Our Staff
Carol Coleman, B.S., M.A. Family Therapist
For over 25 years Carol has involved and dedicated herself to the recovery of clients, their families, and loved ones. Addiction is a family disease and the family recovers together. Carol works with clients individually on a daily basis, and she also has the privilege of facilitating multi-faceted family groups twice weekly at Spencer Recovery Center. During these family groups, she, clients and family members examine communication styles and how families can interact more productively to ensure that everyone has a voice. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment in which to express feelings and resolve conflict. Watching these changes and being part of the solution has been Carol’s motivation and reward for many, many years.
Kerry Regan, B.A.
Kerry has extensive experience dealing with alcoholism, addiction, and recovery. She brings over a decade of personal experience, training, and expertise to the field of drug and alcohol counseling. Kerry received a B.A. in Communications from Menlo College and is currently pursuing her Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from T.I.A.C. As a proud member of the counseling team at Spencer Recovery Centers, Kerry instills hope in her clients and assists them in developing tools and skills for their new life. “If we treat people the way they are, we make them worse. If we treat people according to their potential, we help them become the happier more self assured individuals”.
Reverend Clark Burlew, D.D.
Clark is an addiction specialist and has been developing treatment programs in the Southern California communities for over twenty-one years. Clark has worked professionally in all capacities at Spencer Recovery Center to provide quality care. Clark Burlew believes recovery will always involve spiritual change and is passionate about the faith based Grace Track at Spencer Recovery Centers. The Grace Track gives clients the opportunity to be part of a powerful recovery program employing principles from the Twelve Steps and relevant scriptures found in the Bible.
Scott K. Beardsley, M.A. in Counseling Psychology, EMDR Trained
Scott is honored to add psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to the clients’ treatment program. With Scott, clients benefit from traditional substance abuse counseling, and, if needed, they also receive treatment for underlying issues stemming from childhood trauma that could contribute to their self-medicating behaviors. Scott helps the clients’ process past traumas through EMDR. As a result, new coping skills often develop which reduce if not extinguish the urge to use drugs and alcohol. Scott received EMDR training from Dr. Philip Manfield, one of the world’s foremost experts in EMDR, and employs the latest EMDR techniques in an effective and life-changing manner.
Nancy J. Wilson, C.S.A.C.
Nancy has served in the field of addiction for 18 years. She is a graduate of Saddleback College and is certified in Drug and Alcohol Counseling and Human Services. Nancy’s work continues to engage her; she is compelled to adapt to each client’s unique situation and she thrives on that diversity. She has done crisis intervention, family counseling, and also manages a caseload of clients in different stages of treatment. Nancy states, “Guiding clients to life changes and teaching them to build on their strengths to live a clean and sober life is a rewarding and satisfying career.”
Dr. Laura Lee Flaherty , N.P.T., Psy.D
Dr. Lauralee Flaherty's career has focused on psychological trauma and addiction beginning in 1990. She has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from CIHS, and she is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Lauralee also pioneered the field of Nurse Practitioner in 1982. Before earning her doctorate Lauralee earned her BS in Nursing at Dubuque University, and her Masters in Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Lauralee’s psychological experience includes treatment of the effects of trauma on addiction, and eating disorders. She treats patients with symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Although trained traditionally in the medical field, Lauralee now takes a more integrative and holistic approach to balancing brain and body chemistries by utilizing Nutritional Psychology. This field combines nutritional therapy with psychological components to eliminate addictive cravings. Dr. Flaherty also maintains a private practice in Laguna Beach, CA.
Yianna Dereschuk, Registered Dietitian
Yianna graduated from CSLUB in 1995 and after completing her internship in 1997, she worked within the fields of chemical dependency and mental health. Yianna enjoys being an active participant in her clients path toward recovery. “I have worked with Spencer Recovery Centers since 2004 and it is a privilege to work with such a compassionate team dedicated to their clients’ well being.” The Spencer organization and Yianna both place a great emphasis on nutrition and its essential importance to recovery. Yianna facilitates nutrition groups and meets with clients individually to ensure that clients receive education on better dietary practices and healthier living.
Matt Valent, Massage Therapist
Bio coming soon
Dr. Gheysar, Lead Physician
Dr. Gheysar attended UCLA for his undergraduate studies before receiving his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1990 at the University of California, Irvine. He has 20 years of practice experience in Southern California, the last 8 years of which have been devoted to the exclusive practice of Addiction Medicine. He was certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 2002 and is now Board Certified by the newly formed American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Gheysar has also been designated by the Medical Board of California as an Expert Reviewer where he reviews addiction related cases for the Medical Board. His years of experience as an Addictionologist as well as his broad Family Practice experience makes Dr. Gheysar a well rounded physician who can address all aspects of a patients care and treatment.
