Clear Recovery Center

Dr. Sean O’Hara is a Licensed Psychologist with 26 years of experience providing psychiatric services for individuals seeking relief from addictive diseases and mental illness. He utilizes cognitive, psychodynamic, and behavioral existential therapies to treat individuals with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. As Clear Recovery Center’s Clinical Director, Dr. Sean O’Hara spearheads a multidisciplinary staff of psychiatrists, therapists, clinical social workers, and certified counselors.

Dr. O’Hara served on the Board of Directors to the National Association of Addiction Specialists and the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) for 9 years. Dr. O’Hara has experience working with a diverse population of corporations, athletes in collegiate and national sports associations as well as celebrities in the entertainment industry. A pundit for sober living, Dr. O’Hara is dedicated to advancing clinical practices for sustainable relief from addiction and mental illness.

Dr. O’Hara enjoys live music, surfing, traveling, and all that Southern California has to offer.

As the Program Director of Clear Recovery Center, Irina applies her background in addiction therapy to oversee group processes, one-on-one counseling and therapy with clients and their families in order to identify systematic issues to achieve a successful recovery.

Irina has specific training in traditional and contemporary therapeutic modalities, as well as trainings ranging from eating disorders to social media addiction, which allows Irina to offer a comprehensive approach to recovery. She has experience working in community-based programs offering behavioral and cognitive therapy to newly sober individuals and helping integrate them into a sober lifestyle.

She holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy and is an active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

In her free time, Irina is committed to a healthy lifestyle. As a fitness enthusiast, she enjoys a variety of high intensity workouts and hikes with her dog, Bentley.

Dr. Martha B. Koo, M.D., a graduate of Princeton and UCLA Medical School, is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with more than 23 years of experience providing psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and pharmaceutical treatment for individuals and families. Dr. Koo provides addiction therapy for clients on a specialized, individual basis and as Clear Recovery Center’s contracted psychiatrist, she is available for outside medication management as well.

Dr. Koo also serves as the Medical Director to various therapy centers and works closely with a network of recovery homes. A pioneer in the development and application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Dr. Koo opened the South Bay TMS Therapy Center in 2009 after receiving certifications in both Neurostar TMS and Brainsway Deep TMS Therapy.

She is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, the New Center for Psychoanalysis, the Clinical TMS Society, the California Psychiatric Society and the Southern California Psychiatric Society.

Mara Wolfsen, LCSW, has been a leader in the field of addiction both in the private and public sector, practicing as a psychotherapist for the past 18 years. Mara brings to Clear Recovery Center her wide expertise with adolescents, adults and families. Mara has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Clear Recovery Center team.

Mara provides individual and group counseling for adolescents and adults who may struggle with a wide array of psychological and or substance abuse issues. She specializes in depression, anxiety, body image, trauma/abuse, relationships issues, co-dependency and recovery issues. Mara believes in a strength based, solution-focused therapeutic approach to help clients overcome internal struggles and reach their full potential.

Mara is passionate about her work as a therapist, helping others, and values taking the time to explore emotions and relationships in greater depth. Outside of work, Mara enjoys exercising with her girlfriends and spending as much time with her family as possible.

Nicholas Mouyiaris earned his Master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles, California and completed his undergraduate work in Political Science, Economics and French at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina.

Nicholas Mouyiaris uses solution focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic and Psychodynamic therapy as his main therapeutic approaches. He strongly believes that self-realization can be discovered in the areas in which we struggle and experience conflict. Nicholas’ main goal in therapy is to help his clients recognize their internal resources and abilities to overcome conflict and become the person they want to be. He believes his role, as a therapist, is to serve as a guide for his clients as they embark on a journey to find meaning and connection in their lives.

In his spare time, Nicholas enjoys traveling, cooking, going to the movies, reading and competing in triathlons. 

Diane received her Master of Science Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominquez Hills. She is a member of the California Association of Marital and Family Therapists. Diane has over 14 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, couples and children in the South Bay.

Diane is passionate about her work and feels proud to work for an outpatient facility that is dedicated to recovery, integrity and family. In her spare time, Diane enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending theater and music events and broadening her cultural experience.

Erin earned her Master of Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.  She believes in emphasizing strengths and promoting growth by employing an integrative approach to psychotherapy.  By doing so she is able to individualize the best possible treatment for each client with a particular focus on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. 

