Our Team

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Michael Johnson

Michael spent the first five years of his behavioral health career with Serenity Lodge, developing operations, admissions, and community outreach processes. He then went on to join the Windward Way team in 2019, developing a diverse relationship base while leading its outreach team and assisting in the overhaul of its brand. Alongside Jesse Kellert and the management team at Windward Way, Michael led the acquisition of Serenity Lodge in April of 2020. Michael officially assumed leadership a few months later, having guided and shaped its new design. Naturally a man of few words, Michael brings a direct, hands-on approach to the development and refinement of people. You can usually find him working alongside various departments, from individual sessions with team leaders to yard work with our facilities crew. Born and raised in Lake Arrowhead, Michael is an avid golfer, aspiring triathlete, and a staple in the local recovery community. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, his fiancé Robin, and his golden retriever, Kevin.

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Dr. Natalie Lindemann, Psy.D

Dr. Lindemann, a Lake Arrowhead native, is the Clinical Director of Serenity Lodge. She holds a doctorate in Forensic Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist by the California Board of Psychology. Dr. Lindemann has worked in a variety of outpatient, residential, hospital and correctional settings. She has been treating individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues for over 14 years. Dr. Lindemann is dedicated to the highest standards of clinical care for our clients. She believes in developing a diverse and skilled team focused on creating a safe and nurturing environment for clients to begin their recovery journey. Dr. Lindemann feels the campus-style facility and talented team members at Serenity Lodge make for a unique and highly effective treatment experience.

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Austin Winner

Austin began using substances as a teen and went to various treatment programs to find sobriety. He was able to launch his recovery journey in 2019. He has worked for various treatment programs in a variety of positions including, house manager, treatment technician, support staff supervisor, and is now the Operations Manager at Serenity Lodge. Austin has proven himself to be hardworking and dedicated. He enjoys giving back to others and is the embodiment of empathy and understanding. Austin is personable and approachable and always willing to support client’s needs. Speaking from a place of understanding, having walked the journey himself, he is able to relate and connect with our clients with ease.

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Sacora Berry, B.A. SUDCC

Sacora is a Substance Abuse Counselor and Case manager with an Associates degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Bachelors Degree in Psychology and currently working on finishing her Master’s degree in Marriage, Family, therapy. Sacora has provided over 5 years of successful experience in providing exceptional care for her clients. Sacora regularly attends training to continue sculpting her knowledge of Addiction and Mental health. A strong believer in not only providing the best care for her clients but incorporating families and education for a better chance at success. Outside of her education and professional goals, Sacora enjoys being adventurous by traveling and exploring new areas.

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Ranay Dato, CADC-I

Ranay Dato is a Substance Use Disorder Case Manager, who studied English Literature while playing volleyball internationally as a scholastic athlete. Ranay has Associate’s degrees in Liberal Studies and Psychology and is currently studying for her BA in Psychology with the goal of achieving her MFT. Ranay is certified as an Anger Management Specialist and is certified in Domestic Violence prevention and victim’s advocacy. Ranay has worked in the field of addiction recovery for five years and subscribes to the old truism, “You only keep what you have by giving it away.” Ranay’s firsthand knowledge of recovery and her own personal journey has shaped her philosophy and style. She believes in empowering each individual in their own recovery by supporting their transition in a positive, affirming manner while challenging each to be fearless in their journey. In her free time, Ranay is passionate about fitness, being active, and team sports. She loves to spend time outdoors and always winds the day down with a good book.

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Camille Alfaro, B.A.

Camille Alfaro is the Human Resources Manager for Serenity Lodge as well as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Camille received her BA in Psychology from Ashford University in 2019 and is currently working on her MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Camille specializes in onboarding, benefit enrollment, employee relations, and organization. A mother of two, Camille spends her free time with her children enjoying lake living, hiking, and travel.

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Gabe Flook, B.A.

Gabe is a California native who was born and raised in Long Beach. He attended UCSB where he began struggling with drugs and alcohol. Gabe found himself in treatment at Serenity Lodge in 2013 which began his journey in recovery. After his treatment stay, he relocated to Lake Arrowhead and took an entry-level position at Serenity Lodge and has grown with the company since. Gabe’s personal experience has shaped his style and approach with the men we serve. Gabe has been with Serenity Lodge for over seven years, where he works closely with the clients to solidify their discharge plan and connect them with aftercare programs and resources both locally and across the nation. While not working, Gabe is an avid golfer, mountain biker, and world traveler.

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Riley Johnson, RADT

Riley is Serenity Lodges Client Care Advocate and Alumni Services Representative. Riley also coordinates all the activities that Serenity Lodge has to offer, such as therapeutic hikes in the San Bernardino Mountains, peaceful tours of Lake Arrowhead, and even weekly tournaments for all clientele to participate in. In his free time, Riley enjoys working out, playing basketball, skateboarding, and watching movies. Riley's focus is providing top-notch customer service while motivating and inspiring others to reach their best versions of themselves, all whilst maintaining a positive outlook on life.

