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Meet the Team
About Montare Staff
One of the best things about Montare is our staff. We are proud of our team of professionals, who are dedicated to providing compassionate and efficacious care to our clients. Whether they are mental health providers, chefs, or maintenance people, all of our staff view their role in the company as holding significant meaning and purpose, aligned with their calling as individuals and team members. Our therapists rely on evidence-based, well-researched practices that have proven results, as well as following the latest trends in innovative new therapies. They are committed to treating the whole person, with the belief that everyone has the ability to recover. No matter what has happened in your past, when you come through Montare’s doors, you are seen as inherently valuable, with a healthy and vibrant core, that is just waiting to be set free.
Leadership Team
JD Kalmenson
CEO, Founder
Montare Behavioral Health
JD, CEO/Founder of Renewal Health Group, a family of addiction treatment centers, and Montare Behavioral Health, a luxury brand of mental health treatment facilities in Southern California. Kalmenson is a Yale Chabad Scholar, a skilled facilitator, teacher, counselor, and speaker, who has provided chaplain services to prisons, local groups and remote villages throughout the world. His diverse experience as a rabbi, chaplain, and CEO has inspired his passion and deep understanding of the necessity of effective mental health treatment and long-term sobriety.
Elliott Liebhard
CFO, Founder
Montare Behavioral Health
Dr. Brad Zehring, DO
Chief Medical Officer
Montare Behavioral Health
Brad Zehring, DO is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. He completed his psychiatry residency from the University of Arizona – Phoenix Campus. His desire to treat eating disorders was born out of a personal connection which fueled his passion to learn all he could to help deliver the best psychiatric care. This passion led to him starting his private practice in Arizona (Arizona Restorative Psychiatry) where he has delivered expert outpatient psychiatric care in the treatment of eating disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders throughout the United States.
He has begun the next chapter of his career as Chief Medical Officer for Montare Behavioral Health and Trellis Recovery Centers where he can continue his focus on leadership, mentoring, and expert psychiatric care to patients with psychiatric disorders and eating disorders.
Dr. Tiffany Dzioba, PsyD, LMFT
Chief Clinical Officer for Montare Behavioral Health
Montare Behavioral Health
Dr. Dzioba has spent the last decade in clinical leadership roles for behavioral healthcare settings, creating, developing, and improving clinical treatment programs in inpatient, residential, and outpatient levels of care. Dr. Dzioba has created an evidence-based clinical curriculum for mental health and addiction treatment programs and developed a spiritually integrated
Dr. Denise Ojarigi, PsyD
Chief Operating Officer
Montare Behavioral Health
Dr. Denise Ojarigi received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Biology, and minor in Public Health from the University of Minnesota, and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, Encino, CA. She later obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) with a specialization in Forensic Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, Encino, CA. She has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field for over 15 years. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist that has worked with couples, adults, children, and adolescents, and various populations. She is a Cognitive Behavioral therapist that utilizes various treatment modalities (CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, CPT, psychodynamic underpinning etc.) to assist individuals in achieving their optimal level of functioning. She has engaged in research, teaching, and clinical practice to help patients understand themselves and cope with day-to-day issues, mental illness, abuse, addiction, and loss. She was the Clinical and Program Director of a treatment center and prior to that she was a Clinical Supervisor for a non-profit organization providing early intervention prevention services. My belief is that every day is an opportunity to change, grow, and improve.
Beth Franke aPHR, FPC
Director of Human Resources
Montare Behavioral Health
Bethanie Franke is an HR professional with over 15 years’ combined experience mostly working in the healthcare industry with a focus in Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorder and Emergency Rooms. She has a proven record of creating cultures of collaboration, and implementing change to achieve workforce excellence. Bethanie holds a Functional Payroll Certificate from the American Payroll Association, and has held Senior Leadership roles at NRG, Ally Medical, Physicians Premier, Reli Resources and West Valley Detox.
Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, employee relations, compensation analysis, HRIS selection, benefits administration, performance management and employee incentives. Additionally, Ms. Franke ensures that policies and procedures are properly applied in several states in accordance with the overall HR strategy set out by the organization’s Board of Directors or Leadership team.
Joann Zuniga
VP of Strategic Planning, Provider Relations, and Utilization Review
Montare Behavioral Health
Program Directors
Stephanie Hazard, M.A. AMFT
Program Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Stephanie Hazzard M.A., AMFT
Program Director/ Therapist
Erin Thorley
Program Director, Montare At the Canyon
Montare Behavioral Health
Clinical Directors
Margot Rittenhouse, MS, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Margot Rittenhouse is a therapist in Los Angeles and has been a dedicated figure in the eating disorder field for 10-years. Margot has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who specializes in treating adults and adolescents with eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and body image issues as well as co-occurring anxiety, mood, personality, and substance use disorders. Margot has additional training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Resiliency Model, and Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic and Traumatic Stress.
