Treatment Team

Dr. Roderick Fontenette, MD

Medical Director
Dr. Amizetta Clark

Psychiatrist
Brooke Nichols

Detox Program Director
Kirsten McMurray Grange, AMFT, APCC

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Erik Erickson, LCSW

Primary Therapist
Clare Friedlander, LCSW

Primary Therapist
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, PA

Physician Assistant
Jill Ringer, PA

Physician Assistant
Katharine Wignall, RN

Nursing Supervisor
Michelle Montalbano CADC-I

Friends and Family Program Counselor
Rick Whittington, CATC-II

Clinical Director
Bri Diebert CATC-II

Counselor
Candace Morales, SUDCC

Counselor
Christina Esver, CADC-II

Residential Program Director
Marcie Norelli, RADT-I

Counselor
Mella McGuire, SUDCC

Outpatient Counselor
Monse Rivas, CMA

Detox Specialist
Ricardo Elias Felipe

Detox Specialist
Serenity Sunia, CMA

Detox Specialist
Cheryl Majors

Treatment Support Associate
Dominique Cabrera

Treatment Support Associate
Joe Masnack

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
Nicole Mallis, LCSW

Billing and Utilization Review
Carney Masood

Claims and Billing Department

Accreditations & Memberships

Get Started Today!

Call us now for a confidential pre-admission screening. 1-707-879-8432

© Copyright 2025 Pura Vida Recovery | All Rights Reserved | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

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

Verify our State License

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.

Dr. Amizetta Clark

Psychiatrist

Dr. Clark joined Pura Vida in August of 2024. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Psychiatry with a scope of practice that includes Major Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma & PTSD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol & Substance Use Disorder, Personality Disorders, OCD, ADHD, and Grief.

Born and raised in St. Helena, at the heart of California’s Napa Valley, Dr. Clark has dedicated her practice to the well-being of her patients and local community, with a special focus on adult and geriatric populations.

She received her Medical Degree from American University of the Caribbean and attended East Carolina University in North Carolina where she participated in a dual program for Internal Medicine and Psychiatry while serving as Chief Resident in her final year.

These dual specialties gives her the experience and expert ability to approach each case from both a biological and psychological perspective, offering profound insights for total patient care. She also attained a Degree in Business to better understand the many facets of her field and set her practice up for future success.

Dr. Clark’s core philosophy is, “Our mind and body are delicately intertwined; we must look at both the physical and mental aspects to truly treat our patients.”

As part of Pura Vida’s Medical Team, Dr. Clark is instrumental in helping our Detox and Residential clients find stability and peace of mind as they begin building skills for the long recovery journey ahead.

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

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

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.

Erik Erickson, LCSW

Primary Therapist

Erik is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 18 years of practice in psychotherapy. He specializes in utilizing both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques across a broad spectrum of co-occurring mental health & SUD disorders. Utilizing a person-centered approach, Erik empowers his clients with the tools and techniques necessary to enhance their lives. He believes that everyone has an inherent, but often undiscovered ability to change.

After earning a BA in Psychology from UCLA in 2002 and a Master’s of Social Work from San Jose State in 2006, Erik went on to work within many unique and challenging settings, including programs for severely emotionally disturbed children, adult crisis units, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and private practice. Outside of work, Erik enjoys going to the gym, hiking, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Erik endeared himself to both staff and clients alike very quickly after joining our team. His authentic, relatable, and down-to-earth approach is a perfect fit for Pura Vida’s model of personal growth and community support.

Clare Friedlander, LCSW

Primary Therapist

Clare Friedlander is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 30 years of experience as a mental health provider. Using client centered and evidence-based techniques, her approach to treatment involves exploring mental health & emotional well-being through the lenses of identity and lived experiences.

Over her career, Clare has worked with individuals facing challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic health conditions, and phase-of-life transitions. She has worked with bilingual (English & Spanish) children and parents, providing support for strengthening families. She has also worked as counselor & clinical director in rural health clinics providing integrated behavioral healthcare in an addiction recovery program, as well as a psychotherapist in a community clinic.

For the last several years, Clare has been serving our Nation’s Veterans, working initially as the Director of Mental Health for a rural VA Clinic in Eureka and then transitioning to the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Throughout most of her career Clare has also maintained a small private practice in which she works with adults and children, while simultaneously provided clinical training, guidance and supervision to new therapists.

In her role at Pura Vida, Clare provides trauma-informed individual and group therapy, helping our clients address the mental health issues that stand in the way of their recovery goals. Her goal is to support people in improving both their relationships and quality of life so they may achieve lasting change toward a better quality of life.

Outside of work, Clare finds joy in the outdoors – whether she’s hiking, biking through scenic routes, swimming, or attending to her garden. She’s also a basketball fan who cheers on the Warriors with passion and pride.

