CASABELLA - Key Persons
Bianca earned her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California with a specialization in Adults Mental Health and Wellness. Prior to that, she earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Saint Mary's University in Clinical Psychology. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. She has experience in the field of mental health and substance abuse in all levels of care, for both non-profit and for-profit agencies.
Bianca pulls from her own experience and utilizes a soft, while direct approach with her clients. She works with clients throughout their treatment and encourages integration of their clinical goals.
Chanel Kenner completed her education in Nutrition and Dietetics at California State University, Northridge. Before returning to school for nutrition science, Chanel worked in advertising/marketing on both brand and agency sides as a search and social marketing specialist for 12 years. She was a competitive dancer and figure skater from the age of 4. In her former career and rigorous athletic training, Chanel cultivated a strong foundation of professionalism, leadership, speaking and presentation, writing etiquette, and work ethic. She applies these valuable skills to her work as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Chanel believes that food is about much more than nutrition. It is how we nourish our bodies, minds, and relationships. As a dietitian, Chanel helps clients develop a healthy and sustainable relationship with food that lasts their lifetime.
Chanel loves traveling with her husband and two daughters in her free time. She enjoys food, yoga, cycling, Pilates, hiking, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. France is her favorite country outside of the US.
Dr. Ann Gottuso is a board-certified neuropsychologist who provides neuropsychological and psychological evaluations. She specializes in working with individuals across the age spectrum, from adolescents through older adulthood. She works with diagnoses that span across the variety of neurodevelopmental, neurological, medical, psychiatric, and substance use conditions. She works with both the client and the family to develop a holistic understanding of their presentation via a strength-based approach to address the implications of these conditions on cognitive, emotional, behavioral, academic, work, and social functioning, to help individuals find meaning, optimize quality of life, and achieve success in any season of life. Dr. Gottuso is also a senior neuropsychologist at two prominent local hospitals, as well as maintains a private practice with a team of neuropsychologists.
Dr. Gottuso received her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. She completed her APA accredited internship in neurorehabilitation at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and her two-year postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She is board certified through American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in Clinical Neuropsychology. She provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for clients at Casa Bella Recovery Services.
Job Titles:
- Psychiatrist
- CONSULTING PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Ellie Mizani is a psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Mizani completed her undergraduate and medical studies at UC Irvine. She also completed her psychiatric and child and adolescent psychiatry subspecialty training at the UC Irvine Medical Center.
During the last year of her child psychiatry training, Dr. Mizani served as Chief Fellow and graduated with commendation. Dr. Mizani also trained at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, focusing on pediatric psychopharmacology for ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and autism.
Dr. Mizani has worked at some of Los Angeles' most prestigious hospitals. She is currently an attending physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the department of Psychiatry as a Consultation-Liaison psychiatrist. Prior to starting the Mental Health Center, Dr. Mizani was also Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at USC and an attending physician at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Her role there was one of a psychiatric consultant for medically-ill youth with mood, pain, cognitive, and chemical dependency issues. She is one of few psychiatrists practicing in the Los Angeles area with formal training in addiction medicine.
A board certified and licensed marriage and family therapist, Fiona Amanda Ray brings over 15 years experience to the field of psychology and has worked in a wide-range of clinical settings, including but not limited to: non-profit and for-profit, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse and mental health facilities. Described by colleagues and clients alike as "authentic," "straightforward" and "honest," the locus of Ms. Ray's efforts lie in facilitating the growth and transformation of the lives of clients and their families.Read More
Ms. Ray holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Behavior, a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. She co-founded Casa Bella Recovery Services in March 2007 beginning with sober living options for women and recently expanded to provide extended care and continuing care options. She is board certified in Sober Living Management and Crisis Intervention, and a proud and active member of many organizations, including member of the Women's Association for Addiction Treatment, the American Counseling Association and the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.
With a passion for helping others, Fiona splits her time and holds position as Clinical Director of Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers overseeing all treatment programs. In this capacity, she supervises the clinical department by developing, managing and implementing protocols, procedures and programming aimed to enhance the clinical experience. Fiona collaborates with other members of the management team to ensure effective communication and coordination between all facilities. Additionally, Fiona takes an active role in clinical outreach, locally and nationally, and new business development.
Ms. Ray stands out for encouraging her clients to examine their lives as a whole, and not a series of disparate parts, and to meet each obstacle as an opportunity for introspection, personal growth and improvement, emphasizing the significance of taking control of their own lives. "My goal is to create an environment that is both healing and empowering for people," she says.
Ms. Ray and her family reside in Los Angeles.
Job Titles:
- Consulting Psychiatrist - CLINICAL TEAM
Kotra Ajir received her MD at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY in 1992. Then she completed a 4-year residency program in psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she studied pharmacogenetics. Subsequently she completed a fellowship in Substance Abuse through UCLA at the West LA VA Medical Center during which she ran clinical trials sponsored by NIDA. Dr Ajir started her private practice in 1997, while she was an attending psychiatrist on the substance abuse service and general outpatient clinic at UCLA for a year.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager & Alumni Outreach -
- Recovery Coach
Fawna Asfaw is a Recovery Coach, CADAC Candidate and Published Author. Fawna currently oversees a dual-diagnosis young women's transitional sober living, Casa Bella. She is the Founder of The Good Wrk, her company helping young women rebuild their lives on their own terms through specialized Recovery Coaching and sobriety courses. Fawna also recently published her first powerful debut addiction memoir, Sober Daughter.
