Our Team

Steve Fennelly – Co-Founder, CEO

Steve Fennelly, a loving father of three children, started and managed his first successful construction company, Fennelly Construction, in 2000 while finishing a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Albertus Magnus College. In 2004 he started A Plus C Quality Construction as addiction began to take over his life. Steve came to Southern California several years ago to begin his own recovery from intense drug addiction, personal and financial failure, and to reestablish broken family relationships. “One of the things that makes our program so successful is this personal knowledge and understanding of the life of an addict. I know addiction inside and out and I understand the addictive mind,” says Steve. “I’ve lived it! I have been to so many rehabs and treatment centers trying to get myself righted that I used to wonder if I was capable of recovery. I know what works and what doesn’t, and Elizabeth and I use all that we’ve personally learned about abusing substances to build an unparalleled program that really works. This is what drives me, it is my passion, it’s what gets me up each morning ready to begin a new day!”
Steve’s philosophy behind the vision and mission of Sure Haven entails having a calm, supportive, family-like living arrangement that allows women to concentrate on what must truly be concentrated on to find success in recovery – themselves. “I do not want to grow larger than my time allows me to personally respond to the needs and concerns of my clients and their families. This is a very critical part of the Sure Haven vision – this feeling of personalized care and concern and that the families know we are all in this together,” says Steve.

The Scoop on Steve
1. What is something I would never guess about you?
By the time I was eight years old I had saved up enough to buy a waterbed.
2. Which musicians would write the soundtrack of your life right now?
Rolling Stones
3. Favorite quote about recovery?
“What are you doing when the eyes are not on you?”
4. What inspires you to be/do better?
My three children……Also, making a difference in peoples lives.

Elizabeth Perry – Co-Founder and Director

Elizabeth Perry is co-founder and marketing director of Sure Haven. With an extensive background in the marketing industry, Perry utilizes her sales and advertising prowess to undo misconceptions about drug and alcohol addiction amongst young women. She contends wholeheartedly that addiction requires sensitivity and is mistakenly considered shameful and taboo. “A big misconception in addiction and recovery is that alcohol and drugs are the problem. To the addict, drugs and alcohol are the ‘solution’ to the problem. The women we work with are hurting, they have used substances to ease that hurt, and we try to show them new, healthier solutions to their struggles,” says Perry.
It is Perry’s other work experience that led her to forming Sure Haven with partner Steve Fennelly. Her five year stint as a bartender exacerbated pre-existing problems with alcohol. Losing her job is what brought her to recovery.  Through her bartending career she gained an insight into people, especially addicts and alcoholics; their patterns, behaviors, and thought processes. “The industry itself, exposed me to sides of human nature I had never experienced. A wonderful woman sober is a monster in her addiction,” says Perry. It is advocating Sure Haven’s vision everyday that motivates Perry. “Our vision when we started was to develop a program for women that is safe, supportive and healthy, and today it remains the same. To me, the excitement, the challenge, of what is possible in terms of revolutionizing not only the old model of treatment, but the marketing of that treatment is what invigorates me.

Extra on Elizabeth

1. If you could have lunch with any one person (living or deceased) who would it be with?
Eleanor Roosevelt
2. Who is your hero?
Mother Theresa
3. Favorite quote about recovery?
“Change only happens when the pain of holding on is greater than the fear of letting go.”
4. What is your favorite “look-back-and-laugh” embarrassing moment from high school?
When I was a freshman there was a guy, Ray, I really liked. He was funny, smart and a little nerdy.  I had enough courage to call him up one day, but not enough courage to actually say anything on the phone. I assumed he would just hang up since he was greeted with silence, but to my surprise he stayed on the line pretending he was having a conversation. He talked like someone was responding and was really funny in his fake dialogue. Then my brother picked up the other phone and said “Beth, you need to get off so I can make a call.” My cover was blown! Ray laughed and I knew I was caught, but he never said anything about it, so to this day I am convinced he never knew it was me.

