Senior Leadership
Brad Lamm, CIP
Brad brings his knowledge and passion to Breathe Life Healing Centers as an author, teacher, interventionist and expert on the impact of complex trauma on life. Brad is best known for helping people make life-enhancing change on through his work with Oprah Winfrey, the TODAY Show, and the Dr. OZ Show.
Brad’s mission is to help families have “more good – less bad” in their lives. Oprah referred to Brad as “America’s Interventionist” and it stuck. He created and produced the eight part eating disorder docuseries Addicted to Food for with her in 2013. He is known for the evidence-based invitational intervention model he has popularized since 2005. His clinical trainings across the globe have equipped counselors, therapists, treatment staff and others with the powerful and 21st century approach to intervention.
Brad began his own recovery journey in 2003 from drugs, bulimia, nicotine and 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, fellowshipped at hundreds of treatment facilities across the country, presented before Parliament in the UK, co-authored legislation that has passed to increase ethical care, and served on the board of the Association of Intervention Specialists. Brad has endeavored to collaborate with the most knowledgeable and effective specialists in the field of the helping arts.
In 2012, Brad realized a dream come true as he opened the first Breathe Life Healing Center to provide sub-acute trauma treatment at the residential level for those suffering from complex trauma, substance use, and eating disorders.
“With impactful clinical care and focus on family healing we’ve created in Breathe the first-of-its kind program in the nation helping entire families recover.”
Deb Hughes, CAS
Deb’s efforts over the last 35+ years has been a dedicated mission in behavioral health, eating disorder and addiction treatment. Her commitment to strategic planning and staff development ensures a standard of excellence for all patient care.
Deb began her career in the Adventist Hospital System with the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP Family) and Dr. Dave Lewis. Later at Anacapa by the Sea and Steps Treatment Program’s her talent and influence as the Intake Director supported multiple levels of care capable of treating multiple populations with a focus on clinical excellence for more than a decade.
Deb continued her career at Rader Eating Disorder Programs and Rosewood Ranch Eating Disorder Programs before joining the founding team at Breathe Life Healing Centers.
As the CEO of Breathe, Deb has, once again, developed a program that stands head and shoulders above the rest in Substance Abuse and Eating Disorder Care. She, alongside Brad Lamm, has taken an idea to reality in a tumultuous time for private treatment programs. Together they have lifted up a facility that stands head and shoulder above the rest for ethical and clinical excellence.
Kathleen Murphy, MA, LMFT, LPC
Kathleen Murphy, M.A., LMFT, LPC is the founding Executive Clinical Director at Breathe. Her career is built on more than 30 years of experience working with people suffering from substance use issues complicated by relational trauma. She has been a part of the team at Breathe since Day 1.
Kathleen has made use of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, IFS, AEDP, Interpersonal Neurobiology, polemics, and didactics. Her focus on psycho-education, experiential group processes heavily influenced by attachment theory, as well as psychodrama techniques, assist clients in reframing and reclaiming the self as a being in relationship.
Prior to Breathe, Kathleen had the honor of deepening her experiential group therapy skills at Breakthrough at Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.
Kathleen’s passion for the practice and teaching of Kundalini Yoga, Sound Healing, Zen Buddhism, and all the wisdom traditions, flows seamlessly into her professional career. She also enjoys mental gymnastics, poetry and philosophical discourse as a way to help clients change their state of being.
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. She is also a 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, DO, FACN
Steve Karp serves Breathe as Chief Medical Officer, treating clients who struggle with eating disorders, substance use, and mental health issues. Dr. Karp, a certified Addiction Psychiatrist since 1991, graduated Cum Laude from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, before going to medical school at the prestigious Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Karp 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, where he collaborated with CEO Deb Hughes.
Dr. Karp is a seasoned thought leader in the field of behavioral health, and holds a subspecialty in Addiction Psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Karp is triple Board certified in addiction, adult and geriatric psychiatry and brings over thirty years of experience treating addiction and eating disorders. Dr Karp combines psychiatric training, empathic listening and motivational interviewing to support people towards lasting change.
Mackenzie Phillips
Mackenzie Phillips is an accomplished and valued public advocate and educator for addiction recovery, healing the family system, and healing from trauma. Mack has taken her education at Sober College in CADAC Program for Addiction Studies and applied it to countless improvements in program enhancement, case management, and family/referent support during treatment.
Mackenzie has continued to stretch her role and knowledge to include clinical charting and utilization review improvements in order to ensure best practices for Breathe and optimize clients’ ability to access care. Her diligence and understanding of what it takes to support the total client recovery experience is beyond reproach. She has been a part of the Breathe team for over 4 years.
