Dr. Karlyn Pleasants, Psy.D., Program Co-Director Dr. Pleasants has a long-standing history with the Hanbleceya community dating back to 1997 when she first began as a psychological assistant. Over the years she has held many different posts before signing on in 2005 as Hanbleceya's newest director. She maintains a rich clinical background of experience with complex and challenging cases, including thought and mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders and traumatic stress. Dr. Pleasants believes in the ability to heal through the empowerment of personal strengths, encouraging the confidence to take risks and by teaching oneself to both give and receive support. She looks forward to advancing the Hanbleceya vision and continuing to provide a safe space for people to learn, grow and heal.
Hank Griffin, M.F.T., Program Co-Director 2005 marks Hank Griffin's 25th year working with clients with severe mental illness. After a decade as a carpenter and housepainter, his earliest professional experiences were with non-traditional approaches to inpatient and day-hospital milieu treatment. Abidingly curious, Hank trained in family, group and body-mind psychotherapies. More recently he has blended relational and Ericksonian approaches to healing. In addition to his good fortune in learning from a host of exceptionally talented, innovative, and dedicated people (many of them clients), Hank remains grateful for the opportunity to call upon a smorgasbord of interventions as people design higher quality lives. Although nowhere evident within this bio, Hank believes in the power of humor.
Dr. David Tansey, Ph.D., Clinical Director Dr. Tansey earned his Ph.D. at mid-life after careers in engineering and management. He has provided clinical supervision for several San Diego organizations. From 1985 - 1991, he was clinical director at Hanbleceya and returned to that position in January 2001. His clinical work has focused on identifying and maximizing human talent and potential, improving communication, clarifying values and managing stress. Hanbleceya's clients typically suffer severe problems in these areas. The structured program of individual and group therapy, interaction and therapeutic confrontation with staff and peers, and productive contact with the wider community, give them the opportunity to function at their best.
Dr. Mark Melden D.O., DABPN – Independent Psychiatrist In 1995, Dr. Melden received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at UC San Diego graduating with Cum Laude honors. In his first post-college job, Mark worked as a Research Scientist for Merck Pharmaceutical where he was part of a group of scientists that received a patent for a novel medication they collectively developed. In 1999, he obtained his Medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine then completed 2 years in family Medicine at USC/Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier, California followed by a psychiatry residency at U.C. Irvine. He was also a fellow in geriatric psychiatry at U.C. San Diego. While at UC Irvine, Dr. Melden was instrumental in starting an ADD/ADHD diagnostic clinic. His extensive experience with severely mentally ill patients makes him a valuable asset to the Hanbleceya team. He is on the medical staff at Sharp Coronado, Sharp Mesa Vista, Cresta Loma, Alpine Special Treatment, Paradise Valley Hospital and Bayview Hospital. He is chair of the Behavioral Health committee at Coronado Sharp Hospital, on the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Melden joined Hanbleceya in September, 2006.
Dr. Susan Haydar, Ph.D., Psychological Assistant Dr. Susan Haydar joined Hanbleceya in 2007. Originally from the Boston area, Sue received her B.A. from University of Massachusetts, Boston in psychology and philosophy with an emphasis in theater. Feeling that her calling and true passion was in the field of helping, she moved to San Diego to complete her doctoral work in psychology. Sue graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology in 2006 with a dual degree in clinical and industrial-organizational psychology. Dr. Haydar most enjoys group and individual therapy with clients, but also mentoring, teaching and furthering her research in the area of psychological ethics. For fun, Sue enjoys musical theater, socializing with her friends and family and watching reality television.
Anne Morello - M.S., M.F.T.I. Anne grew up in Southern California and in December of 2006 moved back to San Diego from the San Francisco Bay Area. She was living there for 10 years during her school days and subsequent employment stints at Family Service Agency of Marin, Upper Brookside Elementary School, San Francisco State University Psychology Clinic, and FamiliesFirst Residential Treatment facility. Anne obtained her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University in 2005 and is currently working toward her MFT license. She has extensive experience in residential and school based settings, and from 2004 to December 2006, she provided therapy to adults, children, and families at Family Service Agency of Marin. Anne joined the Hanbleceya community in March, 2007.
Jack Greenspun, M.A. Jack joined the Hanbleceya team in February of 2008. Son of an Air Force officer, Jack has lived in Germany, Japan, Texas, Virginia and California. He graduated from John F. Kennedy University with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology in 1984. Jack worked 5 years for Community Mental Health in Northern California before moving to San Diego in 1998. One of his career highlights was working at the Creative Living Center in Northern Cal offering junior college classes to mentally ill adults. Overall, Jack has provided individual and group therapy to adults with chronic mental illness since 1997. Writing, hiking, performing improvisational theatre and playing a mean didgeridoo are a sampling of Jack's more questionable pursuits.