Dr. Jerry Brown, PsyD

As a supervisor to Sure Haven’s lead therapist Pamela Montazer, Jerry Brown, PsyD, a veteran in the addiction recovery industry, acts as a clinical consultant for indivdual/family therapy and psychological testing, and provides staff support and lectures. With 34 years of experience in the field, the eminent therapist has worked and lectured on addiction treatment programs on a local and national level. As an author, college professor, and mentor to students and addiction industry professionals, he brings both humor and professional wisdom to the vocation. “I’m inspired to be in a field which is always changing,” says Brown. “New therapies, new medications and new insights are helping to fight the war of ever-emerging drug problems in our country which is beyond epidemic – it’s pandemic. We will not win the war on drugs at our borders or through law enforcement. We will win it in the trenches…one person at a time…with each person carrying the message to every person that suffers that there is a better and happier way to live.”

Keith Fowler, CADC II, ICADC – Clinical Director

Sure Haven Clinical Director Keith Fowler has twenty years of behavioral healthcare treatment experience. He has secured certification at the state and international level as a substance abuse counselor, and has been clinically managing programs as a director and senior director since 1999. Prior to his tenure at Sure Haven, he held clinical director positions at Morningside Recovery, New Directions for Women, and Whiteside Manor. “Sure Haven really is a family/home like atmosphere where women are treated with the care and dignity that they deserve. It is my responsibility to maintain that core clinical approach through our growth,” says Fowler. It’s his own personal experience with recovery, having been clean and sober since 1989, that continues to motivate him in helping young women through the process. “Nothing is more professionally and personally rewarding than watching a client change from the person they were…hopeless, desperate, and lost, into the person they would like to become. I personally know, and remember, how hard it is to get, and stay, clean and sober,” says Fowler.
What You’d Learn if You Kicked It with Keith
1. What is the biggest “To Do” on your bucket list?
The “running of the bulls” in Pamplona, Spain
2. What’s your favorite recovery quote?
“You cant stay clean and live dirty.”
3. What’s something we would never guess about you?
I speak fluent Spanish. During my twenties I lived in Latin America where I taught English as a Foreign Language.
4. If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be with?
My grandfather. He provided me with great wisdom and insightful life lessons. I would use this visit for follow up questions.

Pamela Montazer, MFTi, MA, RRW – Lead Therapist

Lead Therapist Pamela Montazer helps women in sober recovery work through the underlying core issues surrounding addiction by incorporating the values and ideologies of the twelve steps. “The happiest and healthiest people I’ve met are those who worked the steps, but I think the most important tool in working with any client is the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, the basis of which is being empathic, non judgmental, and authentic,” says Montazer, who remains motivated by the chance to help young women change their lives, in-turn changing the lives of others. Montazer has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. She cultivated a passion for sober recovery during her training for her master’s degree as a drug and alcohol counselor. Since then, the bulk of her experience as a therapist and counselor has been helping children, young adults and parents through the throes of chemical dependency, co-occurring disorders and eating disorders.
Prime Points About Pam
1. Who is your favorite literary character and why?
Gandalf from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. As a wizard he is wise, well-traveled, down-to-earth and caring.
2. What is the biggest “To Do” on your bucket list?
Travel the world and do pro bono work with foster kids or teen addicts.
3. What’s your favorite quote about recovery?
“God give us the power to change the things we can control and the strength to accept those we cannot.”
4. Which musicians would write soundtrack of your life right now?
I’m a house music junky, so probably Kaskade or Calvin Harris.

Jill Shelton, RN, MSN, FNP

Jill Shelton has worked in the field of substance abuse treatment and co-occurring disorders for over a decade. She graduated with high honors from California State University, Long Beach with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Shelton leads a group of professionals in providing physicals, drug screens, nurse calls, monitoring and psychiatric assessments for the young women at Sure Haven. She has a ardency for what she does. “I love seeing someone who is so down and out have an ‘ah ha!’ moment and feel like they’re living again,” Shelton says. She adds that she loves working with the Sure Haven treatment team each week in formulating and administering individual treatment plans because there is an inherent passion among the staff that’s contagious, and patients get individualized care, rather than getting lost in the shuffle.

