Administrative and Clinical Staff
When you choose Christian drug and alcohol rehab treatment at Celebrate a New Life, you receive the highest level of individualized care from trained experts committed to excellence. We strive to provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment where clients can comfortably communicate and learn to cope. Each individual enrolled in our comprehensive, in-depth Christian substance abuse program will work with a team of loving, compassionate professionals who have a strong commitment to helping clients attain freedom from addiction.
Our dedicated staff has a combined 75 years of experience in addiction recovery, behavioral health, and treatment of co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis. This expertise affords us intimate knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of those undergoing treatment. Our Christian counselors utilize proven therapy techniques that adhere to the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs. Drawing from personal success stories of staff members who have dealt with their own addictions, our Christian rehabilitation team infuses renewed hope for the fulfilling life that God intended.
Your success is our priority! That’s why we only employ clinical professionals who have not only demonstrated a proven track record of performance—but have profound compassion for our clients and their healing process. Our faith-based treatment counselors include a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed marriage and family therapist. By working in both one-on-one and group settings, we uncover each participant’s strengths and gifts that will help them flourish in a drug-free life.
From the time you walk through our door to the time you leave our California Christian rehab, rest assured that we will do everything in our power to address all of your concerns—day or night, 24X7! Our genuine concern, exceptional credentials and superior care will facilitate life changes and promote lifelong sobriety.
Penny Carlsen, R.N.
Administrator
Affectionately called “resident mom” because of her warmth and loving personality, Penny Carlsen has extensive experience in both clinical and administrative work. After graduating from Loma Linda University School of Nursing, Penny spent a few years at Loma Linda University Medical Center working in the Neurosurgery, Neurology and Rehabilitation Units. She has also served as business manager for Medical Imaging Specialist, Inc.
Ernest Carlsen, M.D., Ph.D.
CFO
Ernest Carlsen co-founded Hope by the Sea Residential Treatment Center in California. In 1972, he pioneered the technique and equipment for “Grey Scale Imaging”—a technological breakthrough that has revolutionized diagnostic ultrasound. In addition to earning dual doctorates in bio-physics and nuclear medicine, Carlsen graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in1969.
Chad Carlsen
Executive Director
Chad Carlsen has worked in the field of chemical dependency for more than a decade, and is the co-founder of Hope by the Sea. As a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, Chad knows first-hand the struggles that clients face. He serves as a true role model by sharing his personal journey of triumph through adversity. He is certified in nutrition and fitness, and works one-on-one with clients, educating them on the benefits of health and fitness during their recovery.
Kelly Carlsen
Director of Human Resources
As Director of Human Resources, Kelly Carlsen works directly with clients in developing job skills and personal growth. Kelly joined Celebrate a New Life at its inception after working for years as an intervention aide to troubled elementary students.
Sharon Stafford, PhD
PSY18759
Clinical Director
A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Stafford has broad experience dealing with mental health issues in both residential and outpatient settings. She has also worked as a research coordinator and conducted research on chronic pain. Her experience includes working as program director of in-patient psychiatric treatment for children, crisis manager in an emergency room, and a school consultant. In addition to running a private practice, Dr. Stafford serves as clinical director at Celebrate a New Life.
Dr. Quinlan Strong
Program Director
Having worked in the field of co-occurring disorders since 1988, Dr. Quinlan Strong’s career focuses on substance abuse issues. As a psychologist, her eclectic approach to therapy emphasizes cognitive behavioral modification. In addition to her work at Celebrate a New Life, Dr. Strong teaches criminal justice courses. Her passion to help clients achieve sobriety stems from her personal battle against addiction. She has been in recovery since May 19, 1987.
Candy Carlsen, RN
Medical Liason
Candy Carlsen’s years of experience as a nurse and her extensive training in psychopharmacology allows her to work closely with Celebrate a New Life’s physicians and the clients. Her job includes educating clients and their families on proper medication management and compliance. Candy has worked at UCLA Medical Center in the neuro/surgical trauma ICU and at Hoag Memorial Hospital in the cardiac ICU.
Cyndie Dunkerson, BAS, CATC III, CA-CCS
Certification: 122981-III
Counselor/Clinical Supervisor/Criminal Court Liaision
Cyndie Dunkerson has dedicated her career working in the field of addiction since 2002. Cyndie is a certified chemical dependency counselor and clinical supervisor who has been helping clients with legal issues by offering personal assistance during the criminal court process and fighting for alternative sentencing treatment in lieu of jail time. Her experience as an emergency room medical assistant helps bring a sense of calm to any situation. Overcoming her own struggle with the disease of addiction, she has great compassion for her clients and understands the challenges on the road to recovery.
K. Mitchell Naficy, M.D., FAAFP
As a board-certified specialist of family medicine, Dr. K. Mitchell Naficy focuses on caring for the person as a whole, not just on treating a particular symptom or illness. He received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Rutgers University and obtained a doctor of medicine degree in Puerto Rico. Dr. Naficy completed an internship at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles in 1990 and a three-year residency at UCI medical Center in Irvine.
Nicole Cable, MS, MFTI
BBS Reg: 60361
Nicole Cable’s compassion for people dealing with addiction extends into her work as a marriage and family therapist. She has spent years counseling couples and families in both group and individual settings. She specializes in working with those who have experienced trauma and co-occurring disorders. She earned her degree from California State University in Sacramento.
Frank Buffa
Bio-Psycho-Geneologist
Since 2005, Frank Buffa has treated a wide spectrum of substance abuse and mental health issues. He comes to Celebrate a New life with a vast knowledge and extensive training on co-occurring disorder. His areas of expertise include working with clients who suffer from sexual trauma and anger control issues. Frank is committed to helping clients identify and leave behind old, harmful behavior and embrace healthy habits for a drug-free life.
Jose Majias, C.A.D.C., N.A.D.C. II
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
For more than three decades, Jose Majias has focused his career on helping people who suffer from dual-diagnosis and substance abuse issues. In some cases, he also counsels clients’ family members, employers and probation department. Jose believes in treating the mood altering chemicals that cause dependency as well as resolving the underlying issues of addiction. He attended UCLA and USC and is a board-certified substance abuse counselor.