Our Team

Brad is an author, teacher and interventionist best known for helping people make life-enhancing change on The Dr. Phil Show, The Doctors, TODAY, and The Dr. OZ Show. Brad’s mission is to help families have “more good – less bad” in their lives.

Brad began his own recovery journey in 2003 from drugs, bulimia, nicotine + alcohol. What seemed an impossible challenge proved how even the most challenging cases might not just recover, but thrive from a starting point of hopelessness and brokenness.

He has managed more than one-thousand interventions, visited hundreds of treatment facilities across the country, presented before Parliament in the UK, served on the board of the Association of Intervention Specialists, and collaborated with the most knowledgeable and effective specialists in the field of recovery treatment and worked at the state level to introduce treatment options to communities.

In 2012, Brad realized a dream come true as he opened the first Breathe Life Healing Center to provide powerful residential, insurance-driven trauma treatment in urban environments utilizing 21st Century solutions; powerful collaborations, outstanding clinical and 12 Step participation. Breathe’s treatment techniques are industry-leading and aimed to support mind, body, and spirit.

“With powerful educational and spiritual development programming in place, we’ve created in Breathe the first-of-its kind program in the nation.”

Deb Hughes comes to Breathe with a dynamic background in program and business development, strategic planning, and a tremendous foresight on execution and expansion. Her experience with dual diagnosis, eating disorder treatment, adolescent and adult programming, as well as a deep working knowledge of business development, transitional living, outpatient treatment programs, and IOP services provides her the opportunity to make an unsurpassed difference in the lives of Breathe guests. “This is such a profound opportunity for Breathe Life Healing Centers to shift the paradigm of how wounded people heal their lives and those of their families. By implementing our Phases of Change curriculum, people are afforded the chance to remake their lives and find a new way of living.”

Kathleen Murphy, M.A., LMFT, LPC is the Executive Clinical Director of Breathe Life Healing Centers West Hollywood. Kathleen’s career is built on more than 30 years of experience working with people suffering from substance abuse issues complicated by relational trauma.

Kathleen has made use of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, IFS, AEDP, Interpersonal Neurobiology, polemics, and didactics. Her focus on psycho-education, and experiential group processes heavily influenced by attachment theory as well as psychodramatic techniques, assist clients in reframing and reclaiming the self as a being in relationship.

Prior to joining Breathe as the founding Clinical Director, Kathleen had the honor of deepening her experiential group therapy skills at Breakthrough at Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.

Kathleen earned her BA in Sociology and Philosophy at the University of Texas, Austin and then her MA in Counseling at St Edward’s University.

With has a passion for the practice and teaching of Kundalini Yoga, Sound Healing, Zen Buddhism, and all the wisdom traditions she enjoys mental gymnastics, poetry and philosophical discourse as a way to help clients change their state of being.

Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Credentialed Counselor, Kathleen is trained in Hakomi body-centered psychotherapy, Level 2 EMDR L and as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and is a member of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute and National Board of Credentialed Counselors. Additionally, Kathleen is a Certified Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher and certified by Mehtab Benton in Gong Yoga therapy.

Steve Karp joins Breathe as Chief Medical Officer where he will treat patients struggling with eating disorders, substance use, and mental health issues.  Dr. Karp graduated Cum Laude from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, before going to medical school at the prestigious Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship in Philadelphia then continued with residency in Psychiatry at Norristown State Hospital. Formerly Chief Medical Officer at Palm Beach Institute, Dr. Karp spent ten years directing psychiatry and medical care at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders in Wickenburg, Arizona. Dr. Karp is a seasoned thought leader in the field of behavioral health, and holds a sub-speciality in Addiction Psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Mackenzie Phillips joins the team at Breathe as Director of Referral Relations and a substance use disorder counselor bringing with her a unique perspective, much of which has been shaped by her own battle with substance abuse, in addition to her ongoing professional training as an addiction counselor. 

“My addiction was so powerful, and so rooted in early trauma, that I lost myself for many years. Now, with a strong recovery I’m committed to helping others find their voice at Breathe Life Healing Centers,” says Mackenzie.

