STAFF
Mitchell K. Naficy, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE/ADDICTION
Dr. Naficy is a board-certified family physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. In 1985, he graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Microbiology and French Literature. In 1986, he enrolled at the Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. In 1990, he received his Medical Doctor degree. In 1991, Dr. Naficy completed his post-graduate training at the University of Southern California Medical Center. In 1998, he completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center.
Dr. Naficy has treated hundreds of drug-dependent patients throughout the years. His family medicine background was helpful in establishing his minimalist approach to prescribing medications for patients struggling with drug dependence. Unfortunately, he witnessed too many patients who had been unnecessarily prescribed controlled medications or who were overmedicated in the name of treating drug dependence. From the onset of his involvement in this field, he sought to undo those trends.
Dr. Naficy also happens to be one of only a handful of physicians in the state of California with expertise in the mobilization of the unconscious and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). He has extensive training and research with Dr. H. Davanloo, the world-renowned pioneer of the technique at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This knowledge of the metapsychology of the unconscious has proven invaluable in understanding and treating substance abuse and dependence.
At the heart of all addictions, drug and otherwise, is unconscious anxiety and unconscious guilt, which is the dynamic force that drives self-destructive behavior. These emotional forces are difficult to access and not easily available to examine for most. Dr. Naficy’s intricate knowledge of the unconscious and ability to shine a light on this fundamental area of the patient’s suffering and to guide the willing and determined patient to experience what was heretofore repressed represents a quantum leap in the treatment of substance abuse.
Dr. Robin Fraser, LCSW
CALIFORNIA BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, LICENSE NUMBER 22235
Dr. Robin Fraser is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and LCSW therapist with a doctorate in medical physiology. Dr. Fraser uses his skills to strengthen and empower families and communities through educational and support programs. He obtained his master’s degree in social work and completed his Ph.D. in physiology from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Fraser has accumulated more than 40 years of experience in mental and behavioral health and has worked as a social worker, counselor, and supervisor throughout his career. Some career highlights include working as a Senior Clinical Director for Padres Unidos, where he supervised as a field instructor for intern students from USC, California State University, Long Beach, and California State University, Dominguez Hills, to provide counseling for families in vulnerable communities. He has also been involved with Orange County Children and Family Services as a senior social worker.
Dr. Fraser has a passion for working with those struggling with mental and substance abuse issues. He believes in nurturing the spiritual growth of himself and others. When it comes to treating clients, he believes in the art of therapeutic connection. His style of treatment promotes a compassion-first approach as well as making positive contributions to their lives. Dr. Fraser enjoys providing love and service to help benefit the growth of others. In his free time, he engages in meditation/mindfulness, mountain biking, jogging, weight training, archery, yoga, and Ki training.
Terrence Kelleman, LAADC
CERTIFIED AND REGISTERED BY CALIFORNIA CONSORTIUM OF ADDICTION PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONALS LCi03640315
Terry Kellemen is a state board and internationally licensed substance abuse counselor with extensive experience in adolescent and adult substance abuse treatment. His expertise involves working with chronic “hard addiction causes,” relapse prevention, transitional housing and therapy, and family care. His addiction counseling experience spans 35 years, initiated by a personal knowledge of chemical dependency as an illness and firsthand experience in recovery, which enables him to relate to people in their addiction regardless of age or background.
Terry has set a precedent in his approach to intervention and addiction therapy by being the conduit to recovery for his clients and their family members. Terry’s dedication to his life’s work has provided a haven to those who need support and direction during a challenging period of their lives.
Jack Platt, LCSW
CALIFORNIA BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, LICENSE NUMBER 28120
With over 30 years of professional experience in mental and behavioral health, Jack Platt has worked in such roles as administration, staff supervision, patient and family counseling, corporate training, and teaching. Jack received his bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, and another master’s degree in social work from USC. He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a nationally certified master addiction counselor (MAC), an internationally certified alcohol and drug counselor (IAOD), and has a lifetime teaching certificate for the California State Community College system. Jack has been a guest lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, and California State University, Fullerton.
Patty Bell
Family Relations Manager/Interventionist
Patty has maintained her sobriety since May 1996. She attributes her recovery success to the strong foundation that was built for her life by living the 12 steps daily. Patty loves to work with clients to get them into treatment through interviewing and interventions. When Patty is not helping others, you will most likely find her training for a Spartan Race Triathlon and all other endurance sports. Patty has been employed by Capo by the Sea since 2001, serving the Capo community and helping others find joy in a life of recovery.
