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Matthew Keogh is a New York native who began his own journey in recovery in 2016 within the Buckeye Recovery Network. Matt has worked in the substance abuse space since beginning of 2017. In that time, he has held titles of House Manager, Operational Director and Client Care Coordinator as well as becoming a Certified Case Manager and Interventionist through Breining Institute. In 2019 Matt was brought on to be Director of Admissions for Buckeye Recovery Network. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that those who struggle with substance abuse issues and mental health difficulty are supported in their desire to change their lives and recover. Always just a single phone call away, Matt spends countless hours supporting family’s and loved ones alike by ensuring that they know that there is always hope no matter how dark the circumstances may seem.
Sara Rotunno is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has served in a number of roles for Buckeye Recovery Network since 2017. Sara received her undergraduate degree in Criminology and her master’s in Clinical Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sara initially joined the team as a primary therapist, eventual women’s program manager, and currently resides as the clinical supervisor for the company. With a continued desire to hone her craft and further evolve her skillset, Sara has completed further training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as well as Brainspotting – modalities that focus on accessing unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Sara’s education and background of working deeply with trauma has led her to focus on the internalized issues that lead individuals astray with mental health difficulty and/or substance abuse issues. Sara is known for emphasis on utilizing a safe therapeutic space at Buckeye Recovery Network to provide clientele refuge from adverse experiences.
Parham Nematollah is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and also holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Parham has over a decade of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction treatment services. Parham has held numerous roles in his tenure and currently holds the position as the Chief Operating Officer at Buckeye Recovery Network where he is responsible for driving the strategic vision for the organization. In his current role, Parham develops strategic initiatives, create/implements various programs, and leads talented teams of multidisciplinary professionals. Parham utilizes his extensive experience working in the behavioral health field to present seminars and workshops on his areas of expertise directly within the organization and at conferences.
Parham also coaches the boy’s varsity basketball team at Aliso Niguel High School and his unique approach places a strong emphasis on mental health/mental wellness with the intention of providing the student athletes with the tools necessary to succeed on and off the basketball court.
Dr. Michael F Bishara is the medical director for Buckeye Recovery Network and with his addition to the team comes a wealth of experience within the general field of medicine as well as the treatment of substance abuse disorder and mental health ailments. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in science from The University of Rutgers in 1976, Michael would go on to travel to Cairo, Egypt and earn his doctorate from The Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in 1981. Following his graduation, Dr. Bishara intervened with The University of New York before completing his residency at Lutheran Medical Center in 1987. With a background in internal Medicine and a subspecialty in addiction medicine the doctor has gone to build a career over the last 30 years as an affiliate and consultant for 8 separate hospitals in the local area as well as serving as medical director at four separate chemical dependency treatment facilities over the course of that same timeframe. Dr. Bishara is certified with the American Board of Addiction Medicine as well as approved by the FDA to prescribe Suboxone for those suffering from life threatening opioid dependency. Dr. Bishara can often be found within the walls of Buckeye Recovery Network, taking the time to meet with each client personally in order to best outline a medical treatment plan to best meet their specific needs.
Jeremy graduated from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting in 1993 and earned CPA Licenses in California, Washington, and Oregon.
Former roles included being the Pacific NW Director for a national accounting firm specializing in auditing and consulting for financial institutions, IT consulting, and being a VP of Internal Audit.
After nearly drinking himself to death and ending up in treatment and then sober living, Jeremy found his most rewarding role as a house manager at the Ohio House in Costa Mesa. He remained in that role for over 5 years before becoming the CFO at Buckeye Recovery Network.
Jeremy is a firm believer in giving back and the resulting peace and happiness that comes along with it. He is known for his motto of “Carpe Diem, Memento Mori”. Jeremy cherishes now being a sober son, brother, and being “Uncle Mimi” to his nieces and nephews.
Stepping into Buckeye Recovery Network, you will often be greeted by David Sanders, our Director of Operations and his dog, Meyer, the Director of Goofiness. As an Oregon native, David, entered the field of substance abuse treatment shortly after migrating to California to face his own path of recovery. Prior to working in the field of recovery, he studied Fire Science at Lane Community College while practicing as an Emergency Medical Technician. Now, at Buckeye Recovery Network, David is a vital part of the team overseeing daily operations as well as ensuring each client receives the individual care needed. Working alongside our Medical Director, David aims to provide each client the access and resources to tackle all aspects of their recovery including their physical, mental and spiritual health.
Cory displays strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and is most often found with a big smile exuding his positive perspective on life. He is always appreciative of his space in his own recovery. Cory is driven to bring his experience, big heart and passion for life to others. Always aiming to meet people
where they are at, he has found purpose in helping others find their own journey.