Margot began her career in eating disorders in 2012 as an advocate and mentor and has since worked as a therapist and manager in eating disorder treatment, written over 1,000 articles for Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope, and ghost-written book for a Registered Eating Disorder Dietitian. Margot’s clinical perspective stems from the belief that understanding the “why” that underlies eating disorder behaviors as well as the “why” that motivates recovery is crucial to growth. Margot’s treatment approach is grounded in a Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating informed approach. Margot continues to write articles for Eating Disorder Hope and is the Clinical Director for Montare Center for Eating Disorders in Los Angeles, CA.
Alumni Director
Lynne Biehl
Alumni Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Lynne brings over two decades of management, marketing and relationship building from her career in the luxury brands industry. Lynne’s desire to find a meaningful life’s work directed her to the behavioral health industry 15 years ago. Her compassion and hope towards addiction and mental health treatment stems from her and her family’s personal struggles of addiction, loss and recovery. This deep understanding of mental health and her professional experience allows her to facilitate the relationships required in assisting the community.
A Buffalo native, Lynne graduated from State University College at Buffalo and has a degree in Business Studies. She is closely connected in the recovery community and strives to reach those that are struggling with addiction and mental health. Lynne truly believes in the transformation and saving of lives through treatment.
Her enthusiasm to help people make life-altering changes continues through her non-working hours too. Lynne sits on the board of iaedp, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals as Co-Education and Social Media Chair. She is also Chair on the Los Angeles Chapter of WAAT, Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment.
Admissions & Marketing
Stephanie Rosten
VP of Admissions
Montare Behavioral Health
Stephanie is the VP of Admissions at Montare Behavioral Health and Renewal Health Group. She found her calling in the field of addiction treatment after recovering from her own hopeless circumstances addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Stephanie began her career in behavioral health as a dependency technician while attending College of the Desert. As a case manager, Stephanie was a role model for her clients. She inspired them through her own actions to return to school for education and to seek gainful employment. Stephanie received her CADAC credentials at The Center for Addiction Studies and Research.
Stephanie leads a team of admissions counselors and she encourages them to meet clients where they are now. Stephanie also oversees Renewal Health Group’s alumni program.
Jamie Hessler
Associate Admissions Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Jamie is the Associate Admissions Director with Montare Behavioral Health.
Jamie’s personal struggles with mental health and substance abuse allow her to connect with clients in a meaningful way. She has a deep understanding of what it takes to provide people with hope for recovery.
Jamie began her career in behavioral health three years ago after realizing she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Jamie brings compassion and understanding to everyone she comes in contact with. Clients often remark that they can always rely on her to pick up the phone during times of need.
Jamie assists in leading a team of thirteen admissions counselors. Stephanie Rosten says that she couldn’t do her job without Jamie by her side.
Lara Frazier, MBA
VP of Digital Marketing
Montare Behavioral Health
Lara Frazier is the VP of Digital Marketing at Montare Behavioral Health.
Lara has over twelve years of experience in the behavioral health industry, and over twenty years of experience in marketing. She holds a Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in marketing from Pepperdine University.
Lara oversees all digital marketing efforts, and manages all aspects of digital marketing campaigns for Montare Behavioral Health. She is incredibly passionate about mental health treatment and awareness. Lara is respected for her writing and speaking abilities in the digital recovery space. Lara also co-founded one of the top publications and websites for mental health recovery, which Mark Zuckerberg praised “as a place for people affected by addiction to come together.”
In her free time, Lara enjoys being in nature, hiking, and cuddling her pet pig.
Christian McLaughlin
Marketing Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Hailey Livingston
National Director of Business Development
Montare Behavioral Health
Hailey Livingston is the National director of Business Development for Renewal Health Group and Montare Behavioral Health.
Haileys first experience with Montare was to familiarize herself with, and complete the program.
From her own personal involvement, she deeply believed in the staff and company vision, so in 2018 she began her career in the behavioral health field when she joined the team as an admissions coordinator. Over the years she has grown and evolved with the company while helping many families get their loved ones into treatment. A master of high-quality planning with meticulous attention to detail, Hailey has planned many of our popular company events.