Erin works diligently to maintain presence and attunement with her clients and is conscientious, open, creative, and passionate about working in the field of substance abuse treatment. Erin has experience working in residential treatment and outpatient treatment for both adolescents and adults. Outside of work, Erin enjoys maintaining her yoga practice as well as spending time outdoors in nature. 

Evan Papadakis is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work. At Clear Recovery Center, Evan creates individualized treatment plans for adolescent clients ranging from recovery goals to life aspirations, by encouraging daily discipline and continual self-reflection to help clients achieve success.

His primary practice is Gestalt therapy, an existential and experiential form of psychotherapy. He emphasizes personal responsibility, a therapist–client relationship and environmental and social contexts of the client’s life in the recovery process.

Born and raised in South Bay, Evan offers valuable experience with the youths’ challenges, such as balancing academics, social pressures and family relationships. Evan is also highly specialized in school intervention for at-risk teens with 5 years of dedication to the South Bay youth community, counseling 1st to 12th grade students. Evan intuitively understands how to approach, mentor and inspire troubled youth.

Lisa Todd Peterson earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles, California. She has over twenty five years of experience in Al-anon family groups, working with residential treatment teams, interventions, working in sober living facilities, dual diagnosis facilities and outpatient programs. Lisa worked at the Oregon Research Institute where she used the Cognitive Behavioral Model and Motivational Interviewing for research proposes while working with adolescents struggling with substance abuse.

Lisa has extensive experience and personal background in the twelve-step model of recovery. She believes that a non-judgmental and collaborative approach with clients enables them to identify problematic behaviors associated with substance abuse and work towards emotional growth and healing. Lisa hopes that her clients find the therapeutic process both helpful and meaningful.

In addition to her contributions to the Clear Recovery Center team, Lisa has a private practice in Hermosa Beach where she provides psychotherapy to individual adults, adolescents and couples.

Reid Handlon started his career in substance abuse treatment at The Hills in Los Angeles. After graduating from their treatment program, he earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology so that he could give back to the recovery community. His exceptional clinical work lead to his promotion as the Director of Outpatient Services.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist intern, Reid guides clients in a manner that is born from his own experience, which lends him an empathy and a capacity for insight that is unparalleled. His clinical interests include relapse prevention, family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy and the spiritual aspects of recovery. His main goal is to help clients become empowered through their recovery so that they can, in turn, transform their dreams into reality.

Reid resides in Manhattan Beach with his wife and two children and is currently pursuing his Doctorate.

Sophia Galano, MSW, is an Associate Social Worker (#69296). After obtaining a B.A. from Pitzer College, Sophia earned a Masters Degree from New York University. She specializes in adolescent and early adult therapy and utilizes a creative approach in pursuing a deeper understanding of the human psyche. Her training has brought her coast to coast, and she has extensive experience in residential, inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to her clinical roles at various treatment centers, Sophia provides individual and family therapy at Manhattan Beach Professional Group under the supervision of Dr Martha Koo, M.D. As a trained fine artist, Sophia may also incorporate art and creative therapies into her work. Sophia is an active member of the National Associate of Social Workers.

Gabrielle received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Focused my graduate studies on trauma Gabrielle works from an Attachment Theory (taking into account the client’s family background) and from a personal strength-based perspective. She worked for a year at Beverly Hills High School counseling teens and running groups as well as worked for 6 years in residential drug and alcohol treatment as a horticultural therapist, using organic gardening to help clients gain insight into their recovery process. Sober and active in the recovery communities since 1994, and abstinent from compulsive eating since 1998. Gabrielle enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, and spending time with her three children.

Jamie Arthur is a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor with many years of experience in substance abuse treatment. Prior to her time at Clear, Jamie was a counselor and program coordinator at a structured sober living for women with children. She has also worked at an IOP facility that serves adolescents and adults.

Nicholas serves as a peer counselor at Clear Recovery Center. He assists in day-to-day operations and ensures individual client needs are met. Nicholas supports group activities and provides a trusted channel of communication for clients, families and staff. His passion for recovery is fueled by his personal journey in recovery. Nicholas serves as a positive role model and an example of what can be achieved when one overcomes the struggles associated with substance abuse.

A native to Manhattan Beach, Nicholas actively works a personal 12-step program and spends his free time sponsoring young men while enjoying a physically active lifestyle.

Drew is a peer counselor at Clear Recovery Center. With over 3 years sober, Drew is an asset to the team and has a large amount of personal recovery experience to draw on when working with clients. He transitioned out of a career of 16 years as a chef because of his passion for helping others who struggle with addiction.

