Meet Our Team

About Kathy

Kathy Tunney is a seasoned expert in addiction treatment, boasting an impressive tenure of 28 years in the field. She holds a master’s degree in psychology from California State University, earned in 1982, which laid the foundation for her profound understanding of the complexities of addiction and recovery.

In 2002, driven by her vision and commitment to holistic recovery, Kathy founded Ocean Recovery. Under her leadership, the institution has become synonymous with transformative care, offering tailored strategies that cater to the unique needs of each individual. Kathy’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that treatment is a journey of transformation, not a defining moment. This ethos is evident in her approach, where she emphasizes a well-rounded continuum of care.

Kathy’s innovation in the field is further highlighted by the family programs she has developed, which aim to guide not just the individual, but their entire family towards the path of recovery. Her expertise also encompasses working with individuals with dual diagnoses, ensuring they receive comprehensive and nuanced care.

Kathy’s vigilant approach and her pioneering gender-specific treatment methodologies, Ocean Recovery has been a guiding light for countless individuals, helping them navigate the challenges of addiction and steering them towards a brighter, sober future. With Kathy at the helm, Ocean Recovery stands as a beacon of hope, guiding countless individuals towards a brighter, sober future.

Education

• Masters of Psychology from California State University (1982)

Experience

• 28 years in the field of addiction treatment.
• Developed numerous family programs for holistic recovery.
• Pioneered gender-specific treatment methodologies in addiction care.

About Heather

As the Chief Development Officer, Heather oversees Ocean’s strategic partnerships, clinical outreach and marketing and brand development. After struggling with addiction for most ofher young-adult life, Heather finally found the freedom of long-term recovery. Since then, she has made it her mission to help others struggling with substance abuse and other mental health

disorders. Heather prides herself on being a resource for many people, both inside and outside of the treatment industry. She is fully invested in helping every person she can find the proper treatment program, clinician or resource to meet their particular needs.

Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Whitman College and has worked in the behavioral health field since 2010. Heather currently serves as the Membership Chair for The California Alliance for State Advocacy (CASA) and is a dedicated advocate for SUD and MH treatment/services on both state and national level. Heather is a mom, wife and in her spare time loves to exercise and spend time with her two pups.

About Maddy

As Chief Operating Officer at Ocean Recovery, Maddy Nahigyan’s journey is rooted in both personal experience and academic prowess. As an alumnus of the program, she offers unparalleled insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by clients and their families during treatment. This firsthand understanding, combined with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, equips her with a holistic perspective on Addiction, Trauma, and Eating Disorder Treatment. Maddy’s commitment to Ocean Recovery spans over 9 years, beginning in a support role and evolving into a leadership position, a testament to her dedication and the trust she has garnered within the community. Guided by a passion to help others find joy in recovery, her contributions have been instrumental in shaping countless transformative journeys.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach.

Experience

• Alumnus of the Ocean Recovery program, providing a unique understanding of the client and family journey through treatment.
• Over 9 years of dedication to Ocean Recovery.
• Began her tenure in a support role and ascended to a leadership position as Chief Operating Officer.

About Matthew

Matthew is the Executive Director at Ocean Recovery, where he oversees the program’s operations and clinical care. He stepped into this role after serving as the Program Director of the men’s program. He has more than ten years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, working in both clinical and leadership roles.

Matthew is dedicated to preserving and strengthening Ocean Recovery’s history and culture. He specializes in family work, process groups, and helping clients become excited about building a future in sobriety and recovery. His focus is on creating a supportive environment where clients can experience meaningful change and connect with a lasting community that supports their long-term success. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Antioch University and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC).

About Dr. Jonathan

Dr. Jonathan Bellman is a distinguished psychiatrist with over two decades of experience, based in Orange County. A graduate of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Bellman further honed his expertise during his residency at the esteemed New York University School of Medicine from 1997 to 2001.

Beyond his private practice in Newport Beach, Dr. Bellman’s affiliations extend to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, where he has not only served patients but also shared his knowledge as a lecturer and consultant. His commitment to the field is further underscored by his memberships in the American Psychiatric Association and the Orange County Psychiatric Society.