A respected psychiatrist, Dr. Kiriakos joined Breathe as a Psychiatrist in 2014. Prior to joining Breathe, she operated her own private practice focusing on medication management and psychotherapy in Beverley Hills, California, since 2005. In addition, she acts as a Staff Psychiatrist at A New Journey Eating Disorder Center, based in Santa Monica. Dr. Kiriakos has held similar positions with an array of mental health clinics in the San Fernando Valley, including the Center for Family Living and the Central Valley Youth & Family Center. Her career has focused on many areas, including therapy for a wide range of diagnoses: addiction, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, women’s health issues and eating disorders.

Dr. Kiriakos’ Psychiatric duties at Breathe include the consultation and treatment of clients with food and weight issues, as well as addressing the complexities of co-occurring disorders. Additionally, she provides consultations and opinions on different aspects of patient psychiatric care relating to dietary management, therapy services necessary, medical referrals needed and levels of care for which clients are eligible.

Prior to embarking on her career in psychiatry, Dr. Kiriakos assumed several academic positions during her residencies. While completing a residency in adult psychiatry through the University of California-San Fernando Valley Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Dr. Kiriakos also worked as Co-Coordinator of the “Psychiatry in the Media” Seminar for PGY1-4 residents. During the same period, she also acted as a Staff Inpatient Psychiatrist at Olive View Medical Center, Group Therapist for the psychodynamic psychotherapy weekly group at the UCLA-San Fernando Valley program, Course Chair for the “Brief Psychotherapies for Depression & Borderline Personality Disorder” Seminar at the UCLA-San Fernando Valley program, Clinical Instructor of the Applied Psychopharmacology Course for psychology interns at California State University at Northridge (CSUN), and Administrative Chief Resident in Psychiatry at the UCLA-San Fernando Valley program.

Dr. Kiriakos possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Doctor of Medicine from the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine. She is a board certified psychiatrist.

Coming soon.

Christine Wolf is a Primary Counselor at Breathe Life Healing Centers. She holds a degree in drug and alcohol counseling and graduated at the top of her class. She is also certified by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. She has worked in, and managed, partial hospitalization programs, outpatient and residential treatment centers.

Christine is also in recovery from substance abuse and therefore truly understands the path that each client must walk.

Christine believes that everyone has the power within themselves to recover. Treatment is about discovering the key that unlocks the path to freedom.

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Miguel Palacios is the Program Manager for Breathe Life Healing Center Los Angeles. He brings more than 15 years of experience and expertise to his role.

Prior to Breathe Life Healing Centers, Miguel worked in management with experience  in public relations, community relations, media relations and event planning.

Miguel believes that success is not in the results but in the effort. Being the best is not what really matters but doing the best is all that matters.

Rawland “Rawly” Glass, LCSW, MSW has been a clinician and social worker for the past 30 years, including 14 years in private practice and as a presenter of inner healing workshops. He has a broad experience base including managing addiction treatment contracts for the state of Idaho; serving as executive director of a non-profit that provided transitional housing; working with various vulnerable populations in adult and child protection; managing group homes for at-risk children; and most recently Chief Clinical Officer of The Bridge To Recovery based in Bowling Green KY.

Being a workshop facilitator has been a constant in his career. Workshops for clients on the underlying dynamics of addiction, recovery, and healthy relationships has been a theme for many years. Rawly also focuses on addressing trauma using Brainspotting, a practice that identifies and processes neurophysiological sources of emotional pain, trauma, and dissociation. In 2013 Rawly acknowledged his life work of encouraging and supporting people seeking healing and an authentic connection with themselves, their Higher Power, and others by launching his own business. Intra-Connected offers short, powerful workshops for individuals and families working through addiction and trauma by creating healthier relationships.

Well-organized and a strong problem-solver, Rawly is an asset to any team, providing guidance and gentle coaching to build trust and confidence in his group sessions and workshops. He is open-minded and easy to communicate with, immediately putting his audience at ease with his powerful, calm demeanor. Rawly is naturally positioned to work well with any population, allowing everyone to settle in to a trusting and safe conversation; he helps people explore and identify the work that needs to be done to live the lives they dream to live.

Rawly holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Pacific Union College and a Master of Social Work degree from Walla Walla University, with a dual emphasis in Clinical Work with Children & Families and Addiction Treatment. He is licensed in Oregon and California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He was the recipient of the Addiction Professional 2012 Outstanding Clinician Award.