Independent Care Partners

SOUTH COAST PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Britton Ashley Arey, MD, MBA

Dr. Britton Ashley Arey, MD, MBA, the founder and CEO of South Coast Psychiatry, is a UCLA and Cedars Sinai trained psychiatrist specializing in psychotherapy and medication management for adults. From individuals with disabling symptoms requiring intensive therapy and/or medications, to successful individuals who want to explore their issues and reach their full potential, Dr. Arey has been trained in the latest in psychotherapeutic modalities to help people achieve their personal goals.

Dr. Sarah Graff, MD, MA

Dr. Sarah Graff is a UCSF and Harvard trained psychiatrist with extensive experience in psychotherapy and medication management. Dr. Graff believes that treatment must be not only state of the art but personalized. She evaluates all aspects of a patient’s functioning, and is committed to working with both family members and other health care providers to provide the very best care.

Dr. Sayeh Beheshti, MD

Dr. Sayeh Beheshti is a UCI trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist, specializing in General Adult Psychiatry, with expertise in medication management as well as therapy. She has experience in working with a wide range of issues from the most severe disorders requiring complex management and hospitalization, to those struggling with relationships, substance abuse, or weight problems, to very highly functioning individuals seeking a further understanding of their inner psyche. Dr. Beheshti has a philosophy of treating each patient as an individual with unique needs and circumstances.

Betsy Bradley – CADCII

Betsy Bradley has been certified as a CADCII counselor since the year 2000 and completed her Bachelors of Science in Human Services through California State University Fullerton with an emphasis in mental health; she also has a minor in Psychology. Betsy is passionate about recovery, both her own and that of others. Betsy helps the women of Sure Haven establish boundaries that enable them to create healthier relationships with themselves and others, thus creating color instead of living in black and white. Bradley says she identifies with Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz because “life on life’s terms” doesn’t deter her, or sway her, from staying the course of her dreams in the recovery process and finding love in the characters she has met along her journey home.

Shannon Reed – CADC II, LAADC

As a certified and licensed drug and alcohol counselor, Shannon works closely with clients to move forward in their lives while addressing specific areas that inhibit this process. Her primary focus is to educate clients who suffer from love and/or sex addiction, chemical dependency, co-dependency, and relationship issues; and specific topics include life skills education, goal-setting, budgeting, and college admissions. She brings her past experience as a Counselor, Recovery Coach, and Academic Program Director in helping guide her clients in their recovery process. Shannon also brings her current experience as Clinical Outreach Representative at Newport Academy, a highly-recognized adolescent treatment program that emphasizes the importance of education in recovery, to her curricula. She is an extraordinary fit for Sure Haven clients dealing with both substance and love/relationship addictions, as well as for those looking to return to academia while in recovery.

Katie Goode LMFT – Therapist

As a licensed marriage and family therapist and life coach, it’s Katie Goode’s mission to create anguish free lives. She has been working with adults, teens, children, and families, particularly those struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and eating disorders, to achieve their goals, dreams, and potential since 2004. In addition to a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development, the versatile therapist has completed training in treatment strategies for eating disorders, play therapy, yoga teaching, meditation teaching, hypnosis, DBT, EMDR, and yoga therapy. In addition to her private practice, she teaches and provides clinical supervision at Hope International University’s school of Marriage and Family Therapy. She also frequently presents seminars and continuing education workshops on mindfulness skills. “I want to help people to stop worrying and start living a life of health, happiness, and confidence,” says Goode.

Elizabeth West, MA , MFT

Elizabeth West is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has had a private practice since 1991. Currently, she specializes in post traumatic stress disorders and chemical dependency. She is a certified clinician in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. As a consultant for EMDR International Association, she certifies clinicians around the world. Women at Sure Haven with a dual diagnosis trauma background are sent to see her, in order to ease the pain and debilitation of traumatic experiences that have either helped to cause or have become a part of their addiction. “The ability to help people transform their trauma into better life stories is what I live for,” Elizabeth says. *Note: Elizabeth West is an independent contractor.

Lisa Licavoli, RD, CCN

Lisa is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist. She has worked in the field of eating disorders and addictions for thirty years helping people optimize their recovery by encouraging clean eating and healthy habits. She provides groups as well as individual nutritional counseling for a variety of nutrition-related conditions including eating disorders & addictions, weight loss, gluten sensitivity, GI disorders, adrenal fatigue, diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, food allergies, and general wellness. She has extensive training in natural healing, including the use of vitamins and minerals, herbs, and yoga & meditation for health. She takes a body-centered approach in her work to assist people in attaining their health-related goals, learn more by visiting her website.