He is excited about helping others recover in a professional setting, and feels that working with others is his true calling. In his spare time, Drew performs and writes music and enjoys working on his art.

Matthew serves as a peer counselor at Clear Recovery Center. He assists in day to day operations and ensures individual client needs are met. Prior to working at Clear Matthew worked at an inpatient treatment facility in Santa Monica. He also served our country in the United States Navy. Matthew’s personal struggle with addiction over the past twenty years has turned into a passion that fuels his fire for helping others and his dream of working in recovery.

Matthew is originally from Kokomo, IN. He relocated to southern California in 2006 and couldn’t be happier here on the west coast. His interests include playing golf, surfing, and volunteering in the community.

Basel serves as a peer counselor at Clear Recovery Center. His firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of adolescent recovery make him a valuable contribution to the Clear Recovery Team. Basel has over three years of experience working with both adolescents and young adults in addiction recovery. His compassion, professionalism and personal drive make him an exemplary role model.

Basel is currently working towards the next step in his academic endeavors at Antioch University to further himself as a trained professional in this field. In his spare time, Basel enjoys snowboarding, exercise, hiking and spending time at the beach.

Josh Bramwell serves as a peer counselor at Clear Recovery Center. Prior to working at Clear, Josh worked as a House Manager for a local sober living home. Soon after, Josh realized his deep passion in working with fellow addicts and alcoholics. Josh is currently pursuing higher education in nutrition and life coaching, with a vision of using his passions to enrich the lives of those around him.

Josh originally grew up in San Diego, California. Being a California native, his interests include surfing, health and fitness, backpacking and enjoying the outdoors.

Garrett serves as a peer counselor at Clear Recovery Center. Prior to working at Clear, Garrett worked for a local sober living home, where he discovered his passion for working with fellow alcoholics and addicts. Garrett’s motivation and love for working in this field stems from seeing the positive change individuals make as they continue throughout recovery.

During Garrett’s free time he enjoys surfing the local breaks, playing basketball with his friends, and maintaining a workout regimen to keep in shape.  Another big belief that Garrett holds true to his heart is that recovery isn’t just about abstaining from drugs and alcohol- a big portion of it is living healthy and being a positive influence on those around you.

Psychiatrists

Dr. Arthur Chou is a licensed psychiatrist with over 10 years of experience. He is board-certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. Dr. Chou graduated from University of California, San Francisco and completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Dr. Chou provides highly individualized treatment, focusing on both the individual and their environment. As one of Clear Recovery Center’s contracted psychiatrists, he provides therapy for clients on a specialized, individual basis and is available for outside medication management when needed.

Dr. Chou has extensive clinical experience working with both children and adults suffering from a wide range of mental health problems which include: abuse, adoption/foster care issues, aggression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, self-injurious behaviors, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, relationship difficulties and self-esteem problems. He has served as a consultant to pediatricians in treating youth with both mental health and medical problems. His clinical experience has included both intensive outpatient, mental health clinics and long-term residential mental health facilities treating patients with severe mental illness. He has held faculty positions at the University of California, San Francisco and Mt. Sinai Hospital where he taught and supervised psychiatrists in training.

Health & Wellness

David A. Wiss, MS, RDN, CPT serves as a nutritionist at Clear Recovery Center. David graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. He earned a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at California State University, Northridge, and completed training to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). David is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

David is the founder of Nutrition In Recovery, which specializes in the nutritional management of: Food Addiction, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, and General Wellness. Nutrition in Recovery services includes consultation, screening/assessment, meal planning, process groups, group education, individual counseling, outings/events including supermarket tours, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.

David is a co-founder of Dietitians for Professional Integrity and a major advocate for the role of nutrition in recovery from addiction and eating disorders. View some of his publications at www.NutritionInRecovery.com.

Anne Spinner serves as Clear Recovery Center’s yoga instructor. She has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. Yoga is her passion. Anne has over 800+ teacher training hours under various teachers and has found her groove within a physically demanding, mind calming, and spirit nourishing Vinyasa flow class. Her instruction is built upon the union between breath and movement, paired with a unique and fun flow to great music to help others find strength, peace and acceptance in body, mind and spirit.

In her spare time, Anne enjoys being in the ocean or in the mountains and spending time at home with her two golden retrievers, Kota and Halley.

