Staff

The Victorian’s caring staff members genuinely connect with each client through a healthy bond of respect and immediate understanding.

Every one of our professionals is well versed in guiding female clients on their path to healing by treating the whole person, not just the eating disorder or addiction. Through your initial assessment, our team better understands your complete life to capably address issues such as family, culture, and social experiences.

Meet the incredible clinical staff who help deliver premium care in a loving environment.

Michelle Smith, LVN

Program Director

"If you're going through hell, keep going..." - Winston Churchill

Michelle has a strong background in addiction, nutrition, anxiety disorders, depression, and psychiatric illness.

Michelle works closely with the women at The Victorian (as well as their families) during the treatment process to make sure that the woman will get the best possible chance at recovery that treatment can provide.

Kristine Emry, LCSW - Clinical Director

"It is amazing to be part of a journey of authenticity."

Kristine is a vivacious and creative individual who embodies The Victorian's mission of creating a personalized treatment experience for every woman to show her healthy ways to have self esteem and that a life without and ED can be better than she ever imagined possible.

After graduating magna cum laude with a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Kristine moved to California to become the clinical supervisor at a shelter for teens in Long Beach. Kristine then earned her LCSW and developed a program for severely emotionally disturbed youth.  She expanded her knowledge and became certified in several modalities including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), and Motivational Interviewing.  Kristine was awarded LPS designation and UCLA’s certification for co-occurring disorders.

Kristine served as the Clinical Director of The Victorian's parent facility Sober Living by the Sea prior to becoming Clinical Director at The Victorian.

Dr. Valeh Karimkhani, D.O.

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

Dr. Karimkhani serves as Medical Director at Newport Academy providing direct psychiatric care at both the Residential and Intensive Outpatient Program.

Dr. Karimkhani, was born and raised in Denver CO, where she completed her undergraduate studies with a double major in biology and chemistry. She then moved to Texas, and attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health and Science Center, College of Osteopathic Medicine. During her four years at UNT/HSC, Dr. Karimkhani was granted a summer research scholarship and participated in cardiovascular physiology research. Her internship was completed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, located in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Karimkhani completed her psychiatry residency at University of Colorado Health and Science Center in 2007, with an emphasis in adolescent psychiatry. Since 2007, Dr. Karimkhani has been dedicated to community medicine in both emergency and outpatient settings. She has extensive experience in emergency psychiatry, dual diagnosis, trauma, substance abuse, and adolescent psychiatry.

Dr. Karimkhani is also a Major in the Army Reserves, and has completed two tours of duty in Iraq. She is dedicated to helping and healing our American heroes and soldiers.

Jerry Brown, MFT, Psy. D. - Therapist

"In sobriety, life gets better and better...don't quit before the miracle comes." - Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown has worked over 45 years in the counseling field, and over 34 years in the field of recovery.
Dr. Brown is a national speaker in the addiction field and specializes in dual diagnosis, family therapy and psychological testing.   He authored Militant Parenting, A Survival Guide For Parents with Problem Kids.

Dr. Brown is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.  He has worked in our treatment network  for over 17 years and is currently a clinical consultant for all of our programs. Dr. Brown also sees families and patients in his private practice.

Evan Miller, Ph.D Clinical Director for Extended Care 

"It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures in life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure." - Joseph Campbell

Dr. Miller specializes in the treatment of addiction from a psychodynamic perspective, taking into account the complex underlying issues in each client’s pathology. Dr. Miller has an extensive background in psychological assessment, evidence-based treatment initiatives, and applied athletic performance enhancement. His research areas include Axis-II personality disorders, archetypal theory, chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders, and depth-oriented sport psychology.

Allyssa James, 
LMFT - Therapist/Case Manager

"In the midst of winter, I found within me an invincible summer." - Albert Camus 

Allyssa graduated with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University in 2008. During her internship, she worked as a high school therapist counseling students struggling with conduct disorder, as well as working with students with Autism, Asperger's and other spectrum disorders. In the past several years, she has worked in the eating disorder and substance abuse field, working with both adolescents and adults.

One of Allyssa's favorite aspects of her job is helping clients develop passions and interests again, and watching inspiration come back into their lives. Allyssa's client-centered approach allows her clients to develop trust and hope in lasting recovery.

Andrea Brokaw, BA Psychology, BCN (Board Certified Neurofeedback)

Program Manager of Neurofeedback Health Services

 "I am focused on helping my clients become aware of their thoughts so that they may control stress, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, improve relaxation, and much more."

While Andrea was earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Arizona, she worked as a research assistant who studied depression by using brainwave recordings, or EEGs. Andrea became driven to understand the workings of the brain and how it relates to a person’s psychological health.

Her quest soon led her to the field of neurofeedback and she earned her National Certification in Neurofeedback or BCIA.  Andrea enjoys working with substance abuse clients to help them manage their addiction and related disorders. Neurofeedback allows the client to see and hear a representation of their individual brain function and effectively make changes over time. Andrea enjoys working with each client to guide the process of training the brain and the mind through neurofeedback techniques.

Dawn Narvaez, Registered Dietitian

Dawn Narvaez, RD graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1995.  She is a registered dietitian with more than 15 years of experience delivering highly successful and customized nutrition and exercise programs. Dawn continuously inspires clients to achieve their individual goals through motivational counseling, assessments, and effective educational programs. She strategically utilizes Medical Nutrition Therapy and behavior modifications techniques to counsel clients battling various eating disorders.

Dawn is a member of  IAEDP, NEDA, BEDA, ADA, BHN and SCAN.

Becky Gordon, RN 

Registered Nurse

Becky is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. She has clinical experience in a variety of nursing specialties including medical/surgical, psychiatric/mental health, neonatal/pediatric, and community health nursing. Becky's goal in working with people in recovery is to make them feel physically comfortable so that they can concentrate on the mental and emotional aspects of getting well. She enjoys being a part of the client’s pathway to health and strives to be a resource to any person who is need of care.

Susan Bailey, CAS – Case manager

"I have always been able to see the best in people, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing people in crisis turn their lives around and start to see the best in themselves." - Susan Bailey

Susie is a Certified Addiction Specialist dedicated to working with women in recovery. Her enthusiasm, empathy, and personal knowledge and understanding of the 12-Step Recovery Program make her an invaluable member of The Victorian team.

Allison Waite, MA Psychology, MFT-I - Therapist / Case Manager 

"Witnessing the transformation of an individual through the discovery of self is truly a miracle" - Allison Baker

Allison has over five years of experience working in the field of recovery. Allison began her career at CRC working for three years with women recovering from drugs and alcohol before joining the Victorian team.

Allison has an undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis on mental health, eating disorders and addiction.  Allison is currently a Marriage Family Therapist- intern and has completed her masters degree in Psychology. Allison's passion for counseling and her client centered approach allow her to help the clients cultivate growth and wellness through their own self empowerment.

Robin Lamoure, CADAC, MA, ATR - Art Therapist

Robin is the Art Therapist at The Victorian. Robin has a  background in a variety of different specialties and is able to work with a diversified group of clients.