Lucy helms all clinical treatment directives, programs, and services across Paradigm Treatment’s southwestern territory, and provides ongoing clinical group supervision specifically to our Southern California staff. Lucy also worked extensively with young adults in a private practice setting. She also treated children and teens with emotional and behavioral needs at multiple school sites as a therapist. Lucy has comprehensive experience as a behavior interventionist working with teens with developmental disorders, and as a therapist at an intensive outpatient program for mental health and substance dependency. Additionally, Lucy has a background that includes working at a residential facility that uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to treat borderline personality disorder and is EMDR-trained.

Lucy is passionate about helping her clients discover their own strengths and use their unique qualities to create a more fulfilled life. She integrates the practical components of various cognitive-behavioral approaches with the gentle practice of mindfulness, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Lucy received her Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health at California State University, Fullerton. She also received an Excellence in Research Award studying parent-adolescent relationships when she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine.

View Lucy’s YouTube interview below.

Marc Botezatu graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Humanity. Prior to joining the Paradigm team as Deputy Director, Marc helped manage residential care units at other treatment facilities. Marc’s approach is to make sure day-to-day operations are running smoothly, so that the environment is conducive to positive change. Marc enjoys working with a team that helps bring joy to young adults, youth, and families. Outside of work, Marc likes everything in the great outdoors.

Jane obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Arizona, and is currently working towards her Master of Arts degree in Psychology at Pepperdine University. She has extensive professional experience working in adolescent residential facilities, and in addition to working as a Behaviorist, Jane also spent several years working with adults, teens and children with special needs. As a clinician she prioritizes building rapport with clients, and values providing a safe environment in which clients can feel encouraged to develop the concrete skills they need to lead a fulfilling life. Jane enjoys boxing and introducing it to clients as a healthy way to process and release difficult emotions.

Susan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare and Social Justice and a minor in Clinical Studies. Susan is experienced in working with teens and adolescents as a behavioral therapist and is currently working toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker. In her free time, Susan enjoys music, poetry, yoga, cooking, and volunteering.

Angela Du graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychobiology and a Minor in Global Health. During her college experience, she facilitated workshops for teens on pursuing their interests and she was a peer mentor to students experiencing emotional and academic difficulties. Angela joined Paradigm to continue working as a mentor and advocate for youth. She believes that teens thrive with individualized support and open communication, especially teens who have been socially isolated, bullied, or stigmatized. She encourages teens to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and to listen to and value different life experiences and perspectives. In addition to enjoying her work with the teens at Paradigm, she spends time with her friends and is studying to enter medical school.

Rebecca Acevedo is a Registered Nurse who graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Before joining the Paradigm team, she worked in a wide range of clinical settings where she provided treatment to adolescents and their families for a variety of health-related needs. Her passion, however, is in the provision of teen treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Rebecca has devoted much of her career to de-stigmatizing mental health treatment for teens. Her goal is to help young people become the best possible version of themselves.

Prior to joining Paradigm, Melody worked as a preschool teacher at Beth Shir Shalom, later moving on to Antioch Community Counseling Center as a therapist. In her graduate studies and post graduate counseling experiences, she was drawn towards relational, insight-oriented, narrative, and behavioral therapies. Melody is most passionate about working with teenagers and she uses a strengths-based approach to help them embrace their most authentic selves during their transition into adulthood. Melody earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA. When not at work, she enjoys boxing and fitness activities.

Bio coming soon.

From the love that his family’s cooking brought his childhood, Patro Lopez knew at a young age that a career as a chef was the profession he wanted to pursue. This passion would lead Patro to train under the leadership of several renowned chefs specializing in a variety of culinary origins. Patro’s creations cross several cultural and geographic borders, consisting of recipes derived from Mexican, Italian, and Japanese cuisine, among others. Patro seeks out opportunities to assist youth in developing a refined sense of self and meaningful relationships through sharing nutritious, inspired meals.

My passion for cooking started because of my curiosity informed by my Mexican roots. There are wonderful ways of preparing American food while also mixing my experience in the kitchen to help prepare delicious recipes and smiles of gratitude. A variety of flavors and aromas make my Mexican food special. But I am also inspired to prepare Chinese food with wonderful flavors and excellent results. My job allows me to create exquisite meals and to play with vegetables, meats, and spices. I get to put smiles on many young people’s faces and hearing so much gratitude is what boosts my passion for cooking.

Stephanie Holdenried graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is the 6th generation of a California ranching family and a nationally-certified (CEIP) equine-facilitated educator and nutritionist. She creates and facilitates a wide range of equine therapy programs, including experiences for women, youth, and recovery groups, with the goal of helping individuals find greater self-awareness by connecting to their own intrinsic wisdom. Stephanie is also the founder of GUTS-y Girls, an equine-led life skills and leadership group for 10-12 year olds, and co-founder of Networking at the Barn, in Marin County. Beyond this, she is developing leadership and team building programs for organizations through her licensing with Horse Dream in Europe. Stephanie’s grounded presence combined with her own experience growing up on a ranch and being an avid horsewoman allow her unique insights and understanding to create space for profound equine therapy sessions that allow Paradigm youth to open and connect with themselves and others in a deep, meaningful way.