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Samuel Baney, M.S., LMFT

Samuel has been a therapist at Serenity Lodge since September of 2020. Before working in addictions as a therapist, Samuel worked with many diverse populations, including families, couples, teenagers, and young children, treating a broad spectrum of issues related to mental health. Samuel also has many years of prior experience building community outreach and recovery programs through his previous pastoral position in the Church of Christ.

Samuel is passionate about his work, drawing upon his background in psychology, philosophy, and theology to inform his human-centered approach to compassionate care for those suffering from addiction and other mental health struggles. He works primarily from an existential approach o therapy, utilizing aspects of CBT, depth psychology, and Bowenian Family Support to facilitate positive change and greater self-awareness in clients he serves.

Samuel received his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Support from Hope International University in 2015 and was accepted into the Delta Kappa International Marriage and Family Support Honors Society the following year. Samuel continues to be involved with the school as an adjunct faculty member, teaching courses in the Human Development and Psychology programs, and helping to raise up the next generation of therapists and community servant-leaders. Samuel resides in Wrightwood, CA with his wife and six children, and enjoys the outdoors, reading, studying history, and playing board games.

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Malia Fontecchio, MSW, LCSW

Malia brings her 12 years of experience in the mental health field. Malia received her Bachelor of Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and her Master of Social Work from USC. In 2016 Malia was honored with the Rising Star award from the National Council of Behavioral Health. Malia is on the MSW Advisory Board at Utica College. Her specialty is processing trauma through EMDR, although she also utilizes DBT, CBT, and motivational interviewing in her practice. Malia feels that her life calling is to guide her clients to heal. Malia’s clients have said “you have a calming presence,” "You changed my life for the better ... Never could I open up to anyone about my past like I did with you," and “she’s helped me more than anyone else in this world.”

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Priscilla Willmott, M.S., APCC

Priscilla is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (#6984) who graduated from Loma Linda University in 2019 with her Master’s in Science degree. She believes in the importance of being authentic with those that sit across from her in the therapy room in order for them to become who they really are. Priscilla desires to help clients heal from the pains of life that made them feel as though they are not enough. She strives to relate to her clients on a human level by providing a balance between safety and challenge. Priscilla uses Gestalt therapy as a way to look at each individual for what they have experienced and aims to bring greater awareness to the strength that each client has within themselves.

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Michael Nicholas M.S., AMFT

Michael believes that each person’s story is important, and each person has the power to re-write their story. In his practice as a therapist, he provides a safe space for clients to tell their stories. Together, Michael helps clients develop coping skills, explore different intervention strategies, and identify resources as they begin their journey to finding and living the best version of themselves. Michael has learned that although therapy involves making oneself vulnerable, therapy is not an event but a process that takes time and commitment.

Michael is trained in evidence-based practices for depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, and substance use disorders. Training includes motivational interviewing, trauma-informed services, and gender-responsive services. Michael works with men, women, couples, and families, who are affected by addiction.

Michael strives each day to remain grounded in his spirituality which assists him in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship with all his clients. Michael seeks to create an atmosphere of respect, empathy, compassion, and trust which he believes is the hallmark of building a strong alliance with the clients.

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Peter Stephens, M.S., LPCC

Peter is currently registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. He graduated with his Master’s of Science in Counseling from Loma Linda University in 2019. Peter is working toward his Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Anaheim. Peter’s clinical approach to therapy includes a humanistic-existential framework and unconditional positive regard for each person sitting across from him. Maintaining a non-judgmental perspective, and building therapeutic rapport as an act of corrective relationship, and healthy attachment is a central piece of Peter’s therapeutic approach. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral interventions are also utilized during one on one, individual therapy sessions, as well as Solution-Focused, and Emotion-Focused therapies. Peter aims to build his client’s self-awareness and assertive communication skills while increasing each individual’s level of emotional authenticity, in order to reconcile past hurts, and allow for psychological wounds to begin to heal. Integrating “cut off” parts of the self, and allowing for clients to reconnect with who they really are is a pivotal component to the therapeutic healing process. After all, “you cannot heal from what you will not feel.”

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Heather Byrd. M.S. AMFT

Heather earned her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2018, and primarily counseled adult individuals and couples in church and private practice settings before joining Serenity Lodge in January 2022. She takes a psychodynamic and narrative approach to therapy, helping clients become more self-aware and gain insight into “why they are the way they are.”  Examining past relationships, patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, Heather brings to light how the client ended up at this point, and what their core beliefs are about themselves. Drawing from techniques in CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative, and SFBT, Heather helps clients begin to shift those beliefs and patterns to start a new chapter in their story. Continuing to learn and grow is important to Heather. She is currently in training to specialize in the treatment of complex trauma through EMDR.