Formerly a NCAA Division 1 collegiate gymnast and team captain, Teresa owned and operated a gymnastics academy for 20 years, and incorporates strength-based psychotherapy with coaching techniques for a whole-person mind-body approach to establish resiliency, empowerment and sustainable life skills. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, beekeeping, hiking, travel, CrossFit, yoga, and her beautiful children.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist in Los Angeles
Dr. Kelsey Harper is a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, CA. She received her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Francisco where she studied family systems, lifespan development, relational interventions, and trauma recovery. Dr. Harper is intensively trained in multiple evidence based practices including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and built a breadth of clinical experience providing therapy at all levels of care in various treatment settings. Dr. Harper applies these interventions to help her clients repair trauma, recover and rebuild their lives worth living. Deeply committed to expanding access to mental healthcare and providing support and recovery services to survivors of sexual assault, Dr. Harper connects with this community through her podcast, Initiated Survivor, and offers recovery workshops and speakers panels to boost education and resilience.
Job Titles:
- Case Manager
- Health Worker
Lauren is an experienced mental health worker and yoga instructor, currently completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. She worked for 3 years in Residential Mental Health Treatment in Bali, Indonesia, prior to working at Casa Bella.
Marissa is an Associate Social Worker and received her Masters in Social work from University of Southern California. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities. Marissa enjoys teaching mindfulness practices to help her patients preserve through struggles, empowering them to find strength within themselves and discover a path to healing.
Job Titles:
- Integrative Residential Program Manager
Mathilde graduated with Bachelor of Science in Psychological and Brain Science with a minor in Applied psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara where she conducted doctorate level research in cognitive psychology. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Social Work and Psychology with an emphasis on adult mental health and wellness. Mathilde has been working in the field of adolescent and adult dual diagnosis and primary mental health treatment of in levels of care since 2010 in admissions, operations, accreditation, and direct client care capacities. Mathilde fosters a safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic experience for our clients while maintaining the integrity of the program. Her approach is one of honesty from an attachment and relational lens. Mathilde has been a member of the Casa Bella 2016.
Michelle is a licensed marriage and family therapist & CADCII and has worked in the mental health field since 2001. She specializes in addiction treatment, case management, family counseling, is DBT informed and consults with treatment centers nationwide. Michelle has worked in multiple clinical settings, treating adults, adolescents, and families.
Michelle graduated from Antioch University Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Arts and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Michelle received a Drug & Alcohol Certification from UCLA.
Michelle is passionate in assisting clients rediscover themselves in an affirming, healing, compassionate way which lends to developing a life of purpose, creating a strong sense of self and mastering life skills.
Shelby earned her bachelors from California State University, Channel Islands where her focus was teaching and learning, and a Masters in Science from California State University, Los Angeles where she was Summa Cum Laude of her class. Her background in education paired with nutrition science give her the skills necessary to relay complex ideas that are easy to understand for all learners.
Shelby's work at Casa Bella allows her creativity to thrive as nutrition education is taught through games, cooking classes, hands-on groups, and grocery shopping with clients which positively impacts individual sessions. Shelby's love for science, nature, traveling, culture, and food is utilized to filter the limited way we commonly discuss nutrition so that clients have an opportunity to have a new understanding.
As a Casa Bella alumnus, Taylor has deep-rooted love and respect for the program and its mission. While maintaining her own recovery, she wants to empower others and help guide them on their own journey. Taylor has worked for Casa Bella since 2017, and uses her own personal experiences to foster trust and connection with clients. Taylor specializes in working with people with mental health and substance use disorders, and is thoroughly trained in DBT, crisis intervention, and program management. It is important to Taylor that she brings compassion, connection, and consistency to Casa Bella everyday.
Taylor earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is passionate about furthering her education in behavioral health and is currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Director of Family Programming -
Teresa's area of expertise is in supporting clients experiencing complex trauma and dissociation. She is passionate about working with addiction & dual pathologies, PTSD, attachment-related issues, sexual and psychological abuse, phase-of-life transitions, and grief and loss. As an EMDR Certified Clinician and EMDR approved Consultant, Teresa is recognized as an expert in the field. She is also trained in the EMDR advanced progressive approach for trauma and dissociation. Additionally, Teresa is a certified Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, has completed certification requirements for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families. Teresa has presented at several National and International conferences & workshops. A graduate of University of Michigan and Pacifica Graduate Institute, Teresa bring issues into focus with a trauma informed, depth psychological, person-centered, relational perspective. Her strengths are compassion, the capacity to deal with intense emotions, and a deep curiosity in order to understand her client's internal world.
Throughout Teresa's 15-years of professional clinical experience, she has addressed and explored trauma in a multitude of settings. In South Africa she lived and worked as an HIV program developer, psychosocial trainer and consultant, and led a team of social workers to develop & established a fully accredited diversion program for youth in conflict with the law with an emphasis in community restorative justice, substance abuse awareness and leadership. She conducted psychotherapy training for trauma-based organizations in Swaziland, and provided trauma therapy, advocacy and life-skills training for Zimbabwean refugees, people living with and affected by HIV in high transmission areas, and Doctors without Borders. Teresa has also had extensive experience as a wilderness therapist providing intensive acute trauma informed care to emerging young adults. Additionally, Teresa has an ongoing private therapy and consultation practice specializing in complex trauma and dissociation. At the heart of her beliefs is that creating meaningful connection is the cornerstone of healing.
Formerly a NCAA Division 1 collegiate gymnast and team captain, Teresa owned and operated a gymnastics academy for 20 years, and incorporates strength-based psychotherapy with coaching techniques for a whole-person mind-body approach to establish resiliency, empowerment and sustainable life skills. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, beekeeping, hiking, travel, CrossFit, yoga, and her beautiful children.