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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 Kalmenson is the Founder and CEO of multiple behavioral healthcare companies in Southern California and Arizona.
Among these is Renewal Health Group, a family of comprehensive addiction treatment centers, Montare Behavioral Health, a dynamic brand of mental health treatment centers, and Zenith Behavioral Health, a collection of high-quality psychiatric hospitals and adolescent treatment facilities.
In addition to these responsibilities, Kalmenson hosts a bi-monthly podcast for Montare Media called Discover U, which highlights complex mental health and chemical dependency issues in interviews with industry professionals, experts, and renowned authorities in various behavioral health fields. The podcast is available on all platforms.
Always interested in broadening and deepening the industry standard, Kalmenson is the creator of a cutting-edge diagnostic tool for chemical dependency issues called “Discovery Model.” He is partnering with Yale University to assess its efficacy.
Kalmenson is a Yale Chabad Scholar, a skilled facilitator, teacher, counselor, and speaker, who has previously 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 for effective mental health treatment and long-term sobriety.
Elliott Liebhard
CFO, Founder
Montare Behavioral Health
Elliott Liebhard is one of the founders and chief financial officer of a family of behavioral healthcare companies that includes Renewal Behavioral Health Group, Montare Behavioral Health Group, Zenith Behavioral Health, Trellis Recovery, and Conscious Health and Wellness Centers. Elliott provides leadership and oversight for building financial infrastructure, and strategic financial planning. With his vision, these organizations have achieved a high level of care, infused with values of empathy, authenticity, and purpose.
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
Stephanie Rosten
VP of Admissions
Montare Behavioral Health
Stephanie Rosten is the Vice President of Admissions at Montare Behavioral Health and Renewal Health Group. Her personal journey of recovering led her to find her calling in the field of behavioral health treatment.
Stephanie’s passion for helping others began as a dependency technician while she was attending College of the Desert. Her role as a case manager inspired her clients to return to school and seek gainful employment through her own actions. Stephanie received her CADAC credentials from The Center for Addiction Studies and Research.
As a leader, Stephanie encourages her team of 15 admissions counselors to meet clients where they are and provide the support they need to begin their journey towards recovery.
Stephanie Rosten also oversees the community Veteran departments for the RSVP program, Resilient Star Veterans Program. Through this program, Stephanie is committed to providing comprehensive mental health treatment to veterans struggling with a variety of mental health disorders. Her leadership and dedication to this program have helped to create a safe and comforting atmosphere for veterans seeking mental health treatment.
Faridah Gonzalez, LVN
Regional Director of Nursing
Montare Behavioral Health
Faridah A. Gonzalez has been practicing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for the past 13 years. Initially, Faridah worked for a Non-Profit Community Health Center, where she provided community outreach and chronic health education to patients. Her first hand experiences at the Community Health Center made her realize she had a passion for helping those struggling with addiction, so she decided to help in a more direct manner. In 2014 she focused her career on working in Substance abuse and dual diagnosis recovery treatment. It wasn’t until 2017 that she found her home with the Sanctuary Treatment Center. Faridah started with the company as a Lead Nurse and though hard work, determination and commitment to the betterment of patients and staff, she rose to become the Executive Director for Renewal Health group. Today, she leads a team of clinical, medical, and patient support staff. Faridah promotes a vibrant culture of growth and support, ensuring that all staff members are set up to succeed. She is a fierce advocate for ensuring that the medical and mental health needs of her clients are met.
Doctor Linda Larson, Ed.D
Case Manager Supervisor/Outreach
Montare Behavioral Health
Doctor Linda Larson, Ed.D. is the Case Manager Supervisor for Montare Behavioral Health. She has a proven ability to lead complex operations while adhering to program best practices and improving processes that drive cost savings. Linda is recognized for her ability to champion successful strategies and valuable insight relative to mental health case management programs and services. She develops and executes training programs for new case managers, conducts outreach efforts to strengthen collaboration and business partnerships, coordinates process improvements, and implements open communications among all stakeholders.
As a highly experienced military leader and educator who understands the struggles of identifying career direction, conducting an effective job search, enhancing work performance and strategic career planning, Linda has worked with thousands of veterans, transitioning service members, and their families all over the country, and has been there herself.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Master’s Degree in Adult Education, and Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, La Verne, California. Linda combines her military and civilian HR recruiting and retention knowledge and experience, compassion, yet driven
coaching style, along with her understanding of working alongside and guiding others to provide quality-driven coaching results. Linda has worked with clients from a variety of military and civilian backgrounds, including creative professionals, entrepreneurs, those transitioning careers or re-entering the workforce, those in the non-profit and mental health sectors, and many others.