Ashly Fox
CERTIFIED TRAUMA YOGA INSTRUCTOR WITH FOCUS ON ADDICTION
Ashly Fox is a thought leader in the field of mental health and addiction treatment. She is creating change in the field with her uniquely designed evidenced-based system. The system incorporates the practices and tools of western psychology, yoga, and somatic awareness to support clients on their individual and collective health and healing journeys. Ashly’s training both on and off the yoga mat focuses not only on the physical benefits of yoga but also its mental health benefits.
Ashly is an experienced registered yoga teacher (YA-500 ERYT), and is Yoga Alliance, 500-hour certified. She specializes in therapeutic yoga and customizing practices to meet individual client’s needs and presenting pathology. Ashly is trained in and draws from various styles and lineages of yoga, including vinyasa, Hatha, restorative, yin, pranayama (breath work), visualization and meditation. Ashly is also certified in CPR and first-aid.
Robert Karlsson
Certified Fitness and Nutrition Specialist
Robert Karlsson is a clinical nutritionist and health care consultant who works with local schools, community centers, and substance abuse recovery centers across Southern California. Over the past decade, his fascination with nutritional deficiencies led him to focus on depletion caused by poor diet and toxic states that prevented the body from healing or performing optimally. His techniques for healing and restoring health are easily integrated into an array of medical treatment programs.
Robert’s primary mentor was Dr. Frank Varese, M.D., a pioneer in longevity medicine who devoted his practice to finding health and wellness solutions for patients who could not find the answers they needed from their regular doctors. John was fortunate to work with Dr.Varese for six years.
CARI MOORE, RADT
REGISTERED ALCOHOL DRUG TECHNICIAN, CERTIFIED BY CALIFORNIA CONSORTIUM OF ADDICTION PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONS
Cari is a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician at Capo by the Sea. She is certified in CPR and first aid, and is aa motivated team member who supports those struggling with substance abuse, alcohol dependency, and co-occurring disorders. Cari ensures resident confidentiality and safety, maintaining healthy and professional boundaries with all individuals. Cari demonstrates a strong work ethic while performing her job duties and adhering to Capo by the Sea’s values and principals.
WESTON BRACHA, RADT
REGISTERED ALCOHOL DRUG TECHNICIAN, CERTIFIED BY CALIFORNIA CONSORTIUM OF ADDICTION PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONS
Weston is a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician at Capo by the Sea. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with our program guidelines, assessing individual needs and monitoring behavior, documenting, and communicating that behavior, and ultimately caring for all individuals receiving services. He is certified in CPR and first aid, and is a motivated team member who supports those struggling with substance abuse, alcohol dependency, and co-occurring disorders. He makes a great addition to the Capo by the Sea team by his motivation and strong work ethic. Weston is a compassionate person who can jump in quickly, is a strong communicator, and has a passion for helping others.
Rachel Handa- Clinical Director & Primary Therapist
Behavioral Board of Sciences
Rachel Handa is a licensed therapist with a Master’s Degree in Social Work- Integrated Health from California State University, Long Beach. Rachel completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Communication Studies at Chapman University. Rachel has accumulated experience in Mental Health, Substance Use, and Non-Profits. She has since been able to develop her passion for helping those in need. Rachel cares deeply about the outcome of our clients and their future lives in sobriety. Rachel has worked for both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, as well as an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Rachel Handa utilizes various therapeutic models such as DBT, CBT, Solution-Focused, Psychoeducation, Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic techniques in her individual and group therapy sessions. Rachel believes in building the therapeutic alliance and utilizing holistic approaches to each client’s treatment. Rachel has acquired skills in facilitating psychoeducation and process groups, providing individual therapy, conducting Biopsychosocial assessments, and providing case management. Miss. Handa has completed trainings in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Case Management, Confidentiality, Suicide Risk Assessment, Human Sexuality, IPV, Cultural Competency, and Motivational Interviewing, and Substance Use Treatments. She has been such an amazing addition to our family here at Capo by The Sea and is always searching for ways to create a better client experience. In her free time, Rachel enjoys hiking, bike riding, dancing, reading, outdoor activities, and staying active.
