Treatment Team

Dr. Roderick Fontenette, MD

Medical Director
Brooke Nichols

Detox Program Director
Kirsten McMurray Grange, AMFT, APCC

Program Director, Residential Treatment
Kate Jehue CADC-I

Outpatient Program Director
Matthew Winters CADC-I

Director of Operations
Matthew Schembari

Director of Special Projects
Katie Schwimmer PsyD

Clinical Supervisor
Jessica Killam RADT-I

Team Lead, Medical Assistant
Ann Mendenhall

Physician Assistant
Mary Knopf NP

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Katharine Wignall, RN

Nursing Supervisor
Erica Crean RN

Nurse
Marisa Bradley RN

Nurse
Michelle Montalbano CADC-I

Friends and Family Program Counselor
Bri Diebert CATC-II

Counselor
Candace Morales, SUDCC

Counselor
Christina Esver, CADC-II

Counselor
Marcie Norelli, RADT-I

Counselor
Rick Whittington, CATC-II

Counselor
Deian Spinean, CMA

Detox Specialist
Monse Rivas, CMA

Detox Specialist
Ricardo Elias Felipe

Detox Specialist
Serenity Sunia, CMA

Detox Specialist
Bernadette Morris

Lead Treatment Support Associate
Cheryl Majors

Treatment Support Associate
Eddie Fox

Lead Treatment Support Associate
Dominique Cabrera

Treatment Support Associate
Joe Masnack

Treatment Support Associate
Julia Phinney

Treatment Support Associate
Justine Ruegg

Treatment Support Associate
Kate Magana

Treatment Support Associate
Katie Jorczak

Treatment Support Associate
Leroy Green, RADT-I

Treatment Support Associate
Stephanie Gamino

Treatment Support Associate
Terry McKean

Treatment Support Associate

Accreditations & Memberships

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California Department of Health Care Services Program Certification #: 490041AP Exp: 4/30/2025
California Department of Health Care Services Detoxification Facility License #: 490041BP Exp: 7/31/2025

Dr. Roderick Fontenette, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Roderick Fontenette is a board-certified Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Medicine physician. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland University College Asian Division while serving on active duty in the United States Air Force in Misawa, Japan. He attended medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA. He completed emergency medicine residency training at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in partnership with the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, OH and Critical Care fellowship training with Indiana University Health at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. His most recent Air Force assignment was as the Associate Program Director for one of the Air Forces’ four Emergency Medicine residency programs partnered with UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Fontenette is recently retired from the Air Force after serving 21 years on active duty. He now works as the Medical Director of the ICU at St. Helena Hosptial in the Napa Valley and does academic Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. He has lectured nationally and internationally on a wide range of emergency medicine and critical care medicine topics and has an interest in neurologic emergencies and resuscitative medicine.

Brooke Nichols

Detox Program Director

Meet Brooke, a dedicated and compassionate drug and alcohol counselor who finds joy in two passions: being a devoted mom and empowering those battling addiction. With unwavering support and understanding, Brooke helps individuals overcome the grip of drug addiction and alcoholism, guiding them towards a life of recovery and hope.

Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother, Brooke brings a unique perspective to her counseling approach, fostering a nurturing and empathetic environment for her clients. Her genuine care and commitment to their well-being create a safe space where individuals can open up and embark on the path to healing.

Brooke’s journey as a mom has taught her the value of patience, resilience, and the strength of unconditional love – qualities she instills in every step of her counseling process. Through her guidance and expertise, she equips her clients with practical tools and coping strategies to navigate the challenges of addiction, empowering them to rebuild their lives with newfound purpose and determination.

Whether in group sessions or one-on-one consultations, Brooke’s warmth and encouragement provide the necessary foundation for transformation. Witnessing her clients’ growth and seeing them reunite with their families fills her heart with fulfillment and motivates her to continue making a positive impact in their lives.

Brooke’s unwavering dedication to both her role as a mother and a counselor is an inspiring reminder that with the right support, everyone has the potential to overcome addiction and embrace a brighter future. With her by your side, you’ll find a caring confidante who understands your struggles and believes in your ability to rise above adversity. Take the first step towards a life of recovery and rediscover hope with Brooke as your compassionate guide.

