A Better Tomorrow’s Staff
A Better Tomorrow’s’ treatment staff hold high credentials, mostly master level degrees and through continued education/experience are able to provide the most innovative treatment options currently available. The following are a few of our dedicated staff members.
Jerrod Menz, B.S., CCGC, CADCA
Chief Executive Officer
Jerrod has over 10 years of experience working in the field of Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders. As one of the co-founders of A Better Tomorrow, he is always traveling to various conferences and conventions across the United States. He brings the latest evidence-based treatment modalities and incorporates the innovative methods into the program. This in turn, brings the best of care to the clients and family members of all those involved.
Beth Stetar
Intake Counselor, Assistant Director of Business Development
Beth Stetar has worked intake and referral for over a decade. Her knowledge and insight into problem solving is essential when dealing with chemically dependent persons from all walks of life. The ability to be creative when it comes to finances is her specialty when working on placement and resolution to deal with most hopeless of cases. Beth has been a huge asset to A BETTER TOMORROW TREATMENT CENTER of since this its inception making it possible for a majority of our clients to find their way to life free of chemical dependency.
Tami Scarcella
Director of Intake and CIIM
Tami Scarcella Director of Intake and one of our west coast interventionist. She has been certified in INTEGRATED METHODS of intervention training. Along with her training she has years of personal recovery in Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alanon. She has worked in crisis intervention in domestic violence and drug and alcohol treatment. Her message is very compelling giving a wealth of information to all involved in the intervention and intake process.
Jose Ochoa
Staff Counselor
Jose is the newest member of our team of substance abuse counselors. He brings over a decade of knowledge in the field of addiction, working with gang members and ex-convicts. He holds degree’s in Alcohol Drug Studies, Humanities, Behavioral Science and is a Registered Recovery Worker. He also brings a wealth of knowledge of the penal system, working with adolescent addicts, gang members and has conducted numerous presentations and speaking engagements at juvenile correctional facilities. Jose is dedicated in assisting individuals to overcome a negative lifestyle and to become productive members in society. Jose is bi-lingual in English and Spanish
Melissa Legere, M.S. MFT
Program Director, Therapist and Community Liaison
Melissa Legere has been a therapist and community liaison for A Better Tomorrow since 2009. Melissa provides dual diagnosis treatment for our clients, focusing on mental health issues, family dynamics, couples and relationship issues. Melissa offers both group and individual therapy, including couples and families in the therapeutic process. Melissa graduated with Honors with a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. Melissa also works as our community liaison; she establishes and maintains professional relationships with those who refer clients to treatment. She also goes into the medical and local communities introducing the valuable treatment A Better Tomorrow has to offer for those who struggle with addiction. Melissa is a member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Employee Assistant Professional Association (EAPA), and Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment (WAAT). Melissa serves as a board member for both the San Fernando Valley EAPA and San Diego EAPA.
Maurita Dunn, M.S., MFT Intern
Therapist – Temecula Facility
Maurita Dunn has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Masters Degree in Marriage Family and Child Therapy. She has worked with substance abuse clients through a 12 step program for over 8 years. In recognizing her passion to work with the substance abuse population, she received a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Maurita enjoys the process of watching a person grow emotionally and come to a point in their life of contentment. A big part of being a Therapist for her is recognizing her strengths, keeping her life in focus and being aware of her own core beliefs. She learns just as much from her clients as they are learning from her.
Naomi Midura, M.S., MFT Intern
Therapist, San Diego Facility
Naomi Midura is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University, and her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. Naomi is currently working on her Doctorate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Naomi has been working as a therapist for the last couple of years, has training in facilitating process groups as well as individual, couple and family therapy. Naomi feels privileged to be a part of people’s lives as they engage in a process of growth at our treatment facility in San Diego.
Michelle Bale, M.S. MFT Intern
Therapist, Temecula Facility
Michelle Bale has been with A Better Tomorrow since 2009. She has a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has trained and worked at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Michelle has advocated on a state and national level for the treatment of dual diagnosed individuals. She has met with senators and legislators for heath care and client rights. She founded a non profit in 2005 for advocacy, empowerment and education, gaining a long list of referrals for clients and their sobriety. Michelle works with our clients on an individual and group level, as well as runs the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient program.
Lori Frost, M.S., MFT Intern
Therapist, Temecula Facilty
Lori Frost has worked in the field of addiction for over 5 years. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix and her Masters in Counseling Psychology from National University. Lori uses an eclectic stance of therapeutic theory and interventions in treatment of individuals, families of our clients, and groups participating in the treatment here at A Better Tomorrow. In addition to her work as a therapist, she has over 14 years of experience as a massage therapist. She is a member of both California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
China Long, MS MFT Intern
Therapist, Temecula Facility
China Long obtained her Master’s degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 2006 from the University of Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Redlands University and an Associate of Arts degree in paralegal studies from Prince Georges Community College. China has also received certification as a mediator through the Superior Court of Riverside County, California. China has over 14 years of experience helping families heal and assisting them in conflict resolution. During her experience working with a rehabilitation program at the Department of Corrections in Prince George’s County Maryland, China’s understanding of the struggles that families endure when a loved one is recovering from addiction was greatly enhanced. At Zoe Christian Fellowship, China received additional training in Christian counseling for marriages. She has also completed workshops in drug and alcohol treatment based on biblical principles at Saddleback Church Celebrate Recovery. Nothing brings China greater joy than the transformation a client makes when biblical principles are applied to their recovery.
