What Sets Us Apart

Barbara Woods, LCSW, ACSW has worked in the field of mental health for 35 years. She has specialized in the field of substance dependence and co-occurring disorders having served both as a Primary Counselor, Admissions Director and Clinical Services Director at various residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities and psychiatric hospitals across the U.S. In addition she has worked as an EAP in the Workplace Services department for a major managed care organization. She is a trained interventionist. Prior to coming to Casa Palmera she served as National Director of Marketing for Valley Hope Association for a number of years. Barbara has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Rehabilitation from Troy State University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama. In addition she has additional training and certification from Rutgers University in the field of substance dependence. This blend of direct service, managed care expertise and national marketing expertise brings a unique benefit to Casa Palmera.

David Bergman, MD, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, trained at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. An associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCSD Medical School, Dr Bergman, a practicing psychiatrist, has previously served as medical director at Southwood Psychiatric Centers, Alvarado Parkway Institute and Bay Recovery Centers in San Diego, where he helped develop and supervise clinical programs for the treatment of dual diagnosis, chronic pain and addictive disorders, as well as many others. Recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and a Medical Director leadership award for psychiatric administrative excellence, he is a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). He is also a frequent lecturer and media consultant, and the author of Kids on the Brink.

Joseph Shurman, M.D. an anesthesiologist, was recently voted by his peers as the leading pain specialist in the San Diego area. He is currently Chairman of Pain Management at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA and also a Board Member of the Whittier Institute which has a strong interest in the pain associate with diabetic neuropathy.Dr. Shurman has authored numerous publications in the field of anesthesiology and pain management. Dr. Shurman is the founder of the “Share the Risk” program for physicians, which was created to respond to the enormous risk to which doctors are exposed when they prescribe opiates. The goal has been to unite physician and other healthcare professionals who treat chronic pain in the San Diego area.

Dr. Michael Lardon received a degree in psychology with honors from Stanford University, his medical degree from the University of Texas, and completed an internship in internal medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He also completed a psychiatric residency and subsequent fellowship in psychopharmacology and psychobiology at UCSD. Dr. Lardon won the Judd Research Award at UCSD for brain research on athletic peak performance. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSD and Consulting Psychiatrist for the United States Olympic Teams. Dr. Lardon has extensive experience in the treatment of Eating DIsorders and is a nationally recognized speaker on various topics including Eating Disorders, Sports Psychiatry, Depression and Anxiety Disorders. He is the author of "Finding Your Zone".

Cherlyne Short Majors, MA, MLA, has worked in Behavioral Healthcare for over 24 years in a variety of settings ranging from clinical practice and International Business Development to Senior Executive administration at the Betty Ford Center, Summit Centers (UCLA-affiliate), Cirque Lodge, and Hythiam, Inc. Holding two Masters’ degrees in Liberal Arts and Medical Anthropology from Southern Methodist University and numerous certifications and licensure in Marriage and Family therapy and addictions, Ms. Majors has a robust history of developing successful start-ups as well as being a change-agent in existing programs/facilities. Consulting and speaking nationally and internationally, Ms. Majors has deep understanding of and respect for the importance of programs that bring innovative ideas to the market.

Phyllis Meagher, MBA, has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She first began working as an addiction counselor with chemical dependency and eating disorder clients. Ms. Meagher has a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Personnel Management. She also has her Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Ms Meagher’s history, including patient interaction, provider understanding and Healthcare administration, has allowed her a unique ability to successfully build and direct Healthcare Systems. Her experience with primary care, specialty services and complementary care allows her to approach total patient wellness with a well-rounded view.

Dr. Maryann Rosenthal is a highly respected clinical psychologist with extensive experience in the field of chemical dependency and recovery, as well as the assessment, education, and management of chronic pain and addiction. She has developed and implemented pain management programs that offer complementary alternative strategies for chronic pain. An internationally known speaker, author, Dr. Maryann has consulted throughout America, Australia, Europe, and Asia on family dynamics and life achievement issues. She is the best selling author of Be A Parent, Not A Pushover, selected as a book of the year on effective parenting. She has been published in numerous magazines and has collaborated on many books.

William G. Heard, Ph.D., is a graduate of Arizona State University and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and has extensive experience in clinical, administration, and program development in both public and private treatment facilities. As clinical advisor at Casa Palmera, Dr Heard provides oversight and consultation regarding the development of all treatment services.

