Our Team

Kimberly McLaughlin serves as Chief Executive Officer and brings years of experience in the behavioral health and recovery field, combining professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of the recovery journey. Having first been introduced to treatment as an adolescent and again in early adulthood, Kimberly developed a passion for helping others find hope, healing, and lasting change. These experiences inspired her continued education and commitment to the field, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business, certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Kimberly’s career is a reflection of her belief that effective leadership begins with understanding every aspect of client care. She began her work in the field as a counselor and case manager and advanced through a variety of clinical, operational, administrative, and financial roles. This hands-on experience across departments has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral healthcare continuum and the systems required to deliver exceptional treatment outcomes.

As CEO, Kimberly is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation throughout the organization. She remains deeply connected to the mission of helping individuals and families overcome challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders. Her leadership is guided by the belief that recovery is possible for everyone, and she is committed to expanding access to high-quality care while supporting clients and their loved ones on their journey toward healing, fulfillment, and lasting recovery.

Lindsay graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2015 with a Master of Social Work. She is an EMDR therapist and deeply believes in each person’s ability to heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives.

As Chief Clinical Officer, Lindsay prioritizes the growth and development of clinical staff while recognizing and supporting the unique needs of each clinician. She is committed to fostering a clinical environment where providers can continue to develop their skills, strengths, and clinical judgment while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Lindsay believes that effective treatment begins with seeing each client as a whole person. She is dedicated to ensuring that treatment is individualized, person-centered, and guided by each client’s unique goals, strengths, and needs. She places a strong emphasis on aligning clinical practice with evidence-based standards, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and high-quality clinical compliance to ensure that clients receive safe, ethical, and effective care.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and reach their full potential. Through supporting both clients and clinical staff, Lindsay is committed to creating a culture of compassion, accountability, continuous growth, and excellence in behavioral healthcare.

Shadette is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Diego, CA. Her diverse healthcare background includes roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner, giving her a deep understanding of the healthcare system. For over ten years, Shadette has specialized in inpatient behavioral health for children and adolescents, focusing on mental health challenges that impact daily life.She is committed to creating a personalized, trustworthy environment for each patient, recognizing their individuality in care, and collaborating with care partners to enhance treatment outcomes.

Sammy is one of the first faces you’ll see when you come to Healthy U Behavioral Health. She is living proof that this program works if you’re committed, willing, honest, and thorough. Sammy was the first to graduate from Healthy U Behavioral Health and work with others struggling with addiction and mental health conditions. She has a big heart and wants nothing but the best for others who are struggling. Sammy brings a vibrant, positive energy to treatment and focuses on demonstrating through her own experiences that a sober life can be a fun, beautiful, and wonderful thing.

Ryan is a triple board-certified Medical Doctor who comes to us with years of experience as an addiction psychiatrist. He is passionate about the recovery of those who suffer from mental health and substance abuse disorders and has a vision of increasing the success rate of those entering treatment. He believes in Healthy U Behavioral Health’s vision of making sobriety fun, hip, and cool, and he brings his down-to-earth style into treating clients.

Ron is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience working in psychiatry across a wide range of inpatient and outpatient settings. His clinical background includes work in acute psychiatric units, crisis stabilization, and long-term care for individuals with complex mental health needs.

A graduate of Walden University, Ron is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges. He specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, and schizophrenia, using a combination of medication management and therapeutic support tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Ron is passionate about building trusting relationships with his patients and empowering them on their journey toward mental wellness. His calm, empathetic approach creates a supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care plan.

Whether helping individuals navigate everyday stressors or more severe psychiatric conditions, Ron remains committed to improving quality of life and promoting lasting recovery.

From a young age, Tim Laterreur faced the challenges of anxiety and depression following a tragic accident that resulted in a hip replacement and years of ongoing medical struggles. That experience shaped his deep empathy for others navigating both physical and emotional pain. Through treatment and perseverance, he was able to overcome his own mental health challenges—an experience that inspired his lifelong mission to help others do the same.

Since 2012, Tim has dedicated his career to healthcare, beginning as an EMT, later serving as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse and also as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. He holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree specializing in psychiatry. His journey has taught him that mental health is the foundation of physical well-being, and he is profoundly passionate about helping individuals heal, find balance, and rediscover hope.

Nicole is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in San Diego, CA. Nicole worked as a Registered Nurse for over 10 years before becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Her background includes working with diverse patient populations, in various settings.

