CASA SERENA - Key Persons
With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCLA and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Amanda has experience working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, and co-occurring mental health conditions. She provides psychoeducation, facilitates group process, and assists clients in tending to specific needs throughout their course in treatment.
Having served in many clinical leadership roles over the past two decades, Barbara Sheffield lends her expertise to the associate team at Casa Serena. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a CAMFT Certified Supervisor, and a long standing faculty member of Antioch University in both the Santa Barbara and Seattle locations, Barbara facilitates small groups that serve to empower women to reach their full potential.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Clare holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in assisting clients with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and concurrent mental health issues. Clare conducts both group therapy and individual sessions, empowering all to reclaim identity through their healing journey.
Dr. David Hernandez MD specializes in the medical management of eating disorders. His unique and caring clinical approach stresses the bio/psycho/social/spiritual nature of this complex disorder. While Dr. Hernandez's primary responsibility is to monitor and care for the physical well-being of his patients he believes that it is not enough to simply treat the body, but that the mind and ultimately the spirit must heal before a person has truly recovered from an eating disorder.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Psychiatrist
Dr. Marjorie Gies specializes in integrative psychiatry, focusing on a patient-centered approach that considers evidence-based pharmacological treatments as well as eating disorders, complex trauma, and severe addiction. Dr. Gies brings ample experience as a former Training and Supervising Analyst at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis Los Angeles (ICPLA) and Medical Consultant for the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP).
Ms. Harris completed her training at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. She is nationally certified to develop comprehensive assessments, create treatment plans, and prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Clinical Supervisor
- Director of the UCSB Alcohol
Jacqueline Kurta, PsyD, LMFT is the Director of the UCSB Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Education, Prevention and Recovery Program. Bringing her depth of knowledge and experience in the field of addiction and mental health, Ms. Kurta has been affiliated with Casa Serena for over 10 years as a Clinical Supervisor. Jackie also serves as the Board President for the New Beginnings Counseling Center and is an Adjunct Professor for Antioch Santa Barbara.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Jenny received her B.S. in Biopsychology from UC Santa Barbara and is planning to pursue a higher education in Addiction Medicine. Outside of her work managing the programs at Casa Serena, Jenny conducts research that focuses on the neurobiology of substance use disorders. She is passionate about providing trauma-informed, compassionate care for clients and empowering them throughout their healing journey.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- CEO of Casa Serena Treatment Program for Women
With extensive experience in treatment program administration, Ms. Fraser has focused her career on creating outcomes that yield the highest potential for client success. With broad experience in organizational leadership, Lisette designs and spearheads innovative programs using best practice models of treatment. Her commitment to client and family care is coupled with her dedication to removing barriers to treatment for anyone seeking help.
With an AA degree in Criminal Law and a bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology, Marquel is currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Psychology and Professional Clinical Counseling. She has extensive experience in the 12-step community working with individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. Marquel is passionate and dedicated in helping women through their journey of recovery.
As a first point of contact for clients and families, Mrs. Farrens directs the admission process from beginning to end. With specialty training in Intake and Assessment, Megan has worked passionately since 2012 in the field of trauma, mental health, and substance use, advocating for clients to receive the best possible care. She helps clients and families navigate their first steps toward recovery.
Megan Moyer has a Masters Degree in Psychology, is a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician and holds certifications as a Life Coach, Mindfulness Meditation Instructor, and a Labyrinth Facilitator. She uses all of these modalities to bring a holistic approach to the groups she facilitates and is passionate about helping women in early recovery.
Dr. Gaznick is a board-certified general and addiction psychiatrist. Dr. Gaznick provides both medication management and psychotherapy through a holistic approach to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model. Influenced by positive psychology, values-based living, and integrative medicine, she strives to find the least-invasive interventions while helping patients come into their best selves.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board