Harmony Heals Professional Team

The professional team at Harmony Heals is a diverse group of holistic practitioners who are experts in their various fields of study. In our group, you will find medical doctors who in addition to being general practitioners are also addiction medicine specialists, as well as certified psychiatrists. But that is far from all—we also have a dentist, psychologist, and a host of marriage and family therapists and interns. These professionals are the people who run workshops and group discussions.

But at Harmony Heals we are committed to healing not just the mind, but also the body and spirit as well. That’s why we also have several personal trainers on staff, a Qigong master and martial arts teacher, several holistic therapists, equine therapists, a nutritionist, massage therapist, and a certified Neurofeedback specialist. Acupuncturists and chiropractic physicians round out the treatment team. Regardless of the treatment that you would like to explore, we have a dedicated professional who is ready and willing to help you in your endeavors. Don’t settle for a simple yoga class or some deep breathing techniques—while these things are great, for a person who is recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorder, or mental health issues, it is imperative to use every single tool available to get them on the road to health and wellness.

The team at Harmony Heals believes strongly in the mission of the program—helping people to heal their mind, body, and spirit. Some people must work on their physical health before their mind and spirit can begin to heal. Other people must utilize therapy to get their mind to a more stable place before the healing of their physical body can occur. No matter what you need, there are a host of practitioners ready and willing to support you on your road to recovery and total health.

Please note: Some members of our professional team are independent affiliates of Harmony Heals.

Dr. Hamid Fadavi is a Board certified and fellowship-trained pain physician. He completed his training in Interventional Pain Management through Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Dr. Fadavi performed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas PM&R Alliance, where he served as the Chief Resident and received the Oliver A. Smith Award for his outstanding clinical achievements. Dr. Fadavi graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine where he was an anatomy mentor and chapter president of American Medical Student Association and was honored with multiple leadership awards and scholarship. Before attending medical school, Dr. Fadavi had practiced physical therapy for nine years. In 1995 The World Congress of Physical Therapy was honored to have Dr. Fadavi presenting his research on managing labor pain using electrical stimulation at their 12th international meeting in Washington, DC. Dr. Fadavi has been involved in multiple research projects and continues to participate in research activities and publishings. Dr. Fadavi is a member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, International Spine Intervention Society, and American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Fadavi’s background and training as a diagnostician in neuro-musculoskeletal field and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach makes him very unique in the field of pain management. His area of expertise includes pain management, musculoskeletal disease, sport injury, and spasticity management. Dr. Fadavi’s treatment approach includes using medical management, interventional procedures, osteopathic manipulation, and collaboration with other specialists in the team including physical/occupational therapists and psychologists.

Dr. Hamid Fadavi D.O.

Board Certified Doctor

Diplomat of and Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Clinical Area of Interest: General Psychiatric Disorders (Mood, Anxiety, Psychotic, Personality and Substance Abuse disorders: ages 18 and up) Psychoanalysis and Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Clinical Orientation: Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic and Bio-Psycho-Social Model Dr. Sagart is a diplomat of and certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She finished her psychiatric residency training at the University of Virginia and has worked in the private sector as well as the public health systems providing psychiatric care for severely mentally ill patients. She is also in psychoanalytic training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis (formerly known as LAPSI, Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society and Institute). Dr. Sagart is a member of American Psychiatric Association and strongly believes in integrating medication management with psychotherapy.

Dr. Elahe Sagart, M.D.

Board Certified Doctor

A native to Orange County, Dr. Hanna practices Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Holistic Chiropractic. She was a Presidential Scholar at the University of San Diego, earning degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and English Literature. She later graduated from the Southern California University of Health Sciences with a Doctorate in Chiropractic and Masters in Oriental Medicine. She is certified in Yoga Instruction, Applied Kinesiology, Hypnotherapy, and is also a Reiki Master. Dr. Hanna’s mission is to help heal the body through holistic natural means.

Dr. Sandra J. Hanna, DC, LAC

Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Holistic Chiropractic

Dr. Payam Ataii is a graduate of Tufts Dental School and has been in practice for over 15 years. He has experience in a wide range of dental areas including laser dentistry, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, and pedodontics. Dr. Ataii is well-renowned in Orange County for Laser Dentistry, oral cancer detection, and painless treatment modalities. He has provided cosmetic dentistry on the television series “Whose Wedding is it, Anyway?” and has been honored as the Ultimate Makeover Dentist at the 8th Annual Valiant Women Afternoon Tea. Dr. Ataii has a passion for giving his patients a healthy smile and believes that everyone should have access to excellent, modern dental care at reasonable prices.