Candace Bruce, BS, CADC II
Candace Bruce has extensive C-level leadership experience in behavioral healthcare. With 30 years of treatment experience in addiction, eating disorder and other co-occurring disorders, she has held a range of positions in executive management and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in accounting and marketing.
Candace is also a counselor, interventionist, life coach and active member of the EMCC. She has worked with Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon in program and business development and has worked with world-renowned treatment programs with multi-levels of care within the treatment field.
In addition to her treatment experience, she also worked in the legal department at 20th Century Fox and project managed the development of their corporate and legal records management software. She also project managed accounting and payroll development of the Supercuts POS software currently installed worldwide. As an entrepreneur, Candace has owned several companies outside of the treatment field. Her vast understanding of web-based play with marketing, software, data accessibility, user needs and user connectivity helps her to reach and develop resources to build systems in marketing that increases reach to drive awareness and traffic.
Candace’s current focus is taking professional experience, wisdom, and lessons to employ strong inspirational leadership in small to large projects, and independent and interdependent relationships to improve experience and outcomes through Team Potentiality.
Clinical Team
Christine Wolf, CADC II, ICADC
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 has worked at Kaiser Permanente as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, The Discovery House as a Resident Advisor Assistant, and CareForward Health as a Program Manager.
Christine is also in recovery from substance abuse and truly understands the path that each client must walk. She strongly believes that everyone has the power within themselves to recover. Treatment is about discovering the key that unlocks the path to freedom.
Robert Young, LMFT, CSAT
Robert has over 15 years experience working in drug and alcohol rehab centers. His continuing goal is to work in mental health to assist clients in the community. He has worked as a Residential Advisor, Program Aid, Counselor, Sober Companion and Program Manager, ensuring that he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Breathe.
He has gained considerable experience working in the field of mental health with moderate to severe clients with substance use and PTSD. His credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Psychology.
Bill Reilly CADC-II
Bill is an addiction specialist with extensive experience
bringing diversity in therapeutic counseling techniques for groups and
individuals. Derivative expertise founded in over 30 years of personal
experience working with addicted populations in a private setting. Innovative
and analytical individual recognized for melding holistic and traditional
therapeutic approaches to help the addicted population waken to what is
possible in recovery.
Mark DeRosa, CDAC I
Megan Ethridge
Megan has over 15 years experience in treatment facilities across California. Her continuing goal is to work in mental health to assist a diverse population of clients in the community. She has worked as a Registered Behavior Therapist and as Associate Therapist. She has gained considerable experience working in the field of mental health with moderate to severe clients with substance use and dual diagnosis. Her credentials include Registered Behavior Therapist, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification & CRP Certification. Megan has worked for such institutions as the Hills Treatment Center, Maple Counseling Center and Abrite.
Colleen Gass
Colleen Gass is a state-certified substance abuse counselor (CADC-I) with a diverse background in residential treatment, detoxification, and both individual and group counseling. Colleen is a passionate advocate for holistic healing, utilizing her personal journey and professional expertise to guide others toward long-term recovery and mental well-being.
With years of experience in the field, Colleen has worked with individuals struggling with substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. She specializes in relapse prevention, behavior modification, and family therapy coordination.
Colleen holds a CADC-I certification from the CCAPP Academy, where she studied counseling theories, case management, ethics, pharmacology, and clinical supervision.. She continues to be an active participant in various recovery workshops throughout the Los Angeles Metro area, advocating for comprehensive recovery approaches that promote lasting wellness.
Angie S. Wang
Angie S. Wang is a dynamic therapist with a diverse career spanning the fields of film production, nonprofit leadership, technology sales, and family therapy. Currently a Masters of Family Therapy (MFT) Practicum candidate at Touro University, Angie is dedicated to fostering social change and emotional resilience in underserved communities.
In 2009, Angie founded GROW (Global Resiliency Outreach Work), a nonprofit organization aimed at helping at-risk middle school youth develop essential social-emotional skills. Through partnerships with public and private schools, Angie spearheaded innovative programs that have made a significant impact on the lives of young people. She has personally mentored youth, led process groups, and facilitated their admission to four-year colleges and universities.
Angie is also an accomplished filmmaker. As the writer, director, and producer of the critically acclaimed independent film MDMA, she oversaw every aspect of its production, from securing financing to managing distribution deals with Shout! Factory. The film gained wide theatrical distribution and is available on platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, and Showtime. Her work has been featured in prominent outlets, including The New York Times.
In addition to her professional achievements, her eclectic career is driven by a passion for empathy, social justice, and creating meaningful change in the lives of others.
