At its foundation, providing those who need mental health help comes down to the people who work together to achieve healing and happiness. We’ve always believed that, and that’s why the way that we provide Orange County mental healthcare starts with those who will be working with the people who come to stay with us. We pride ourselves in building and maintaining a team of the right people who fill and maximize the right roles for their unique talents. The bond that forms between our team members and those who stay with us is often one of the biggest factors in the success that those we help enjoy.
We want anyone who is thinking of coming to stay with us and their loved ones to get to know us better. That will help provide a boost to those who are ready to do what it takes to reclaim their mental health. Meet the professionals at SoCal Empowered™. These team members are here to care for you and help you on your path to recovery. Our experienced and knowledgeable Orange County mental healthcare team is here to support you.
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from the Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric
Lisa McCurry is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is committed to helping her clients understand their core emotional issues, identify their strengths, and move forward towards growth, insight, and self-compassion. In her role as Clinical Supervisor at SoCal Empowered, she aims to bring the same sense of attunement, guidance, and unconditional support to her supervisees as she does into the therapy room with her clients so that they may be the strongest therapists for both themselves and those they are working with.
Lisa McCurry, LMFT
Clinical Director
Adin Hatter
Director of Operations
With seven years of experience in the behavioral health field, Blaine Lovette is dedicated to guiding individuals at the very start of their journey to recovery. Passionate about providing compassionate and individualized care, Blaine ensures that every person seeking help receives the support and attention they deserve.
Blaine Lovette
Admissions Director
After graduating Nursing School in 2014, Arleen knew her purpose in life was to help others. After working in geriatrics for 5 years, she decided to shift her focus into addiction/mental health and joined the Care Team in 2019. She has been in the healthcare field for over 10 years and works hard to assure everyone’s needs are met in our program. As an Operations Supervisor she truly works hard to complete our company’s mission which is to change the lives of others.
Arleen Jimenez
Operations Supervisor
Sue is a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She joined the Socal Empowered team in 2019. Her nursing experience has extensively focused on mental health and substance abuse, but she also has experience in skilled nursing, geriatrics, and home health, all of which can come in handy with her current duties.
Sue Kue
Charge Nurse
After moving to Orange County in 2019, Kyle decided to focus on work that he was passionate about. He has been in involved in the mental health and dual diagnosis community for over three years. Kyle, who is nearly always accompanied by his goldendoodle named Brook, believes in helping other find their happiness. Kyle holds a degree in Kinesiology and encourages people to get outside to enjoy nature. He enjoys taking clients on hikes, trips to the beach, and on outings. He strongly believes in encouraging clients to pursue their passions and to find a renewed source of happiness. As an Operations Supervisor for SoCal Empowered, Kyle and Brook are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
Kyle Swiderski
Operations Supervisor
Lorenzo Contreras is a dedicated mental health clinician with a Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach (2025), where he also earned his Bachelor of Social Work in 2023.
Lorenzo Contreras
Therapist
Sean Leonard received his MSN degree from Walden University. He is board certified in adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner and is completing his post master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at RMU. He is also working on his certification for addiction medicine nurse practitioner. His practice serves San Diego County.
Sean Leonard
Nurse Practitioner
Ashley is an Assistant Clinical Director who completed her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Vanguard University. Prior to earning her Master’s degree, Ashley completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications from Grand Canyon University.
Ashley Southard
Assistant Clinical Director
Dominique Alegria is a bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health professional dedicated to fostering emotional wellness, resilience, and empowerment in individuals and communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in community mental health from California State University, Fullerton, as well as a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from UCLA. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton.
Dominque Algeria
Therapist
Hi, I am Brook, and my humans say I’m a goldendoodle with a heart of gold. I have grown up going to work with my Dad and have loved meeting and spending time with humans that have come through the doors of SoCal Empowered. I have gone through training to learn how to properly behave and support humans when they are experiencing difficult times. I specialize in making humans feel safe and loved.
Brook
Therapy Dog
Melanie has worked in the mental health field for two years in the roles of Substance Abuse Case Manager and Mental Health Case Manager in both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Melanie began her education studying both psychology and sociology. Prior to working in mental health treatment, Melanie worked as a Case Manager, Community Integration Specialist, and Assistant Residential Facility Administrator for adults with disabilities. Melanie began a master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and took a hiatus to raise her son. She plans to return to complete this program.
Melanie Mitrovich
Case Manager
After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2018, Melina always knew her career would be one where she could help and provide guidance to others. Melina focuses on assisting those struggling with mental health illness through interpersonal awareness. She has experience working with both adults and children in inpatient psychiatric facilities.
Melina Miranda
Case Manager
After moving to Orange County in 2022 to pursue opportunity and education, Evan found himself struggling to find work he was passionate about. He started out as an entry level behavioral health technician, where he quickly found that helping people on their mental health journey was his passion.
Evan Douglass
Alumni Coordinator
Chef Kevin holds bachelor’s degrees in Business Management, Computer Science, and Network Engineering & Security. Though he explored various career paths prior to 2011, it was then that he decided to follow his true passion: the culinary arts. With only a few kitchen and catering stints under his belt, Kevin started from the ground up and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Sous Chef at a prestigious resort in California.
Kevin
Chef
Connor Pearce
Alumni Coordinator
Melissa is board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a focus on treating complex mental health and substance use disorders across diverse clinical settings. She provides compassionate, evidence-based care that integrates medication management with a strong emphasis on patient education, functional recovery, and individualized treatment planning.
Melissa Edwards
Nurse Practitioner
We Are Committed to your Long Term Success
Our unique residential mental health locations in Orange County are personalized for each individual we have the honor of working with. Our goal is to equip you or your loved one with the best combination of medication and therapeutic intervention for your unique needs.
At SoCal Empowered™, we focus on meeting each individual where they are. We’re a family run facility comprised of industry-leading mental health and recovery professionals. We base our treatment approach on the most up-to-date research surrounding mental health and wellness.
We provide 24-hour, around the clock support to ensure you not only survive this difficult time but to thrive. Our licensed team of mental health and recovery experts are here for you as you begin on the journey toward personal growth and healing. We take insurance – often, your treatment costs will be 100% covered. Start On Your Path Toward Healing Now!
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from the 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. Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems.