Dr. Payam Ataii, D.M.D.

Dentist

Dr. Jin is a neuroscientist with over 25 years of experience in clinical psychiatric and electrophysiological research. His specialty in electroencephalogram (EEG) is particularly suitable to the work at Harmony Heals. His electrophysiological works included the studies of neural perceptual coding, mental disorders, substances abuse, genetics, and psychopharmacology. His research of mind has been extended to the study of harmonic coherence among all rhythmic organs in the body in the context of system stability. His recent findings have shown that a healthy mind depends not only on the healthy brain but also other parts of body as well as their harmonic relationships with the brain. Dr. Jin is a clinical professor and director of Behavioral EEG Lab of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine. He is also an executive board member of the International EEG & Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS). He has served as director of Neuroscience Center at the Brookside Institute for two years. He is founder and director of The Brain Treatment Center and NeoSync Inc.

Dr. Yi Jin, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Liz is a Reiki Practitioner, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Meditation Guide. Liz began her career in the field of Accounting as a CPA teaching yoga in her spare time; however, she quickly realized that her heart and passion lie in helping others enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Liz instructs corporate yoga classes where she guides people to release their everyday stresses both physically and mentally through meditation and creating space within.As a Reiki Practitioner, Liz aids others to recognize, understand, and connect to the body’s energy system. Liz is passionate about being part of the Harmony Heals community and share her love for yoga and reiki with others.

Liz Baer

Certified Yoga Instructor & Reiki Practitioner

Camilla is a certified Yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner. Her hope is to provide a supportive space that gives clients permission to meet themselves where they are. A physical, mental, and emotional experience is created through restorative yoga postures,mindful breath work, guided meditation, and reiki. She firmly believes in the importance of connecting with your mind, body, and spirit; the path of transformation. Yoga has been the most meaningful source of healing in Camilla’s life and she openly shares these gifts with others.

Camilla Bruno

Certified Yoga Instructor & Reiki Master

Randy is a masters level Certified Intervention Professional who is passionate about saving lives and saving families from addiction and mental health issues. Randy is a multi-certified recovery coach, a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor, and a licensed and ordained pastor with decades of experience helping thousands of individuals have healthy growth and healing. Randy is the president and founder of the nonprofit foundation CarePossible which provides mental health and addiction care to low income and military families. Randy is also the leader of Lifelines, a nationally renowned recovery program with over 400 attendees that meets every Friday in Costa Mesa.

Randy Moraitis, MA, CIP, BCPC

Interventionist and President, CarePossible, Inc

Andrea Brokaw who has worked with addiction, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Arizona, where her interest in understanding the workings of the brain and how it relates to a person’s psychological health began. There she worked as a research assistant studying depression and using EEG, or brainwave recordings, to determine changes in brain function for those who were diagnosed with depression. Following graduation, Andrea began working as a research assistant at UCI Medical Center in Orange where she studied Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, and Bi-Polar Disorder. Andrea soon took her interest in science and the brain and melded it with her interest in psychology and began to study neurofeedback in 2007. She worked with substance abuse clients at a treatment center in Orange County, helping them with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Our brain function often reflects how we feel, and neurofeedback allows the client to see and hear a representation of their individual brain function and effectively make changes over time. Andrea enjoys working with each client to guide the process of training the brain and the mind through neurofeedback techniques. She focuses on helping her clients to become aware of their thoughts and learn to control stress, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, improve relaxation, and more.

Andrea Brokaw, BS

Certified Neurofeedback Specialist

Mary Lou Vergara is a Certified Massage Therapist with over 800 hours of Massage and Bodywork Training. Mary Lou is a graduate of Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, has over 20 years of experience. Mary Lou owned/directed a day spa in Coto De Caza before joining the Healing Hills team. Mary Lou is proficient in Kinesiology (Meridian Balancing, & Emotional Balancing), Reflexology, and Swedish massage & Deep Tissue. Mary Lou is excited to be part of the Harmony Heals team.