Jasmin Rogg, MFT
Therapist Supervisor, Piru Facility
Jasmin Rogg is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. In addition to offering psychotherapy to recovering addicts and alcoholics in private practice in Beverly Hills, California, she has been facilitating ongoing recovery groups in various chemical dependency treatment centers.
Having spent many years in the field of addiction and recovery, on both a professional and personal level, she knows what it takes to leave behind destructive behavior patterns in favor of actions that promote prosperity and success, and has dedicated her life to using her extensive experience to benefit others. In her work she utilizes the “alchemy” of turning weakness into strength, passing on resources and tools for recovery from emotional pain, depression, anxiety, and addiction – for building a good life. In 2010 she became a published author of TO HELL & BACK – HOW TO HAVE FEELINGS & STAY SOBER AT THE SAME TIME, a self-help book on addiction and recovery. She began her recovery blog – http://voiceofrecovery.blogspot.com/ and she came on board as a therapist at A Better Tomorrow in Piru shortly after this location opened its doors.
Kameron Calhoun, RRW
Substance Abuse Counselor, San Diego Facility
Kameron Calhoun is a Registered Recovery Worker (RRW) with California Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Association. He is a substance abuse counselor at A Better Tomorrow’s San Diego facility. Cameron enjoys being in a position to give a message of hope to those in early recovery, and works with the client to set attainable goals.
Erika List, RRW
Substance Abuse Counselor, Temecula Facility
Erika List is a Registered Recovery Worker (RRW) through the California Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Association. Erika graduated with top Directors Honors from Intercoast Colleges of California with a certificate in Drug and Alcohol studies. She is the newest member to join A Better Tomorrow and brings a fresh perspective to the team with her outgoing personality and education. Erika works individually and in the group settings with the Residential clients, the Intensive Outpatient program, and the Intensive Outpatient Adolescent clients. Erika likes her job because it reminds her of how much those new in recovery need help.
Delicia Bateman, RRW
Substance Abuse Counselor, Piru Facility
Delicia graduated from InterCoast College and is currently attending University of Phoenix for her Associates degree in Human Services Management. She is a Registered Recovery Worker and a Domestic Violence Advocate from Haven Hills, Inc. Delicia she is the substance abuse counselor for this facility, working individually, in groups and helping navigate their plans for discharge. She enjoys knowing that there are people willing to be sober to help themselves and their families.
Jessie Parker, CADC-II
Program Director, Piru Facility
Jessie graduated from Bakersfield College with an Associates Degree in Human Services, completed internship hours and successfully passed the Orals Review to be granted Certification as a CADC-II with California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC). Jessie is also certified with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. With a professional background at Kern County Mental Health in assisting the dual-diagnosed, at a residential social model program and an In-Prison program, Jessie brings a solid knowledge of working in the treatment field. She has represented the local Region 3South district for CAADAC from 1998 – 2002 and just recently 2008-2010.
As Director, she is responsible in making sure the day-to-day program runs smoothly. She meets with the residents, works closely with two Substance Abuse counselors, an MFT and an MFT-Intern as well as house staff that includes 2 cooks, 2 extra help drivers, two Lead House Managers and 2 extra help house managers.
Chad Bevilacqua, C.A.S.
Substance Abuse Counselor, Temecula Facility
Chad Bevilacqua has been working as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Riverside County since 2007. Chad holds associates degrees in Clinical Studies, Humanities and is registered as a “Certified Addiction Specialist” (C.A.S). Chad began his work as an addiction counselor in the field at a non-profit organization with prison parolees and prop 36 clients. Chad then spent 2 years working with dependent and at risk adolescents in the Jurupa and Lake Elsinore School District in California. Chad also brings to the table a wealth of knowledge as a graduate from “Teen Challenge”; a 16 month Christian Life School. Chad is currently enrolled in and working toward his Bachelors degree in Psychology.
Rose Wheeler, CADCA
Substance Abuse Counselor, Temecula Facility
Rose Wheeler is a certified California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with A Better Tomorrow. Rose has completed two Associates Degrees in Alcohol Drug Studies and Social Behavioral Science from Mount San Jacinto College. She is also an undergraduate student at University of Phoenix working toward her Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Rose works individually and in the group setting, and loves helping clients to realize the potential they can achieve in sobriety and living a healthy life.
