Dean Moses was born 1988 in Dallas, Texas. His process of maturity was common in many respects but derailed by substance use in his formative years. The middle of two brothers, Dean experienced many successes. These are easily attributed to the love of his parents, the support of his brothers and an unwavering faith that one day his life could be less troublesome. Dean was treated many times as a young adult for alcoholism and drug addiction. Despite these detours on his road toward adulthood, he attained a Bachelor’s in Science degree from the University of Texas in Austin and solidified his sobriety while still in his 20s.
Dean went on his path of recovery with a passion to help others, primarily young adults, to reach stability and sobriety. He became an active member in the 12-Step Community, returned to school and attained an Addiction Credential as a Certified Counselor (CADC). He has been trained by and collaborated with many levels of professionals, consulting with psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists and psychotherapists through his Program Director position at an internationally renowned California-based treatment provider. He continued reaching people in need in addition to his studies and full-time director position through volunteer services with the YMCA and coaching basketball for school-aged boys. He regularly volunteers at homeless shelters and gives freely to many within the 12-Step fellowship community by holding meetings within his own home. He is also an active member and student of a faith-based organization in Los Angeles that resembles his upbringing as a young man in Dallas. He works closely with the Jewish Community and is active in the Beit T’shuvah Alumni program in LA, as well.
Dean is particularly skilled in working with families and young adults who have failed at thriving and who suffer from all ranges of mental illness. Dean also has a sophisticated approach when collaborating with other professionals and providers working within the treatment industry. Guiding participants therapeutically through case management, mentorship, companionship and coaching, Dean’s gift with connecting quickly and easily with hard-to-reach people is exceptional.
He describes his counseling skills with others on a one-to-one basis as his true calling. By integrating life skills in an individualistic and unique manner, Dean believes that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” method. He also speaks about working diligently at prevention and harm reduction while those he serves travel toward maximum recovery, where other providers or approaches have seemingly failed. Dean knows how to help grow seeds already planted due to his own recovery and attainment of personal development.
He has a strong belief in the community and relational model of wellness, which hones in on the necessity of connection to peers through vulnerable and courageous expressions. Dean’s life experience, his own recovery, the many years in the substance abuse and mental health treatment field, and his vast knowledge of resources within the local, regional and national arena qualify him extraordinarily. Dean is equipped to handle the delicate needs of anyone seeking help for mental health or substance abuse challenges, especially those struggling with multiple relapses.
Ryan Gartrell went to his first treatment center at the age of 15 soon after the fatal overdose of his first cousin. Ryan would spend the next 10 years in and out of the criminal system and treatment facilities battling a severe heroin addiction. Ryan was 25 when he would settle into a long-term period of recovery, wellness, and personal growth. Six years later, he has set a course with his business partner, Dean Moses, to bring the joy of life to others through Spearhead Health Advocacy.
Ryan is the youngest son of his parents and grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was passionate about sports, friendship, and music when he became overcome by severe addiction. Ryan went through every variety of treatment from medication-assisted treatment methods, state-funded facilities, 12-Step and religiously based interventions in multiple states. He came to California in 2015 to his last treatment before becoming healthy and inspired.
As a strong member of the recovery community and a trusted professional in the treatment industry, Ryan is passionate about helping others find their drive for life and passion for success. Over five years have past and Ryan has worked with the leaders of the industry in two well-known inpatient facilities; one being a primary mental health inpatient facility and the other a dual-diagnosis inpatient facility. He has also managed two separate sober living homes in the Los Angeles area. Ryan is skilled with all walks of life in bringing connection, vulnerability and courage to anyone he meets seeking a chance at change.
Ryan has humility and grace that represents his genuine character. Ryan is readily able to take on the challenges that families and individuals face with respect to all levels of severity in mental health and substance use problems. Together with Dean Moses, they aim to reach those just starting out in recovery and those that have fallen many times due to the complexities of addiction and mental health challenges. They do this through the individual, the family, and the community.
Ryan has traveled the country and internationally as a representative of the treatment industry in California. He considers his opportunity as a gift needed to be shared with others in need. He is skilled in mindfulness-based methods, group counseling, and one-to-one processes. Families that have worked with Ryan regularly comment that he was the difference that made the shift for their loved one.
In addition to his multiple years of working in treatment, Ryan has gained an Addiction Credential as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC). He looks toward the future to bring a sense of meaning and purpose to those wanting his and Dean’s help through Spearhead Health Advocacy.
Dr. Raskin is a leading board certified internist and Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine in Pacific Palisades, California. Treating patients in his private practice since 1996, Dr. Raskin has earned a reputation for exceptional patient care and effective individualized treatment.