Operations Team

Mike Joly is the CEO of Clear Recovery Center with 18 years of experience in addiction and mental health recovery. Mike has devoted his entire career to helping individuals and their families heal and recover from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. His passion for recovery is unparalleled. He has built a wealth of knowledge and experience that translates across many disciplines.

Mike is actively involved in bringing community awareness to living a positive and healthy lifestyle by working as a substance abuse and prevention consultant to various educational and judicial systems in Los Angeles and San Diego. His expertise has provided him guest appearances in major media outlets throughout the United States. Mike is a prominent figure in the South Bay recovery community. He was awarded the “Community Partner of the Year” and “Diplomas to Degrees” by the South Bay Boys and Girls Club for his dedication within the field. Mike’s experience allows him to bring his own unique brand of passion, enthusiasm and warmth to prospective clients and their families.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys playing golf, traveling and spending time with his wife and twins.

Derek Jodzio serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Clear Recovery Center. Derek has substantial experience in business development, marketing and leadership. Derek began his journey in the business world at age twenty-three when he started and managed his first business. He soon created a thriving marketing company.

Derek’s ambition and passion to pursue a career in the behavioral-healthcare industry led him to Clear Recovery Center where he applies his passion for helping people, while combining his love of business strategy to bring Clear Recovery Center to the forefront of the treatment and recovery world.

Derek oversees Clear Recovery Center’s daily operations, creates strategic marketing plans, and works with the program and clinical directors to promote growth and success in the business, staff and clients.

Derek’s professional history highlights his ability to create and manage successful business models, lead staff and increase efficiency with the passion and experience he brings to Clear Recovery Center.

Prior to her time at Clear, Daisy worked in the real estate industry as a paralegal and mortgage loan processor. She will be applying her stellar customer service skills and her highly organized work style to support our clinical and operations teams in providing excellent clinical services. Of all her duties, Daisy is most excited to watch clients grow and thrive during their treatment at Clear.

In her spare time, Daisy enjoys spending time with friends, family and her dog Sparky, traveling, and going to the movie theater. You may also find her and her daughter hanging out with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland on her days off.

Ari Tatara serves as the Operations Coordinator at Clear Recovery Center. Ari has been in recovery since June of 2014 and has worked in the addiction treatment field since March of 2015. She has extensive experience working on facility compliance as well as with clients. Her intimate knowledge of what allows a treatment center to function correctly gives her the ability to support the rest of the staff in keeping Clear Recovery Center running effectively, with the client’s needs always coming first. Ari is passionate about working with others. She believes that anyone, no matter how far down the road of addiction they may have gone, can recover from the wreckage their substance abuse caused and live a joyous life. Ari is heavily involved in her own recovery, Young People in AA, and sponsors women in Alcoholics Anonymous. Ari grew up in the South Bay and is honored to be a part of a positive force in her community. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Outreach Team

Nigel is the Outreach Coordinator at Clear Recovery Center. He works to build connections with local organizations and individuals, and provide education and support for those looking for treatment. He helps families find their way to a solution when it comes to substance abuse and mental health issues.

Nigel has an extensive background in building connections and working with others. He helped develop and start a sober transportation company as well as building two different clothing companies. He has over 10 years in recovery himself, and understands the struggle that families face when trying to get a loved one help.

In his spare time, Nigel is passionate about photography and photo editing. He loves Southern California, and capturing it’s beauty on film.

In charge of National Outreach at Clear Recovery Center, James bridges the gap between treatment centers, independent professionals and academic programs. James travels nationally to visit various programs and treatment teams. He assists the client and their family with appropriate treatment options to achieve a healthy, joyous and goal-oriented life.

Following his father’s footsteps, James worked on tuna fishing boats in San Diego, California at a young age. He earned his 100 Ton Masters Captains License and worked among the top scientists in the world at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

James’ ability to connect and work with others has led to many young adults receiving successful treatment and meaningful lives.

As the Community Liaison at Clear Recovery Center, Howard works to educate the public and raise awareness surrounding treatment, addiction and dual diagnosis in the community. Howard communicates with the education system about addiction and uses the internet to further inform the public that there is a solution to many of the struggles that young people face today.

Howard loves working with adolescents and young adults in the addiction recovery field, and is passionate about spreading information about recovery based on his own experiences. He has worked with and spoken at various schools throughout the South Bay and San Diego, presented in Town Hall meetings, and works to educate about recovery through online blogging.

Howard believes that through education and awareness, recovery can be accessible to anyone.