Meet the compassionate, skilled team of therapists and clinicians that you’ll be able to lean on throughout the entire treatment journey. Whether it’s you or your loved one in care, we’re here for the entire family.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D.
Medical Director/Psychiatrist
Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D. is an award-winning, Board Certified psychiatrist in La Jolla, CA with over ten years of experience working with people of diverse needs. He pursued his true passion for psychiatry and completed his psychiatric residency training at the University of Reno, Las Vegas. A San Diego native, he returned to Southern California to receive additional training in mental health, and start his private practice. His specialties are psychiatry and psychotherapy, which are techniques that facilitate a better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and motivations. His approach explores the interplay of biology, psychology, and sociology in shaping individuals and their relationships.
Dr. Tawfique’s experience includes delivering comprehensive addiction treatment at substance abuse centers in San Diego.
Niloufar Nekou, a Marriage and Family Therapist, specializes in a range of psychotherapy areas, including trauma, substance and alcohol abuse, and embracing cultural diversity. Trained in EMDR and skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, she fosters a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
Niloufar received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Charleston. Niloufar’s therapeutic approach is to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space to address the difficulties that bring clients to therapy.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Larissa, originally from the suburbs of Chicago, made the move to sunny California in 2016. Her personal journey in recovery has evolved into a valuable asset that she has applied to her role at Alter Health Group. Larissa initially launched her career as a case manager and has since transitioned into the field of business development. With expertise in Partner Relations, Community Resourcing, and Strategic Planning, Larissa excels in building and sustaining robust relationships with healthcare organizations, providers, and industry professionals. Her commitment is evident in her dedicated efforts to assure families and friends that their loved ones receive tailored care aligned with their unique needs. Larissa draws upon her educational background from the University of Illinois, holds a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) certification, and has completed training in Yoga Teacher Training (YTT 200). Combining her professional expertise with personal experience in the field of recovery, she skillfully guides individuals through substance and mental health treatment with unwavering support and compassion.
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Jack is dedicated to supporting individuals and families during some of their most challenging times. Known for a direct, compassionate, and calm approach, he excels in guiding clients through the admissions process and beyond.
As a frontline responder on the admissions line, Jack provides essential direction and support, ensuring that those seeking help feel heard and understood. Witnessing the profound growth and transformation of clients from the initial call to the completion of their programs is what fuels his passion for this work.
Jack takes great pride in seeing clients embrace life with renewed joy and hearing from families about the positive changes in their loved ones. He is especially skilled at listening to those in need, maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, and navigating crises with empathy and understanding.
Driven by a commitment to making a difference, Jack continues to be a steadfast advocate for mental health, embodying the belief that every person deserves support, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive.
Joe is an experienced Case Manager and Behavioral Therapist specializing in substance use disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health diagnoses. He focuses on reducing negative behaviors, fostering independence, and building healthy coping skills while creating a positive, engaging environment for clients. Joe enjoys reading, disc golf, board games, and his cat Peep. He loves meditation and helping others find the things that bring them joy and serenity.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Destiny Hammer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kendra Latty
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kendra is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a graduate of San Diego University. With over nine years of experience in family medicine, she brings a strong foundation in whole-person care to her work in mental health. Drawn to the meaningful connections and lasting healing found in psychiatry, Kendra is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward emotional and psychological wellness.
Rooted in a holistic and culturally informed approach, Kendra believes in the importance of movement, mindfulness, and continuous growth – both personally and professionally. Outside of clinical work, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and spending time in nature, embracing its transformative power.
Yen Anker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Yen Anker, DNP, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health at Brandman University. She understands the definition of addiction and mental health is complex and often an area of debate; therefore, she has left it best to be defined by the individual and their families. Since everyone has their own struggles or aspirations to improve their state of being, she understands what is meaningful for one individual may not be the same for another. Nevertheless, at some point in each person’s life, they may seek guidance and treatment for either themselves or their loved one’s substance use and/or mental health care needs. Her clinical philosophy considers a collaborative approach between her, the individual, and their loved ones, accounting for individual autonomy yet preserving the individual’s ability to engage in healthy, full-filling relationships in life.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Makenna Jones, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, specializes in treating individuals with mental health conditions, trauma, and substance abuse. Graduating from Azusa Pacific University, her approach is collaborative and compassionate. Makenna is committed to assisting clients in learning tools to navigate life’s difficulties, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Katie Munoz-Massey has a deep passion for mental health care, specializing in supporting adults navigating acute mental health challenges. Her approach is grounded in compassion, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their emotions and build resilience.
