Meet Our Adolescent Care Team

With decades of experience in mental health and addiction treatment, Julia Gindi is dedicated to helping teens and their families navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in fostering healthy boundaries, strengthening family dynamics, conflict resolution, emotional coping, and self-esteem development.

Julia attended Southern Illinois University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). She has worked across all facets of residential treatment, playing a key role in developing specialized programs that promote long-term healing. 

A compassionate and dedicated professional, Julia has helped over 2,000 individuals reclaim their lives. Outside of her work, she finds joy in gardening and nature. As a proud grandmother of 14, her passion for creating positive change extends beyond her career, reinforcing her commitment to supporting individuals and families on their journey to healing and balance.

Dr. Michael Louie is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 13 years of experience in mental health care. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 2011 and completed his psychiatry residency at the Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium. Throughout his career, Dr. Louie has been affiliated with medical facilities such as Southern California Hospital at Hollywood and Los Angeles Community Hospital. He has practiced in various California locations, including Loma Linda, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, and Tustin. Dr. Louie is known for his holistic approach to mental health, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Dr. Shilpa Jindani is a board-certified diplomat of the American Academy of Family Medicine. She studied at the Sawai Man Singh Medical College in India, later completing her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Jindani currently practices as a family medicine physician in California. She is also the medical director at Health Net.

Dr. Jindani is a former staff physician at Ventura County Medical Center. She is also a member of both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the California Medical Association. Dr. Jindani also serves as the Vice President of Tri-Vally Indian Medical Association. In addition, she is on the medical advisory board of a startup, eFind-a-Doc.

Dr. Jindani believes that integrative and preventative practices as well as mental health care lead to the best outcomes for overall health maintenance. Taking care of her patients is her passion. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and yoga.

Mark Paladini brings 12 years of experience teaching at the university level where he was celebrated for his curriculum design and lesson planning for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to heading the undergraduate program that he co-created at Regent University, he also developed and ran a highly successful online master’s program for high school teachers. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and is a graduate of the Los Angeles Teaching Fellows Program. Mr. Paladini also served on the recruitment team during his time at the university which gives him a unique advantage to help students prepare for what is needed to get into college.

Prior to teaching at the university level, Mr. Paladini taught and developed courses for UCLA Extension, taught middle school English for LAUSD, and mentored students at a National Blue Ribbon Elementary School in Los Angeles. He also has extensive experience in the entertainment industry (Fun Fact: Mark Paladini is an award winning Casting Director!) and brings his theatre skills into the classroom to create an engaging atmosphere where students enjoy the process of learning.

Honey Golian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is deeply committed to helping teens and their families heal, grow, and reconnect. With a strong background in family systems and adolescent development, Honey brings warmth, insight, and a steady presence to her work with young people navigating life’s most complex challenges.

She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is trained in evidence-based modalities, including CBT, mindfulness, and the Gottman Method (Level 1). Fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, Honey is proud to support a diverse range of families with cultural sensitivity and care.

Specializing in issues like anxiety, emotional regulation, family conflict, and identity development, Honey provides a space where teens feel safe to express themselves and explore who they are becoming. She works closely with families to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and create healthier dynamics at home.

As both a clinician and a parent, Honey approaches her work with a balance of clinical knowledge and lived empathy. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and always rooted in the belief that change is possible, especially when families are supported as a whole.

Linda Rojas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a specialized focus on anxiety disorders. With years of experience working with teens in various therapeutic settings, Linda is passionate about helping young people navigate the challenges of anxiety and mental health. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches to guide individuals in overcoming their struggles, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and building resilience. Linda’s compassionate and individualized care empowers teens to gain confidence and take control of their emotional well-being.

Eric Grossman, AMFT, works with teens, adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. His therapeutic approach is personalized to each client, empowering them to set meaningful goals, build emotional resilience, and cultivate healthier relationships. Whether clients are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, or relational difficulties, Eric provides a supportive and structured space for healing and growth.

Eric specializes in emotional intelligence, addiction recovery, relationship coaching, and grief support. He addresses both individual struggles and complex relationship dynamics through a holistic, client-centered lens. Drawing from evidence-based practices and a deep well of personal insight, Eric meets each client with empathy and an unwavering belief in their capacity for change.

His path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by a diverse background in service and personal growth. His experiences in the U.S. Navy, as a volunteer EMT, and in the legal field have all contributed to his compassionate, grounded approach to therapy. Motivated by a deep understanding of life’s challenges, Eric brings empathy, resilience, and a strong belief in each client’s capacity for change.

Courtney Haile brings a grounded, compassionate, and adventurous spirit to the healing process during equine therapy. Based in the scenic hills of Agoura, Courtney integrates her deep connection to animals and nature into her therapeutic work, creating a space where clients can slow down, build trust, and rediscover balance through hands-on interaction with horses and other farm animals.

At her ranch, Courtney facilitates sessions that blend mindfulness, emotional awareness, and relationship-building—all within the calm and restorative rhythm of ranch life. Her philosophy centers on the belief that caring for and connecting with animals helps clients cultivate patience, empathy, and confidence in a way that traditional settings often cannot.

Rey Carungcong is the Surf Therapist at Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, bringing over three decades of expertise in Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and Music Therapy. With a career that began in 1995, Rey has dedicated his life to working with individuals with special needs, blending a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to create transformative healing experiences.

