Our Staff

Yeshaia Blakeney, BA

Co-Founder and Co-CEO

Yeshaia is an addiction expert with 20 years experience working in substance abuse and mental health. Sober since age 21, Yeshaia has a deep understanding of the youth addiction and recovery process, and works well with people for whom 12-step programs have been ineffective or are looking for an unorthodox approach. Aware that lasting recovery has a spiritual dimension, Yeshaia helps addicts build a customized path toward healing that best fits their personal senses of identity. His experience as a counselor and case manager is enhanced by his connections to a vast network of recovery professionals. Yeshaia holds a CADC education from UCLA and a Bachelors Degree from Antioch University.

Yeshaia works closely with families and develops relationships with clients that persist past the point of their time at Recover Integrity. Yeshaia is deeply connected to the individual nature of recovery and what it means to live well. And, he expresses this unique take on treatment through his one-on-one work with clients, families and case managers.

ADAM MINDEL, MA, CADC-II, INTERVENTIONIST

Co-Founder and Co-CEO

Adam received his MA from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. Adam has been a pillar in the Los Angeles recovery community for the last 16 years. For over a decade, Adam triaged the day to day clinical program of one of the nation’s largest non-profits specializing in addiction. Adam has held positions ranging from Family Director, Assistant Clinical Director, and Men and Women’s Program Director. Adam is highly sought out nationwide by programs and families as an interventionist. Adam works closely with our clients and their families, creating a safe space for recovery. Adam and Yeshaia worked side by side for 12 years before co-founding Recover Integrity together.

Adam specializes in family dynamics, family coaching and case management as well as one-on-one work with clients. Adam’s focus on containment and meeting clients where “they’re at” is a key to his ability to connect to clients at their core.

Arielle Rapaport, LMFT

Assistant Clinical Director 

Arielle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who specializes in treating individuals and families coping with addiction and trauma. She has a special connection to those in recovery after having been personally impacted by many loved ones’ struggles and challenges along their journey to sobriety. Arielle received a BS from Boston University, and a MS in Counseling from California State University, Northridge, graduating with honors. Arielle has worked in outpatient and residential facilities throughout the Los Angeles community, providing individual and group support to those managing co-occurring disorders and family system challenges. Arielle is passionate about utilizing solution-focused techniques and mind-body approaches to assist others in identifying their own internal strengths to navigate obstacles. She is trained in Mindfulness techniques, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Breathwork. Arielle values empowering clients to develop self-compassion and acceptance in order to live a fulfilling life.

Christopher Sharghi, CADC-I

Program Coordinator & Case Manager

As the Program Coordinator at Recover Integrity, Chris brings not only professional expertise, but also a deeply personal understanding of the journey to recovery. Being a certified alcohol and drug counselor, Chris has experience across all levels of care in the addiction treatment field. His path to recovery has instilled in him a profound empathy and a unique insight into the challenges and triumphs our clients face. Chris is deeply passionate about guiding others on their journey to wellness, driven by the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling, substance free life. His commitment is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and to empower each client with the tools and support needed for lasting recovery.

Derek Stolkin, SUDCC

Case Manager

Derek, a native of Los Angeles who received his SUDCC from UCLA, brings a decade of expertise in substance abuse treatment, showcasing steadfast dedication to guiding clients toward recovery. Proficient in individual counseling and group facilitation, he seamlessly navigates various treatment modalities. He is committed to connecting with individuals and nurturing their development by utilizing motivational interviewing skills and unconditional positive regard. Actively promoting structure and support for change stages, he seeks to inspire others to create meaningful changes for themselves. Drawing from his personal journey, Derek provides a unique perspective and profound empathy for clients with similar struggles, extending this care to both clients and their families. Derek stands out for his holistic and compassionate approach to substance abuse treatment, emphasizing trust, accountability, and effective communication.

Jan-Willem Dikkers, LMFT

Primary Therapist & Group Facilitator

Jan-Willem transitioned to psychotherapy after 25 years working as a creative and editorial director in the fashion and publishing industries, having collaborated with some of the most recognized and prestigious brands. Jan-Willem brings the same curiosity, creativity, and love to therapy as he did working with brilliantly complex and often troubled talented unique individuals in art, music, film, and fashion. Jan-Willem received his BA in economics and marketing from Northwestern University and his MA in clinical psychology from Antioch University.