He received his Bachelors of Arts degree in human biology from Stanford University, and graduated with honors. He then went on to medical school at George Washington University and graduated with distinction. After medical school, he came to Los Angeles and completed his residency at UCLA.
Today, through cutting edge and compassionate techniques, Dr. Raskin helps his patients maintain and regain their health. Dr. Raskin contributes regularly to local and national television broadcasts. Most recently he has appeared as a medical expert on Good Morning America and Nightline.
Fernando Rodriguez, MBA, MA, CIPP, CPC is a compassionate and experienced Care Management Supervisor dedicated to transforming lives. With nearly two decades of clinical, academic, and operational leadership in behavioral health, Fernando brings a wealth of expertise to our organization.
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fernando has worked with a myriad of cross-sectional populations, from indigent inner-city rival gang members to celebrities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, licensed professionals, and their families. Specializing in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues, he excels in complex cases involving traumatic brain injuries, personality disorders, eating disorders, complex trauma amongst others.
With a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Addiction and Mental Health Counseling, Fernando’s educational background is robust. He furthered his expertise with post-graduate studies in Positive Psychology and extensive training in various therapeutic and experiential modalities.
As the Care Management Supervisor at Spearhead Health, Fernando fosters collaboration among our team, drawing from his past experiences as an adjunct professor of Clinical Case Management. He is passionate about developing others, ensuring our team has the knowledge and skills to handle complex cases effectively.
Beyond Spearhead Health, Fernando facilitates immersive and transformative experiential intensives for PIVOT. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his rescue dog Lola, skydiving, traveling, studying new subjects, or indulging his inner child with video games.
Elliot Bokman, born and raised in Los Angeles, is a seasoned recovery specialist with nearly 12 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has taken on roles as a substance abuse recovery specialist, case manager, program director, alumni director/admissions coordinator, and recovery companion. Elliot’s dedication to helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges is evident in his proven track record and the positive impact he has made in countless lives.
Outside of work, Elliot treasures time with his wife and son. He is an avid boxer who values physical and mental wellness, and he also has a passion for music, video games, and reading. Relaxing by the pool or beach with a good book is one of his favorite ways to unwind. Elliot’s commitment to excellence and his strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to every team he joins.
Through previous work experience in mental health and dual-diagnosis treatment facilities, Max comes equipped with an extensive background in Human Resources, Operations, and Administration. He offers a tremendous amount of support and knowledge for Spearhead Health Advocacy to run smoothly and effectively. Max is an advocate for workplace equality, ethical treatment practices, and client rights. He is an extremely passionate, hardworking individual dedicated to helping Spearhead Health Advocacy provide a positive, comfortable environment for all clients and staff.
Josh Mirmelli is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been working in the fields of mental health and addiction for over a decade. Dr. Josh’s expertise spans a range of clinical presentations, including substance use disorders, mood disorders, trauma (single-incident and complex), disordered eating and personality disorders. He also has an affinity for and working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Michelle Hossinei, LMFT, LCAS, received her degree from Appalachian State University in 2012. During her time there she focused on marriage and family therapy and addiction studies. After completing her internship at a local non-profit mental health/substance use facility she was offered a full time job as an outpatient therapist at that location. Given the nature of agency work, Michelle gained experience in conducting assessments and providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families with disorders ranging from depression to schizophrenia. In this role, Michelle also created a twelve week group focused on teaching parenting skills, sobriety, relapse prevention, and life skills to parents temporarily separated from their children by the Department of Social Services. At this time she also assisted DSS with training classes for foster parents focused on understanding addiction and how to support children with parents who are addicts.
She was then promoted to Intensive In Home Team Lead as the Masters level clinician. In this role Michelle worked with juvenile justice, child protective services, schools, and families in order to create healthier family dynamics. She then moved to Jacksonville, NC to work at the Naval Medical Center of Camp LeJeune. There she worked with active service members, coordinated care and needs with psychiatrists, linking members to appropriate groups, and communicating needs to Commands. Michelle also curated a 12 week Dialectical Behavioral Informed women’s group to help with mood stabilization and reduction of emotional reactivity.
Michelle utilizes an integrated family systems approach with Rogerian theories applied, meaning that she allows the individual seeking services to guide their journey and supports them along the way. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Michelle now lives in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina where she works at a private practice. This work entails seeing individuals, couples, and families treating a variety of mental health and substance use issues. Michelle also spends her time providing therapy to individuals incarcerated at the Dare County Detention Center. In this role she often works with Recovery Court linking individuals to rehabilitation treatment as well as continuation of care following release from jail.
