Meet Our Team

Get to know our dedicated staff:

We believe in a person-centered approach. Every member of the team here at AToN is here to support your path to recovery. We will not shame you or use stigmatizing language. We have passion and compassion for everyone that walks through our doors. Our multidisciplinary team is here to support the start of your recovery journey. Get to know our staff in the videos below.

Clinical Team

Dr. Christian Small

Medical Director

Dr. Christian Small

Medical Director
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Dr. Leslie Sanders

Program Director

Dr. Leslie Sanders

Program Director
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Dr. Kevin Murphy

Clinical Director

Dr. Kevin Murphy

Clinical Director
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Dr. Rachel Conway

Psychologist

Dr. Rachel Conway

Psychologist
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Dr. Monica Vejar

Psychologist

Dr. Monica Vejar

Psychologist
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Ruthlyn Fox

Clinician

Ruthlyn Fox

Clinician
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Chris McDuffie, MSW, CADCII

Clinician

Chris McDuffie, MSW, CADCII

Clinician
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Anna Korobkin, ACSW

Clinician

Anna Korobkin, ACSW

Clinician
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Angeli Kamantigue, AMFT

Clinician

Angeli Kamantigue, AMFT

Clinician
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Karen Yazzie-Meyer, CADCII

Clinician

Karen Yazzie-Meyer, CADCII

Clinician
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Rob Brockman, LAADC, ICAADC

Clinician

Rob Brockman, LAADC, ICAADC

Clinician
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Breana Banuelos, RADT

Case Manager

Breana Banuelos, RADT

Case Manager
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Intake Team

James Reed, RADT

Intake Director

James Reed, RADT

Intake Director

Greg Liggett, RADT

Intake Coordinator

Greg Liggett, RADT

Intake Coordinator
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Lauren Mann, CADC

Intake & Alumni Coordinator

Lauren Mann, CADC

Intake & Alumni Coordinator
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Administration

Pat Brady, MFT, MA

Director of Operations & Outreach & Clinician

Pat Brady, MA

Director of Operations & Outreach & Clinician
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Eial Fishman

Director of Clinical Outreach

Eial Fishman

Director of Clinical Outreach
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Keith Fosgett

Outreach Coordinator

Keith Fosgett

Outreach Coordinator

Kristen Patterson

Director of Human Resources

Kristen Patterson

Director of Human Resources
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Micah Diaz

Office Manager & Program Coordinator

Micah Diaz

Office Manager & Program Coordinator
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Desiree Duran

Office Assistant

Desiree Duran

Office Assistant
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Lead Medical and Resident Assistant (RA) Staff

Schuyler P.

RA Supervisor

Schuyler P.

RA Supervisor
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Mitch B.

RA Supervisor

Mitch B.

RA Supervisor
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Geanna Z., R.N

Nursing Supervisor

Geanna K., R.N

Nursing Supervisor
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Culinary Team

Holistic Providers

Gal Rahimi

Massage & Watsu

Gal Rahimi

Massage & Watsu

Ashley Lanahan

Acupuncture

Ashley Lanahan

Acupuncture

Alison Nelson, DPT

Physical Therapy

Alison Nelson, DPT

Physical Therapy

Taylor Westenberger

Personal Trainer

Taylor Westenberger

Personal Trainer
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Wyatt Duncan

Personal Trainer

Wyatt Duncan

Personal Trainer
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Yvonne Lazarto

Yoga & Mindfulness

Yvonne Lazarto

Yoga & Mindfulness
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Jessica Carrol

Sound Bowl Healer

Jessica Carrol

Sound Bowl Healer

Dr. Christian Small

Medical Director

Christian Small, MD is board certified in addiction psychiatry, general psychiatry and family medicine. He is one of a handful of doctors in the US who have the experience and training to treat full spectrum medical and psychiatric illness.

Dr. Small has become a leader in delivering evidenced based addiction practices, medical and psychiatric care to patients suffering with addiction. He is the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services. Dr. Small was previously employed by the Veterans Administration in La Jolla as an addiction psychiatrist and at the University of California San Diego. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine and completed a residency in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at UCSD.

Dr. Leslie Sanders

Program Director

Dr. Sanders, AToN’s Program Director, is a licensed clinical Psychologist with over ten years of experience. Originally from the east coast, she realized her passion for psychology during a high school psychology class and went on to graduate from Northeastern University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. While living in Boston, Dr. Sanders worked for many years in residential care and community mental health. After moving to San Diego in 2003, Dr. Sanders enrolled in the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.