At Ocean Recovery, Dr. Bellman plays a pivotal role, especially in addressing the unique challenges faced by young adults aged 18-30, whose addictions have hindered their transition into adulthood. His approach is rooted in fostering genuine, caring relationships, emphasizing the importance of love, boundaries, and consistent support. Dr. Bellman firmly believes in the power of a singular, committed treatment episode, and he, along with the Ocean Recovery team, embodies this commitment, ensuring clients are guided towards a holistic recovery.

Licensed to practice in multiple states, including Florida, California, and New York, Dr. Bellman’s vast experience and dedication make him a beacon of trust and expertise in the realm of psychiatry

Education

• University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine (1997)
• Residency in Psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine from (1997-2001)

Experience

• Over two decades of practice in psychiatry.
• Affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, serving as a lecturer and consultant
• Owns a private practice in Newport Beach, California
• Licensed to practice in multiple states, including Florida, California, and New York

About Brooke

Brooke is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She has been working in the field of chemical dependency since 2011 and has been on the staff of Ocean Recovery since 2014. Brooke works to help each individual to access his or her own sense of agency over their own bodies and lives. She believes that people have everything they need within themselves to move towards healing. Her hope is to help her clients find their innate ability to heal. To this end, she integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques including principals from Somatic Experiencing (SE), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and the Twelve Steps.

Brooke received her BA in Psychology from Bucknell University and her MS in Counseling at CSU Fullerton. Brooke specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, substance, abuse, trauma, and mood disturbances. In graduate school she assisted Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson, Ph.D in updating his book Learning group leadership: An experiential approach, and has carried her passion for group therapy in her work at Ocean Recovery.

About Chas

Chas, a native of Orange County, brings a passion for recovery to the men and women at Ocean Recovery. He emphasizes hard work, dedication, the importance of building relationships, and being a team player. He feels he has found his purpose working in substance use disorder treatment and finds fulfillment by helping others recover, just as others have helped him on his journey.  Chas has been working in the recovery field since 2016 and has worked in numerous positions including support staff, client advocate, Case Manager and now, Director of Operations.

As Director of Operations, Chas oversees the day-to-day activities, client/facility safety, and all operational team members. Our Operations staff consists of a well-trained and dedicated staff who share a common passion for helping men and women struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. When not at work, Chas can be found at home spending time with his family. In addition, he coaches youth football and volunteers his time at various local animal rescues. In the recovery industry since 2016, Chas believes an essential piece of recovery is changing perceptions and rebuilding healthy, sustainable self-esteem.

About Daniel

Danny, the Director of Admissions for Ocean Recovery, brings a unique perspective and dedication to his role, having been a client himself in 2016. His personal journey through recovery fuels his passion for helping others succeed and reclaim their lives. He understands the challenges individuals face and is committed to supporting them every step of the way.

Deeply embedded in the Ocean’s community, Danny recognizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive in their recovery journey. He believes in the power of camaraderie and the value of having fun in sobriety, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful connections and enjoying life without the influence of substances.

With his firsthand experience, compassion, and dedication, Danny plays a crucial role in guiding individuals towards a brighter future at Ocean Recovery. His unwavering support and genuine care make him an invaluable asset to the community.

About Carly

Carly Bachrach began her career in chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders in 2010 and later earned her master’s degree in psychology from Phillips Graduate University. She has supported individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds across multiple levels of care, holding leadership roles in outpatient and residential programs and overseeing clinical operations, organizational systems, and quality and compliance.

As Administrative Director at Ocean Recovery, Carly focuses on building a supportive, well-coordinated environment where staff can thrive and clients receive exceptional care. She is dedicated to fostering strong employee engagement, developing clear and effective processes, and promoting a culture grounded in compassion, integrity, and collaboration. Carly is committed to ensuring high-quality, individualized care and finds deep fulfillment in contributing a program that promotes healing, growth, and long-term recovery.

About Rachael

Rachael is the Administrative Assistant at Ocean Recovery with six years of experience working in eating disorder and substance use disorder treatment across residential and detox levels of care. She brings a strong operational mindset paired with an understanding of the clinical and client care sides of treatment, allowing her to effectively support both staff and organizational needs.