When Michelle isn’t working, she is spending time with her partner fishing, gardening, and her animals- Ryder (golden retriever) and Harry and Lloyd (extra large tabbies). She enjoys searching for sea glass and crafting with beach finds.
Ashley Nahai, LMFT received her BA in Psychology from UCLA in 2010 and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2012.
During her undergraduate studies, Ashley served as a research assistant at the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, where she assisted with assessments of study participants and compiling research data. In addition to her studies and research position, she co-authored a journal article that was published in the Journal of Social Influence. Ashley’s graduate studies at USC focused on the relationship between trauma and substance abuse, as well as theories of counseling, psychopathology, and psychopharmacology. Ashley completed her practicum training at the CLARE Foundation in Santa Monica, a residential substance abuse facility, where she received training in psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step oriented treatment.
Following her practicum, Ashley served as the Counseling Director at Beit T’Shuvah, a residential substance abuse facility in West Los Angeles, for over 5 years. In this position, she created and oversaw daily programming for over 100 residents, as well as supervised substance abuse counselors and program technicians. Additionally, she provided individual and group psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling, as well as facilitated family therapy groups and sessions. Following her tenure at Beit T’Shuvah, Ashley served as the Director of Mentoring and Family Programming at Transcend Recovery Community. In this position, Ashley directed and supervised case management services for over 60 clients and families, led clinical trainings and supervision for all case managers, and led family therapy workshops for clients and their families. Currently, Ashley runs a private practice in Los Angeles where she provides therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families. Ashley believes in the sanctity of the therapeutic relationship and in the ability of every person to heal and recovery.
Peter Schafer holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. He has a passion for serving individuals and families that are currently experiencing substance abuse and mental health issues. During his studies at USC, Peter worked as a therapist at an acclaimed treatment center in Malibu, California. Prior to that he spent three years as a board member of a non-profit organization that served addicted mothers and their children in helping them to gain access to housing and recovery. Compassion is the driving force in Peter’s approach to treatment. He has witnessed first-hand that there is a way out of addiction and that recovery from the disease of addiction is possible.
Lisa Smith is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with a focus in Family Systems. She is certified in CRAFT, Invitation to Change and Motivational Interviewing and holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Denver. After teaching secondary education for 20 years, Lisa became who she needed when her family was struggling with Substance Use Disorder.
Through her own journey to align her personal values with evidence-based modalities of support for her oldest son, Lisa learned to combine compassion and science together to both connect with her son in a meaningful way and heal herself and her other relationships. In the process of her personal journey of recovery from SUD in her family, Lisa went from surviving her life to living and thriving, and was able to create the influence and connection that she was desperately trying to achieve as a mother.
Lisa works individually with families as well as running a group family curriculum for treatment centers across the country. She believes in the process of parallel recovery for family and support persons and uses her experience as an educator to present ideas in a way that makes learning and growth achievable. Meeting each family where they are in the process of growth and healing is important to her work guiding and honoring each person’s journey. Her primary goal is to support families to honor both themselves and their loved one with compassion and connection and to empower families to have the tools of sustainability needed to support their loved one and invite change.
Daniel Patterson has over seventeen years of experience in the field of secondary education. Holding a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Willamette University and an Administrative Services Credential from the University of California, Irvine, Daniel has served as a classroom English teacher, a student council director, a varsity tennis coach, an assistant principal, and the director of a therapeutic high school. During his tenure, Daniel has earned recognitions such as Teacher of the Year (2012), Administrator of the Year (2016), as well as the PTA Honorary Service Award (2012, 2016), and City of Newport Beach Mayor’s Proclamation (2017) for his work in education. Additionally, since launching his private consulting practice, Daniel also has performed extensive post-secondary and college counseling with a vast array of students ranging from vocational training to Ivy League schools.
Daniel’s areas of expertise include course planning, graduation requirements, transfer protocol, credit recovery, alternative schools, boarding schools, private and prep day schools, and public education. He holds a versatile skill set that produces tangible and specific educational plans for the unique goals of his clients. In addition to education, Daniel is the author of The Assertive Parent (2018) and RECOVER[edu] (2020) and has contributed to publications such as The HuffPost, Thrive Global, MSNBC, NBC News, The LA Times, among others.
Jaymee Carpenter is a highly revered spiritual teacher and psychospiritual counselor based in Ojai, CA, with a background of 13 years of multi-faceted professional experience in the field of addiction and mental health treatment.
