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Our Staff

When you choose Christian addiction treatment at Celebrate Hope, 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 drug and alcohol rehab program will work with a team of loving, compassionate professionals who have a strong commitment to helping clients attain freedom from addiction.

Our Christian Rehab Administrative and Clinical Staff

When you choose Christian addiction treatment at Celebrate Hope, 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 drug and alcohol rehab 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 addiction 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 him or her flourish in a drug-free life.
From the time you walk through our door to the time you leave our California Christian rehab center, rest assured that we will do everything in our power to address all of your concerns—day or night, 24/7! Our genuine concern, exceptional credentials, and superior care will facilitate life changes and promote lifelong sobriety.

Penny Carlsen

Chief Executive Officer

Penny Carlsen

Penny Carlsen

Chief Executive Officer

Penny Carlsen is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Nursing. After graduation she spent the next few years working at Loma Linda University Medical Center on the Neurosurgery, Neurology and Rehabilitation Units. She later served as the business manager for Medical Imaging Specialists, Inc. She has an extensive background in both clinical and administration. She is a warm and loving person and is considered by the clients to be the "resident mom".

Candy Carlsen, RN

Chief Operating Officer

Candy Carlsen, RN

Penny Carlsen

Chief Operating Officer

Candy Carlsen has worked in the field of nursing for several years. She worked at UCLA Medical Center in the neuro/surgical trauma ICU and also at Hoag Memorial in the cardiac ICU. She has extensive training in psychopharmacology and works very closely with Hope By the Sea’s physicians. She educates clients and families on the importance of proper medication management and compliance, when necessary.

Kelly Carlsen

Vice President of Finance

Kelly Carlsen

Kelly Carlsen

Vice President of Finance

Kelly Carlsen has been with Hope By the Sea since its inception. She spent several years working as an intervention aide for troubled elementary students before turning her focus to helping adults with addiction. She currently is the head of the Insurance Billing department as well as oversees the Human Resources division.

Cyndie Dunkerson, CADCII CA, CCS

Vice President of Program Services

Cyndie Dunkerson, CADCII CA, CCS

Cyndie Dunkerson, CADCII CA, CCS

Vice President of Program Services

(Certification # A051090118/12079) Cyndie has been with Hope By The Sea since the beginning and holds a strong passion for the field of addiction. As the Vice President of the Program Services Department, she helps potential clients and their families to take their first steps in the recovery process. She holds a Bachelors degree and is currently state certified with the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Clinical Supervisor. She has been working in the field of addiction since 2002 and also brings to the table her own journey of recovery. Since starting in the field of addiction she has maintained success working with the criminal justice system in getting defendants sentenced to treatment in lieu of jail. Cyndie is currently working towards obtaining her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Cyndie enjoys speaking at conferences and guest lecturing in various colleges.

Valeh Karimkhani, D.O.

Psychiatrist

Valeh Karimkhani, D.O.

Valeh Karimkhani, D.O.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Valeh Karimkhani, D.O. is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She is board certified in Psychiatry as well as Addiction Medicine. She is the founder of Orange County Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Karimkhani is dedicated to serving the psychiatric needs of her community. She has extensive experience in substance abuse, dual diagnosis, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, and emergency psychiatry. She is also one of a select few psychiatrists offering TMS treatment.

In addition to clinical duties, Dr. Karimkhani is an adjunct professor, teaching medical students during clinical rotations from Midwestern University.

Dr. Karimkhani is also a Major in the Army Reserves, completing three tours of duty in the Middle East. She is dedicated to helping and healing our armed forces and their families.

Sandy Busby

Office Manager

Sandy Busby

Sandy Busby

Office Manager

Sandy brings her exceptional organizational and communication skills to the complex world of recovery to the facility. She has a driven attitude in work ethics and her experience shows it well. She joined the team soon after her own personal recovery journey began with Hope By The Sea in 2008. She took on office management with ease and her area of expertise includes administration, accounting, finance, and insurance. Her professional manner, personal experience, and love for the field of recovery make her an invaluable asset to both our clients and staff.

Frank Buffa

Bio-Psycho-Genealogist

Frank Buffa

Frank Buffa

Bio-Psycho-Genealogist

Working in the field since 2005, Frank came to Hope By The Sea bringing with him his knowledge of the Co-Occurring Disorder population. He specializes in working with clients who suffer from sexual trauma and anger control issues. In addition, he enjoys helping clients identify and change old behavior patterns to implement healthy change and create a solid base to continue successfully into their future.

In Memory Of

Dale Tatum

Ordained Pastor Spiritual Guidance and Christian Counseling

Dale Tatum

Dale Tatum

Ordained Pastor Spiritual Guidance and Christian Counseling

Dale has a tremendous love for people and a desire to facilitate their spiritual growth. He brings the love of God through His Son Jesus Christ to every client on a personal and individual basis. Dale believes that to lead clients to successful recovery, God's grace, forgiveness and love must be conveyed at the deepest spiritual level. When asked why he loves this calling he responds simply, “I want to do for others what God has so lovingly done for me!”

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Celebrate Hope

33171 Paseo Cerveza #400
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(866) 677-1872