Her APA accredited program culminated with her dissertation on the opinions of child custody evaluators with regard to domestic violence and alienation. Throughout her graduate education, Dr. Sanders gained experience with many populations in multiple clinical settings such as inpatient assessment and short-term treatment, long-term insight oriented therapy with adults, trauma informed treatment with children, and child custody evaluations. Most recently she was a department director at a large private facility assessing and treating dually diagnosed in and outpatients.

Dr. Sanders takes an eclectic approach, pulling from CBT and psychodynamic modalities to help individuals overcome substance use disorders, address underlying psychological conditions, and ultimately realize their full potential. As an active member of the San Diego Psychological Association she regularly attends committee meetings and conferences in order to stay current with community standards in the field.

Dr. Kevin Murphy

Clinical Director

Dr. Murphy has more than 15 years of experience working in the addiction services industry, with training in SMART Recovery and Motivational Interviewing.

APA and CCAPP certified to provide continued education on the Neurobiology of Addiction and The Use of Exposure Therapy in Addiction Services, Dr. Murphy has facilitated trainings at professional conferences, clinics, and in hospitals over the last 10 years. Along the same lines, Dr. Murphy has supervised both predoctoral students and postdoc clinicians, with broad experience in curriculum development.

Dr. Murphy has completed more than 5000 psychological assessments, highlighting his expertise in diagnosis and treatment planning.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Dr. Murphy completed his graduate studies at the California School of Professional Psychology, completing his dissertation studies on addiction disorders. Licensed via the Board of Psychology in California (PSY 23323).

A parent to two young children, Dr. Murphy spends most of his free time bending over to pick up random toys. Otherwise, Dr. Murphy is an avid sports fan and particularly enjoys watching hockey during downtime.

Dr. Rachel Conway

Psychologist

Dr. Rachel Conway earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Yeshiva University in New York City and Doctorate in Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in Fresno, CA. She has 15 years of experience in many different settings, with experiences ranging from assessing and treating individuals of many different ages with learning disabilities, as well as assessing and treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc.

In recent years, Dr. Conway has received more training in treating trauma and returned back to a long-time interest of hers by beginning to treat individuals with trauma, with a special interest in treating those with a history of childhood trauma. The fact that Aton Center values trauma treatment coupled with the fact that Dr. Conway is also sober herself seem to make a perfect fit for the two.

Possibly above all else, Dr. Conway values unconditional positive regard as a tool in therapy with residents at Aton. She also values Attachment Theory. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through EMDRIA. Most recently she has expanded her tools for treating trauma by also receiving extensive training in Internal Family Systems.

Dr. Monica Vejar

Clinician | Supervised by Dr. Kevin Murphy, #23323

Dr. Monica Vejar is a compassionate clinician at the AToN Center, dedicated to helping clients through an empathetic, therapeutic approach. She completed her undergraduate degree at UCLA, majoring in psychology with a minor in disability studies. Dr. Vejar then went on to earn her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Loma Linda University with an emphasis in whole person care. Dr. Vejar thrives working in a collaborative team environment, and has specific training within interdisciplinary settings.

Throughout Dr. Vejar's career, a primary focus has been addressing a wide range of mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Vejar utilizes evidence-based techniques to empower clients in managing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors effectively. Dr. Vejar uses modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic frameworks to individualize treatment for each resident. Dr. Vejar enjoys addressing anxiety through exposure therapy, is trained in EMDR, and values working within a trauma-informed framework. With prior experience working in settings such as: primary care, community mental health, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, private practice, and specialty medical clinics, Dr. Vejar is able to prioritize individualized treatment goals for AToN residents.

Central to Dr. Vejar's approach is the therapeutic relationship, which serves as a cornerstone for fostering positive behavioral change and emotional well-being. By creating a safe and empathetic environment, Dr. Vejar collaborates closely with clients to explore challenges, set meaningful goals, and achieve sustainable growth. Committed to providing compassionate and effective care, Dr. Vejar is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward improved mental health and overall quality of life.

Ruthlyn Fox

Clinician

Dr. Ruthlyn Fox is a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in the treatment of substance use disorders and the commonly co-occurring disorders of post traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Oberlin College in Ohio, and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from State University of New York, Albany. She completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, and worked for several years as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCSD and Staff Psychologist at VA San Diego Healthcare System in La Jolla, California. After taking time off to raise her family, she joined the clinical team at AToN Center. Dr. Fox’s approach to therapy is both Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral. First and foremost she believes in the power of the client-therapist relationship and a collaborative approach to therapy. With warmth, understanding, and compassion, Dr. Fox creates a safe environment in which the client can begin the process of exploring experiences, thoughts, and behaviors that may be contributing to emotional distress and substance use. Dr. Fox then works with her client to resolve ambivalence about making changes, gain insight and skill in changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, and forge a pathway in recovery toward lasting growth, transformation, and well-being. Dr. Fox is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing / Motivational Enhancement Therapy, as well as trauma-specific therapies including Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Chris McDuffie, MSW, CADC-II