Homeless and addicted on Los Angeles’s skid row district at the age of 26, Jaymee was gifted an opportunity in 2003 to enter state funded addiction treatment, and utilized the time to reassess and repurpose himself for the benefit of humanity. The result is a man who has since risen from the ashes of his former ignorance into a life and career of unique service, while simultaneously and ceaselessly engaging in comprehensive spiritual exploration.
Jaymee is the former the Spiritual Director of a prominent dual diagnosis treatment center in Malibu (a position created within the company specifically for him), and was not only highly influential in co- creating the culture and curriculum of their program, but left the center’s clients with an indelible treatment experience that helped shape the future of their lives, while building the brand and reputation of the center for it’s ingenuity of approach. The years spent working there eventually led to an opportunity for Jaymee to co-found his own spiritually-based addiction and mental health center in Santa Barbara, of which he co-created it’s daily curriculum, while managing and operating as the centers Spiritual Director. Jaymee’s lasting influence can be felt in each of these centers culture and curriculum to this day, and within every client and staff member he has mentored throughout the years.
Jaymee’s spiritual study and practice has been culturally diverse and impossible to categorize. He defines spirituality as “the space in between self and impulse”. He is a 16 year meditation practitioner and teacher within the oldest lineage of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma), which is his primary source of his own recovery and mental clarity. Jaymee spent 3 years recently as an apprentice to a Lakota shaman, co-facilitating sweat lodge ceremonies for hundreds of participants on sacred land blessed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. He is additionally a master level communicator and storyteller, and one of the world’s great listeners.
Jaymee is also a talented musician who wrote original music for multi Oscar winning film The Fighter, has been a composer for The Simpsons, That 70’s Show, Top Chef, and Real Housewives, and had an album of his music recorded by the world famous London Symphony Orchestra at Sir George Martin’s Air Studios London.
Jaymee is a firm believer that every form of addiction and mental health has a corresponding emotional root of origin. He does not see individuals as “sick” or “diseased” people, rather as future helpers or healers themselves, awaiting their own life’s repurposing. He believes the old archaic model of treatment is in drastic need of reappraisal and reconfiguration, and is outspoken about how to revolutionize the industry through compassion based practices. Jaymee believes all human beings are not the content of their minds, nor their many experiences in life. He believes each individual is far more than the collective cultural and familial conditioning they’ve accumulated, and teaches his clients how to find who they truly are through the daily practice of mindfulness meditation.
Ken Gootnick, a serial entrepreneur and coach, started his first business at the age of 19, built it from an idea to successfully selling it. Since that time he founded five companies in many different industries, some of which he continues to operate. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he has utilized his vast experience in CEO roles and has served as a senior management consultant for a large sales organization the last 12 years.
With more than 30 years of experience building, growing and selling companies, Ken’s real passion is to give back through his Sounding Board Consulting practice as a professional coach and advisor. His personal vision is to be an Angel in Disguise and to serve others through mentoring. He helps individuals choose growth over fear, transition back into their vocation or pursue their own dreams as entrepreneurs to make their own difference in the world.
For more than 15 years, Ken has held leadership positions with the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization (YEO). Ken also holds a B.A. in international relations from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Amy Green is passionate about weaving fitness and recovery into the same cloth. Amy completed her undergraduate education at the University of California, Irvine in Sociology and Business Management. During her undergraduate years she competed all four years in three sports at the Division 1 level. Amy graduated with honors and went on to complete her substance abuse counseling credentials and licensure at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Amy has been a professional in the fitness industry since 2011. She has worked with anyone from top professional athletes as well as kids, teens, and older adults. Her wide array of expertise in this field has given her the experience necessary to understand how crucial a role of fitness and proper nutrition have in aiding those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. She developed and created a wellness program for a renowned treatment center in Los Angeles, Beit T’shuvah. This program brought together the mind, body and spirit. She was able to help recovering addicts get in touch with their bodies on a deeper level through yoga, mindfulness, meditation, movement, sweat and educational nutrition group counseling.
Quiara has been working as a helping professional since 2014. While receiving her degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, with an emphasis in women’s health and IVF, Quiara began coaching her patients to stay grounded during challenging times. Quiara has a natural ability to support, encourage, and empower each one of her clients to move forward with their goals and intentions. She utilizes a variety of skills she has learned throughout the years to keep clients motivated and inspired.
Quiara works best with people who have high levels of anxiety, are emotionally distressed, and dealing with crisis. Quiara’s ability to truly meet clients where they are at allows her the ability to guide them through difficult situations while preserving their feelings of control and having agency in their lives. Quiara also specializes in working with teens and adults with mental health or addiction issues.