A. J. Foster, MD has been a Family Practitioner for 30 years. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital of La Jolla. Dr. Foster provides general medical care to the patient population at Casa Palmera.

Deborah Doherty, PhD earned her RN and PhD degrees from the University of Arizona. Her experience includes Medical/Surgical, Intensive care, and Psychiatric Nursing. Dr. Doherty has lectured on many topics including “Medical Complications of Patients with Depression” and “Death and Dying in Critical Care Nursing”. While in Arizona, Dr. Doherty served as a consultant for Teen Challenge and was a guest speaker on radio and television addressing spiritual issues that women face. She also served on the Governor’s Task Force for Domestic Violence.

Joyce Londono, RNC is a certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse (ANCC) and a certified Addictions Nurse (IntNSA). Choosing to work in the special field of chemical dependency and eating disorders treatment 25 years ago, she considers it a "privilege to be included in the tough work and magic of a personal recovery process our residents have the courage to experience.” Ms. Londono is head of Staff Development at Casa Palmera.

Lisa Sokol, MSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including residential, day treatment, and out-patient. Her treatment specializations include eating disorders, grief and loss, addiction, trauma, and developmental and learning disorders. Lisa is a graduate of the San Diego State School of Social Work and is an alumni of the University of Southern California. At Casa Palmera, she provides individual, family, and group therapy, including the Boundaries and Codependency, and Eating Disorder groups.

Lindsey Mahy, LMFT, Is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has worked with both Chemical Dependency and Eating Disorders. Lindsey is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. At Casa Palmera, Lindsey provides individual, family, and group therapy, specifically facilitating the Food and Feeling, and Body Image groups.

David Grey, CADCII, Program Coordinator, is a certified addictions counselor. David specializes in administrative areas of program development, as well as teaching and counseling groups and individuals on all aspects of understanding addiction and the necessary requirements for a successful lifestyle of recovery. He is committed to helping those challenged by addictive disorders find a lasting process of recovery that will provide real and meaningful change in their lives.

Anne M. Harbord, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian who works as a consultant in health care facilities in San Diego and Orange County. Anne has a Bachelor Sciecnce degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Michigan State University, and a Masters in Nutrition and Food Management. Her expertise is in the area of kitchen operations and menu planning. Anne is a member of the American and California Dietetic Association and has her certificate in Serv Safe with the National Restaurant Association.

Sue Dieffenbach, RN, MS, CCN is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and holds a Bachelors Degree in Nursing as well as a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition. With over 30 years of experience in both private and clinical practice, Sue blends her passion for nutritional biochemistry with a holistic appreciation of the interplay between mind and body to facilitate healing. At Casa Palmera, Sue coordinates the Holistic Nutrition Program which includes an all natural, whole foods menu plan and individual nutrition consultations.

Hilary Stokes, PhD, holds a doctoral degree in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialty in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies. She is a licensed psychotherapist in the state of California and holds Masters’ degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology specializing in Sports Psychology. She has over 15 years of experience bringing mind, body and spiritual principles to medical and psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers for addictions, schools, alternative medical facilities, corrections facilities, and business organizations.

Kim Ward, PhD, holds a doctoral degree in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialty in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies. Her Masters’ degree is in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Transpersonal Psychology. She believes true healing happens in the relationship between the mind, body and spirit; and is dedicated about facilitating and participating in the healing of individuals. At Casa Palmera, Dr. Ward co-facilitates the Spiritual Well-being groups and retreats bringing the synergistic power of mind, body and spirit to the process of recovery.

Catherine Falter, L.Ac., is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has a wide variety of experience treating Chemical Dependency and Eating Disorders, internal medicine and acute and chronic pain disorders. Catherine received her M.S. in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York and San Diego, California. She is certified by the California Acupuncture Board as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. At Casa Palmera, Catherine works with each resident individually to create a treatment plan based on his or her individual needs.

Kathryn Kirby, M.Ed, ATR, is a Registered Art Therapist with a Masters' degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She is a professional member of the American Art Therapy Association, Southern and Northern California Art Therapy Associations, and is a trained SoulCollage® facilitator. Kat works with individuals and groups at Casa Palmera, encouraging residents to explore a variety of art materials for self-expression and healing in new, creative ways.