Through Linda’s own journey of self-exploration and career transformation post military, she realized that her true purpose and passion was helping others with
the same struggles she went through, and as a result, Linda decided to pursue mental health case management.
Linda’s coaching style is creative and client-centered. She establishes SMART goals with clients based on their strengths and needs. Linda takes a holistic approach to coaching clients on their goals, looking at all factors biologically, psychologically, and socially, that will enable them to achieve those goals. Her coaching process is strength based; reviewing client’s self-identified strengths first, to help them determine the steps they need to take to achieve their career aspirations. She also helps her clients address potential barriers, and provides them with creative solutions to overcome those obstacles.
Contact Info: Linda.Larson@montarebh.com Mobil: 839-465-6006 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctor-linda-larson-edd-1a9355295
Program Directors
Erin Thorley
Program Director, Montare At the Canyon
Montare Behavioral Health
Danielle Sullivan, CADC II
Program Director
Montare Behavioral Health
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
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!
Cindy Wofford
Admissions Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Mrs. Wofford is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, holds a CADC-II and ICADC. Mrs. Wofford has 16 years in the field of Drug and Alcohol Treatment serving diverse populations.
Mrs. Wofford has extensive experience in Admission and Marketing, her experience started as a Case Manager at a drug and alcohol treatment center in Orange County, CA. From there Mrs. Wofford went on to work at a Non-profit facility in Santa Ana, CA, which population included State, County and Federal incoming clients. Mrs. Wofford also worked with the VA and Indian funded Tribes out of San Diego. From there, Mrs. Wofford worked for a 500-bed facility, where she facilitated over 200 incoming clients a month.
Over the years, Mrs. Wofford has had the opportunity to work with very diverse populations and has experience with Insurance Policies, Admissions and Intakes, as well as Case Management areas. Mrs. Wofford started as a Case Manager and has worked her way up, and over the past 11 yrs has been an Admissions/Marketing Director. She has been able to establish and maintain contact throughout the addiction community across the United States. Mrs. Wofford has an impeccable reputation in the field of addiction with other partnering facilities in the Orange County area.
Mrs. Wofford’s drive and passion keep her on her feet at all times. As she says, “Addiction does not have a time”, and works diligently to help the struggling addict and/or alcoholic to find hope and long-lasting sobriety. She truly helps each individual to find the best-suited treatment center and continues to maintain contact with these individuals before, during and after treatment. “It is my honor and privilege to know and serve this population.”
Renee Baribeau
Marketing & Branding Director
Montare Behavioral Health
Renee Baribeau is an innovative marketing leader with over 10 years of experience in delivering exceptional marketing campaigns, content, and collateral for Behavioral Health Organizations. As a results-oriented and collaborative professional, she brings expertise in brand management and social media engagement. With a keen attention to detail and a decisive leadership style, Renee has made significant contributions as a Marketing Director at Renewal Health Group, Montare Behavioral Health, as well as in her role as Regional Business Development Manager at Michael’s House Treatment Center.
Throughout her career, Renee has demonstrated her skill in brand development, particularly in the multi-facility behavioral healthcare start-up sector. She has successfully improved and enhanced brand image through focused marketing campaigns and professional networking efforts to support outreach. Renee has also played a pivotal role in coordinating well-coordinated campaigns, events, and public relations strategies, including the premiere Behavioral Health Conference, Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health at UCLA, in 2022 and 2023. She has worked closely with creative teams to generate dynamic marketing content and communication tools for promotional campaigns, contributing to the overall success of the brands she has managed.
Monica Montoya
National Clinical Outreach Specialist
Montare Behavioral Health
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.
Joshua Brown
Admissions Manager
Montare Behavioral Health
Olivia Rigatti, MHCL
Regional Outreach Specialist
Montare Behavioral Health
Olivia has dedicated her career to both regional and national behavioral health care organizations. Her passion for behavioral healthcare and advocating for appropriate behavioral health treatment for individuals has driven her career in marketing and business development.With a Master’s Degree in Health Care Leadership from Friends University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Behavioral Economics from the University of Nottingham, Olivia has honed her healthcare focus to help those struggling with substance use disorders, eating disorders, and primary mental health disorders. Advocating and educating within the behavioral health field and for individuals is Olivia’s passion and allows her to keep growing personally and professionally.When Olivia is not working, she enjoys spending time with her partner, traveling and snuggling with her cat Smoothie.