Quiara has a robust variety of quality clinical experiences, working with a broad range of populations. She has the benefit of utilizing multiple skill sets to creatively and compassionately address the needs and concerns of her clients. Quiara is also a reiki practitioner who enjoys intuitive crystal work and has assisted a multitude of clients to create mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and increase their moods. Quiara has creative solutions for people that don’t typically like to meditate and finds ways to guide them to calmness. Quiara also has a history of elite competitive horseback riding, which is a big reason why she also trains in the area of equine therapy.
Niki Cremmen is currently studying to obtain a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from from Antioch University with a specialization in spiritual and depth psychology. She has been working as a mentor for the past two years and has coached countless individuals on their journey to recovery for over six years. Her passion for helping others stems from her personal battle with addiction and self-destructive habits.
At 18 years old Niki went to treatment for an eating disorder where she came to terms with her relationship with drugs and alcohol and has been sober since. There, she realized the true problem wasn’t actually outside of her but inside of her and grew fascinated by personal growth, healing and developing her relationship with herself.
Today, Niki’s greatest passion is helping others along their own journey of healing and growing. As a mentor, Niki hopes to act as a guiding light, creating a loving and supportive relationship and allowing others to relate and share openly about themselves. Her experience taught her that when you change the inside, the outside follows and she only hopes to see others experience this for themselves.
Welcome! Chris strives to implement counseling services that support a holistic approach to wellness. He is a North Carolina board-certified addictions counselor with a broad range of clinical experience, providing support to individuals and families across various levels of mental health treatment. Chris began his journey in Intensive Outpatient care and led to the creation of North Carolina’s first Recovery High School in 2019. He connects best with individuals aged 14-30 and aims to make a lasting impact in his hometown, as well as in the lives of each client and their families. Chris looks forward to meeting you!
Sabrina is a Marriage and Family Therapy Student Intern in her last year of her Graduate Degree at Touro University. She previously got a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami and was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. Her background is in Mental Health Coaching and Substance Use Disorder Recovery Coaching. She also is familiar with Borderline Personality Disorder, Executive Functioning Disorder, PTSD, Learning Disabilities, Depression, and Anxiety.
She is certified by the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP-NYCB) in Mental Health First Aid, and Medication Assisted Recovery/Treatment. In addition, she holds a certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Foundations from New Roads Behavioral Health’s trainer Eric Schmidt, MSSW, LCSW. Lastly, she is a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) through the Connecticut Center for Addiction Recovery Training with a background in Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches.
With over 10 years of practice in a variety of clinical settings, Jason is a licensed substance abuse counselor with diverse experience working in the field of mental health and addiction. Jason brings his relaxed, familiar style to each relationship he builds with his clients. Passionate about all things active, Jason’s approach to client care often involves incorporating surfing, skateboarding, and other forms of therapeutic movement. Jason’s unique method of engaging clients is an extension of his philosophy that healing begins when we feel inspired, connected, and are moving!
Sophie Pyne is a Los Angeles-based holistic therapist, coach, and healer. As someone who experienced an incredible transformation from addiction and anxiety through reconnecting with the healing powers of nature, she has created holistic healing programs and experiences that are a custom blend of modalities designed to inspire connection and empowerment for people who are ready to own their struggles and reignite their inner spark! Sophie is known for her loving nature and ability to connect people towards authentic, joyful, and empowered lives.
Kris Metzger is currently obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. Her clinical interests include substance abuse, recovery, the intertwining of co-occurring disorders and trauma, as well as the utilization of somatic healing modalities.
As someone who has been in recovery from substances for eight years, Kris is a firm believer that there is no one path when it comes to achieving sobriety and recovery. After feeling stuck for several years in her own recovery, she went to treatment for trauma and codependency at six years sober. In other words, she certainly understands recovery is often not the linear perfect path we wish it was. As a proponent of many modalities such as 12 step, various types of therapy, and treatment to name a few, Kris believes that whatever path one chooses for sobriety and recovery, one must be willing to go deep and commit to the inner work in order to achieve freedom within themselves and within their life.
firm believer in the school of thought that we all store “our stuff” in our bodies, Kris is a proponent of using yoga, the outdoors, and other various forms of movement to process, release, and move forward from trauma. As a tried and true overthinker, Kris learned the importance of getting out of one’s head and into one’s body through her own somatic work. Her aim is to help others explore and access what freedom looks like for them, enabling one to live a vast, full life previously unimaginable to them.