Nutritional Services
Rebecca Yadegari, MS, RDN
Rebecca’s comprehensive education included an intensive Dietetic Internship at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she accumulated 1200 hours of supervised practice specializing in medical nutrition therapy. Her diverse rotations ranged from eating disorders to clinical management, pediatrics, public health, and more. Prior to this, she honed her nutrition expertise through internships, such as with UCSB Dining Services, where she ensured nutrition requirements were met and pioneered UCSB’s Nutrition Week.
With a robust background spanning academia and hands-on practice, Rebecca’s professional trajectory took her to Bamboo Nutrition Therapy, Inc., where she served as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, conducting individual and family counseling sessions with an emphasis on eating disorders and co-occurring conditions. Her approach aligns with a Health At Every Size (HAES), all-foods-fit, weight-neutral philosophy, while her work as an Intake Coordinator streamlined client referrals and provided vital support. Rebecca’s earlier roles, including positions at La Ventana and Health & Wellness Department at UCSB, reveal her expertise in supporting individuals through crises, meal planning, and nutritional counseling.
Family Life Team
Operations Management
Miguel Palacios
Miguel Palacios is the Director of Alumni Relations 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.
Community Mentors
Stephanie Wolf
Stephanie Wolf is a dedicated behavioral health paraprofessional with over a decade of experience in inpatient treatment and healthcare support. Stephanie collaborates with various departments to ensure the seamless operation of a multidisciplinary team. Stephanie is a strong leader who delivers exceptional client care and recovery support while ensuring clinical excellence in both staff training and client-facing interactions.
Stephanie manages patient observation, maintains accurate documentation, and provides clinical interventions, all while supporting the comprehensive care of clients with mental health and behavioral health challenges. Her attention to detail and strong commitment are essential to the success of the team and the well-being of the client community.
Mikolaj (Nick) Michalski
Mikolaj Michalski is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in executive support, project management, and customer service across diverse industries. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Minor in Public Relations from Flagler College, Nick has over a decade of expertise managing administrative functions, coordinating large-scale events, and providing high-level support in fast-paced environments.
Nick is passionate about client care and recovery, making meaningful contributions to the success of the client community. His dedication to strong clinical intervention and client support plays a key role in helping individuals overcome the challenges of substance use. Through his work, Nick brings both hope and practical solutions to those on the path to recovery, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Juan Sanchez
Juan is a motivated individual, who for the past 10 years, has enjoyed working with adults and families in various roles. For over five years at Breathe, 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.
Eddie Segura
Eddie has nearly 40 years of experience working in the mental health and substance abuse industry. His work as a counselor, case manager and program director has allowed him to come to Breathe with a unique perspective on the entire counseling process. He has facilitated education groups, process groups, experiential groups and family groups over his career in the field.
Kayla Radin
Kayla is an amazing part of the Breathe community. Her experience in case management and client relations only serves to build upon the uplifting community that she is joining. As a program manager and client advocate, she gained valuable experience in assisting families and handling the high pressure situations of intake and discharge.
Facilities
Xiomara Melendez
Xiomara has an extensive background in medical and educational fields. With over 15 years in the medical field under her belt, she came to Breathe over 5 years ago with a unique dedication to her career. She has assisted doctors and nurses at Stoehr Medical Management, Universal Psychiatric Medical Center, and Silverlake Medical Center. She always maintains her positive attitude and is exceptional with client relations.
Intake & Admissions
Cristina Meadows
Cristina Meadows has extensive experience in working in treatment, in addition, to pursuing a degree in Addiction Studies. Cristina has worked as a Treatment Intake & Admissions Call Center Manager with Clare Matrix, where she built and trained a team on the best practices regarding identifying client needs and client admissions.
During her employment at Breathe Life Healing Centers her team is a leader in building sustainable relationships with community partners, exemplary client focused care, family support, and a seamless admission process to optimum treatment. Cristina drives her department to overcome the barriers that can be presented to clients and their family’s access to their journey of recovery.
James Dellinger
James Dellinger is an organized and focused professional with adaptive leadership skills and a strong background in admissions coordination and healthcare support. He holds a BA in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Social Justice from San Francisco State University, where he graduated in May 2015.
James has experience in healthcare admissions and community and client support. He collaborated closely with medical staff to address health complications, coordinated patient transportation, and facilitated transfers from hospitals and ER settings. James monitored patient behavior, reported medical and mental health issues to the appropriate teams, and motivated patients to participate in group sessions.
James’ unique blend of healthcare coordination, patient support, and leadership in various settings showcases his ability to adapt and excel in supporting client care.