Clincian

Chris is a retired high school principal and is the CEO of his health and wellness corporation. Chris completed his CADAC Drug and Alcohol Counselor coursework and his internship through UCSD’s Chemical Dependency Program. Chris has worked in the recovery field for over 6 years as a therapeutic Surf Coach for Naval Hospital Balboa’s servicemen and women suffering from PTSD, amputations, and dual-diagnosed addictions. He has also worked with recovery work at the Navy’s Intensive Out- Patient facility at Camp Pendleton and the Navy’s Intensive Inpatient facility at Naval Base Point Loma.

Chris enjoys introducing our clients to the many benefits of Buddhism, Mindfulness, and Meditation. Chris and his family moved from New York eleven years ago, after vacationing in San Diego for 14 summers before that. Chris enjoys surfing, golf, music, canyon running and travel.

Anna Korobkin, ACSW

Clinician | Supervised by Dr. Leslie Sanders, #25665

Anna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from California State University, Northridge in Los Angeles, and her Master’s in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Simmons University in Boston. Anna is dedicated to empowering others by providing compassionate, strength-based, trauma-informed care using cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and solution-focused techniques. As one of AToN’s Clinicians, Anna enjoys working on a passionate, diverse team that uses holistic and evidence-based practices to help clients succeed. In her spare time, Anna likes being with her family and friends, eating, traveling, enjoying the arts, and being outdoors.

Angeli Kamantigue, AMFT

Clinician | Supervised by Dr. Kevin Murphy, #23323

Angeli Kamantigue earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at San Diego State University and Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University. She has experience treating adolescents in County Mental Health, transitional age youth and young adults in a University setting and the adult population in Private Practice.

Angeli strives to help her clients using approaches such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Angeli is born and raised in San Diego and enjoys interacting with all kinds of animals, exploring new places and hosting themed parties.

Karen Yazzie-Meyer, CADCII

Clincian

Karen Yazzie-Meyer is a Native American Navajo residing in North Coastal San Diego County. Working in the behavioral health field as a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II, CADC II, Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist, CTCS, and Gateway Intervention Professional, GIP, she has an extensive background of counseling adults, transitional age youth, TAY and families for 20 years.

Karen brings a unique multi-cultural perspective focusing on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of addictive disorders. Her experience varies from her current position as a Chemical Dependency Counselor at AToN Center, Indian Health Council, Inc, with Indian Health Service, Employee Assistance Program counselor to trainees, TEAP, and Tobacco Use Prevention Program, TUPP, Coordinator at Department of Labor Job Corps Vocational Training Program and Substance Use Disorder counselor and supervisor at a co-occurring residential treatment facility, in addition to coaching and directing for various recreational and gymnastics organizations and high school.

In behavioral health counseling, Karen has had the opportunity to work with various county agencies, such as Child and Adult Protective Services/Child Welfare, Indian Specialty Unit, county court system and probation department, as well as local school districts. Being a member of San Diego CADRE, Change Agents Developing Recovery Excellence and RIHS, Responsive Integrated Health Solutions, Karen has provided training’s on Cultural Competency that lends an enhanced and comprehensive approach to my counseling. Karen looks forward to continue in providing counseling services here at AToN Center to deserving population with professionalism, integrity and compassion.

ROB BROCKMAN, LAADC, ICAADC

Clinician

Breana Banuelos, RADT

Case Manager

Breana is the Case Manager at AToN. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health in Fall 2019 from Cal State Los Angeles. Breana has worked in the healthcare field for 12 years, varying from a frontline technician for women struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring issues to CNA for an in-home care agency, a crisis stabilization unit, an adolescent behavioral health program, and a crisis text line. These roles led her to have a passion for working in healthcare, specifically in the mental health community. She finds joy when she can see clients find serenity in their healing through their work in therapy and community resources. Breana is the eldest child in a family of 6 and enjoys spending time with them and her husky. She enjoys travel, concerts, sporting events, working out, and performing joyful movements. Breana was raised in a Navy family in North County, San Diego. Breana's goal is to give back to her community, and she is pursuing a master's degree in social work to deepen her work in service of the mental health field.

Gregory Liggett

Intake Coordinator

Lauren Mann, CADC

Intake & Alumni Coordinator

Lauren grew up in Encinitas before departing to Harvard University where she attained a BA in Psychology and Sociology. Upon returning to San Diego, she was thrilled to join the AToN team and help people make positive changes in their lives. Since working at AToN, Lauren felt called to help our residents in a more clinical role and obtained her CADC I. Although her primary function is still helping individuals and families navigate the process of getting into treatment, she can also facilitate individual and group sessions. Lauren believes you can always be learning and progressing and is currently in the Master’s program for Social Work through Columbia University.

