About

William G. Heard, Ph.D., is a graduate of Arizona State University and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. He is a member of the American Psychologist Association. He has extensive experience in clinical, administration, and program development in both public and private treatment facilities as well as private practice. As the Clinical Director at Casa Palmera , he is responsible for the ongoing development and administration of all the treatment programs.

Jorge Zapatel, MD, trained through the Department of Psychiatry of Harvard Medical School in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCSD and Board Certified in Psychiatry. His special interests include ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders and multicultural psychiatry.

A. J. Foster, MD has been a Family Practitioner for 30 years. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital of La Jolla. Dr. Foster provides general medical care to the patient population at Casa Palmera.

Patricia is trained and experienced in both nursing and the field of therapy, including chemical dependency and eating disorders. She also has training and therapy experience in issues relating to early childhood experiences as well as in bringing expertise in personality types. As the nursing director she endeavors to see that our residents experience a safe environment in which to start their path toward healing and joyful living.

Joyce Londono, RNC (Staff Development) is a certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse (ANCC) and a certified Addictions Nurse (IntNSA). Choosing to work in the special field of chemical dependency and eating disorders treatment 25 years ago, she considers it a "privilege" to be included in the tough work and the magic of a personal recovery process our residents have the courage to experience here at Casa Palmera.

As the Director of Integrative Therapies, Ms. Flaherty MRT, RNP brings over 25 years of experience as a nurse practitioner and marriage and family therapist to Casa Palmera. She uses holistic and cutting edge approaches such as EFT and Amino Acid Therapy. Her areas of expertise are the treatments of anxiety and depression, stress management, ADD, PTSD and pain management (including fibromyalagia and chronic fatigue).

Dr. Marian Edelbrock completed her post graduate in counseling at Reading University in England and her MA and Ph.D in Clinical Psychology at USIU, California. Her pre-doctorate internship at Sharp Mesa Vista and post doctorate at Mercy Hospital in San Diego. She has experience in inpatient and outpatient hospital work, trauma, and EAP work with Scripps hospitals and clinics and worked with teenagers, adults, and seniors in output stations. At Casa Palmera she works primarily in trauma, PTS, and those with Eating Disorders.

Lisa Sokol, MSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Work who has experience working in a variety of clinical settings, including residential, day treatment, and out patient. Treatment specializations include grief and loss, addiction, trauma, and developmental and learning disorders. Lisa is a graduate of the San Diego State School of Social Work and is an alumni of the University of Southern California. At Casa Palmera, Lisa provides individual, family, and group therapy, specifically facilitating the Boundaries & Codependency and Eating Disorder groups, along with daily Process groups.

Lindsey Mahy, MA, is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who has worked with both Chemical Dependency and Eating Disorders. Lindsey is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. At Casa Palmera, Lindsey provides individual, family, and group therapy, specifically facilitating the Food & Feeling, and Body Image groups, along with daily Process groups.

David Grey, CADCII, is our Program Coordinator and is also a certified addictions counselor. David specializes in administrative areas of program development, as well as teaching and counseling groups and individuals on all aspects of understanding addiction and the necessary requirements for a successful lifestyle of recovery. He is passionately committed to helping those challenged by addictive disorders to find a lasting process of recovery that will provide real and meaningful change in their lives.

Anne M. Harbord, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian who works as a Consultant in Health Care Facilities around SD and in Orange County. Anne has a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Michigan State University, and a Masters in Nutrition and Food Management. Her expertise is in the area of kitchen operations and menu planning. Anne has worked in both Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilites for over 20 years. Anne is a member of the American and California Dietetic Association and has her certificate in Serv Safe with the National Restaurant Association.

Sue Dieffenbach RN, MS, CCN is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and holds a Bachelors Degree in Nursing as well as a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition. With over 30 years of experience in both private and clinical practice, Sue blends her passion for nutritional biochemistry with a holistic appreciation of the interplay between mind and body to facilitate healing. At Casa Palmera, Sue coordinates the Holistic nutrition program which includes an all natural, whole foods menu plan and individual nutrition consultations.

Hilary Stokes holds a doctoral degree in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialty in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies. She is a licensed psychotherapist in the state of California and holds masters degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology specializing in Sport Psychology. She has over 15 years of experience bringing mind, body and spirit principles to medical and psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers for addictions, schools, alternative medical facilities, corrections facilities, and business organizations.

Dr. Kim Ward holds a doctoral degree in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialty in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology from SD University for Integrative Studies (her master's degree is in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Transpersonal Psychology). She believes true healing happens in the relationship between the mind, body & spirit; and is passionate about facilitating and participating in the healing of individuals. At Casa Palmera, Dr. Ward co-facilitates the Spiritual Well-being groups & retreats bringing the synergistic power of mind, body & spirit to the process of recovery.

Catherine Falter, L.Ac., is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has a wide variety of experience treating C.D., E.D., internal medicine and acute & chronic pain disorders. Catherine received her M.S. in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in NY, NY and SD, CA. She is certified by the California Acupuncture Board as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. At Casa Palmera, Catherine works with each resident individually to create a treatment plan based on their needs.

Dr. Reuer, a University of Iowa graduate, is a board certified music therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience in in a variety of settings including medical & hospice settings, substance abuse & E.D. programs, and health spas. She is the Founder and Director of MusicWorx of CA, a contractual and consulting agency. Dr. Reuer is internationally renowned for her expertise in music-centered wellness & music therapy for healing in diverse issues as addiction recovery, depression alleviation, and pain management. Dr. Reuer believes strongly in the healing power of music.

Kathryn (Kat) Kirby is an Art Therapist with an M.Ed from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She is a professional member of the American Art Therapy Association, Southern California Art Therapy Association, and is a trained SoulCollage (R) facilitator. Kat works with individuals and groups at Casa Palmera, using art materials to help people express themselves and to explore challenging topics in a creative way.

Martha Torkington is the first EAL/EAP professional to introduce the practice on a broad scale in Del Mar, CA. While serving as the Director of Equine Growth and Learning at Casa Palmera, Martha made the decision to bring her successful program to a wider audience by forming the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Center and launching its flagship program, The Stable Place. "The horses are amazingly adept at bringing out the truth in people's lives," says Martha of her experiences with the program, "Out here, miracles happen every day."

Lynn Sanelli is a Certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor. Lynn was certified at a teacher training intensive at Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. Her yoga and pilates classes, which address all levels of practitioners, are creative and fun, inviting students to challenge themselves, build strength and increase endurance so that ultimately they are empowered and transformed.

Judy Lelie approaches her patients with an open mind and compassion. To assist her patients in taking positive steps toward optimum health, Judy uses a multidisciplinary approach including acupuncture, nutrition, massage and lifestyle recommendations. Judy completed her MS Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. During her studies she interned at several respected clinics, all with a focus of pain management. She has since completed a training course at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (in Asia).