Jake Hackman

Director of Admissions

I have spent the last 8 years working with people with debilitating co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental health. I began my career when I completed my own treatment in 2013. Soon after I started school for substance abuse counseling and found myself working in different roles at different facilities throughout the years. I am fortunate to have found Rosebay as what I feel is a permanent home. Rosebay allows me to do the right thing for every individual person that calls our admissions line and to use the creativity that is necessary to break the cycle of mental health. If you are in a dark place and need help or someone to talk to, I encourage you to pick up the phone and call us.

Kyla Green, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Kyla D. Green, LMFT, is a trauma-informed mental health professional with extensive experience in both residential treatment and private practice. Rooted in depth-oriented and trauma-responsive care, and dedicated to supporting individuals facing complex mental health and substance use challenges, Kyla brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to her clinical work.

Her clinical experience spans work with youth and adults across a variety of treatment settings, including her former role as a Primary Therapist at Serenity Knolls Residential Treatment and previous work at St. Vincent’s School for Boys. Kyla specializes in supporting emotionally dysregulated clients, facilitating trauma recovery, and guiding families through challenging transitions in care. An EMDR practitioner, she integrates trauma-focused modalities to help clients move through unresolved pain and toward more emotionally free, sustainable, and healthy lives.

In addition to her clinical work, Kyla maintains a private practice in San Rafael, California, where she offers individualized therapy rooted in empathy, collaboration, and depth-oriented care. Prior to entering the mental health field, she held leadership roles in both corporate and nonprofit sectors for over a decade. Kyla earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is dedicated to fostering meaningful, lasting growth in the lives of those she serves.

Samuel McFarland

Outpatient Clinical Director

Samuel’s passion for the mental health field is inspired by what he has witnessed and experienced throughout his life navigating trauma and the powerful transformation of the healing journey. After becoming a Substance Use Certified Counselor, he went on to build upon this healing approach, by earning his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in the Expressive Arts (EXA) from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco. While pursuing his education, he has also cultivated a spiritual practice and dedicated himself to exploring Buddhist psychology and mindfulness practices. These endeavors have helped him develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health and human suffering, as well as creating self care routines.

Samuel is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their struggles and build a foundation for long-term emotional wellness. At our facility, Samuel provides client-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed individual therapy for clients dealing with a range of behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. He infuses an expressive arts therapy approach into sessions, tailoring them to each client by pulling from additional therapeutic modalities, including to Buddhist psychology, family systems,relational-cultural, narrative therapy, along with intersectional feminist therapy. By using evidence-based techniques, Samuel empowers clients to gain insight into their behaviors and thought patterns, while also offering consistent support and encouragement as they work toward meaningful change. Samuel’s person-centered, empathetic, and holistic approach, helps clients build the resilience they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Outside of his work, Samuel is committed to being an agent of change through social justice, community activism, and being an ally to marginalized communities. Samuel is deeply committed to his own personal growth through recovery and self-care. He enjoys practicing mindfulness through meditation and his various arts practices, using art as a way to clear his mind, remain grounded, while expressing his authentic self. Samuel enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending community and cultural events, and being in nature.

Lauraleigh Hungerford, MA

Primary Therapist

Lauraleigh Hungerford, MA, is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychological Assistant. With a wealth of experience in mental health therapy, she has honed her skills in addiction recovery, equine therapy, and residential treatment, demonstrating a profound commitment to enhancing the well-being of her clients. Lauraleigh’s professional journey is marked by her adeptness at overseeing multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring program compliance with regulatory standards. Her passion for integrating traditional psychotherapeutic methods with innovative interventions allows her to deliver high-quality therapeutic services that lead to positive outcomes for individuals, families, and groups.  

Currently, Lauraleigh serves as a Primary Therapist at Rosebay Behavioral Health, where she applies evidence-based techniques to support individuals in their mental health journeys. Her role involves conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and crafting individualized treatment and discharge plans. Lauraleigh’s expertise extends to facilitating individual, group, couples, and family therapy sessions, ensuring that each patient’s unique needs are met. Her collaborative approach with treatment teams ensures comprehensive care, while her commitment to case management and aftercare planning helps to secure continued patient success post-treatment.  