Mary Lou Vergara, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

I have maintained an 80 pound weight loss for 30 yrs. I have over 4,500 satisfied clients. Reasons for working at HH: Harmony Heals allows me to be able to practice my expertise in a holistic way. After graduating with my nutrition credentials from the American Academy of Nutrition, I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to study Eating Disorders on a scholarship basis from the California College of Health Sciences. I have worked in private practice for over 30 years, however, working at Harmony Heals in an outpatient environment is unique. With a complete eating disorder team of experts, including a primary therapist, psychiatrist, medical doctor and adjunct therapists and my nutrition gives patients the best possible assistance. With constant communication with a team it helps me grow and develop my passion of helping children through adults with their eating disorders in a comprehensive way.

Denise Sher Rassp

Certified Nutritionist

Victoria is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 600 hours of training and education from California College of Physical Arts. Victoria’s approach with massage is to address both the mind and body, combining Bodywork/Massage Therapy with Energy Healing to support the flow of energy in the body, restoring balance and its ability to heal itself. She is certified in Sports Massage/Deep Tissue, Reiki, Swedish, Myo-fascial Release, Thai-Yoga Massage, Acupressure and Suction Cup Therapy. Victoria joined Harmony Heals to work along side a talented team of Therapists that have the same level of commitment and passion for helping others on their journey to wellness. “Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.” -Carl Jung

Victoria Dougherty

Massage Therapist, Reiki & Yoga Practitioner

Brianna Leahy’s passion for horses began at the young age of 6 when her mother and father purchased riding lessons for her birthday at the Serrano Creek Equestrian Center. 18 years later, Brianna’s passion for horses has only increased. A Southern California native, she has received training and competed in a wide variety of disciplines including Western, English, and Dressage. Brianna was encouraged by her trainer Leslie Thomson (of Leslie Thomson Training) to always continue learning and to reach beyond her limits. She graduated in 2011 from Cal Poly Pomona with Bachelors’ degrees in Equine Sciences and Business, allowing Brianna to fulfill her dream of pursuing a career with horses. Because she also loves to teach,she created a business that helps others of all ages and riding levels unlock great communication skills between their equine companion and themselves while helping them reach their personal riding goals. Primarily located at the Serrano Creek Equestrian Center in Lake Forest, CA, Brianna is looking forward to meeting with you and to helping you discover the amazing bond and self-discovery that horses can provide for your life. Leahy Riding Academy builds confidence, knowledge, and memories in addition to a hobby that can last a lifetime.

Brianna Leahy, BS

Equine Practitioner

Dr. Robert Bombalier DTCM, DMQ began his Qigong training in 1987. He trained regularly until late 1999, when he began a much more in-depth journey with Qigong. In 2006, he finished his Masters of Medical Qigong degree from the Healing Qi Institute under the authority of International Institute of Medical Qigong. Dr. Bombalier immediately went into teaching ongoing classes, offering both certification programs and personal treatments. In 2009 he began working towards his doctorate degree in Chinese Medicine. In June of 2014 he earned his Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Doctor of Medical Qigong from the Hubei University of Chinese Medicine in China. Dr. Bombalier is a firm believer in continued education, which is why he continues to learn more and keep up to date with new advances in nearly all medicine. Dr. Bombalier has been teaching seminars and workshops worldwide since 1997 and, in 2005, began adding Chinese Medical Qigong to the list of criteria to be taught. Dr. Bombalier utilizes a holistic approach. The main aim is a balance in body, emotions, mind, and spirit. He has treated and continues to treat spiritual disorders, emotional disorders, mental disorders, and a wide array of physical disorders. He became the first InnerChi T’ai Chi and Taoist Yoga instructor on the West Coast on May 1st 1997. Dr. Bombalier also received the certification “Treatment of Cancer with Medical Qigong Therapy” on October 15th, 2006. In addition he is certified in First Aid/AED Infant, Child, Adult with the American Red Cross, and is a rescue diver. Since 1987 Dr. Bombalier has volunteered in Orange County’s official toy drive, Operation Santa Claus. He also has served on the City of Mission Viejo’s Character Committee and in October 2010 was featured in the city’s posters and publications highlighting the character of ‘Respect’. Dr. Bombalier believes that “whatever you think about expands, and that mind is greatly underestimated in making things happen. A change of mindset is necessary to take the lead in improving one’s life. Whatever we think, good or bad, has a higher chance of being realized; therefore, one is better served to have positive thoughts than waste precious energy on negative ones.” He suggests that everyone “meditate every day so that calmness and tranquility is a natural part of you. Take a few minutes every day in prayer or during a lull until your breathing is even and unhurried—you’d be amazed at how recharged you will feel after even a short session. To obtain power, one must remove the resistances.”