Jan-Willem works within a mindfulness frame and looks at mental health holistically including the physical body, the social environment, and larger cultural influences. Jan-Willem’s experience is in working with clients struggling with addiction, psychosis, neurosis (depression, anxiety), and personality disorders. This includes work with individuals of high notoriety and affluence as well as children of such families, who’s status often exacerbates suffering.

Kevin Simonson, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Kevin is a psychiatrist with an integrative and psychodynamic approach to mental health treatment. He completed his BS in Molecular Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology at Humboldt State University. He received his medical degree from UC Irvine and completed residency at UC Riverside and the Long Beach VA, where he worked in substance treatment and suboxone clinics. He has additional training in psychedelic therapy from CIIS, integrative psychiatry and ketamine treatment from IPI, ketamine psychotherapy from Polaris, and psychodynamic psychotherapy from NCP.

Ashley Adams, LMFT

Clinical Supervisor

Ashley, (she/her/hers) is a licensed psychotherapist with over 13 years of experience working with adults, couples and families affected by substance use disorders, trauma and acute mental health disorders. Ashley attended San Diego State University for her undergraduate studies.

After graduating, she obtained her masters degree in marriage and family therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Irvine, CA. Ashley has worked in a variety of settings which include residential, outpatient, community mental health, private practice, and teaching graduate students in an adjunct role.

She has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Emotionally Focused (EFT) Therapy, while also using core concepts of motivational interviewing (MI) and a strengths-based, social justice approach in her work.

Nicholai Hakim, AMFT

Associate Therapist & Group Facilitator

Nicholai was born and raised in Los Angeles. Nicholai was called to work in the mental health field after getting sober himself. After rebuilding his life on his own journey of recovery, he wanted to be able to help others do the same. Nicholai was a psychology major during his undergraduate studies, and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a specialization in spiritual and depth psychology at Antioch University. Prior to coming to Recover Integrity, Nicholai worked in a residential and outpatient facility which specialized in substance use disorders. Through a holistic and humanistic perspective, Nicholai hopes to incorporate an individuals mind, body, and soul when conceptualizing a personal and long-lasting treatment plan.

Andrew Huskey, MFT-T

Trainee Therapist

Andrew is a graduate student at Pacifica Graduate Institute completing his master’s degree in counseling psychology with a focus on depth psychology, trauma, and community mental health. Andrew began working as a MFT Trainee at a detox residential treatment center in Los Angeles, providing individual and group therapy sessions before joining the Recover Integrity team. He takes an integrative and psychodynamic approach, while honoring the spiritual to deepen one’s understanding of Self. With a holistic health background as a reiki and kambo practitioner, Andrew takes interest in ketamine assisted psychotherapy and is currently training with Polaris for KAP. Working from a trauma informed, somatic, and mindfulness lens, Andrew is passionate about helping individuals in their individuation process. He believes in the power of discovering meaning and purpose on one’s journey in finding wholeness.

Harmony Rousseau, LMFT

EMDR Therapist

Harmony  is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma and addiction. She received her Masters degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge in 2007. She received her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004. She has also been trained in Laurel Parnell’s Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Pia Melody’s Post Induction Therapy (PIT) model.

Harmony began her career working as a primary therapist in a residential dual diagnosis treatment center. She has also worked as a several outpatient treatment centers. She has facilitated groups, individual, couples and family sessions. In addition to her MFT, Harmony also holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (P.P.S.) and works for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s Adult Education Program, running all counseling services.

Leticia Vasquez, LCSW, Certified Geek Therapist, Therapeutic Game Master

Primary Therapist & Group Facilitator

Blitch, STB/MDiv CRC CIP, RADT

Group Facilitator

Marco “Blitch” Vizioli  is an interfaith substance abuse counselor, interventionist, lay chaplain, and graduate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas/ Angelicum in Rome, Italy. He completed his undergraduate work in philosophy at the Angelicum and chose to remain in Rome for his graduate studies. His thesis was entitled The Phenomenon of God in Recovery: On Grace and Addiction. For the last 25 years, Blitch has worked with addicts and alcoholics in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Paris, Vienna, Zurich and Rome and his clients have included monks, diplomats, sports and entertainment figures and CEOs.

Blitch is a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, National Association for Lay Ministry, the Association for Practical Theology, and Mystical Theology Network at Oxford. He claims that an experience of the Divine is available to any person who desires one, regardless of background.