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Warren Widgeon, RADT

Warren is often the first person to welcome our clients when arriving at Serenity Lodge. His calming presence along with his own experience helps our clients to feel at home. In his current role of RTC Supervisor, Warren oversees a small team of treatment technicians within RTC operations. Beyond his natural leadership abilities, Warren most enjoys the opportunity to guide individuals along a better path in life. A current resident of Crestline, Warren’s hobbies consist of fishing, working out, and spending time with his family.

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Gianni Tavolazzi, RADT

Gianni has been with Serenity Lodge over 5 years and has excelled at every role given to him. While Gianni tends to wear many hats, his primary focus is systems, technology, and facility design. Gianni ensures our IT systems remain at the highest standard of operating performance and security. In his free time, Gianni enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with his three children, Alexis, Audrie, and Taylor.

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Dillon Daniels

Dillon has been with Serenity Lodge for over 5 years giving him an intimate knowledge of our huge 22-acre campus. Dillon prides himself on ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and aesthetic beauty of the grounds. Dillon also ensures the facility meets all standards set by the Department of Health Care Services and The Joint Commission. In his free time, Dillon enjoys spending time with family, fiancé Hailey, fishing, and an unwavering Dodgers fan.

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Landon Thompson, RADT

Landon would like to welcome the new, the relatively new, and the new to being renewed. Welcome to Serenity Lodge. We are glad you're here. Landon is passionate about helping those struggling with SUD disorder lift themselves up and gain a new lease on life. Landon is a bridge between our medical team and its daily operations, ensuring that all Doctor’s orders are implemented and followed. Landon’s administrative duties involve logistical care coordination between members of the clinical, medical, and operations departments. Outside of work, Landon is working towards his CADC-I and enjoys spending his free time with his wonderful partner and their 3-year-old son.

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Elliot Schetter

Elliott Schetter is a Senior Shift Supervisor within the Operations Department. Elliott has a vast knowledge of the procedures of Serenity Lodge. He is task oriented and consistent; creating stability for clients and our program. Elliott has been sober for four years and his ability to create routines for himself, and his work, has supported his recovery. He is an example of how each of us can develop habits and add structure to our lives, which ultimately aid in our health and well-being.

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Kenneth Bronson, CADC-II

Kenny brings eight years of experience in drug and alcohol treatment. He is a CADC-II and has worked in all levels of care from detox to outpatient. As a person in recovery, he loves going to work and helping people every day. In his free time, Kenny likes spending time with his family and ride motorcycles.

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Gina Holley, CADC-II

Gina Holley is a California native who was born and raised in Upland. She graduated from San Bernardino Valley College and holds a CADC-II. Gina has been in recovery for 15 years and has worked in the substance abuse treatment field for 12 years. At Serenity Lodge, Gina is a Clinical Assistant supporting our clients with all things disability and work-related. She is a kind soul who leads with her heart. While not working, she loves spending time with her granddaughter and loved ones. Gina believes the magic is believing in yourself.

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Angel Resendez, CADC-I

Angel Resendez is a graduate of Palo Verde College in Alcohol and Drug studies specialist I and II. Angel who is bilingual, offers 9 years of experience with diverse populations battling addictions. Passionate about continuing education and knowledge of dynamics, societal trends, and influences. Compassionate and enthusiastic to enhance self-esteem, self-efficacy, relationships, and the well-being of clients by equipping them with vital life skills. Committed to connecting and motivating individuals to strive for unprecedented futures through the acquisitions of transformational perspectives.

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Laura Griffin, CADC-II

Laura, a certified substance abuse counselor, has been working in the field of addiction for over nine years. Throughout her life, she has become all too familiar with the severe consequences of addiction. As a recovering addict, she has found a solution, a sense of purpose, and a desire to support those in their recovery journey. Working with others has given her a great sense of purpose and hope that has made her genuinely grateful in life. Laura loves witnessing clients grow and recover at Serenity Lodge and being able to provide them with care, compassion, and support. Laura believes that the hope of recovery is the greatest to be shared with another. Outside of the office, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren. A native of the mountain community, Laura also enjoys spending time at the lake and hiking with her friends.

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Katherine Cooley, RADT-I

Katherine has three years of experience in the substance use dependency field and is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work. Katherine is a healer with capacitor trauma-informed healing, which pours over into her work with clients as a Case Manager at Serenity Lodge. Katherine often says that becoming a mother has shaped and given her life new meaning, along with the greatest title one could ever receive…Mom. Outside of the office and classroom, Katherine enjoys skydiving and traveling.

