Welcome to CREATIVE CARE INC. ~ The Country's Premiere Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Center

	Morteza Khaleghi , Ph.D. Executive Director, Founder of Creative Care Inc. Dr. Morteza Khaleghi was trained at CGI, the California Graduate Institute, earning his doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He has been working in the field of addiction and recovery since graduating. He founded Creative Care in 1989 with the idea of providing individualized, very highly specialized treatment for the Dually Diagnosed client. Dr. Khaleghi personally meets with each client and family to ensure a thorough clinical assessment and treatment plan.
	Burton Chertock, MD Consulting Psychiatrist Dr. Burton Chertock received his MD at the University of Buffalo, N.Y. and completed his psychiatric training at UCLA NPI. He has been the Medial Director at Creative Care since 1997. Upon admission, the client meets with Dr. Chertock for psychiatric evaluation and assesment to determine the need for any appropriate medications. As the client meets with Dr. Chertock on a one-to-one basis, medications are constantly monitored for their effectiveness. Dr. Chertock is an expert in Dual Diagnosis and Bipolar disorder.
	Dr. Walter Thomas, MD Addiction Specialist Creative Care welcomed Dr. Walter Thomas to the position of Addiction Specialist in January of 2008. Dr. Thomas was born in South Africa and is an internationally respected medical professional. He received his Medical Degree from the Stellenhorsh Medical School in 1973. He is board-certified in Family Medicine as well as certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Dr. Thomas has held several hospital appointments during his career and his clinical practice of 35 years has covered the areas of Dual Diagnosis and Addiction Medicine.
	Shelly Famighetti Program Director Shelly is certified in Chemical Dependency Counseling. She has been working in the field of recovery since 1999, with several years of personal sobriety. She is especially passionate about working with mothers who have a history of substance abuse.
	Bobbi Brooks Assistant Program Director Bobbi has been working in treatment centers as a certified drug and alcohol counselor for the past seven years. In addition to helping treat alcoholics and substance abusers, she has also worked with dual diagnosed individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders such as depression and PTSD. It is Bobbi’s belief that with guidance and support, individuals can achieve their full potential and see that they can make constructive choices in their lives. Since joining the treatment team at The Cottage, Bobbi has contributed her experience to help create a community in which women who have experienced severe trauma can find healing and wholeness.
	Ronaye Calvert Clinical Cordinator/Therapist Dr. Ronaye Calvert joined the Creative Care team in 2007. Dr. Calvert holds her doctorate in clinical psychology and has worked in a wide variety of settings in her career. She specializes in trauma recovery and emphasizes the power in moving from victim to survivor. She is pleased to work as an individual and family therapist at Creative Care.
PIC COMING SOON	Ana Adal, MFTI Therapist, Group Facilitator Ana holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Monica with an emphasis in Spiritual Psychology. She is currently pursing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her clinical training includes individual, couple, and family therapy. She is also proficient in hospice care, dealing with bereavement and loss issues. As well as residential treatment, she specializes in addictions, dual diagnosis, and trauma healing. Her eclectic style includes the integration of Self Psychology, Transpersonal, and Family Systems theories.
	Deborah Bayer M.A. Deborah Bayer, M.A. has more than 22 years experience in the field of substance abuse and recovery. She has post-graduate training in co-occurring disorders and specializes in the treatment of trauma, psychiatric disorders, addiction, the family and friends of those in psychiatric crisis, and spiritual mentoring.
PIC COMING SOON	Maria Dylan, MFT Group Facilitator Maria holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is a candidate at the Jung Institute for advanced analytic studies. In the residential therapeutic setting, Maria works from the Narrative Therapy model, having studied with both David Epson and Michael White, co-founders of Narrative Therapy. Maria also does individual work on smoking cessation in both the residential setting and private practice.
	Lindsay V. Jones, M.A. Staff Counselor Lindsay holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is currently finishing her doctoral studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She brings over 15 years of personal sobriety. Lindsay conducts recovery groups as well as art and music therapy.
	Bethanie Thompson Staff Counselor Bethanie has been with The Cottage since 2007 and is passionate about working with young clients struggling with co-occurring disorders. She is currently pursing more education in the medical field.
	Lee Grant Staff Counselor Lee Grant is a registered member with both California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADC) and National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). She is also certified in alcohol and drug abuse studies and has received her certification in continuing education in alcohol and drug counseling skills at UCLA. Lee is currently in the process of obtaining a Master’s degree in Psychology.
	Michelle Maggiano Staff Counselor Michelle is currently in the process of pursing her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and obtaining her CAADC at Pierce College.
	Beth Hermosillo Staff Counselor Beth Hermosillo is a staff counselor at Creative Care. She is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University and has a special interest in spiritual psychology.
	Cherie Minitello Chef Chef Cherie graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts program in 2002. Her resume includes working with numerous A-List clients throughout the Los Angeles area. Chef Cherie’s menu focuses on the use of fresh herbs and spices, seasonal produce, and the finest proteins. Her goal is to provide a healthy cuisine that meets each client’s nutritional needs.