Hannah Le-Schroeder
Primary Therapist
Hannah Le-Schroeder is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate and culturally sensitive therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in diverse clinical settings. Viewing therapy as a collaborative process, Hannah guides and supports her clients to successfully navigate challenging life transitions, regulate conflictual relationships, and develop healthy boundaries within the family system. Her ultimate goal is to empower clients to make meaningful changes that improve personal well-being and increase a sense of life purpose.
Bobbi Ayvasi
Primary Therapist
Bobbi is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about fostering deep, authentic connections. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in May 2025. Bobbi also has an additional Master’s degree in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University that she completed in 2023. Bobbi is a compassionate, trauma-informed clinician who focuses on creating safety, trust, and connection in the therapeutic relationship. Bobbi is dedicated to helping clients not only build insight, but also develop a robust, practical toolkit of skills that they can immediately apply to their lives. Her ultimate goal is to guide clients toward achieving sustained healing, cultivating greater resilience in the face of adversity, and making meaningful, lasting changes that align with their most authentic selves.
Lily Chang
Primary Therapist
Hi, I’m Lily! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). I attended Columbia University and National University’s JFK School of Psychology/Social Sciences. My specialized interests in psychotherapy include PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, cognitive development and the psychology of pain. I approach mental wellness through an Integrative Model of CBT/DBT/ACT, Polyvagal Neuroscience, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Humanism. I am trained in EMDR and passionate about Whole Person Health towards empowerment and self actualization! I trained in ACT with creator Stephen C. Hayes PhD, and am currently training with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk in Traumatic Stress Studies. I have volunteered with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Habitat for Humanity, and enjoy the beach, reading, gardening and cooking. I look forward to meeting with you!
Noel Dill
Primary Therapist
Noell is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree from Hope International University. She began her career in private practice, supporting individuals, couples, children, and families in navigating life’s challenges. Through this work, she discovered a passion for residential treatment, helping clients address complex mental health and behavioral challenges in a structured, supportive environment. Noell takes a collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to meet each client’s unique needs, creating a safe space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood, and where meaningful growth can take place.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Kahley Jaeke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical/Counseling from Washington College, complemented by a minor in Business Management. With over 2.5 years of experience as a Case Manager, Kahley has navigated diverse challenges in mental health, substance abuse, and financial and legal matters. She is recognized for her patience and profound understanding of clients facing mental health issues, skillfully guiding them towards rebuilding all aspects of their lives.
Kahley’s enduring passion lies in continuing to make a positive impact through ongoing learning and pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She remains deeply committed to carving out supportive pathways for individuals with mental health disorders, driven by a profound empathy for their journeys. In her free time, Kahley enjoys training her dogs, exploring new places, spending time with family, and furthering her education.
Joe is an experienced Case Manager and Behavioral Therapist specializing in substance use disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health diagnoses. He focuses on reducing negative behaviors, fostering independence, and building healthy coping skills while creating a positive, engaging environment for clients. Joe enjoys reading, disc golf, board games, and his cat Peep. He loves meditation and helping others find the things that bring them joy and serenity.
Erica Medina
Care Path Manager
Erica has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, with a passion for guiding individuals on their journey to recovery through connection and support. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health. In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with her family and reading as many books as she can get her hands on.
Jonica Lagman
Care Path Manager
Jonica earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis in 2024 and brings an extensive background in the field to her role as Case Manager. She takes an individualized and collaborative approach to supporting clients, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and advocacy throughout the treatment process. In her free time, Jonica enjoys exploring local coffee shops around Orange County, watching new movies, and baking desserts.
Savanna Hart
Care Path Manager
Savanna is a Care Path Manager at Alter Behavioral Health, where she delivers individualized, evidence-based support to all clients. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Tulane University. Savanna is committed to promoting client well-being through a professional, person-centered approach that emphasizes quality, integrity, and continuity of care.