Pat Brady, MFT, MA

Director of Operations & Outreach & Clinician | Supervised by Dr. Julia Rosengren, #29240

Pat earned her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from USD, her Master of Arts in Philosophy from NYU, and a Master of Clinical Psychology (MFT) from Pepperdine. As the Director of Operations at AToN, Pat functions as part of the clinical team, clinical outreach, daily operations, and a holistic provider. Pat is a certified holotropic breathwork practitioner and provides sessions for the residents at AToN. Pat has a passion for helping individuals find their purpose and connect to their authentic selves. In her free time, she likes to explore the outdoors, spearfish, and say hello to as many dogs as possible.

Eial Fishman

Director of Clinical Outreach

Eial Fishman was born in Israel, raised in Vancouver and spent 17 years in NYC prior to settling in Southern California. Working in addiction and behavioral health since 2010, Eial completed the addiction studies and counseling CADC curriculum at UCLA in 2011. While providing direct care in residential treatment with a plan to continue working toward a clinical degree, Eial’s history as a creative entrepreneur and experience in marketing led him into business development and leadership roles.

Whether the Design Rep Group in NYC, the Theatre company in Santa Barbara, or his time doing real estate development, Eial’s creativity and curiosity for understanding human behavior were present in every endeavor. AToN Center‘s philosophy completely aligns with Eial’s, making him a great fit in his role as Director of Clinical Outreach.

Kristen Patterson

Director of Human Resources

Kristen was born in Massachusetts before moving to Encinitas, CA in 2000. She graduated with a bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has been working at AToN Center since January 2011. She is currently taking classes at UCSD-Extension towards obtaining a certificate in Human Resources Management to help further her Human Resources knowledge. In her free time, Kristen enjoys volunteering, playing soccer, and spending time with her friends and family.

Micah Diaz

Office Manager & Program Coordinator

Desiree Duran

Office Assistant

Schuyler Patterson

Lead RA Supervisor

Mitch Brown

RA Supervisor

Geanna Z., RN

Nursing Supervisor

Geanna is a Registered Nurse who is proud to be a part of the team at AToN Center. After schooling, she was hired as an LVN in home healthcare and hospice care. Now she is the Nursing Supervsor at AToN Center as a Registered Nurse.

Geanna has always had a passion for helping others. In her spare time she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, snowboarding, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Dee Tran

Chef

Evan Gonzalez

Chef

Taylor Westenberger

Personal Trainer

Taylor Westenberger was born and raised in Southern California. She received her bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara in psychology. As a former competitive gymnast and cultivating a passion for health and fitness, she then moved forward with her education at San Diego State University and holds a double masters degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. Taylor has since helped spread her love of health and wellness as a certified Vinyasa Yoga Teacher and, most recently, a personal trainer at AToN Center.

Wyatt Duncan

Personal Trainer

Yvonne Lazarto, EdM

Yoga and mindfulness putting

Yvonne joined AToN Center in May 2012 and is grateful to be part of the holistic team. She earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Master of Education degree from Boston University. She studied Yoga in Costa Rica at Samasati Nature Retreat under Marianne Wells.Yoga has helped her find balance, maintain strength/flexibility and sense of calmness. Yvonne offers private and group classes to the residents and staff of AToN on the beautiful Yoga Deck. She believes that Yoga is for every body and can serve as an outlet for those in recovery. Nothing is more rewarding than to hear that a resident is going to continue their yoga practice after AToN! Namaste

Dr. Alicia Tolerico

Psychologist

Dr. Tolerico received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She received her Master’s Degree and Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. Dr. Tolerico received clinical experience in diverse settings including multiple residential substance use treatment centers, a men’s correctional facility, inpatient psychiatric hospital and a local LGBT community center.

Dr. Tolerico completed Post Doctoral residency at a residential substance use treatment center in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Tolerico is the Chair of the Early Career Psychologist Subcommittee of the Los Angeles Psychological Association and a member of the San Diego Psychological Association.

Dr. Tolerico is dedicated to providing an empowering environment for clients to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Dr. Tolerico has experience providing psychological services to men, women, and non-binary individuals suffering from mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, sexual violence, betrayal trauma, body image concerns and disordered eating, living with HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ issues, and substance use disorders.

Her approach to treatment is collaborative, client-centered, and supportive. She desires to foster client’s inner strength to overcome life’s adversities. Dr. Tolerico is passionate about assisting clients on their healing journey towards achieving personal growth, connecting with others, and living a purposeful and intentional life.