Melissa Stevenson, M.A., M.F.T.I. Melissa grew up in Northern California and moved to San Diego in 1998 to attend college and complete her undergraduate degree in counseling psychology. In 2005, she received her Master of Arts Degree from Southern California Seminary in Clinical Psychology. Melissa has worked with various populations, including those suffering from schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorders. She also takes great pride in assisting those suffering from chronic burdens such as homelessness and substance abuse. One of Melissa's strengths is helping others understand how shame contributes to self-defeating behaviors, as well as how to gain awareness, become happier and better adjusted through insight. She is currently working toward her MFT license. For fun, she enjoys outdoor activities including riding her 4-wheeler in the desert. Melissa joined the Hanbleceya community in February, 2008.
Alan Rooney, MSW, Ed. D. - Psychological Assistant Before completing his doctorate in psychology, Dr. Rooney worked in mental health, substance abuse, human sexuality, HIV/AIDS and education dating back to 1984. He received his Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work at Columbia University in 1992 and his Doctorate in Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology in 2006. He also received post-graduate therapy training from the New York Center for Clinical Hypnosis and Psychotherapy and the New York Center for Cognitive Therapy and holds a diplomat credential. Alan believes deeply in a multifaceted path to human development and healing that draws from the fullest availability of client strengths, program, family, community and spiritual support. Alan joined the Hanbleceya team in May of 2008.
Yvonne Walsh, LPT - Director of Clinical Orientations and "Keeper of the Culture" Yvonne began working in Hanbleceya's Residential Program in October 1989, one month after being licensed as a Psychiatric Technician. As a key member of the Hanbleceya Line Staff support team, Yvonne provides an important source of support for clients who struggle to stay in balance on a daily basis. Her efforts toward making special activities and outings a success are invaluable. Yvonne's talents are many and varied. Her current role in the company is to provide semi-independent living services to our clients in addition to acting as a sort of liaison between the client and their Psychiatrist. Her empathic and compassionate way of connecting creates a sense of safety and consistency for all those she interacts with. She is frequently successful in reaching people others cannot. Yvonne's worldview and spirituality make her the natural person to be our community's "Keeper of the Traditions." It is her knowledge of Native American philosophy and symbolism, as well as her understanding of the principles upon which the Hanbleceya community was formed, that enable us to remember and celebrate our roots. Our celebrations and ceremonies all reinforce the concept of community - many people helping each other.
Jeff Klein - Director of Milieu Operations Jeffrey Klein joined the Hanbleceya staff in June 2005. While employed as Directory of Information Technology at a fiber optics company, Jeff took on a temporary assignment at a mental health facility and was so inspired by the experience that he decided to change careers. Hanbleceya became the beneficiary of this transformation. Jeff's commitment to the welfare of our clients has made him both a competent employee as well as an effective mentor. Jeff is currently completing his CAADAC certification at San Diego City College, is a Chemical Dependency instructor, and plans on furthering his education in the field of Psychology.
Shelly Staley - Semi-Independent Living Services Shelly has been with the Hanbleceya community since March, 2006. She earned her B.A. degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University in May, 2005 - graduating with honors. The opportunity to learn in a unique and diverse community such as Hanbleceya has been a goal of Shelly's since graduation day. She also has aspirations to continue her education in the field of Neuropsychology and is currently a member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society. Shelly appreciates the opportunity to work with the Hanbleceya staff and clients, gaining new insight and knowledge about this very special population every day. Her dedication and commitment has provided a great model for our client community.
Guy Page - Work Development Manager A native of San Diego, Guy has utilized his studies in Psychology, Sociology and Law and Ethics, along with several years experience as a clinical assistant, to assist individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders. With Guy’s expertise, Hanbleceya has been able to create a work development program that is tailored to meet each client’s personal needs. We will ensure that each Hanbleceya client receives appropriate pre-employment support with the interview process, resume building, job placement, and the needed education thereafter. Guy’s practical experiences combined with his four years of service in the United States Air Force have provided a solid foundation from which he is able to help our clients prepare for an effective transition back into the real world. Outside of work, Guy enjoys playing tennis, upright bass, along with regular weekend drives in his Vintage 1950 Dodge Coronet.
Elise Cawthorne - House Manager Elise joined the Hanbleceya team in October, 2005. Among her many duties, Elise is responsible for making sure each client is taking optimal care of themselves and their living conditions. She constantly models for our clients the importance of strong boundaries, limit setting and compassion. Elise recently completed the schooling required to be a License Vocational Nurse. Add this to her seven years of experience in providing home care assistance and you can see why Hanbleceya is fortunate to have her as part of the community.