Kirsten McMurray Grange, AMFT, APCC

Program Director, Residential Treatment

Kirsten is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who currently serves as the Program Director for our Residential Treatment program. Kirsten holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. Kirsten is passionate about helping individuals struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders and has held various positions at Pura Vida over the past 5 years.

Kate Jehue CADC-I

Outpatient Program Director

With a decade of experience in the field of addiction and recovery, our Program Director Kate is a compassionate and dedicated professional. Known for her authenticity, humor, and directness – she brings a unique approach to helping individuals on their path to recovery.

From both professional and personal experience, Kate truly understands the challenges and complexities that individuals face when making the big decision to seek recovery. She firmly believes in building genuine connections with clients and creating a safe space for them to explore their journey in pursuit of meaningful change, and towards a healthier life of recovery. She is fondly known for utilizing humor as a means of breaking down barriers and fostering a comfortable environment. By incorporating laughter into the treatment setting, she supports clients in navigating difficult topics with greater ease and openness.

Throughout her career, Kate has supported individuals from all walks of life, guiding them towards lasting recovery. She is committed to making a difference by helping clients reclaim their lives and rediscover their true potential by making sure every client who walks through our doors is seen, heard, and given the care and support they truly deserve.

Matthew Winters CADC-I

Director of Operations

Meet Matt, the culinary maestro turned compassionate leader who serves as our Director of Operations. With a background steeped in the artistry of the culinary world, Matt brings a unique flavor to the realm of healing and recovery. Matt received his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and began his career as a cook working his way to Executive Chef in Manhattan. Having honed skills in precision, discipline, and creativity in the demanding kitchens of New York City, Matt seamlessly transitioned into the realm of healthcare, driven by a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of those battling addiction. Matt recently received his CADC-I certification from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Matt plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organization operates at its highest standard with a focus on The Joint Commission and DHCS compliance. Matt’s journey in the recovery field began with a firm determination to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Matt believes that by maintaining a steadfast commitment to compliance, Pura Vida can create an environment where patients receive the highest level of care, trust is fostered, and positive outcomes become the norm.

Matthew Schembari

Director of Special Projects

Matt joined Pura Vida in December of 2023, bringing with him over a decade of experience in behavioral health program management, admissions, business development, and utilization review. He has dedicated his professional life to building up his community and helping those in need.

Driven by a deeply held commitment to service, Matt obtained his BA in Psychology from UC Davis, and went on to achieve a Masters in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University, SF Bay Area. Over his career, Matt has worked as a tutor and classroom aide for children with autism and managed the youth program for a bustling network of homeless shelters in Marin County; however, it was the time he spent with the Santa Rosa Police Department that would have the biggest impact on his career trajectory.

As a Police Officer, Matt gained a profound, first-hand perspective on the devastation caused by addiction and mental illness within his city, as well as the scarcity of resources and minefield of cultural, institutional, and financial obstacles the public faced in trying to get help. He also saw the trauma and stress his fellow first responders and public servants endured while trying to address this monumental need.

Compelled to tackle this insidious problem head-on, Matt made the decision to leave law enforcement and join the recovery field. In the nearly 10 years that have followed, Matt has personally helped thousands access treatment, including countless first responders and veterans, at one of the largest healthcare companies in the US. His goal remains the same today as it was back then: knocking down barriers to care and putting effective, high-quality treatment within reach of as many people as possible.

Matt chose to come to Pura Vida because, “The staff culture and patient community here are the embodiment of what recovery work should be: Tenaciously client-focused, tirelessly supportive, and unflinchingly committed to the belief that recovery isn’t just about being sober, it’s about finding joy and purpose in a new life.”

Katie Schwimmer PsyD

Clinical Supervisor

Dr. Katie Schwimmer is a Licensed Psychologist who serves Pura Vida in the role of Clinical Supervisor. Dr. Schwimmer Supervises the interns and staff members who are accumulating hours towards their certification/ licensure. Dr. Schwimmer has works in the field of substance use disorders for over 10 years.

Jessica Killam RADT-I

Team Lead, Medical Assistant

Meet Jess, our dedicated Medical Assistant Supervisor and Externship Coordinator specializing in substance abuse treatment. With her tireless work ethic and commitment to patient care, Jess is an integral part of our team. She consistently goes the extra mile to ensure patients receive the best possible care. When she’s not at work, Jess enjoys exploring the world through its diverse range of cuisines.