Brian Jacobs, MA

Group Facilitator

Brian has a unique understanding and way of working with people of all ages. He is a
very compassionate, kind and empathetic person and these qualities lie at the core of his work. He combines a blending of traditional Psychology, with his passion Pranayama Breath Work. His work is geared towards assisting people to experience the interwoven connection that exists in, body, mind and spirit. He received his BA in Psychology from The University of Southern California, and his Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, where he developed his fundamental foundation of studying various perspectives, theories and practices in the field of psychology. He spent several years training at The Maple Center working with children, adolescents, and adults.

In addition, Brian spent some time volunteering at The Neuropsychiatric Institute at
UCLA where he worked with kids who had Schizophrenia in a physical therapy milieu. He spent several years volunteering at Vista Del Mar, where he counseled adolescents at the high school. He recently completed his educational requirements for his CADAC at Loyola Marymount University and has recently completed the required hours for licensure. Brian is currently facilitating Breath Work groups in the field of Alcohol and Drug recovery. He is also leading adolescent and young adult groups in mental health facilities, and in meditation centers. Finally, Brian also works in private practice.

Joe Hanan, RADT

House Manager

Joseph recently received an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Having pursued many career paths, including law, entertainment, and sales, he finds his greatest purpose in helping others in the field of substance abuse and mental health. With unconditional positivity and care, Joseph connects with clients in a brotherly way and reliably offers individualized support. He also feels that fun and laughter are essential ingredients to life. Whether it’s a paintball adventure, scenic hike, museum visit, or day at the beach, he makes sure that cool activities are part of the program for our clients every week. Outside of work, Joseph considers himself to be an avid opponent in the game of chess, a decent tennis player, and an embarrassing golfer.

Shireen Janti, LADC

Director of Business Development

Since 1989 Shireen has been sought after as a force in the field of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency.  Her numerous credentials include earning a CPC (Certified Professional Coach), (LAADC) Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a (CRPS) Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist.

Professionally Shireen has organized and facilitated numerous panels and workshops on a variety of topics bringing awareness, prevention, and resources to the behavioral health community.

Shireen comes with over three decades of experience helping people heal, shift, and transform their lives.

She has helped thousands of people increase their life satisfaction which include, moving into healthy relationships, experience increased self-worth and self-esteem, improve parenting skills, career growth and satisfaction, and overcome substance and process addictions that include alcohol, substances, food, shopping, sex etc.

Her vast experience working in the entertainment industry includes positions at AFTRA (American Federation of Radio and Television Artists); Fox Film Corporation; Fox Sports Net; Capitol Records; and 18 years with MusiCares, (the charitable arm of the Recording Academy otherwise known as the Grammys).   Starting in 2004 in the role of an Addiction Recovery Specialist, she moved up the ranks Senior Director of Mental Health & Addiction Services, addressing crisis situations and the various needs of music professionals nationwide.

After many years serving the entertainment industry, Shireen decided to widen her reach to be able to offer her experience and skills to people from all walks of life, and successfully created her coaching and consulting practice.

Rosa Ramirez

Chef

Rosa has been working with the client’s of Recover Integrity since the very beginning. She’s more than the chef, she’s like a house mom. She nourishes the clients stomach’s, she cooks with love and she is passionate about matching their recovery with the food they are putting in their bodies. Rosa spent many years working in the entertainment industry in the craft services department but wasn’t satiated by the work. So, she joined the Recover Integrity community for more purposeful, personal and impactful work. Rosa is an invaluable member of the Recover Integrity team, working hard behind the scenes and also right on the front lines interacting daily with the clients.

Tommy Collins

House Manager

Tommy is from Oklahoma and has worn many hats in his life. From working as a cowboy on a buffalo ranch, to an electronics tech for two international oilfield companies. He holds three certifications one in Masonry, one as a Paralegal, as well as one as an Electrical Mechanic. His future educational plans are to attend College to study for a  CADC certification. Tommy loves to challenge thinking by bringing positive old fashioned  country common sense to the conversation. His biggest achievement in his opinion was getting sober and learning that in doing so he has a heart of compassion for those suffering from addiction and trying to learn self love and forgiveness.

Emily Blakeney

Administrator

Emily graduated from National University after having completed her Associate Degree from University of California, Santa Cruz. Soon after becoming sober, graduating, teaching middle school special education classes, and starting a family, Emily discovered her passion for business. With the support of her husband, Yeshaia, Emily opened a small business and ran every aspect of that business, Eden’s Green Closet. In 2009, Emily co-founded ecomom.com, was head of all purchasing and products, and gained a wealth of knowledge about backend e-commerce systems, online marketing, business ethics and workplace culture. Emily has been a part of the Recover Integrity team since its inception in 2015.