Cory always looks to nature and the outdoors to enhance the recovery experience and utilize what is available in all our lives. He continuously strives to create engaging activities, educational opportunities and personal growth encompassing nature, education and community programs. Cory sees personal relations, an open-mind and renewed hope through recovery as the good road ahead for those he crosses path with.
Cory is an accomplished angler, avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast.
CJ Flaherty has been with BRN since 2024 and is deeply committed to fostering a safe, structured, and supportive environment for clients on their recovery journeys. She has been in recovery herself since 2019.She is currently pursuing a BA in Psychology from Long Beach State University and working toward her CADC to become a licensed substance abuse counselor, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
With extensive experience in recovery-focused programs, CJ brings a unique blend of professional expertise, personal insight, and unwavering passion to her role as a client advocate. At the heart of her work is a dedication to empowering individuals to find strength and resilience through connection and community.
CJ has been instrumental in implementing innovative programs like the B.I.G. Program—Boldly Inspiring Greatness—which emphasizes mentorship and 12 core values that guide clients toward personal growth and self-discovery.
CJ believes that kindness and an open mind make anything possible. CJ is proud to contribute to BRN’s mission of helping clients build a foundation for lasting, fulfilling recovery. Passionate about cultivating a community where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered, CJ is dedicated to helping people embrace their authentic selves.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around” -Leo Buscaglia
Natasha Saifabad is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and obtained a master’s degree in counseling from San Diego State University. Since 2017, she has been working with individuals, couples, and families.
Natasha has experience working in a substance abuse setting that include, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. Natasha’s current role at Buckeye Recovery Network is the lead group facilitator for the partial hospitalization program and meeting with clients individually. She is skilled in running groups on mindfulness, different types of anxiety disorders, depression, CBT/DBT, just to name a few. She prides herself in developing a deep connection and collaborative approach with her clients.
Natasha is Gottman Level III trained and has been working with couples since 2020. The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes assessment of the relationship and integrates research-based interventions to assist couples in achieving a deeper sense of understanding, awareness, empathy, and connectedness.
Lastly, Natasha is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, which is an approach that encourages a healthy relationship with food. It promotes body positivity and focuses on recognizing and honoring hunger. Her mission is to help her clients improve their quality of their lives through strongly supported evidence-based practices and a compassionate therapeutic connection.
Stuart Stock-Tucker is the Lead Primary Therapist at Buckeye Recovery Network and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. He began his work in mental health after earning his degree in Recreational Therapy from California State University Long Beach in 2019, later returning to complete his master’s in counseling psychology in 2024. His experience spans psychiatric hospital and outpatient settings, where he has supported individuals through crisis, trauma, and identity exploration.
Stuart is trained in EMDR and specializes in treating anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders, and is passionate about providing a safe, affirming space for clients to feel seen and understood; especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community. He brings a grounded and compassionate presence to his work and is deeply committed to helping individuals heal, rebuild, and reconnect with their sense of self.
Catherine Durham, known to us as Cat ,is a passionate mental health professional dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and transformative space for individuals in recovery. As a Mental Health Primary Group Leader at Buckeye Recovery Network, she facilitates interactive and dynamic group sessions, fostering personal growth and emotional resilience in her clients.
Catherine holds a B.S. in Child and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently furthering her expertise by pursuing her master’s degree for Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) at the University of Massachusetts Global, where she is a Dean’s Scholarship recipient.
With a background in crisis intervention and behavioral health, Catherine blends her clinical knowledge with a deep sense of compassion. She strives to bring joy and laughter into her groups by making each session interactive and building meaningful connections with her clients. Her goal is to ensure that each person feels seen, heard, and empowered in their healing journey.
Catherine’s commitment to mental health advocacy, combined with her warmth and professionalism, makes her an invaluable part of the Buckeye Recovery Network community.
Kimberley Baird-Lyon is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist earning her Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy from The Chicago School in 2024. She received her Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, with a minor in Sociology from the University of Houston where she attended on a swimming scholarship.
Kimberley has 8 years of experience working in the substance abuse industry as a CADC I and has worked in multiple settings which includes Detox, Residential and Intensive Outpatient. Kimberley’s current role at Buckeye Recovery Network is the primary therapist for the evening program. She is the lead group facilitator and meets with clients individual.
Kimberley is a dedicated therapist specializing in addiction and mental health recovery. With a compassionate approach, she enjoys working with individuals to uncover and address the underlying issues that contribute to addictive behaviors. Her passion for helping others is evident in her commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings.
With extensive training and supervision, Kimberley utilizes evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s unique journey. She believes that understanding the root causes of addiction is essential for managing one’s mental health and achieving long term, lasting recovery. Through empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving, she empowers her clients to transform their lives and foster resilience.