Robert Bombalier

Qigong Master

Michelle Iturriria is a Registered Addiction Specialist who began working in treatment in 2007. She has experience in several different areas of treatment, including detox, case management, and monitoring. Michelle brings a vast knowledge of all phases of treating addiction, and is especially passionate in serving the needs of clients in the detoxification phase of addiction treatment. Michelle understands the need for each individual client to be treated with respect, and feel as though they are being seen and heard. She honors those who make the courageous decision to enter into recovery. While facilitating individual, group, and family sessions, she focuses on areas such as relapse prevention, the dynamics of addiction, and the 12-step tools necessary for recovery. HARMONY HEALS and Rehab’s individualized care and their intense regard for every client is what enticed Michelle to be a part of the Harmony Heals team. The integrity, care, and compassion Michelle has for all those struggling with addiction is a direct reflection of HARMONY HEALS and Rehab. Michelle is passionate about helping others with their recovery from active addiction and began her personal journey with recovery over 8 years ago. Recovery has given Michelle a purpose in her life, integrity, and a drive to help others. Her involvement in 12-Step programs allows her to provide excellent support and understanding to clients and their families who are affected by addiction. Outside of work, Michelle is a talented musician and avid sports fan who considers herself fortunate beyond measure to witness the healing miracles of recovery.

Michelle Iturriria

Admission Director

Pat Kelly is a Board Registered Interventionist and Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor, as well as a member of the Association of Interventionist specialists. She has been helping people with addictions for over 25 years. Pat’s generosity shines in her willingness to share her knowledge and training materials with others in the field, knowing that the more people out there with solid training, the better. She regularly consults with facilities on the process of utilization review and mentors interventionists newer to the field. Pat has been trained in all intervention models and she does interventions for all addictions and all ages, utilizing whichever model best fits the situation. As a member of the Emergency Response Intervention Team in Orange County, she responds on an emergency basis to find the appropriate treatment for the addicted person. In 2012, Pat was honored with the Sierra Tucson Gratitude Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in the field of addiction treatment.

Pat Kelly, CATC, BRI

Interventionist

Lou Cirignano is a horse enthusiast whose riding experience and love for animals led her naturally to the equine healing world. Although she is not a professional therapist, Lou has found a great inner strength using horses as a catalyst for personal growth and success. Along with almost twenty years worth of experience with horses, she continues to nurture a 27 year long marriage, has raised two confident, well adjusted daughters, and has found deep fulfillment in her life. Horses act as mirrors for the soul: they mirror body language, emotions and energy. Interacting in a safe space with the horses can help us access what is often lying hidden or dormant within ourselves, or witness habits and patterns that no longer serve us; what is revealed is the possibility for more freedom of expression in our day-to-day lives. Horses possess power and healing energy; interacting with them is a great alternative resource for therapy. They are extremely responsive to human emotion and action, and will sense and respond accordingly, but, unlike humans, horses have no hidden agenda or conflicting feelings. Horses never lie. They do not respond to contradictory forms of communication such as manipulation, anger, or passive/aggressive behavior. To work with a horse, controlled and effective body language is essential, thus, the student must be aware of how they communicate and be able to problem solve if their usual methods of communication don’t work. The size and power of horses is naturally intimidating, so accomplishing a task with one of them in spite of fear helps develop confidence and promotes self-growth. Horses are non-judgmental and have no expectations or motives. The horse helps bring awareness to your emotional state as she reacts to your behavior. Working with a horse, you will naturally gain insight into your feelings, behaviors, patterns, boundaries and stumbling blocks to recovery. The process can be very effective in addition to your primary therapy.