Delores Coats, Life Coach, Coats Coaching

Delores Coats is a sought after and highly gifted Life Coach and Addiction Counselor. For over thirty years, she has changed lives as a counselor, lecturer, administrator and group facilitator. She is currently in private practice assisting clients one-on-one in discovering and attaining their life’s passions. Her success stories come from every level of society – from high school students to millionaires.

Michelle Frankley, LCSW

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a clinician. Licensed since 1998, Michelle treats adolescents, adults, couples and families and specialize in trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse and dependence, anxiety, and adolescent issues.
Michelle also works with clients on overlapping issues such as low-self esteem, depression, and familial and relational problems, providing therapy and guidance to assist clients in overcoming obstacles and resolving struggles that get in the way of achieving life balance and peace of mind. You can find out more about Michelle’s practice on her website.

Dr. Vu, DDS, Dental Pacifica

Dr. Vu is a different kind of dentist. Her warm personality and focus on clinical excellence will make you and you family feel more comfortable than you ever thought possible. Dr. Vu earned her doctorate in Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the prestigious University of Southern California. Her continuing attendance to some of the most advanced, Post-Doctoral study programs available ensures that every patient’s dental treatment is held to the most exact standards of modern care. Dr. Vu is also an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA). For more information, visit Dr. Vu’s website.

Dr. Randall Miller, DC, Miller Family Chiropractic

Dr. J. Randall Miller received his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and Community Medicine with a Minor in Biology/Pre-Med from the University of California at San Diego in 1979. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1983, graduating on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll. You can learn more about Dr. Miller’s practice on his website.

 

Zen Path Recovery

Sifu Mathew Carver

Sifu Mathew Carver is the Program Director & Founder of Zen Path Recovery and a classically trained Martial Artist in the Chinese Traditional methods. Sifu Carver is a direct descendent of the original Shaolin Temple via the Ng Mui Wing Chun system and has studied and trained in external and internal martial arts for over 24 years with several prestigious masters including Grandmaster Hing-Wo Tsim.  He is a certified instructor of Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meditation and Kung Fu by the state of California. Carver holds a BA from Loyola Marymount University in Fine Arts. In addition to teaching full-time at his own facility in Lake Forest, California, since 2003, Carver and his staff have pioneered therapeutic Tai Chi and Qi Gong at several well-known and highly respected hospitals, universities and Drug and Alcohol treatment facilities in Southern California. Phoenix Healing Arts is an Oriental-style holistic program for recovering addicts and alcoholics. His program blends the best of Eastern and Western healing traditions.

Simo Shannon Carver

Shannon is a Master Reiki Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist, and co-founder of Phoenix Healing Arts. Shannon has studied various healing modalities aimed at easing people’s suffering and guiding them toward a path of self-realization. Shannon spends most of her time in the library. She is the consummate student and is in the process of obtaining her Holistic Health Practitioner License, Spiritual Psychology Degree and Addiction Counseling Certificate. Shannon has taught and administered Reiki and Therapeutic Massage at the Brookside Institute helping addicts and alcoholics work towards a life of sobriety. Shannon also practices Chinese Herbology and is a regular speaker at Reiki and Energy Healing symposiums and workshops.

Sure Haven Team Members

Jaime Holland CDC, RRW – Senior Case Manager

Senior Case Manager Jaime Holland works closely and compassionately with each woman upon intake. From emotional support to setting them up with a sponsor to job and resume assistance, she guides young women at Sure Haven through every step of the sober recovery process. Holland has worked in the recovery field for the last six years. Prior to her role at Sure Haven, she held various positions at premier sober living homes and addiction recovery treatment centers, such as New Reflections for Women and Morningside Recovery. With many years of sobriety, and an inspiring recovery story, Holland has a strong connection to her job. “I love that I can give hope to all of these young women that come in to the program, because I was one of those hopeless people for a long time, and now I have joy in my life. Being able to be there for others is such a blessing. It keeps me going every day,” says Holland.
The Juice on Jaime
1. Who is your hero ?
God
2. What’s your favorite recovery quote?
“Thy will be done.”
3. As a child, what did you most want to be when you “grew up?” And now?
When I was young all I wanted to do is help others, and after the long journey of recovery I still find myself wanting to help others find healing.
4. When was the last time you laughed so hard you snorted?
Over the weekend when I was with my grand daughter, Lily, who makes me laugh more then anyone ever has.