Tanya Lutz - House Manager Tanya has been a dedicated employee of Hanbleceya since September 2006. Her educational background includes a Psychology major at Mesa College, a Certificate in Phlebotomy, and extensive personal knowledge of 12-step recovery programs. Working as a professional, she has supervision experience at a residential dual diagnosis treatment facility, and has acted on the fund raising board for Turning Point Recovery Home for Women. Most notably, Tanya enjoys helping clients learn semi-independent living skills so they can live a well balanced, fulfilling, and productive life. By focusing on the safety and well being of each client and their individual needs, Tanya has created great value for herself in the Hanbleceya community.
Suzanne Anderson - House Manager A Hanbleceya community member since August, 2006, Suzanne received her B.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor where she later worked with mentally ill patients at Northville State Hospital. After completing the CAADAC curriculum at S.D. City College in 1995, Suzanne provided individual and group counseling and taught educational groups for several years in the Chemical Dependency unit of Scripps Mesa Vista Hospital where many of the patients were dually diagnosed. Following this, Suzanne worked for one year at
Rancho L' Abri, a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility, supporting clients with their individual growth. Suzanne's own life is an eclectic blend of spiritual paths that hold the qualities of compassion, loving-kindness, mindfulness, personal responsibility and accountability in a holistic approach to life's journey. She believes strongly in the ability of community to provide safety and facilitate the healing of the individual.
Nicole Watson – House Manager Nicole joined Hanbleceya in June of 2007 and after four months was quickly promoted to House Manager. Her dedication and love for helping the mentally ill has made her a wonderful addition to the Hanbleceya team. Nicole received her B.A in Psychology from San Diego State University in the Fall of 2007. She plans on attending graduate school and continuing her work toward ultimately becoming a clinical psychologist. Through personal life experiences, Nicole quickly found that helping others was her true passion. She gains inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous quote…"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Ryan Horon - House Manager Ryan joined the Hanbleceya team in early 2007 after working 6 months in a local residential treatment facility that specializes in chemical dependency. At this facility is where he learned that helping others made him feel complete. Ryan has been studying and/or teaching the twelve steps since January, 2004. His extensive knowledge of the 12-step process makes him a great asset to the community while his integration of Hanbleceya philosophies into his daily life makes him a great model for the rest of the Hanbleceya community. Ryan is currently pursuing a degree in Behavioral Sciences at San Diego City College. In his spare time, Ryan loves camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Jeremy Ferguson - House Manager Jeremy has been a resident of San Diego since 1998. He joined the Hanbleceya team in January of 2008, bringing with him extensive knowledge of specialized treatment for individuals suffering from chemical dependency and alcoholism. Jeremy began his work in the field of addiction services as the program coordinator for California's oldest non profit recovery home for men here in San Diego in 2006. Currently Jeremy is completing his CAADAC course work and internship program at San Diego City College as well as his transfer studies in behavioral science. He plans on continuing his studies at SDSU to eventually become a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of addiction.
Connie Verdeyen - Office Manager Connie joined our community in September, 1999 and immediately recognized that this job was unlike any other she had held previously. She admits to feeling intimidated by working in the mental healthcare field at first, but then came to have a clear understanding of what Hanbleceya offers our clients. "I have seen so many changes in some of our people...I can see them becoming productive and happy, and the peer support clients receive is awesome." She continues to learn on a daily basis as she masterfully orchestrates the activities of a very busy administrative office. Her responsibilities are many, and she shoulders them while making it look easy. Connie jokingly describes herself as "mean and ornery," but we know her as a "fuzz-ball of compassion" who keeps the residents and staff in line. We are glad to have Connie on our team as she continues to keep the front office working smoothly thereby enabling the rest of the staff to provide the high level of care for which Hanbleceya has become known.
Kerry Paulson - Owner/Business Manager A native of San Diego, Kerry graduated from San Diego State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. After 6 years working in corporate America, Kerry co-founded Fitness For Her, a small chain of women's health clubs in the San Diego area. For one decade his health clubs provided a safe and upscale environment for women to stay fit and enjoy exercise. Kerry's extensive business background along with his own 12-step recovery experience has played a significant role in helping him guide the growth of Hanbleceya.
In addition to the above core staff positions, Hanbleceya employs several full-time Line Staff personnel whose duties are assigned and directed by our clinical staff. The line staff personnel have significant interaction with clients and essentially act as the "eyes and ears" of our clinical staff. Line Staff personnel travel to each house multiple times daily: In the morning to ensure that all members of the household are out of bed with hygiene completed, and are off to begin their daily structures; randomly throughout the day to confirm that household chores have been performed and the house is in acceptable condition; and in the evening to make sure nutritious meals have been prepared and any conflicts have been resolved. Weekly meetings are conducted with each house and facilitated by the house manager. In these meetings, the weekly meal plan and chore rotations are scheduled, and housemates are supported in practicing assertive and healthy interpersonal skills while learning the important tasks of efficient household management. From fixing a broken fixture to assisting in the intervention on a client in a crisis, from monitoring medications to leading camp outs or even attending a movie, Line Staff personnel provide a vital role in the everyday function of Hanbleceya's community as a whole.