Hailey is also a member of NAR, the National Association of Realtors. Some of her favorite hobbies are boating, playing with her dog Millie, and sampling menus at new restaurants. She is a shining example of what our program can do for anyone ready and willing to change their life for the better!
Renee Baribeau
Marketing & Branding Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Renee Baribeau is the Marketing & Branding Director for Montare Behavioral Health. She oversees the branding, the creative team , podcast production, and Conference Coordination.
She is an award-winning, best-selling author (Winds of Spirit, Hay House; contributor, Energy magazine) and a dynamic speaker who injects humor and practical wisdom into workshops and presentations. She’s a Wind Whistler using nature as her guide to assist individuals toward transformation, awakening and true purpose. She is also the Marketing and Outreach manager for Renewal Health Group and Montare Behavioral Health, the founder-creator of the Finding Freedom LGBTQ symposium and the new Emerging Trends in Behavioral Health Hybrid Conference.
Monica Montoya
National Clinical Outreach Specialist
Montare Behavioral Health
Stephanie King
Director of Business Dev
Montare Behavioral Health
Stephanie C. King is a nationally certified Drug and Alcohol Interventionist.
Stephanie has been involved with Addiction and Recovery for over 11 years, and during that time, has helped many addicts. She is also involved in sober coaching, relapse prevention, and working with families. “I was inspired to do this work because I know firsthand all the effects that that addiction has on the addict’s loved ones.” Stephanie is committed to raise public awareness of the epidemic of alcoholism and drug addiction.
As part of her mission to help guide other people on their path to recovery, Stephanie began working with local legislators to change the way our legal system handles the sentencing of individuals who need proper addiction treatment, rather than jail or prison time.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time and being active with her two amazing children, and her French Bulldog, Versace. Stephanie and her kids have set a goal of attending as many Major League Baseball games in as many different stadiums in the country as possible.
Charles White
National Director of Clinical Outreach | Eating Disorder Outreach Specialist
Montare Behavioral Health
Charles White is the National Director of Clinical Outreach at Montare Behavioral Health and Renewal Health Group. Charles is also Montare’s Eating Disorder Specialist.
In his role, Charles develops strategic partnerships with inpatient and outpatient providers on a national level. He also supports clients and their families in finding appropriate treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Additionally, he directs community events and helps with brand and business development.
Charles is a marketing and sales leader with over ten years of experience in both the medical and mental health space. He served as the Education Chair for the Los Angeles Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals from 2019 – 2020.
Charles is passionate about helping others find a meaningful life. And in 2017, he founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Eyes Not Forgotten as his way of giving back to his community.
Charles enjoys food, travels with his partner Ricky, and cuddles with his 13 pound miniature poodle Cleo.
Ricky Melton
Director of Outreach - Renewal Health Group
Montare Behavioral Health
Ricky Melton is the Director of Outreach for Renewal Health Group. Ricky is a Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner Certified through the state of Michigan Board of Addiction professionals and is certified in S.M.A.R.T. Recovery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention and Moral Reconation Therapy
After nearly 15 years in active addiction, Ricky realized that he was ready for a change and sought out treatment. He has lived a happy, successful life in recovery ever since. Ricky has now dedicates his life to helping those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.
When asked about his role at Renewal Health Group, Ricky shared, “I enjoy helping clients identify old behavior patterns, implement healthy changes by creating a solid foundation to continue successfully in their future. I love what I do, inspiring those currently battling addiction by proving that no one is damaged beyond repair.”
Michael Civitella
Lead Admissions Coordinator
Montare Behaviorial Health
Michael has worked in the mental health and addiction industry for 10+ years.
He has a BA degree from the University of San Diego and has worked as a counselor helping those struggling with mental health and addiction. “My goal has always been to watch our clients regain the lives they have lost due to their mental health challenges. I’m passionate, and grateful to be able to help people live productive lives again.”
Whenever human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, they often find their lives unravelling. Michael’s great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience. Michael helps our clients and families to develop healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships, so they can become peaceful, complete, whole and safe.
Taylor Roberge
Admissions Manager
Montare Behavioral Health
Taylor is the Admissions Manager for Montare Behavioral Health.
She began her career in Addiction/Clinical services after experiencing her own mental health challenges and addiction at a young age. After her recovery, Taylor was determined to help others in need of compassion and support. After attending college, and acquiring two A A degrees in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Taylor set forth to apply her experience and training to help other improve their lives.
Taylor is able to guide client’s in an empathetic and loving way. Her calm and understanding attitude ensures that clients are able to access all of the programs that Montare has to offer.