Lauraleigh’s previous roles have showcased her leadership and program management capabilities, particularly during her tenure as Associate Division Director at Catholic Charities. She effectively managed multiple programs, including a short-term residential treatment program and an equine therapy program, adapting services to meet the needs of diverse populations. Her innovative spirit was also evident during her time as Therapeutic Equestrian Director at St. Vincent’s School for Boys, where she spearheaded the development of a comprehensive equine therapy program. Lauraleigh’s educational background, including her ongoing PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychology, complements her extensive experience and certifications, such as EMDR and Hakomi, making her a well-rounded and insightful practitioner in the field of mental health therapy.

Meghan Maloney, RN

Nurse

Meghan Maloney, R.N., is a skilled and compassionate registered nurse with over a decade of experience in healthcare and direct patient support. Her background includes providing in-home care, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and working in mental health settings, where she combines clinical knowledge with a strong commitment to individualized care. Meghan has taken on a range of roles—from hands-on nursing and medication management to leadership and facilitation—demonstrating versatility, empathy, and a deep understanding of patient needs across diverse populations.

Currently pursuing advanced education in mental health, Meghan is focused on expanding her expertise in psychiatric and behavioral health care. Her approach to nursing is rooted in respect, dignity, and a genuine dedication to improving the lives of those she serves. With a strong foundation in both medical and community-based care, she brings thoughtful communication, practical skill, and a calm, grounded presence to every aspect of her work.

John Cromwell, AMFT

Primary Therapist

John is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with nearly a decade of experience in residential behavioral health and substance use recovery. He provides individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation, with a focus on trauma-informed, client-centered care. John is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients can engage meaningfully in their healing process.

John earned his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Touro University and is actively accruing supervised hours toward full licensure in California. He began his clinical work as an evening counselor in a residential treatment setting and steadily advanced to the role of primary therapist, deepening his clinical expertise along the way. In addition to his training in motivational interviewing and CBT, John is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which he incorporates to support clients in processing trauma and building resilience.

Caitlin Harty

Operations Manager

Caitlin is a woman in recovery with a deep passion for helping others navigate their own healing journeys. With experience working at multiple treatment centers, she has supported both teens and adults in overcoming challenges and building resilience. As an advocate for holistic wellness, she integrates mental, physical, and emotional health into her approach. Her dedication stems from her own personal journey, which inspires her commitment to empowering others. In her work, she strives to create safe, nurturing environments where individuals can thrive and grow.

Max Strohl

Primary Therapist

Max is an intern therapist with a deep passion for supporting individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and emotional healing through an integrative and compassionate approach. He has extensive experience working in the field of substance use disorders (SUD), with a focus on clients managing co-occurring mental health challenges. Max’s clinical framework is rooted in a trauma-informed perspective, and he is particularly drawn to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. He supports clients in exploring and building relationships with their internal parts, fostering greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and long-term healing.

In addition to his clinical training, Max is a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher and has been leading classes in community settings for over three years. He strongly believes in the therapeutic connection between mind and body, integrating somatic practices such as mindful movement and breathwork to support nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. Maxblends evidence-based therapy with yoga, mindfulness, and parts work, offering a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore, heal, and grow.

Marina Tashkaplyan

Residential Program Manager

Marina is a woman in long-term recovery who brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to her work in behavioral health and co-occurring disorders. Since 2019, she has worked across all levels of care—from residential to outpatient—and has grown from entry-level support roles into leadership as a Lead SUD Counselor and Recovery Coach. Marina has provided counseling to adults and young adults of all genders, supporting diverse populations with compassion and adaptability. She has trained and supervised staff, contributed to program development, and led curriculum design across multiple treatment settings.

Born into an Armenian immigrant family and not even a first-generation American, Marina understands the complexities of identity, intergenerational trauma, and the cultural stigma often tied to mental health. This background fuels her passion for creating inclusive,
empowering spaces where people feel seen and supported in their healing.

Marina is known for her grounded, relatable presence and her ability to meet people where they are. She integrates trauma-informed care, positive psychology, and evidence-based practices to help individuals rebuild trust, develop life skills, and reconnect with their values. Whether she’s coaching families or facilitating groups, her work is centered on helping people build lives they’re proud of.

Jonathan Granucci, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Jonathan Granucci is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University.