Ann Mendenhall

Physician Assistant

Ann Mendenhall is a board-certified Physician Associate. She holds a master’s degree as a PA from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA. Ann just completed a year-long fellowship with the Integrative Psychiatry Institute in Boulder, CO. Additionally, she has a Master of Fine Arts degree and taught college-level fine art and media courses in Seattle and in L.A. She also was a principal in a video production company focusing on medical issues, producing videos and documentaries for hospitals in Seattle, and training videos for Paramedics and EMTs. While in Los Angeles, she volunteered in the ER at L.A. County General Hospital. Also, she spent a year volunteering at the Homeless Healthcare Needle Exchange on Skid Row in Los Angeles, assisting the doctors in their tiny medical clinic.

Ann spent several years in Primary Care in rural, medically underserved Grass Valley and Point Reyes clinics. However, she discovered her true passion in addiction medicine in 2018 and has worked for several residential treatment centers and IOPs in northern CA and in WA state since.

She is grateful to be part of the amazing team at Pura Vida and feels fortunate to offer compassionate care to those individuals starting on their path to recovery. She strives to form a genuine connection with all the clients she meets to understand their needs and hopes, and to help them on their journey.

Ann is starting her doctoral program in Psychiatry in September and looks forward to bringing a deeper understanding of the intersection of addiction and psychiatry to our clients.

On a less-known note from many years ago, she spent 10 years at sea in the Merchant Marine, starting as a sailor on deck, but mainly working as a Radio Electronics Operator, circumnavigating South America 10+ times and shipping to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, northern Europe, Mexico, Panama and Alaska many times.

Mary Knopf NP

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Mary Knopf is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care NP and a Psychiatric and Mental Health NP. She attended UC Santa Cruz, Oregon Health Sciences University and most recently UC San Francisco. She began her career in San Francisco working with people with HIV and AIDS at the height of the epidemic.

Katharine Wignall, RN

Nursing Supervisor

Katharine is a Registered Nurse who, after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Dallas, received an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Katharine’s past nursing experience includes clinical work at both Stanford Health Care, where she worked as a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Intermediate Intensive Care Unit, as well as at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, where she worked as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. As the Nurse Administrator at Pura Vida, Katharine helps ensure continued safety and quality of all medical care administered at Pura Vida’s Medical Detox Facilities.

Erica Crean RN

Nurse

Erica Crean is an RN with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Linfield College. She has 2 years of experience, including corrections and emergency nursing, which has allowed her to gain experience in many different aspects of nursing.

Marisa Bradley RN

Nurse

Marisa has worked in healthcare for sixteen years. She obtained her Associates Degree of Nursing from Santa Rosa Junior College in 2019 and her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix in 2020. Marisa currently works as an Emergency Department nurse. Recently, she has done some work in community nursing, as well as disaster response.

Michelle Montalbano CADC-I

Friends and Family Program Counselor

Michelle pioneered the Pura Vida Family Program and has grown it to have a wider community support component. Through her own personal experiences, she has developed a passion and further desire to provide support and education to loved ones of the addicted and afflicted. Michelle is also a professional photographer, so she sometimes wears multiple hats for Pura Vida! All of her free time is spent with her grandkids.

Click here for more information on Pura Vida’s resource for Friends and Family programming.

Bri Diebert CATC-II

Counselor

Bri is a Certified Addictions Counselor that brings passion, empathy, and dedication to her work. Bri has an Associate’s Degree in Human Services: Addiction Studies and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Psychology in order to help a wider range of individuals struggling with addiction. She utilizes her own experience in recovery to aid others with their goals of sobriety, understanding the challenges and sense of isolation experienced in active addiction. Bri believes that collaborative and authentic care is the best approach when working with individuals. She provides a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and empowers them to seek solutions for their future. She understands that no one’s experiences are the same and adjusts to meet the needs of each person she works with. She believes that any individual is capable of recovery if given the right support.

Candace Morales, SUDCC

Counselor

I am a devoted Substance Abuse Counselor Certified by the state of California, with 14 years’ experience in substance abuse treatment. It is my belief that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires time and care without judgment. I work in collaboration with my client to help them clarifying their goals for treatment. I draw from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation, rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues. As a counselor, I am warm, open, encouraging, and direct. I believe in holding a safe space for my clients to explore and discover techniques that will effect change.