As a certified Music Therapist and Behavioral Therapist, Rey’s clinical background is vast, encompassing both mental health and behavioral therapy. In 2006, he founded Shaka Surf Club, where he pioneered Adaptive Skills Surf & Social Skills groups, a unique approach that integrates surf therapy with personal development. Rey’s academic journey includes a degree in Music Therapy, complemented by a minor in Psychology, providing a strong foundation for his work in sound therapy and energy healing.

With more than 30 years of experience, Rey’s innovative Surf Therapy program blends multiple therapeutic theories and techniques, including Neurophysiology, Kinesiology, Sensory Integration, Cognitive Development, and Social Development. His method is not just a therapy—it’s an experiential journey that fosters healing through connection, movement, and the power of the ocean.

David Morin brings a unique blend of creative expertise and therapeutic insight to his role as Neuro-Art Therapist at Hillcrest. With a background in psychosocial studies and a successful career in visual arts and graphic communication, David held leadership roles in top creative agencies before experiencing firsthand the emotional toll of burnout. That turning point inspired him to reconnect with his passion for healing through art.

Now certified in both Art Therapy and Neurographica, David integrates trauma-informed, neuroscience-based art practices into his work with teens. His sessions provide a safe, expressive space for clients to explore their emotions, build resilience, and foster personal growth. By combining mindfulness, creativity, and the principles of neuroplasticity, David helps teens harness the power of art and expressive therapy as a pathway to recovery and self-discovery.

Teairra is a Professional Certified Yoga Teacher and Fitness Trainer based in Beverly Hills. At an early age, Teairra realized she enjoyed helping others and decided to use her passion in treatment centers.

Teairra can relate to many people as she has struggled with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and obesity in the past. This motivated her to go on her own healing journey, and she credits overcoming these challenges to Chakra Healing and a regular yoga practice. Teairra uses her experience to help others find balance through yoga and other holistic healing modalities such as sound healing. 

Additionally, in 2019, she founded Message from Serenity, a publishing company that creates uplifting, inspirational, and motivational content. In June 2021, she released her first self-published book, Healing the Wounds, to help people find peace through balancing the seven chakras. As a happy vegan, she promotes change for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Teairra continues to expand on her gifts and serves as a mentor for young pregnant women in Los Angeles at Harvest Home LA. Above all, she is a mother to a beautiful daughter and a miniature poodle.

Daniel Durant is an artist and producer who specializes in audio and visual media. He has created music, films, and podcasts for himself and various other artists and agencies throughout Southern California. His goal is to create honest and creative pieces of media that capture the essence of the individuals who participate.

Orly Israel is a communication coach, an Aspen Institute speaker, and the founder of The Listening Table project. With a background in crisis counseling and kids entertainment, he helps teens and adults develop confidence, clarity, and leadership skills, allowing them to practice the human connection skills that drive success in all areas of life.

Jorge Villanueva is a certified boxing instructor with over 15 years of experience in movement-based training. With a deep-rooted passion for both sports and music, Jorge developed Beat Based Movement (BBM), a fitness philosophy that combines the discipline of boxing with the rhythm of music to create an engaging and empowering workout experience.

Jorge began his training at the renowned Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and has since worked with a diverse range of clients, from beginners to those managing neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. His approach focuses on physical strength, coordination, and emotional resilience, using boxing as a tool to build confidence, regulate emotions, and promote mental well-being.

At Hillcrest, Jorge leads youth-focused fitness sessions that not only improve physical health but also foster discipline, stress relief, and a sense of accomplishment. His sessions are structured yet high-energy, helping teens channel their energy in a positive, structured way.

Joseph Hendrick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Film from the University of California, Santa Cruz. After spending 15 years working in the film industry, he transitioned into the mental health field, where he found a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment—particularly working with individuals struggling with addiction.

Joseph was drawn to mental health work through both personal connection and a strong desire to help others navigate challenges similar to those he has witnessed and experienced. For the past three years, he has been actively working in the field, providing compassionate, client-centered support, and fostering meaningful change.

Committed to professional growth and excellence in care, Joseph is currently pursuing advanced education and higher-level degrees to further develop his skills and expand his impact within the mental health profession.

Jasmine Vargas has been a member of the Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center team for eight years. She started her journey by working directly with clients and has since advanced to her current role as Facility Manager, where she oversees daily operations and supports both staff and clients. 

Jasmine is passionate about working with adolescents and is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where they can feel understood, build confidence, and strive for positive change. Her dedication to the program and the young people it serves continues to inspire her work each day.

Alfonso Arroyo began his culinary career in 2006 after graduating from the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California. His professional journey has spanned various roles within the culinary industry, including positions at multiple restaurants, a major hotel corporation, and an assisted living community, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence in food service.

Rooted in a family that cherishes the art of meal creation, Alfonso’s love for cooking is more than just a profession—it’s a family tradition. Beyond the kitchen, he finds joy in staying active, embracing the serene beauty of the beach, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Nancy Tozcano is an experienced housekeeper with over seven years of maintaining clean, organized, and welcoming environments. She takes pride in her attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to delivering high-quality service. 

In addition to her housekeeping expertise, Nancy is a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant with training in patient care and healthcare support. Her experience in both fields enables her to bring professionalism, trustworthiness, and compassion to every working environment.