Nathaniel Zwail
Care Path Manager
I have over seven years of experience working in the mental health field, supporting individuals through complex emotional challenges and life transitions. My strengths include crisis de-escalation, emotional regulation, and helping clients build structure and stability during periods of distress. I take a grounded, compassionate approach and focus on meeting clients where they are while supporting realistic, meaningful progress. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching films, hiking, going to the gym, exploring new areas, and spending time outdoors, which helps me maintain balance and perspective.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Morgan Aird
Admission Coordinator
As an Admissions Coordinator, Morgan Aird is dedicated to supporting clients with warmth, encouragement, and a sincere appreciation for mental health awareness. She takes pride in helping individuals navigate the first steps of their healing journey and feels honored to play a role in connecting them with meaningful care. Born and raised in Orange County, Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton. She is committed to upholding the high standard of individualized, compassionate care that defines Alter. Outside of work, she values mind and body wellness, enjoys peaceful beach walks, and embracing new experiences that keep her inspired and connected.
Janell Linler
Admission Supervisor
Janell is dedicated to ensuring every client’s first step into treatment is supportive and seamless. As Admissions Supervisor, she helps individuals and families navigate the process, ensuring they find their path to healing. Janell’s commitment to this field is rooted in her own journey of personal growth and developing a strong, resilient mindset. The obstacles she overcame became invaluable lessons that profoundly shaped her life, providing her with the deep understanding and compassionate guidance she offers today. Her mission is to empower others to recognize that their hurdles, too, can be foundational to the person they are meant to become.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Tracy Foust
Operations Manager
Tracy graduated from college in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications. Through her own personal journey, she developed a deep passion for helping others, which continues to guide her professional approach today. She is deeply committed to both client and staff care, leading with empathy, active listening, and genuine understanding.
As Operations Manager, she strives to integrate relational excellence and build trust, foster collaboration, and create psychologically safe environments. By effectively combining operational oversight with compassion, she ensures systems run efficiently while maintaining a strong, human-centered focus. This balanced approach allows her to consistently deliver exceptional care and support for both clients and staff.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every team member is Care Predictor certified – because better care begins with alignment, and our proprietary solution ensures each clinician brings the compassion, trust, and presence needed to drive better outcomes with every client.
To see the three primary strengths, scroll over each team member.
Brandi Phillips
Alumni Coordinator
Brandi Phillips is driven by a deep passion for helping others, inspired by her own personal experiences. Originally from Michigan, she moved to California from Tennessee to embark on her own recovery journey. Her empathy allows her to connect with clients on a meaningful level, meeting them where they are in their journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role at Alter is witnessing the incredible transformations clients undergo—from their first meeting to completing treatment and beyond.
As the Activities and Alumni Supervisor, Brandi is a consistent presence in clients’ journeys, welcoming them upon arrival and maintaining connection throughout their treatment and afterward. She is dedicated to enhancing their experience by gathering feedback, implementing improvements, and ensuring a supportive environment. Brandi also actively assists in planning weekend experiential outings, collaborating to find new and engaging activities that support clients’ reintegration into daily life.
Being a part of the alumni program means more than just planning events—it’s about making sure clients get where they need to go and supporting their continued journey after treatment. Seeing the follow-through of their experience at Alter is something Brandi takes great pride in, reinforcing the lasting impact of the program.
Nick Sage
Driver
Nick is a local to San Clemente who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and spending time in nature. Having been through treatment himself, he brings empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to supporting others during their most challenging moments. Nick takes pride in providing safe, calm, and comfortable transportation for every client in his care. He loves being able to help people feel supported and cared for when they need it most. Combining his passion for driving with his desire to make a positive impact, Nick strives to create a welcoming and reliable experience for everyone he works with.
Stan Phillips
Driver
Stan has spent the last 16 years dedicated to working in the recovery field. Joining Alter has been a meaningful way for him to be of service, drawing from his own sobriety journey since 1990—celebrating 36 years sober. When the opportunity arose to work directly in recovery, he embraced it wholeheartedly. Outside of work, Stan enjoys surfing, paddle boarding, beach volleyball, and going to concerts. He loves going to the movies with his wife, taking walks with their dog, and capturing photos of sunsets and beach scenes.
Care Predictor certification indicates providers possess personality traits that enhance their ability to connect and provide effective, lasting care.
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We accept most major insurance providers including the ones displayed here.
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Our facilities have been awarded prestigious recognition and certifications by adhering to rigorous guidelines and exceeding quality standards with consistent, safe & effective healthcare services.
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