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Tim Montgomery, CATC-I

Tim is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with 5 years of experience in the recovery field and has worked as a volunteer Correctional Chaplain at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Tim has over 14 years of sobriety and has been taking AA panels into San Bernardino Jails for over 12 years as well as faith sharing into juvenile detention centers, State Prison fire camps, and county jails. Tim is passionate about recovery by helping clients learn healthy coping mechanisms and understand the importance of building a sober support network through 12-step recovery that will enable men to rebuild their lives and live out their dreams by becoming the person they were always meant to be. As a Case Manager, Tim’s empathetic approach to healing enables him to meet the Client where he is at and help guide him back to a healthy grateful life through taking the action needed to overcome many of the obstacles that each man may encounter early in recovery. Outside of the office Tim enjoys spending quality time with his five children, wife, fourteen Grandchildren, siblings, and both his recovery community and his parish faith community.

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Stanley Perryman, SUDCC

Stanley is a certified SUDCC counselor with seven years of experience. He is a graduate of Palo Verdo college in Alcohol and Drug studies specialist I and II. Stanley, who is in recovery with over 10 years clean, has dedicated his life to helping others in addiction find hope in recovery and for their futures. He has over a thousand hours experience running support groups designed not only to address addiction but also to help clients develop life skills that will be invaluable in their everyday lives after treatment. He has experience working with diverse cultures as a both a group facilitator and as a counselor working one on one in methadone clinics. He is passionate and dedicated to clients finding hope and power in their own recovery.

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Adam Mitchell, RADT

Adam Mitchell is a passionate father of four. Adam has worked in the substance abuse treatment field for over six years in Support Staff and Senior Shift Supervisor roles. He recently transitioned into the Alumni Coordinator position where he uses his eight years of personal sobriety to help others build a solid foundation for their future. He has demonstrated a consistent willingness to do whatever it takes to help men through their recovery journey. He works hard to develop relationships with clients that will continue after their time in treatment. He keeps clients connected to Serenity, the brotherhood developed here, and their sobriety through zoom meetings, alumni events, and outreach services. Adam is passionate, empathetic, and engaging - making a positive impact on each and every client.

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Darryl Stubblefield, CADC-II

Darryl is an Internationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with accreditations from the three (3) California Certifying Agencies (CADC II) (CATC II) (SUDCC) with more than 6 years of experience working in the field of Addiction Treatment Services and over 20 years of active addiction experience. Darryl is a graduate of Cypress College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services, and several certificates to include, including Addiction Studies, Generalist, and Co-Occurring Disorders. Darryl genuinely cares about the wellbeing of his clients and demonstrates that through his quality service to them and unconditional positive regard. Darryl is married, enjoys jazz concerts, loves hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Darryl has a passion and working knowledge of the 12 steps and is always willing to be of service to those seeking recovery.

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Maria Ballesteros, LVN

Maria has been nursing in the substance abuse field for over 12 years. She completed her Nursing education in 2009 and completed her Associate's degree in 2015 - Maria has been with Serenity Lodge since the opening of the first detox house at this facility. She recognizes the many effects Substance Abuse can have on a person and their family. Maria prides herself by delivering compassionate and professional Nursing care to all clients at Serenity Lodge. Maria enjoys caring for her Mother, involvement in church, music, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

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Kendra Black-Boal, LVN

Kendra Black is one of our Licensed vocational nurses and she works here as our Nurse and Compliance manager. Kendra graduated from Riverside City College Nursing program in August of 2017, graduating with A.S. Vocational Nursing and A.A. Social and Behavioral Studies degrees and has been working in the nursing field since October 2017. Kendra is responsible for taking care of our detox and residential clients on campus, which includes but is not limited to assessing vital signs, educating clients and staff, and ensuring clients are safe and medically stable. Kendra also assists our compliance department in ensuring the facility and operations remain at the highest standard of medical, safety and environmental care. Kendra is a team player and is dedicated to providing the best client care possible, she naturally cares for others by being able to be empathetic and sympathetic in hopes to help better our client's mental and physical health during their recovery journey.

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Alex Quesada

Alex joins us from our neighboring community of Running Springs, CA. Alex’s big heart and inviting presence shine through in the culinary experience for the men we serve. Alex leads a team of six, running the commercial kitchen of Serenity Lodge. Alex brings years of culinary experience, as well as experience specific to dietary needs while treating substance abuse and behavioral health disorders. Outside of the kitchen, Alex loves to travel and spend time with his wife and three children.

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Kevin

Kevin is an AKC registered golden retriever and a natural at bringing joy and comfort to those in need. Kevin takes his job very seriously and absolutely insists on saying hi to everyone all the time. You can usually find Kevin making his rounds in the morning, then helping dad with various projects throughout the day. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys the lake, chasing squirrels, and destroying his favorite toys.