Jonathan brings over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. His professional background includes 12.5 years at Serenity Knolls, where he worked extensively with clients navigating addiction and recovery, as well as 3 years with the Family Service Agency in San Rafael. He has also served youth and families through his work at the Community Youth Center
in San Francisco.

Before becoming a therapist, Jonathan spent several years in education—as a middle school physical education teacher and later as a high school principal at a charter school in Oakland, California. This diverse background informs his compassionate, well-rounded approach to therapy, especially when working with adolescents, families, and individuals facing major life transitions.

Originally from San Anselmo, Jonathan enjoys staying active and connected to his community. Outside of work, he can often be found playing basketball, tossing bocce balls, cooking for loved ones, or spending quality time with family and friends.

Ellory Rayne

Behavioral Health Technician

Ellory is a passionate mental health professional who brings her previous experience in residential mental healthcare, domestic violence and sexual assault peer counseling, homeless walk-in services coordination, and personality and identity research to her work. In understanding that every person arriving at Rosebay carries a unique story, she approaches each client with due curiosity, empathy, and respect. Integrating her love for the natural world, community-building, and creative practices into her approach to mental health allows her to cultivate connection, grounding, and well-being for both clients in her work and herself personally. She is honored to work so closely with residents at Rosebay and finds continuous inspiration from her fellow staff.

Brandon Kwok

Behavioral Health Tech

Brandon Kwok is a Behavioral Health Technician at Rosebay Behavioral Health, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to his work supporting individuals on their path to recovery. He previously worked at Azure Acres Treatment Center in Sebastopol, where he served as Lead Tech and Alumni Coordinator, gaining extensive experience in crisis intervention, group facilitation, individual counseling, and staff training.

After five years studying chemical engineering at UC Irvine, Brandon discovered his true passion for behavioral health. He approaches his work with trauma-informed care, compassion, and a strong focus on building trust with clients. He holds a RADT certification and is pursuing a CADC credential and a degree in psychology from Sonoma State University, with the ultimate goal of earning a master’s in psychology. His dedication to professional growth and client-centered care reflects his commitment to helping individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and personal growth.

Niki Bell, RN

Nurse

Niki Bell has been a Registered Nurse for 10 years. Her own recovery journey and lived experiences inspired her to pursue a career in mental health, where she is devoted to helping others along their paths toward healing. She collaborates closely with our psychiatric team to provide comprehensive, responsive, and personalized care. Niki brings a valuable combination of clinical knowledge, sincere warmth, and insight into the relationship between emotional and physical well-being. Niki is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every client feels seen, understood, and genuinely cared for.

Bryan Lambert

Behavioral Health Technician

Bryan Lambert (CADC) has more than 40 years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, criminal justice, and social services. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University and completed the POST Basic Law Enforcement Course at Santa Rosa Junior College. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Bryan brings extensive experience working with individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

After 25 years with Marin County Probation, where Bryan served as a Group Counselor, Probation Officer, and Supervisor overseeing programs including Juvenile Hall, Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, and the STAR Program. Bryan has worked with organizations including Bay Area Community Resources, Homeward Bound, Ritter Center, Helen Vine Recovery Center, Bayside Marin, and Center Point, providing substance use counseling, recovery support, crisis services, and resource navigation. Through this extensive experience, Bryan has developed a compassionate, practical, and client-centered approach.

Andrew Hoff

Behavioral Health Technician

Andrew is a compassionate and client-centered mental health professional with a strong drive for connection, humor, and service. He brings authenticity and empathy to his work, creating meaningful rapport with clients from all walks of life. A dedicated advocate for holistic wellness, he integrates mind-body practices like yoga and writing into his daily life and therapeutic approach. His passion for mental health is matched by his genuine curiosity and commitment to supporting others on their journey toward healing.

Matt Ford

Behavioral Health Technician

Matt Ford is a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician at Rosebay Behavioral Health, where he leverages his extensive experience and personal journey to support individuals on their path to recovery. Certified by the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP), Matt has honed his skills in providing compassionate care and facilitating group therapy sessions. His career in behavioral health began at Bayside Marin, a substance use disorder treatment center, where he played a vital role in running therapeutic groups and offering direct care to those grappling with addiction. Prior to his current role, Matt also made significant contributions at Serenity Knolls Treatment Center, further solidifying his expertise and commitment to the field.

Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming substance addiction, Matt brings a unique blend of empathy and insight to his work. He understands the challenges and triumphs of the recovery journey firsthand, which fuels his passion for helping others navigate their healing process. Matt is deeply committed to fostering an environment of growth and understanding, where clients feel supported and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. His dedication to personal and professional development is evident in his approach, as he continually seeks to expand his knowledge and skills to better serve those in need.

David Patch

Behavioral Health Technician

David Patch is an accomplished creative leader with over two decades of experience in game development, art direction, UX/UI design, and team management. Known for his innovative approach and diplomatic leadership style, David has led creative efforts on major titles for studios such as Zynga, Ubisoft, and Disney Interactive, contributing to iconic franchises like The Sims, SimCity, and TRON: Evolution. With a foundation in fine arts and early academic roots in molecular biology, David blends artistic intuition with analytical precision, driving innovative outcomes at the intersection of design and technology.

Most recently, David is using his experiences of art, mentoring, and coaching to develop and lead behavioral insight groups at Serenity Knolls, and now at Rosebay.

Rita Vazquez

Behavioral Health Technician

Rita is a dedicated behavioral health professional with extensive experience across residential treatment, mental health rehabilitation, and psychiatric care settings. Her background spans roles as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Clinical Assistant, and Mental Health Case Manager, during which she developed deep expertise in crisis intervention, de-escalation, therapeutic group facilitation, and individualized care planning. Rita is ProAct certified with a track record of collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver compassionate, recovery-oriented care to diverse and high-need populations.

Rita’s academic journey reflects her long-standing commitment to the behavioral health field. She began her studies at Santa Rosa Junior College, earning Associate Degrees in Psychology, Humanities, Social & Behavioral Science, and Natural Science, before going on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development and a Minor in Public Health from DePaul University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. Her academic foundation, combined with years of hands-on clinical experience, informs her person-centered approach to behavioral health, one grounded in empathy, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to supporting each client’s safety, dignity, and well-being.

Chelsea Rappel, SEP,

Behavioral Health Technician

Chelsea Rappel (SEP, C-IAYT) is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Group Facilitator with over a decade of clinical experience in trauma resolution, substance use recovery, and nervous system regulation. Trained as both a Yoga Therapist and Addiction Counselor, she specializes in translating this work into accessible tools that help clients cultivate safety, trust, and resilience within their own bodies.

Chelsea’s approach is informed not only by clinical training, but by her own path through recovery and healing — an experience that grounds her practice in genuine empathy and a deep respect for the courage it takes to change. Integrating lived experience with nervous system science and mindfulness, she helps clients shift from disconnection and shame toward embodiment and self-compassion.

Chelsea maintains a private practice and co-facilitates Resilient Recovery Circles (Resilient-Recovery.com), offering low-cost somatic recovery groups to make this work accessible to all who are curious, regardless of ability to pay. Outside of her professional work, she finds joy through dance, rock climbing, and time with her family — values that inform her belief in movement and connection as pathways to healing.

Marlee Shore, RBT

Behavioral Health Technician

For the past several years, Marlee Shore has worked in the mental health field as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting individuals on their journeys toward recovery, resilience, and greater independence. Through her work in behavioral health, she has developed a deep appreciation for the power of empathy, patience, and authentic human connection. She is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where people feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Alongside her work in mental health, Marlee is a singer-songwriter and recording artist whose music explores themes of hope, vulnerability, healing, and the complexities of the human experience. She believes that both therapy and music have the ability to foster connection, inspire growth, and remind people they are not alone.

Marlee holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University and is continuing her professional journey with the goal of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. Whether she’s supporting clients, writing music, or performing, her mission is the same: to help people feel seen, understood, and encouraged as they navigate life’s challenges.

Varonica Hattix

Behavioral Health Technician

Varonica Hattix is a skilled Behavioral Health Technician, Group Facilitator, and Art & Wellness Coach with over 15 years of experience supporting youth, families, and communities through trauma-informed care, education, and creative wellness practices. Her background includes case management, motivational counseling, and program coordination across nonprofit, court-affiliated, and educational settings. She brings a culturally responsive and client-centered approach to every role, with a proven ability to build trust, lead engaging group sessions, and develop effective, individualized support plans. As an art and mindfulness instructor, she seamlessly integrates creative expression with evidence-based coping strategies to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and personal growth.