Christina Esver, CADC-II

Counselor

Christina is a dedicated professional with eight years of experience in the addiction field. Her passion for helping individuals struggling with substance abuse is unwavering, and she is committed to providing support and guidance to those in need. As a certified drug and alcohol counselor, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work, helping clients navigate the challenges of addiction with empathy and understanding. She is deeply passionate about mental health and believes in the importance of holistic healing for individuals on their journey to recovery. Christina’s compassionate and non-judgmental approach to counseling has made a positive impact on countless lives, and she continues to make a difference in the field of addiction treatment every day.

Marcie Norelli, RADT-I

Counselor

As a dedicated substance use counselor, Marcie is driven by the belief that change comes from the transformative power of community, compassion, and connection. Throughout her career in the behavioral health field, these have been the guiding forces utilized in facilitating the change process. Her approach to counseling goes beyond conventional methods and is rooted in the understanding that healing is a collaborative process that starts at the door. Marcie works to foster a safe, supportive environment with her clients where they feel heard, accepted, and supported with their goals. Marcie is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in social work and is driven to continue helping adversely affected populations receive the help they deserve.

Rick Whittington, CATC-II

Counselor

Rick is a compassionate and experienced Certified Addiction Counselor, committed to helping individuals navigate the journey of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. With an Associate’s Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications from SFSU, Rick has a solid understanding of the dynamics of addiction and the vital role of effective communication in the recovery process.

Currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Rick is deeply dedicated to working with individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. Drawing from his journey of recovery, Rick believes wholeheartedly that every person has the potential for growth and sobriety when provided with the right guidance, information, and support. Through his empathetic approach and unwavering dedication, Rick aims to create a nurturing and empowering space for individuals seeking recovery, assisting them in achieving their sobriety goals and reclaiming control over their lives.

Deian Spinean, CMA

Detox Specialist

Meet Deian, a recent graduate of Harper Rand’s Certified Medical Assistant Program. Deian enjoys going above and beyond for our clients to make sure their needs are met, and they feel safe. He enjoys lending a helping hand and is ready, willing and able to make a difference in our clients lives.

Monse Rivas, CMA

Detox Specialist

Ricardo Elias Felipe

Detox Specialist

Meet Ricardo, an 11-year veteran in medical transportation in the Solano and Sonoma County areas assisting individuals with chronic diseases and mental illnesses to their medical appointments. Ricardo has brought his compassion and consistency to Pura Vida as a Detox Specialist. He brings an impassioned approach in aiding patients through their detoxification process from substances in which Ricardo finds fulfillment in his position at our Detox facility.

Serenity Sunia, CMA

Detox Specialist

Serenity obtained her medical assistant certification through CalRegional in early 2023 and became a part of the Pura Vida team in May 2023. She is driven by the motivation to help others succeed. She is hard working, dependable, and sympathetic.

Bernadette Morris

Lead Treatment Support Associate

Bernadette has 7 years of experience working in treatment and is thrilled to be a member of the Pura Vida Team. She is passionate about recovery and loves seeing it change people’s lives.

Cheryl Majors

Treatment Support Associate

Eddie Fox

Lead Treatment Support Associate

Dominique Cabrera

Treatment Support Associate

Joe Masnack

Treatment Support Associate

Julia Phinney

Treatment Support Associate

Julia brings a positive and upbeat energy to her role at Pura Vida. She is compassionate and understanding and seeks to make a difference in the lives of others. Julia is certified with RCFE and CPR. Julia plans to begin school to become a Certified Drug & Alcohol counselor.

Justine Ruegg

Treatment Support Associate

Kate Magana

Treatment Support Associate

Katie Jorczak

Treatment Support Associate

Katie works on the Treatment Support team and channels her passion for social work into dedicated assistance for those in need. She has attained a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and her RADT 1, and aspires to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her compassion and commitment shine through as she supports individuals on their journey towards healing and recovery.

Leroy Green, RADT-I

Treatment Support Associate

Leroy is a dedicated member of the Pura Vida residential team and has been working in treatment for about four years. His compassionate nature allows him to help those in addiction understand their disease. He has had his RADT 1 since 2020 and is the process of completing his CCAPP to become an RADT 2. He is also working towards attaining his certificate in human services to further his aspirations.

Stephanie Gamino

Treatment Support Associate

Terry McKean

Treatment Support Associate