Nicole has been a witness to gaps in the healthcare system. As a result, her focus is to alleviate thestress that comes with these unfortunate obstacles. Nicole has experiences working with survivors of trauma, patients with ADHD, and addiction medicine. Nicole prides herself in developing a personal relationship for each patient and tailoring her care to provide the best options while making the patient part of the treatment plan.

Nazly Reyes is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of nursing experience. After a decade working in Labor & Delivery and Postpartum care, she transitioned into psychiatric practice to pursue her passion for mental health and helping patients achieve lasting wellness.

Nazly provides compassionate, evidence-based care and is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. She believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach and is committed to creating a welcoming environment where patients feel supported throughout their healing journey.

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Azadeh Akbari is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care that promotes both mental and physical well-being. She believes that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Her healthcare journey is driven by a genuine desire to help others, particularly individuals facing barriers to care or experiencing challenging life circumstances. She is committed to supporting patients through education, empowerment, and collaborative treatment planning, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

Outside of work, Azadeh is a devoted mother and family-oriented individual who values meaningful connections and lifelong learning. She enjoys exploring new places, experiencing different cultures through travel, and spending time in nature, where she finds balance and inspiration. Naturally curious, she is dedicated to continuously expanding her knowledge and sharing it with others through teaching, mentoring, and patient education.

Azadeh strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their care. Her goal is to help each person achieve the highest possible level of health, wellness, and quality of life.

Ashley is a California State University San Marcos graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Ashley received a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in 2020.

She utilizes CBT, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to promote awareness of thoughts and feelings, build healthy coping skills, and support clients in living meaningful, value-driven lives.

Kellee is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a personal and professional commitment to recovery and healing. After a career in hospitality management, working in restaurants and bars while navigating her own experiences with addiction, she found long-term recovery and a deep passion for helping others transform their lives.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from San Diego State University and later completed Addiction Studies at the University of California, San Diego. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling at SDSU, with a concentration in psychiatric rehabilitation, and is on the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

Kellee brings a holistic and compassionate approach to her work. She is particularly drawn to the study of consciousness, the mind-body connection, and the role of spirituality in healing. Her fascination with human potential and our deeper connection to the field of awareness informs her belief that recovery is not just about sobriety, but about rediscovering purpose, presence, and authenticity.

Stacey Beckerley is a dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master’s degree from Touro University. She is passionate about supporting individuals on their unique journeys toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Stacey believes therapy is a collaborative and empowering process. Her work centers on exploring your story with curiosity and compassion, helping you to identify unhelpful patterns, reconnect with your authentic self, and create space for new possibilities.

Drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches, Stacey tailors each session to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing emotional challenges, or working to deepen your self-understanding, Stacey offers a warm, respectful, and supportive presence every step of the way.

Caroline earned her Master of Social Work from Winona State University, MN, in May 2025, building on her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato (2016). She is an Associate Social Worker dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care.

Caroline draws on a wide range of experience across mental health settings, including residential treatment, child protection, juvenile detention centers, community case management, and PHP/IOP programs. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based approaches, and harm-reduction strategies to support clients in achieving meaningful change.

Having personally navigated mental health and substance use treatment herself, Caroline understands the courage it takes to seek help. “When I went through treatment, I experienced firsthand the guidance and support that can make all the difference. Giving back and being that support for others is why I pursued a career in social work. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone learn, grow, and implement skills to become the best version of themselves. Recovery is a journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Andrea Paipilla, M.A., APCC # 20196, earned her master’s degree through the Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program at Boston University and is EMDR-trained. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist, she provides compassionate, trauma-informed care to adults using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR. Andrea is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients can build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Sol is a Cal Poly Pomona graduate with a BS in Organizational Communication and an MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. She completed her clinical training in an Intensive Outpatient Program for Trauma and PTSD at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. Sol uses a holistic, integrative approach with the hope that through working alongside her, clients can build the capacity for change, uncover strengths, and increase emotional intelligence. She utilizes varied techniques drawing from ACT, somatic therapy, IFS, CBT, and depth psychology. Her style is warm and relational.“It’s never too late to be who you might’ve been.” -George Elliott”

Hannah has always known that she wanted to help people and strongly believes in providing personalized and empathetic care to every client she comes in contact with. As someone passionate about creating and running clinical groups, she tries to make client experiences as fun and engaging as possible while providing valuable techniques.

