PROCESS THERAPIST
Maggie is a licensed therapist who leads Morningside’s weekly adoption process groups. Any resident from the birth adoption triad; meaning a resident who is a birth parent who's given up a child for adoption, a resident who is an adoptee, or a resident who is an adoptive parent, can participate in this group to work through any adoption related issues that may be impacting their treatment and recovery.
Maggie has a special interest in the treatment of adoption issues as she was adopted herself. It's easy for her to identify with the clients’ issues and to provide therapeutic care that addresses their specific needs. At Morningside Recovery, we provide personalized treatment to address the adoption process and how it impacts the lives of birth parents, adoptees and adoptive parents.
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, BA, CADC
CLIENT ADVOCATE
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 client advocate 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.
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.
JEFF LAVINSKY
CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Jeff is a dynamic and inspiring Kundalini Yoga Insructor with Morningside Recovery. He is dedicated to uplifting and serving his students in overcoming challenges including pain management and addition recovery.
Jeff is a Level 1 certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor, a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Level 1 Mahbound Lotus Instructor. He is also interning at Aquarian Teachers Academy while completing his Doctorate in Ayurveda.
JOYCE PATRICK
TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR
Joyce is a long time practitioner as well as a student of Tai Chi Chuan. As the owner of a local martial art school, the practice of Tai Chi keeps her focused and relaxed while providing avenues for her to give back to the community. Joyce brings both patience and discipline as an instructor to clients at Morningside Recovery. Her martial arts and communications training coupled with her natural talent for making people feel at ease serve her well in this area. Joyce shares with her clients her love for Tai Chi and its many health benefits, while demonstrating her value of others making classes relaxed and enjoyable for all of her students.
KRISTI HUGHES, BA
THERAPEUTIC ARTS COUNSELOR
Kristi brings a creative outlet for self-expression to clients at Morningside Recovery. Combining her artistic background with counseling education and 12-Step theory, Kristi facilitates workshops that promote client self-discovery and confidence building through art making and process critique. With personal experience in overcoming addiction, Kristi understands the dilemma faced by many in early recovery of suddenly feeling emotions that sometimes cannot even be identified, let alone expressed in simple words. Clients work in a variety of media including paint, ink, clay, and sculpture that are well suited to provide alternative avenues of self-expression that stretch beyond the limits of verbal communication. Communicating intuitively with color, brush stroke, and line quality give clients a new language to express their emotions.
Kristi holds a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Studio Art and a Bachelor of Art degree in Art History from Chapman University. She has also completed the Drug and Alcohol Counseling Studies certificate program at InterCoast Colleges and holds a certificate in Therapeutic Arts Facilitation from Chapman University’s extended education program.
LISA MODIRI, CMT
DRUM CIRCLE FACILITATOR
Lisa is a firm believer in the Mind Body Spirit connection. Her healing work started off when she became a Certified Massage Therapist in the state of California. She continued her studies with Energy Healing and Reiki, which led to exploring more modalities in alternative healing. This ultimately brought her to learning a form of self exploration called “journeying” (a type of meditation that is driven by the sound of a continuous drum beat). Her desire to learn more prompted her to study with a number of teachers from The Esalen Institute, The Foundation of Shamanic Studies and independent Master Teachers. After using this modality to continue a path of self healing, she was inspired to share this type of healing with others. Lisa currently facilitates The Drum Circle at Morningside Recovery.
*The physicians, Doctor Poliquin, and any psychiatric team members 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.
Testimonials