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, PA

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 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 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 working on her DMSc (Doctorate in Medical Science) in Psychiatry and hopes to complete it in December 2025. She looks forward to bringing our clients a deeper understanding of the intersection of addiction and psychiatry.

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. She was one of the first women to sail as an officer aboard deep-sea U.S. merchant ships.

Jill Ringer, PA

Physician Assistant

Jill Ringer was born and raised in Colorado. She completed her undergraduate studies at University of Northen Colorado. With an interest in holistic medicine, she received her Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer Chiropractic College in Sunnyvale, CA. In 2000, Jill graduated with honors from the UC Davis Family Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Program. For over 20 years, she has practiced as a board-certified Family Practice PA in primary care and addiction medicine.

Early on, Jill recognized the difficulties her patients faced when trying to make lasting, meaningful changes in their health. Consequently, she became intrigued by the psychology behind people’s ability to change. This led to studies of childhood trauma, Internal Family Systems, and the science of addiction, as well as interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy, healthy habit formation, and integrative psychiatry. She completed the year-long Health and Wellness Coaching program through the Institute of Functional Medicine. She loves helping her clients find meaning and purpose by exploring their core beliefs and values. She is proficient in managing sleep, anxiety, and depression with natural remedies.

For the past 6 years, Jill has worked solely in Addiction Medicine. At Pura Vida, a holistic approach is taken to address the client’s medical, emotional, and behavioral needs. As part of the medical team, Jill’s role is to prescribe each client an individualized medication regimen for detoxification, comfort, and substance addiction. Additionally, she and the medical team remain continuously aware of our client’s chronic health conditions and medical needs. Jill’s goal is to keep each client safe and as comfortable as possible during a difficult and uncomfortable process. She finds it very gratifying to help clients take this first step towards renewed health. She is proud to be a member of the Pura Vida team, where there is a shared mission of care, compassion, and hope.

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.

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.

Rick Whittington, CATC-II

Clinical Director

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.

After completing his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Rick dedicated himself 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.

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

Residential Program Director

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.

Mella McGuire, SUDCC

Outpatient Counselor

With over 15 years of experience in the field of substance abuse treatment, Mella brings a deep and compassionate understanding of recovery to the Pura Vida team. Throughout her career, she has worked across all modalities of treatment, allowing her to effectively meet clients where they are in their individual journeys.

For the past five years, she has specialized in supporting individuals through Methadone maintenance programs, further honing her expertise in medication-assisted treatment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, which she pursued alongside internships that sparked a lasting commitment to working with justice-involved individuals and those navigating recovery.

Now a seasoned addiction specialist, Mella is excited to come full circle and contribute to the mission at Pura Vida. She is passionate about empowering people in recovery and looks forward to walking alongside clients as they build healthier, purpose-driven lives.

Outside of work, she is deeply involved in Native American culture and finds meaning and connection through traditional ceremonies. She enjoys dancing, drumming, and participating in sweat lodge ceremonies. Above all, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her five grandchildren and close-knit family.

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.

Cheryl Majors

Treatment Support Associate

Dominique Cabrera

Treatment Support Associate

Joe Masnack

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

Nicole Mallis, LCSW

Billing and Utilization Review

Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience working in a variety of addiction treatment settings, including managing the Utilization Review Department for a local recovery facility for many years. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Services from Bryn Mawr College and currently works as a therapist in a small practice outside of Philadelphia.

Through all of her behavioral health experience, Nicole is, first and foremost, a clinician, and understands that successful treatment outcomes are strongly correlated to the length of time spent in programming. Knowing this, Nicole advocates fiercely with insurance companies to ensure her clients receive the coverage and invaluable time they need to truly heal.

Pura Vida is grateful to have Nicole on the team, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the complexities and confusion of insurance will never be a barrier to care for our clients.

Carney Masood

Claims and Billing Department

Hailing from Arizona, Carney brings over a decade of specialized experience in behavioral health medical billing. With extensive knowledge working alongside most major insurance carriers, he ensures that clients’ medical claims are processed and paid promptly. His expertise in behavioral health EHR systems allows him to streamline billing processes, reduce out-of-pocket costs for clients and support efficient, accurate claims management.

At Pura Vida Recovery Services, Carney leverages his comprehensive knowledge to ensure clients can focus on their recovery while financial matters are handled seamlessly. His dedication to the mission of treating chemical dependency and drug addiction aligns perfectly with Pura Vida’s goal of fostering long-term sobriety and wellness.

Outside of his professional life, Carney enjoys spending time with his growing family, staying active through exercise, fishing, and hitting the golf course.

Drug Rehab SEO by SeoTuners