Hannah is currently in school to receive her certification in drug and alcohol treatments and plans to continue her education to become an LMFT.

Chris comes to us with a Master’s in Social Work from USC and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from California Lutheran University. He has experience working in emergency medicine, private practice, and addiction treatment settings.

Chris approaches his work with clients with a person-in-environment lens, seeing value in assessing all of one’s identities and systems they are a part of. He aims to support clients in compassionately confronting unresolved issues and maladaptive behaviors. To do this, he utilizes CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, IFS, and other trauma-informed interventions.

In his free time, he enjoys reading romantasy novels, putting his AMC A-list pass to use, and eating out.

Manuel earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration before transitioning into the mental health field. He is currently completing his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide, with an anticipated graduation in October 2026., He is a Clinical Case Manager at HealthyU where he is also completing his MFT student training.

Before transitioning into a therapist role, Manuel spent years in leadership roles where he developed a deep curiosity about human behavior, relationships, communication, and the patterns that shape how people experience the world. His experiences working with individuals in professional settings reinforced his belief that success and achievement do not always reflect a person’s internal experience, and that many people carry challenges that are not visible on the surface. This perspective ultimately led him to pursue a career in psychotherapy, where he is passionate about helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and create meaningful change.

Manuel strives to create a warm, authentic, and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. No two people are the same, and he brings this understanding into the therapy space where he finds joy in helping you discover what makes you, you. He enjoys working with individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, spirituality, life transitions, identity development, and personal growth. He has a particular interest in supporting high-achieving adults who may feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain despite outward success, as well as clients navigating cultural conflicts, identity development, belonging, and the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

His clinical approach is systemic, with an integration of theories including CBT, ACT, DBT, Bowen & Structural Family Therapies, Narrative, Existentialism, and Person-Centered Therapy. With couples he uses an EFT and Gottman lens. Manuel believes that understanding a person’s story—including their relationships, family systems, cultural background, and lived experiences—is essential to creating meaningful and lasting change.

Zach is a Substance Abuse Counselor at HealthyU Behavioral Health with extensive experience supporting individuals affected by substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. As a CADC-II and U.S. Army veteran, he brings a trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and recovery-oriented approach to his work. Zach is also pursuing a master’s degree in counseling and is committed to helping clients strengthen self-awareness, personal accountability, resilience, and long-term recovery.

Dan is one of our overachieving alumni. Being a graduate of Healthy U Behavioral Health and having the opportunity to be with others who are going through the same process brings him fulfillment. He brings a non-judgmental and positive attitude with him everywhere he goes!

His favorite part of work is helping others discover lives they never thought possible! Dan has a huge heart and genuinely wants to see every client achieve greatness during and after treatment.

Judy has been working in the mental health field since 2019. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our clients. With a compassionate demeanor and a warm smile, she welcomes you to the office. She is committed to assisting clients with any inquiries or concerns they may have, providing them with the assistance and information they need to navigate their journey towards wellness.

Alex brings a thoughtful and proactive presence to his role as Administrative Assistant at SD Wellness Group. With a background in patient support and a genuine interest in mental health care, he focuses on creating a smooth, respectful, and welcoming experience for every client. Known for his reliability and calm approach, Alex helps keep day-to-day operations running efficiently while contributing to a positive, supportive environment for both clients and staff.

With a heart dedicated to making a difference, Adrian is deeply passionate about supporting individuals on their mental health and recovery journeys. Whether it’s through big milestones or small steps, Adrian believes in the power of understanding and compassion to transform lives.

Anthony Pacitto is a U.S. Army veteran, behavioral health professional, and person in long-term recovery, whose life and career are rooted in service to others. After overcoming addiction and maintaining more than 13 years of sobriety, Anthony dedicated his life to helping individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.

Anthony earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from National University and is pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). His professional experience spans admissions, case management, crisis intervention, program leadership, and behavioral health operations across substance abuse and mental health settings. He is passionate about creating compassionate, evidence-based environments where individuals can heal, rebuild their lives, and achieve lasting recovery.

Beyond his professional career, Anthony enjoys riding his motorcycle, off-road racing, and spending time with his family. A devoted husband and father, he understands firsthand the transformative power of resilience, community, and unconditional support.

Whether working with clients, leading teams, or mentoring others in recovery, he strives to inspire change through authenticity, compassion, and servant leadership. His mission is simple: to ensure that everyone he encounters knows they are valued, capable of change, and never alone on their journey.