Clarissa Nillo is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee currently completing her graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Global, where she is actively working toward a dual associateship in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. A native of Santa Barbara County, Clarissa moved to Orange County in 2016 to pursue her academic goals at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Medical Anthropology. This interdisciplinary background provides her with a unique lens on the intersection of physical health, cultural identity, and mental well-being.
Clarissa’s clinical passion lies in supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex mental health and relational challenges. At Buckeye Recovery Network, Clarissa empowers clients in their recovery journeys by fostering a deep sense of support, connection, and community. Her approach is rooted in an authentic appreciation for the therapeutic process, driven by a commitment to helping others find their own path to healing.
Daniel Ide has a traditional education in music and the literary arts leading to a further study and practice of interior and architectural design specializing in woodworking. He relocated from his home state of Massachusetts to Southern California in 2000 where his personal style of design and construction was welcome in the arts and business community. Daniel’s personal journey through addiction and recovery led him into a whole new world of healing and health exposing him to Western Shamanism, ancient healing arts and other esoteric teachings connected to sound healing. Many years later, and with deep personal interest and study, he has turned his focus more intently toward working with others in healing a variety of health issues. He too believes and follows in the tradition of healer as guide.
Yumi Yasuhara is a trained Massage Therapist with a long history of study and practice in the healing arts. She began her journey in Japan where she developed, at any early age, a healthy loving regard for the healing arts. Once established in the United States as a college student she pursued and completed a variety of healer trainings leading to her own signature practice of Massage Therapy. Today she focuses more intently on Sound and Energy as her prevailing healing modalities for guiding one towards health and wholeness, all the while holding fast to the sacred tradition of the “healer” as a guide merely provides opportunity for the client to heal themselves. Yumi’s daily healing and wholing routine is working with plants and wild life in and around her rural home.
Yesmeen Mikhail is a Michigan native who fell in love with the mental health benefits of yoga. For 4 years she has been teaching the power of breath work and mindfulness for reducing stress and anxiety. She has her 200 YTT from Core Power Yoga, learning the proper physical alignments to keep her students safe. She combines both yogic philosophy and meditation in classes giving her students a well-rounded experience. In the next year she hopes to stretch and breathe her way towards a Masters in Family Therapy. In her perfect world, everyone would have a little yoga in their lives.
Pamela Wood began her personal recovery in the beginning of 2012 and since then has remained a staple in the local recovery community. In September of 2018 Pam left her role as an office manager to join the Buckeye Recovery Network family with aspirations of joining a team dedicated to setting the bar for addiction and mental health treatment. Pamela quickly made her presence in the financial office known by improving overall operations with a meticulous attention to detail. Pamela is also tasked with all Human Resources duties and utilizes that same attention to detail in upholding the integrity of all employees who proudly call Buckeye Recovery Network home. In addition to this, Pamela has taken on responsibilities regarding all billing and invoicing within our organization which rounds out her tangible presence as an overall Swiss-army knife for Buckeye Recovery Network. Pamela continues to stay true to the roots of her own journey by ensuring that Buckeye Recovery Network maintains the delicate ecosystem of recovery that is necessary to foster long term sustainable wellness for all those who seek their services.
John Donoghue was born and raised in Illinois before moving to California in 2013 to pursue his own recovery. John then would go own to give back the experience that led to his success with sobriety by becoming a sober living manager in 2014, a position that he continues to hold today. As a house manager John became an integral part of the local recovery community and developed a skillset focused on client care. In 2019 John would go on to join the Buckeye Recovery Network Family in the financial office. It is within this role that John would focus on assisting families and patients alike in the financial portion of the treatment process which can sadly weigh heavily on those attempting to navigate recovery for their loved ones or themselves. Equipped with the knowledge that this is a delicate process, John handles all financial situations with the same gentleness and care that fostered his own recovery process years ago.
Jordan Justus was born and raised in Spokane, WA. After getting a partial college education at Washington State University, he moved down to Southern California in April of 2021 to begin the recovery process and start a new life. Jordan became a house manager at the Ohio House in 2022 and continued his own recovery while helping others begin their recovery. In 2025 Jordan joined Buckeye as a lab tech and continues in his recovery and helping others.
Kelsey carries multiple years of experience working in the substance abuse and mental health treatment field. Her passion for this field comes from her personally knowing recovery from addiction.
Prior to Buckeye she held titles of Recovery Coach, Operations Director, and Admissions Director. Kelsey was brought on at Buckeye Recovery as the Director of Business Development. She has a passion for ensuring every individual gets the help that they need, and does so by developing relationships with other providers.
Kelsey also oversees our women’s sober living environments – The Chadwick House for Women. She is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and conducive environment for all women that walk through the doors of Chadwick.