Emily Salas
Emily Salas is a dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience in healthcare and community support. Emily collaborates with medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and therapists, to ensure smooth intake processes for patients. Her role involves reviewing admissions charts, verifying insurance eligibility, and inputting patient information, showcasing her attention to detail and commitment to patient care.
Prior to her current position, Emily was a Unit Secretary at a hospital, where she managed various administrative tasks such as checking medical eligibility, handling intake paperwork, and coordinating with the billing department. Her organizational skills and ability to multitask have been instrumental in maintaining efficient operations within the department.
Currently pursuing further education at Citrus College, Emily is bilingual and holds certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Fire Safety. With a passion for helping others and a strong foundation in both clinical and administrative settings, Emily is eager to continue her career in healthcare and make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.
Clinical Outreach
Nicole Gonshor
Nicole has been working in behavioral health services for over twelve years and has a passionate dedication to this field. Her experience in admissions and marketing have made her a powerhouse in the world of treatment and recovery. She worked as an Admissions Manager and was able to coach the eight members of her admissions team on the in and outs of client calls, and assist in clinical interventions to support client care.
As an Admissions and Marketing Manager at True Recovery, she developed the admissions processes that were adopted company-wide. Nicole was also able to grow and develop the company’s online presence and audience.
She has worked closely with their clinical department as well, dealing with client transfers and discharges. In 2019, she began work at Foundations Recovery Network as a Business Development Representative. This experience allows her to be an incredibly valuable member of the Breathe Team, a resource to the treatment field and to families and clients in need of treatment.
Brian Whisenant
Brian Whisenant has over 18 years of experience working in marketing and outreach. His work across the country, from New York, to Mississippi and finally Los Angeles, have allowed him to come to Breathe with a unique perspective. Recently, he has worked at American Addiction Centers as an Outreach Coordinator and as Director of Community Relations at Oxford Treatment Center.
There he built and developed relationships with a number of referral partners that allowed him to help determine proper care for all who needed help. Brian has a degree in theatre performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and brings his incredible passion for helping people who suffer from addiction to the Breathe team.
Administration
Billing
Jean Dockery
Jean brings a wide skill set to Breathe. With a career in the health field that spans almost 3 decades, she comes to breathe with a level of expertise that is tough to match. She has worked as an admissions coordinator, intake specialist, and most recently, as Director of Revenue Cycle management in Atlanta Georgia
She has worked in accredited recovery centers such as Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders, A New Journey Eating Disorder Center, The Bluff Plantation, The Palm Beach institute and many more.
Adjunct Specialists
Dr. Judy Ho, Ph.D.
Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and published author. Her most recent, Stop Self-Sabotage, was published by HarperCollins in August 2019. Dr. Judy’s work with CARE Unit clients is extraordinarily in-depth & revealing from testing and talent.
An avid researcher and is a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award, Dr. Judy received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from UC Berkeley, and her masters and doctorate from SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.
She completed a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored fellowship at UCLA’s Semel Institute. She maintains a private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments & expert witness work.
Judy Ho Gavazza, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN, CFMHE
Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist
Diplomate, American Board of Professional Psychology
Diplomate, American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology
Diplomate, National Board of Forensic Evaluators
Associate Professor, Pepperdine University
Alison Shlomi, LCSW
Alison Shlomi, LCSW, transitioned from a successful corporate fundraising career to pursue her passion for helping others. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and attained the coveted LCSW designation through dedicated training. She specializes in eating disorders, depression and anxiety.
Alison’s therapeutic philosophy emphasizes compassion, exploration, and insight. She firmly believes in the potential for growth and self-awareness within a strong client-therapist relationship. Alison’s goal is to guide clients through managing emotions, transforming harmful behaviors, and fostering meaningful connections. Adapting various modalities to suit individual needs, she collaborates with clients to alleviate symptoms and promote personal empowerment.
Alison adeptly addresses a wide array of challenges including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, addiction, grief, identity development, relationship dynamics, and more. Her guidance equips individuals with resilience, purpose, and tools for lasting change.
Tommy, K-9
Tommy is the Head of Canine Relations at Breathe and has a distinguished career in the field of Pup-ology. Tommy has recently completed her DOG-y certification to accompany her dual degrees in Tail Wagging and Ear Scratching.
For the last 2 years, Tommy has worked tirelessly at Breathe to not only liven spirits, but put her nose to the grindstone when it comes to essential daily tasks like sniffing the carpet and taking a nap under a desk. Her extensive credentials don’t get in the way of her sunny demeanor, however. She remains ever approachable and down-to-earth, despite her clear overqualification. Tommy is an essential part of the team at Breathe and we don’t know what we’d do without her.