Coming soon.

Ashley Lytwyn, MS, RDN, is the Director of Nutrition at Breathe Life Healing Centers. She earned her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Clinical Nutrition. She believes in the ability to make peace with food and your body. She aims to help individuals ditch the diet mentality and learn to nourish the body, mind, and soul. 

In addition to her work at Breathe, she owns and operates a private practice, focusing on eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting.

Growing up to become a pastor ministering to a community of faith prepared David in rich ways for the work he does today at Breathe Life on Campus + Clinic with clients. In long-term recovery, David speaks to the still small voice inside us all, building on resilience and faith in principles of change. Using drums, and many other instruments, the beat of the heart comes alive in David’s community circles.

Rituals and techniques David employs:

• Breathing techniques
• Grounding exercises
• Meditation
• Awareness hiking
• Creative writing
• Prayers of the Medicine Wheel
• Drum Circles

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Juan is a motivated individual, who for the past 10 years, has enjoyed working with adults and families in various roles. He has provided case management and facilitated resources for those in need. He has participated in Motivational Interviewing trainings at AltaMed, and supported many people and family members with 12 step programs. He is a patient individual who enjoys making a difference in people’s lives.

Coming soon.

Fern comes to Breathe Life Healing Centers with a wealth of experience in operations and project management, yet her heart continues to pull her back to her true love of working with those who have the desire to recover from addiction. Her professional experience includes: building new IOP/PHP programs, sober living and transitional living homes for eating disorders; aid in the transition of developmentally disabled, mentally ill adults out of locked state institutions into less restrictive environments. Fern’s passion is providing the best possible care, under any given circumstance, to those who are willing to undergo a total lifestyle transformation. Her true admiration and dedication provokes a different way of thinking that empower them to live rich, fulfilling lives in recovery

Billy Gray bring’s nearly seven years of sobriety experience to the Breathe team. He has been a member of the Breathe team for nearly four years. He loves the work he does, and looks forward to each day he gets to be part of the healing, and life changing work the Breathe team does every day.

Stemming from South Florida, Emily moved to Los Angeles in October of 2015, and began her journey at Breathe in January of 2016. Emily’s passion, love, and dedication to the field of Mental Health and Substance Abuse originated at the University of South Florida, where she gained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, concentrating on Substance Use/Dependence, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health. In conjunction with her college courses, Emily volunteered her extracurricular time at a Psychological Research Lab actively studying how Anxiety/Bipolar Disorder correlate with Substance Use and Dependence. Emily has experience working in both Residential, and Outpatient treatment settings over the course of her career in Substance Use Treatment, and is excited to be working in Admissions. Emily believes fervently in the resilience of the human mind, heart, and spirit, and works enthusiastically to inspire others to nurture their value and worth.  Emily hopes to help lift the spirit of others through integrity, honesty, patience, and smiles, and to create a spark to help others find their light. 

After a 15+ year career as a corporate marketing and advertising executive, much of it in the healthcare arena, Kristen took a break to take on the hardest job of all: being a mom. Kristen returned to school and received a Master of Public Health degree. With her relationship marketing expertise, and her new public health knowledge, Kristen set out to find her place in the treatment and recovery field. She comes to Breathe from an adolescent treatment program where she was Community Outreach Liaison. Kristen has also been very active in marketing and fundraising for numerous non-profit organizations. Kristen also has a BA in Communications from Drake University, along with the Master of Public Health degree from National University.

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Brandon Kneefel has been a part of Breathe since 2013, beginning as the Admissions and Office Coordinator before moving on to become the Performance Improvement and Electronic Health Records Manager. In his current role as Performance Improvement + Compliance Director, he oversees all licensing, accreditation and electronic health records.

Brandon came to Breathe with a organizational leadership background in non-profit, writing and operations.  He enlists his personal passion for working in the behavioral health and substance use disorder field. Brandon is excited to continue growing at Breathe as their holistic approach to healing is not only something that he understands, but incorporates in his daily life. He is currently enrolled in an Inter-Faith Ministerial Program and is a former Jonathan D. Lewis Point Foundation Scholar awarded for his academic excellence and “merit as a future progressive leader.”