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.
Misty Mota
Director of Operations
Misty Mota is a passionate leader and advocate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and over 15 years of experience in operations, business strategy, and team building. As a Certified California Wellness Coach II, Crisis Specialist, and Suicide Prevention Instructor, Misty combines her academic foundation with real-world expertise to empower individuals and organizations toward resilience, growth, and well-being. Her passion for mental health advocacy and her ability to implement impactful systems make her a trusted force in both wellness and business communities. Driven by purpose and compassion, Misty is dedicated to creating sustainable change and inspiring others to rise with strength and intention.
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.
Susannah Rogers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Susannah Rogers brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep commitment to compassionate care to her role as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Alter Behavioral Health. With over eight years of experience in mental health, Susannah’s approach is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves thoughtful, individualized care.
Originally from Southern California, Susannah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at California State University, Long Beach. She is especially passionate about integrating holistic practices with evidence-based medicine and continually explores advancements in pharmacology and emerging therapeutic modalities.
Susannah’s interest in mental health is deeply personal, shaped by early exposure to the realities of mental illness and a desire to be part of creating a better, more supportive system of care.
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.
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.
Care Predictor certification indicates providers possess personality traits that enhance their ability to connect and provide effective, lasting care.
Call Now for Program Availability
Contact our admissions team to learn about our programs and to check availability at our facilities, or submit your insurance to verify coverage.
We accept most major insurance providers including the ones displayed here.
We accept most major insurance providers including the ones displayed here.
Submit your insurance to confirm coverage.
Our facilities have been awarded prestigious recognition and certifications by adhering to rigorous guidelines and exceeding quality standards with consistent, safe & effective healthcare services.
Our mission is to advance the future of mental health care through innovative, evidence-based treatments, delivering excellence, fostering human connection with unwavering compassion that empowers every individual to thrive.
34270 Pacific Coast Hwy
3rd Floor
Dana Point, CA 92629
Questions? Call now to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor.