Varonica’s diverse certifications and training—including Juvenile and Mental Health First Aid, CANS/SANS assessments, and Change Management—complement her strong communication skills and strategic mindset. She has led programs focused on employment readiness, parenting education, mental wellness, and youth development, while also achieving measurable outcomes in case closures, fundraising, and program impact. Passionate about equity, community-building, and lifelong learning, Varonica continues to be a dedicated advocate for personal transformation and social change.

Diana Tep

Lead Chef

After years of working in a health facility and witnessing the recovery journey firsthand, I’ve come to appreciate how small, thoughtful gestures can brighten someone’s day. My experience in a different field made me realize that my true calling lies in supporting others during their healing process.

Being part of Rosebay Behavioral Health is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact. Cooking here isn’t just about preparing meals; it’s about offering comfort and helping clients discover the best in themselves. I’m grateful to contribute to their journey and honored to play a role in making their days a little brighter.

Erik Spettel

Admission Coordinator

Throughout his career Erik has brought creativity and passion to the treatment field. Since beginning his own mental health recovery 13 years ago helping others find resources and support has become a passion for him. Novelty and innovation have been central to multiple companies he built during his career. He developed the first ever Wolf-assisted therapy program for use in substance use treatment and has created comprehensive curriculums for treatment centers that focus on experiential forms of therapy that bring the body into the therapy process. Empowering people to find inner resource through positive and challenging experiences is integral to his philosophy of helping others.

Erik holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California Baptist University and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He spent the last 12 years working in the mental health and substance use recovery field. His career has spanned many areas of clinical work, including program design, counseling, group facilitation, intervention, and guiding families and individuals to find the best resources for their loved ones.

Jacob Simon, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Jake is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families through life’s challenges. As a Primary Therapist at Rosebay Behavioral Health, he provides compassionate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique needs. His therapeutic approach is grounded in building authentic relationships and integrating evidence-based modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help clients develop lasting insight, resilience, and meaningful change.

Jake’s clinical experience spans a variety of treatment settings, including residential treatment, school-based mental health, and private practice. Prior to joining Rosebay Behavioral Health, he worked as both a therapist and Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist at St. Vincent’s School for Boys, supporting youth with significant emotional and behavioral challenges in residential care. He also provided therapy to youth and families through Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) in school settings. In addition to maintaining a private practice in San Rafael, California, Jacob spent more than a decade operating his own tutoring and mentoring program, helping young people overcome academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges while building confidence and resilience. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Sonoma State University and has completed advanced training in DBT, EMDR, and CBT.

A lifelong Marin County resident, Jake believes in the restorative power of connection, community, artistic expression and the outdoors. His experiences growing up in Marin continue to influence his appreciation for nature as an important component of overall wellness. Outside of his clinical work, you can find him surfing along the rugged Northern California coastline and spending time with his 12-year-old son, embracing what he considers his most rewarding role—that of being a dad.

Darya Rostami

Primary Therapist

Darya (she/they) is a Primary Therapist Intern currently completing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she is specializing in depth-oriented psychotherapy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, disciplines that first sparked her interest in the complex relationship between individual suffering, family systems, and the broader social forces that shape human development. Darya’s clinical philosophy is rooted in whole-person psychology, viewing healing as a process that engages not only thoughts and behaviors, but also the emotional, somatic, relational, and symbolic dimensions of the psyche. She believes lasting transformation occurs when individuals are supported in understanding not only what has happened to them, but who they are becoming through the therapeutic process.

Prior to beginning her graduate training, Darya served as both a Program Manager and Primary Therapist at Serenity Knolls. In these roles, she oversaw program development, coordinated clinical services, facilitated therapeutic groups, and provided individual psychotherapy while working closely with individuals and families navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Darya is passionate about helping clients cultivate a grounded awareness of their inner experience through mindfulness, creating space for greater presence, emotional resilience, and self-compassion. She also believes that meaningful recovery extends beyond treatment, placing strong emphasis on comprehensive aftercare planning that equips clients with the resources, structure, and community needed to support lasting wellbeing. She brings a warm, collaborative, and deeply relational presence to her work, believing that healing unfolds through authentic connection, curiosity, and the courage to engage one’s inner life.