Meg Dean, CAS
Program Director, San Diego Facility
Meg Dean has been with A Better Tomorrow for over five years, and currently serves as the Program Director for the San Diego Facility. Meg began her career at A Better Tomorrow as house manager, and has worked as facilities coordinator and operations manager in her previous positions. Meg loves that her work enables her to give back to others who want to stay clean and sober, and in exchange this helps with her recovery. She is a Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS) and has previously worked in the health care administration field.
Mary Ann Wilson
Intake Coordinator and CIIM
Maryann Wilson is one of our valued east coast interventionist and intake coordinators. She has received her certification in INTEGRATED METHODS of intervention training. What Maryann brings to the intervention and intake process is a calm reassuring tone with a mature sense of knowing and authority. When families and clients work with Maryann, they come away from the experience grateful and willing to take direction.
Kenneth Keane, RRW
Substance Abuse Counselor, San Diego Facility
Kenneth is a firm believer in the disease model of addiction. Working with families and adult clients of all ages, Kenneth has seen the effect addiction has had on a systemic and individual level. Kenneth is a Registered Recovery Worker and a full time student. He continues his education in order to better serve clients and be better informed on current social and addiction issues. Kenneth has a special interest in working with Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) clients, clients with sexual addiction, and clients who have trouble finding a higher power. Kenneth is well versed in world religions and has many tools to assist clients in their spiritual journeys in recovery. Kenneth’s ultimate goal with a client is to re-introduce them back into society, with the proper social and coping skills needed to work a program of recovery.
Kim Homan, BS CADC II
Lead Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Temecula Facility
Kim Homan is our lead counselor has been employed with A Better Tomorrow since January of 2008. She is certified with California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors and has her Bachelors degree in Psychology. Kim is currently working on her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kim works individually and in the group setting with our clients, and greatly enjoys teaching about the disease of addiction and the process of identifying triggers and coping mechanisms for recovery.
Steve Arce, CATC
Lead Drug and Alcohol Counselor, San Diego Facility
Steve Arce has been working as a drug and alcohol counselor since 2001. Steve is certified through California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators and is the lead counselor at our San Diego facility. He has been with A Better Tomorrow since the opening of the San Diego Facility in January of 2010. He loves his work, especially the process of change that take place during treatment.
Debra Berl, LCSW
Therapist Supervisor, San Diego Facility
Debra Berl is the supervising clinical therapist in A Better Tomorrow’s San Diego facility. Debra has a Bachelors of Art in Psychology/Sociology from University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters in Social Work from San Diego State University. Debra has been working in the social work field for over 19 years. She feels lucky to continue to be inspired by working with clients and seeing the growth and change that they can accomplish. Debra brings the benefit of being bilingual in English/Spanish to A Better Tomorrow. She specializes in working with clients with dual diagnosis and HIV.
Stacy Korfist, LMFT
Therapist Supervisor, Murrieta facility
Stacy is the Supervising Clinical Therapist for our Murrieta facility. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whom obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola Marymount University. Stacy’s experience and training includes treating trauma, eating disorders, self injurious behavior and understanding the process of addiction. She is passionate about the healing process and has extensive experience working with individuals who are dually diagnosed. Stacy often utilizes experimental therapies, such as psychodrama and art therapy to inspire change.
Carina Gustafsson, M.S., MFT Intern
Therapist, Temecula Facility
Carina is a therapist at A Better Tomorrow and if you are a family member you will most likely meet her during the Saturday Family Group at our Temecula Facility. Carina received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Southern California University for professional studies and her Master’s degree at California Southern University. In conjunction with her work as a therapist for A Better Tomorrow, Carina is a Social Worker for the County of Riverside. Carina enjoys the rewarding experience of watching the progress of the client throughout their stay at A Better Tomorrow and the blossoming before they leave. “To see someone coming to ABT “broken” and then see them as they start to heal from week to week; that is the best thing about this job.”
Kara Tiffany, M.A., MFT, Intern
Therapist, Temecula Facility
Kara Tiffany has worked in the mental health field for over eleven years as a therapist and counselor. She has a focus on chemical dependency, mental health, and domestic violence issues and holds several certificates in these areas. Kara has been a therapist for A Better Tomorrow since 2009 and provides individual, couples, group, and family therapy focusing on mental health, dual diagnosis, and relationship issues. She graduated with a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology and also has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. Kara’s focus is on addiction is a family disease and the entire family needs to be treated.
Christy Lennox, RRW
Substance Abuse Counselor, Temecula Facility
Christy Lennox is a registered recovery worker through California Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Association at A Better Tomorrow. Christy’s education is through Intercoast Colleges of California where she graduated with Honors. She is experienced in substance abuse counseling, group facilitating, and working with individuals. She also has working knowledge of the 12 step Philosophy. Christy is dedicated to helping others overcome their addictive lifestyle and providing skill and tools to live a positive drug free lifestyle. Christy likes her job because she loves helping others redirect their lives and helping them with guidance and recovery tools.
Contact A Better Tomorrow for information on drug rehab & alcohol rehabilitation services in Southern California including San Diego County, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many more…