Ashley Schewe, CDC, RRW – Case Manager

Case Manager Ashley Schewe says she loves working at Sure Haven because of the loving, family environment, and the joy she gets from witnessing women being healed. “Seeing the women that come in completely change while they are here, like the light comes back into their faces and eyes, and knowing the miracle of recovery is working is what motivates and inspires me.” Schewe, who has been sober for over three years, did her internship at Sure Haven while obtaining her certificate in chemical dependency counseling at Centaur University. With a fervor for helping women in recovery, Schewe works with her client’s families, conducts one on one sessions and groups, and plans out every step of the path to sobriety and self-improvement.
If You’re Asking About Ashley….
1. What’s your favorite recovery quote?
“Progress not perfection.”
2. Who is Your Hero?
Jack Bauer from the show 24 because he’s a bad-ass.
3. As a child, what did you want to be most when you “grew up?” And now?
When I was a kid I always wanted to be a spy. I still would love to do that…. Realistically, I want to do whatever it is that is God’s will for me. I want be someone who inspires others, and I want to be a mother.
4. When was the last time you laughed so hard you snorted?
Yesterday…

Melissa Macaskill, MS – Marketing Outreach Specialist

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston College and a master’s degree in communications from Pepperdine University, Melissa Macaskill worked as a marketing coordinator for MoneyShow, a financial trade show company, and as a regional marketing specialist for Medical Educational Technologies Inc. As a marketing outreach specialist for Sure Haven, she works to to make the business and client base more viable by fostering valuable relationships with businesses and individuals in the recovery industry. The marketing maven takes a tremendous amount of pride in advocating for Sure Haven because she has witnessed the remarkable changes the company’s programs have made in young women’s lives first-hand. “Elizabeth and Steve inspire me because they work tirelessly to make sure that Sure Haven is really like a close-knit family, not only when it comes to their clients, but also their team of staff,”says Macaskill.

More on Melissa

1. What’s your favorite quote about recovery?
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon
2. Who is your favorite literary character?
Daisy Buchanan from the Great Gatsby.
3. What musician would write the soundtrack of your life right now?
Thom Yorke
4. If you could have lunch with any one person (living or deceased) who would it be?
Coco Chanel

Tim Doyle – Academic Coordinator

As a former science/math tutor and community college bookstore sales associate, Tim Doyle, a burgeoning scholar and psychology major at Cal State Fullerton, is the ideal academic coordinator for Sure Haven’s Academic Program. As recipient of the Stockton Record Pinnacle Award for outstanding academic performance and a California Scholarship Federation seal bearer, Doyle has an acute understanding of what it takes to be a successful student, and is seasoned in navigating the administrative aspects of student life. The prosperous pupil’s main role as academic coordinator is developing relationships with local community colleges and universities, as well as assisting the women at Sure Haven with registering in the appropriate courses. As a transfer student, Doyle understands how dedication to academic endeavors at the community college level can translate to the rigors of a four-year university, and enjoys sharing his experience with the women at Sure Haven. “From assisting the girls with their educational goals to finding volunteer opportunities in the community, what truly motivates me is having the opportunity to be a positive asset in each of our women’s recovery path,” says Doyle.
Tales of Tim
1. As a child, what did you most want to be when you “grew up?” And now?
When I was younger I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Baseball has been a huge part of my life from day one. Now, I’m working on being the best therapist I can be.

2.What is something people would never guess about you?

I’m 22 years old and have traveled to 21 countries.

3. What’s your favorite quote about recovery?

“One day at a time.”

4.Who is your hero?

My Dad.

You are not alone. Call us today.

800.852.4465