A Bay Area native, Darya enjoys spending her time outside the therapy room exploring Marin’s hiking trails, attending yoga classes, and discovering new creative pursuits. She values living in alignment with the same principles she encourages in her clients; curiosity, balance, presence, and a lifelong commitment to personal growth.

Joi Mohre

Behavioral Health Tech

Joi is an enthusiastic Behavioral Health Technician in Rosebay Behavioral Health’s outpatient setting, where she incorporates her personal journey and long term experience working in treatment programs. Joi implements the lessons she has learned from her own healing adventures. Joi strongly believes in a client centered approach, finding and focusing on what helps the individual instead of a one size fits all model.

Joi’s work is informed by all her previous career opportunities. She previously worked in addiction treatment and managed multiple sober living environments throughout the past decade. Joi has experience working with adults with disabilities, helping with work training, job development, and independent living skills. When she’s not managing the front desk or leading groups, she prioritizes time with clients, being an open and active listener, making a safe container for clients to receive support. All of her past and present work is driven by the belief in people’s ability to change and self actualize.

Julian Stein

BH Tech

Julian has worked as a behavioral health technician for the past three years, bringing authenticity, positive energy, and compassion to his role. He is dedicated to supporting individuals through their challenges in any way he can. Julian also leads our recreational outings, encouraging clients to reconnect with their communities, build confidence, and rediscover the joy of having fun.

Akiema Curtiss

Behavioral Health Technician

Akiema Curtiss is a Behavioral Health Technician and Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor with a background in Addiction Studies. She is passionate about helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their mental health and recovery journeys. Akiema believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing and that every step forward deserves recognition. She also encourages movement, time in nature, and healthy routines to support overall well-being.

Evan O’Hare

Behavioral Health Technician

Evan is a dedicated behavioral health professional with five years of experience in the field. A Northern California native, Evan draws upon his diverse personal and private experiences to connect deeply with others. Utilizing empathy, patience, tolerance, and deep understanding, he excels at building meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. For Evan, behavioral health is more than a career—it is a lifelong passion. Outside of his professional dedication, he is deeply connected to music and the arts, finding fulfillment in listening, observing, and creating. Evan is proud to call Rosebay Behavioral Health his professional home.

Chris Kramer

Behavioral Health Technician

Chris is a Behavioral Health Technician with a natural ability to connect with clients as individuals. After navigating his own mental health and addiction challenges for 25 years, he is now driven to use his experience to support and encourage others. Chris brings empathy, understanding, and an uplifting presence to his work. Outside of his role, he enjoys sports, animals, exercise, and—most of all—being a dad.

Our Story

After a wildfire, the rosebay willow herb, commonly known as fireweed, is one of the first plants to rejuvenate the scorched landscape. This resilient flora enriches the devastated earth, paving the way for the forest’s revival. At Rosebay Behavioral Health, we emulate the fireweed’s role, fostering growth and renewal for our people by nurturing a foundation where healing can flourish.

Our Story

Patients and therapists sitting around the fire pit talking about the success of Rosebay mental health.

A Dream Realized by Our Founders

Starting Rosebay Behavioral Health has been the culmination of a long-held dream for founders Vicki Lucas and Chris Hammett. With extensive experience in mental health care, they recognized a significant need for a dedicated, long-term, high-acuity mental health treatment facility in Northern California. Confident in their vision and expertise, the founders began assembling the ideal team. Their collaboration with Kristina Wandzilak marked a pivotal moment, further solidified by joining forces with Charlie Litchfield to complete the founding team. Together, we have assembled a team of passionate and experienced professionals, ready to serve the community right in the heart of Marin County.

The Expertise Behind
Rosebay Behavioral Health

At Rosebay Behavioral Health, we believe that the quality of care begins with the quality of people. Our dedicated team brings together decades of experience, compassion, and specialized knowledge to offer exceptional mental health and recovery support. Every member of our team contributes a unique skill set, working together to provide comprehensive, individualized care designed to support lasting well-being.

Explore our team’s individual stories and learn how their dedication, expertise, and personal commitment to recovery guide the exceptional care we provide at Rosebay Behavioral Health.