Rachael is passionate about helping create treatment environments that support long-term recovery and sustainability for clients. Her background includes direct client support and leadership roles, giving her valuable insight into daily operations, compliance and administration.

She is currently enrolled in a dual Master’s degree program pursuing both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). R plans to continue developing her career along the operations and administrative leadership path within the behavioral health and treatment industry.

About Lulu

As a House Supervisor, Lulu plays a vital role in creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment for clients in treatment. Lulu is dedicated to supporting clients as they build stability, accountability, and healthy daily routines.

In this role, Lulu oversees day-to-day operations within the residence, provides direct support to clients, and collaborates closely with the clinical team to ensure consistency in care. Her top priority is to help foster a sense of trust and community while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.

Lulu is passionate about recovery-focused care and believes in meeting each individual with empathy, respect, and encouragement throughout their healing journey.

About Bruce

After spending over 15 years in construction, Bruce made the decision to follow his passion for helping men recover from addiction. In the recovery industry since 2012 as an Addiction Counselor, Bruce has worked with all populations and has seen it all. He brings his experience as a recovering addict who struggled in early sobriety into his job description. He understands the adversity one faces during the life-changing time one has in treatment. Furthermore, he knows how to help one navigate the internal conflict one may have when buying into a new life.

Bruce believes an essential piece of recovery is finding the motivation to change, realigning priorities, and changing perceptions. He believes one of the great rewards in life is to see someone come in broken and defeated then leave with genuine confidence they can live a life beyond their dreams. Bruce’s favorite role in life is as a husband and father. With recovery, he found the truest joys in his life come from his family. Bruce enjoys time with his family, live music and sporting events, and reading autobiographies. He also wants everyone who meets him to know he is a San Diego Chargers fan and his favorite color is Dodger blue. WPS!

About Aoife

Aoife is a Program Manager who is passionate about helping her clients develop the skills they need to overcome their disorders and achieve a fulfilling life. She specializes in education about coping mechanisms, cognitive distortions, goal achievement, 12 step resources, and aftercare. She believes that a sense of community and connection can build the groundwork needed to achieve integrity and self-esteem in longterm recovery. Aoife is a registered drug and alcohol technician who received her BA of Sociology at Chapman University.

Her passion about the co-morbidity of addiction and eating disorders led her to write her graduating thesis on how social class affects the development and treatment of eating disorders. As an alumni of Ocean Recovery, Aoife understands and urges the importance of utilizing all of the resources one may need in their journey of recovery. Aoife is pursuing her masters degree in marriage and family counseling, and plans to continue to grow and educate herself more on how she can better provide guidance for individuals and families who need it.

About Tyler

About Brian

Brian is a Case Manager with Ocean Recovery who specializes in meeting an individual where they are at. He helps the client to develop recovery related concepts and skills such as routine, self worth, accountability, 12 step work, and developing a positive perception to create a drive and motivation. Brian believes each individual has an opportunity to live a clean and sober life if they are willing to work at it. Brian has worked in treatment for over 6 years.

About Chase

Chase is a Case Manager with Ocean Recovery who provides accountability, structure, and incorporates fun in recovery. He assists clients with their day-to-day activities and aims to be helpful in any way possible for them. He believes that a core part of recovery is shifting perspective through motivational interviewing and addressing cognitive distortions within the individual. Chase has worked in the field of Addiction for six years as support staff, detox technician, and client advocate. He has found a purpose with helping others gain a life worth living. He utilizes self-disclosure through personal experience of overcoming addiction and understands the struggles in early recovery. Chase has a strong passion for helping others from the trenches of addiction and feels rewarded when seeing others recover.

Chase enjoys surfing, spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and live music. His favorite band is Agent Orange and supports his local teams the Angels and the Ducks.

About Page

As an Admissions Specialist for Ocean Recovery, Page finds purpose in being a trusted first point of contact for those seeking care. Page began her career in the nonprofit sector, which instilled a deep commitment to helping others. Today, Page draws on her professional experience in nonprofit management and talent acquisition to thoughtfully balance empathy with clear, effective communication, guiding individuals and families through complex treatment decisions. She is dedicated to ensuring every person feels supported, understood, and empowered from the very first step of their recovery journey.