Lou Cirignano, CR

Equine Practitioner

Jennifer Medina is an Executive Assistant with a passion for languages and how they work. She has several years of experience working with words, whether it be writing research papers or articles and content for websites, editing the writing of others, or medical transcription. She happily considers herself a nerd who is knowledgeable about computers and especially enjoys creating spreadsheets and databases. Jennifer currently holds an AA degree in Anthropology and is working toward her BA degree, double majoring in Linguistics and Anthropology. Her anticipated graduation date for her double major is Fall 2017. After being exposed to holistic healthcare through working at Harmony, Jennifer became interested in alternative medicine. She is now a Certified Aromatherapist and Reiki Master who especially enjoys creating custom aromatherapy blends for clients and believes that everyone can benefit from learning and practicing reiki.

Jennifer Medina, AA, CA, RMT

Exec. Asst.

Suri is a reiki master and yoga guide. She is enthusiastic about guiding others toward balance and is proud to share her passions with the Harmony Heals community. As a reiki practitioner, Suri uses a unique blend of reiki and aura clearing to provide energetic wellness, as well as tools to stay well. Expect to enjoy an educational experience pertaining to your energetic anatomy. As a certified yoga instructor, Suri offers a dynamic range of styles and levels of meditation as well as physical asanas. Expect to have a fulfilling and illuminating practice.

Suri Kaur

Yoga Instructor & Reiki Master

Kelli graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) with an AA in Merchandising Product Development. She loves the fashion world as well as the light-filled world of yoga. Kelli is a 200hr Power Yoga Certified instructor. She completed an additional 50hr Power Yoga Certification, and found great interest in the energetic and healing side of yoga. Kelli continued her knowledge and received her Reiki I and Reiki II Certifications because she believes there is more to the physical movement of the practice. She loves guiding students through a gentle Vinyasa flow practice unique to each student’s own body and intentions. Kelli loves teaching at Harmony Heals because the intention of the rehabilitation center is to have each person heal through many light-filled outlets, including yoga.

Kelli Burt

Yoga Instructor

Lauren Cirignano grew up in southern California, where at a young age she developed a strong affection and passion for horses. For her birthday when she was seven she was given horseback riding lessons and has been hooked ever since. She has been professionally trained in many different disciplines of riding including, hunter jumper, dressage, and saddleseat. She now trains hunt seat and hunter jumpers over fences and keeps her horses at Serrano Creek Ranch in Lake Forest California. “Horses bring so much peace and joy to my life, they are not my hobby, my horses are my heart and soul.”

Lauren Cirignano

Equine Practitioner

Marcela holds a Master of Science in Professional Clinical Counseling from Troy University out of Alabama. She began her career 8 years ago volunteering as a sexual assault advocate. Marcela also began a community support group for Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) in the community of Fairhope, Alabama; a much needed service since the next closest group was a few hours away. Her own personal work and understanding of survival patterns created a passion to do her part and help individuals with mental health issues, especially those with traumatic experiences. Marcela now lives in Orange County, CA, and is extremely enthusiastic about joining the caring and experienced team of Harmony Heals.

Marcela Castellanos, MS, APCC

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

Yvette earned her Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Hope International University. While trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Yvette customizes her therapeutic approach to fit the needs of the client. She has developed experience in helping people cope and heal from trauma. She is skilled in working with addiction: the impact on the individual, the family system, and the community. She enjoys helping people create meaning and live their best life.

Yvette Thomas, MA, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Michelle Shalu Jani has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2007 but has been in the field of psychology and mental health since about 1998. After receiving her Master’s in Clinical Psychology, she had the privilege and pleasure to work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, economic status, social and life situations. This has really helped her to become a well-rounded therapist who is more aware of the struggles and difficulties people face. 
 
Michelle originally went into the field of mental health because she wanted to be a part of the journey of helping people figure out and work through their struggles and be there the moment they start to feel the success of their growth and learning. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch this happen.
 
As a therapist, she has worked with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting issues, anger, career, and life goal coaching just to name a few. Michelle is certified in several Evidence Based Practices that have enhanced her skills as a therapist. She is also trained in both Motivational Interviewing and Reflective Practice, which rely on using one’s own actions and experiences to increase learning. Michelle is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Rapid Desensitization). Since becoming licensed, she has also spent several years serving as a Clinical Supervisor to Marriage and Family Therapist Interns. Supervising interns is a passion of hers as she feels it is very important to give back to the community that helped shape and mold her into a competent and skilled mental health professional.

Michelle Jani, MS, MFT

Marriage and Family Therapist