addiction treatment team

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Medical Director

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, where fifty percent of his rotations were at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. After his residency he worked at Ventura County Medical Centers in an adult out-patient setting and now lives in Orange County, California.

Lisa Merry

Clinical Director

Lisa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment. She has expertise as a Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor, and creating high quality, client centered services in treatment. She has been a leader with Celebrate Recovery, a Christ Centered 12 step program, for over 25 years.

Andrew Sutherland

Program Director

Andrew was born and raised in southern California and graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He has been with Sober Partners since 2015 and has worked in varying roles with the company. Currently, Andrew is the Program Director at Sober Partners and tries to instill two goals in each client he interacts with: to consistently make progress and to have fun in their recovery. Being in recovery himself, Andrew has made it his purpose in life to help others regain their lives and achieve their greatest ambitions.

Makaela Conol

Assistant Clinical Director

Makaela is a dedicated therapist and doctoral candidate specializing in substance use recovery. With a deep passion for healing, connection, and personal transformation, Makaela provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their struggles with substance use. Believing that recovery is deeply personal and unique to each individual, Makaela tailors each therapeutic approach to honor your journey and needs.

In this safe space, Makaela offers empathetic support, helping individuals rebuild trust in themselves and others while empowering them to reclaim their lives. Through a holistic and individualized approach, Makaela is committed to walking alongside you as you navigate the challenges of recovery, helping you find strength, healing, and lasting change. Your journey is unique, and she is honored to be part of it, offering the support and care you deserve as you move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Gwen Jones

Therapist

Gwen is a dedicated Associate Clinical Social Worker who graduated with her bachelors in sociology from the University of California Riverside, and her Masters in Social Work from Simmons University.

Gwen is passionate about creating a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes in the power of validation and connection as foundations for healing and strives to meet each client with compassion and respect.

Gwen’s approach is centered on collaboration, trust, and honoring each person’s unique journey. She is especially committed to supporting individuals through life transitions, emotional challenges, and recovery, and offers a space where growth, resilience, and self-discovery can unfold at a meaningful pace.

Melanie Paniagua

Therapist

Melanie is a dedicated Associate Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. With a master’s degree in counseling, she uses an evidence-based approach to address the complex mental and emotional factors involved in addiction.

Attuned to each client’s unique experience, Melanie creates a compassionate space and integrates proven therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process trauma and underlying challenges.

She also has specialized training in perinatal mental healthcare, supporting individuals through the psychological challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.

Committed to personalized care, Melanie focuses on insight, resilience, and meaningful progress to empower lasting, positive change.

Hailey Grimble

Director of Operations

Margo Griffin

Direct Care Manager

Greg Alexander

Facilities Manager

Amy Liepold

Case Manager

Christian Beck

Case Manager

Robert Alvarez

Case Manager

Glenn De Leon

Case Manager