Driving Community Solutions for the Opioid Crisis
- Understand developments in the opioid crisis and its impact on the local community
- Prepare discussion points to share with the community
- Explore the importance of building a recovery-oriented system of care
Panelists
Director, The Canyon Santa Monica and Foundations LA at Encino
Clinical Director, California Highlands Addiction Treatment
Melissa Legere, LMFT graduated cum laude from California State University, Fullerton with her Master’s Degree in Counseling. Melissa has always been driven by a connection with others and has a resilient motivation in assisting individuals in transforming their lives. Her dedication and desire to care for others is Melissa’s passion. She is currently the Clinical Director for California Highlands Addiction Treatment. Melissa created the Clinical Program at California Highlands from the clients’ perspective. The Program is founded on evidenced based treatments such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She developed California Highlands treatment approach from the ground up with a primary focus on the uniqueness of every client who are using substance(s) to cope with the deeper issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, etc. Melissa has infectious energy, ability to connect with clients and staff easily, her compassion and empathy builds deeper connection with every individual she meets. Melissa has 10 plus years of experience as a therapist working in many different settings from hospital inpatient and outpatient programs, residential detox and treatment facilities, to utilization review departments. She has extensive experience in developing programs and is always challenging the status quo when it comes to treating individuals. She has specific training and experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Melissa excels at supervising intern therapists and ensures their development. Melissa strives to create the best opportunities for a client to find healing.
W. Reg. Clinical Outreach Coordinator - Newport Academy
Paul Lavella is grateful to be a part of Newport Academy, a holistic and experiential adolescent treatment facility helping teens and families heal from mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorder concerns. A new California resident, Paul Lavella developed his clinical roots in Northern New Jersey, working in direct clinical capacities with adolescents, young adults, and families for the past 12 years. Paul is no stranger to the Opiod Crisis and has devoted his career and personal time to working directly with those pursuing recovery, assisting families in navigating the process of seeking treatment and appropriate aftercare services, providing prevention and education workshops within school settings and local community forums to increase awareness and is an advocate for the youth recovery movement, aiming to decrease stigma and increase access to recovery services.
Clinical Director, Hotel California by the Sea
Dr. Mandy Neeble Diamond is a licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist and prides herself on being a hands-on leader, often interacting with clients during the course of treatment, taking personal satisfaction in hearing about their progress. As Clinical Director, Dr. Mandy draws upon her extensive background as a Psychologist, providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling, forensic evaluations and diagnostic testing.
Dr. Mandy's unique background also includes a strong forensic basis having worked at Twin Towers County Jail in Los Angeles, Chino State Prison, and California Youth Authority. Dr. Mandy worked with the severely mentally ill, violent offenders, and the incompetent to stand trial program. In addition, she has worked closely with the Los Angeles and Orange county court systems, providing diagnostic testing for defendants. She specializes in substance-abuse, dual-diagnosis clients (specifically those who suffer from bi-polar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and/or anxiety disorders while also qualifying for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence and/or a specific drug of choice or poly-substance abuse). Dr. Mandy also specializes in juvenile delinquency, suicide grief, gay/lesbian issues, and marriage and family counseling.
Prior to joining Hotel California, Dr. Mandy worked as the Clinical Director for a dual-diagnosis drug/alcohol rehab, and has worked within the addiction/recovery industry for over eleven years.
She received a degree in Psychology at Chapman University and completed her graduate work, a doctorate of clinical psychology (Psy.D.) with a concentration in forensics, at Argosy University, an institution accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Dr. Mandy has twins (boy and girl) which are her pride and joy.