Judy Weston-Thompson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified equine interactive specialist. Judy holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Sonoma State University and completed her Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy studies more than a decade ago. She was among the first graduate class of psychotherapists to be certified as an equine interactive professional mental health (CBEIP.org). Judy also holds a therapeutic riding instructor certificate from and is an active member of, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Over time, Judy has developed her own unique form of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, which has proven especially effective for the treatment of teens struggling with anxiety, interpersonal relationship building, depression, trauma, and PTSD. Combining several different types of psychotherapy treatments with various horsemanship and horse-related practices (natural horsemanship, animal communication & horse massage), Judy has developed her own treatment modality; based on a true partnership beneficial to both human and horse.

Daniel Rauck completed his teacher training at Greenpath yoga in SF and has been a yoga instructor for more than a decade. Since his very first yoga class, he was inspired at yoga’s potential for healing and transformation. Daniel has taught over 10,000 classes and brought the practice of yoga to folks from a wide variety of backgrounds. He has worked with a full spectrum of physical abilities, from athletes to the differently-abled. Regardless of one’s current physical and emotional state, Daniel teaches yoga in a way that meets each adolescent where they are, in order to help the teen find their own path to balance and empowerment. Augmenting his yoga teaching are studies in Yoga Nidra, restorative yoga, and yin yoga, as well as being a NASM corrective exercise specialist.

Marquis is a former Division 1 football player at the University of Arizona who has a passion for fitness, education, and helping others. As a youth he was always active and involved in sports as well as various other activities. His time and energy spent in sports translated directly onto the field. He excelled in football and received a full ride scholarship to play Defensive back at the U of A, where he stared on defense and led the team in interceptions as a senior. Upon entering college with an eager and hungry mind set, he gravitated towards strength training and quickly fell in love with it. After a short stint with the Chicago Bears of the NFL, Marquis closed the chapter of his football career and geared his attention towards athletic training and helping others reach their highest fitness potential. He began interning at the University of Arizona where NFL players would return to campus in the offseason to train and sharpen their skills. Soon after, he moved back to California where he would start to do more one-on-one training.

Gabriel works in business development, spearheading marketing and outreach initiatives for both adult and adolescent programs in the Pacific Northwest. He brings compassion and empathy, mixed with exuberant effort, to assist those in need of services. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University School of Business, having earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He is the founder/president of the non-profit “Advanced Recovery Solutions” which has been changing the way communities and professionals access care, with the mission of elevating interagency collaboration in the behavioral health field. He also serves as Treasurer for the Prevent Suicide Spokane Coalition.

Gabriel is the father of two sons, and is happily married to Tami Minchow, a licensed clinical social worker. Their entire lives revolve around inspiring healthy family systems to thrive, including their own. In their free time (which comes sporadically) they enjoy travelling to new places and enjoying good food and fun activities.

Mera West has a strong foundation in psychology, combining her academic background and extensive practical experience to guide individuals toward stability and wellness. She began her career at the Berkeley Therapy Institute, working with adults facing mental health challenges, where she developed key skills in advocacy, supervision, and structured care within a residential setting. Mera earned her degree in psychology from UCLA, where she contributed to groundbreaking research at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and the David Geffen School of Medicine. Her work focused on developmental psychopathology and autism spectrum disorders, with a special emphasis on early intervention for adolescents and young adults, particularly in enhancing social function and communication. As a UCLA PEERS Certified provider, specializing in evidence-based social skills intervention for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional difficulties, Mera understands that early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes. With this commitment, she integrates clinical expertise, research, and compassion, making her a trusted advisor in the field of behavioral health. In her free time, she enjoys painting, pilates and exploring the world with her trusted canine companion, Mochi, adding a touch of adventure and balance to her life.

Alicia brings compassion and authenticity to her work at Altior Healthcare. With a background in behavioral health, she supports teens, young adults, and adults navigating mental health and substance use challenges.

Having seen the impact of mental health and substance use disorders through family and close relationships, Alicia is committed to helping normalize these conversations and reduce stigma both in treatment settings and beyond. She believes in meeting people where they are and creating spaces that encourage connection, honesty, and healing.

Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, and cuddling with her teacup Maltese, Lola.

Mindi has almost completed a Bachelor of Science in International Business. Before discovering her passion for supporting clients to navigate and access care, she was a small business owner and successfully managed high profile restaurants in the Denver Metro area. After going through a healing journey of her own, Mindi decided to pursue a career in a field that aligns with a desire to support others in an impactful and meaningful way. After serving as Admissions Manager for psychology clinics specializing in eating disorder recovery, Mindi found her way to Paradigm Treatment. Outside of work, Mindi enjoys spending time with her partner and dogs, and is passionate about collecting and restoring antiques.

Alexandra Lincoln has had a passion for helping others since she started working in the treatment field over four years ago. Alex’s prior experience includes working as a case manager and an admissions coordinator for a treatment center in New Hampshire. Alex’s favorite part of working at Paradigm is helping families. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses, practicing yoga and spending time with her family.

As Paradigm Treatment’s Admissions Manager, Sydney handles all incoming admissions requests including questions pertaining to insurance and related financial matters. Sydney also interfaces with clients, families, and our internal team to ensure that our admissions processes are running smoothly and that our programs are accurately messaged to both clients and affiliates.

Sydney has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Addiction & Recovery from the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Cal Lutheran University. Sydney is passionate about assisting individuals and their families navigate their unique challenges and circumstances so as to best achieve their goals. When she isn’t working, Sydney enjoys hiking, traveling, and international cuisine.

Dr. Veronica J. Vargas is a distinguished Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of dedicated service in the Austin and Central Texas area. Her extensive career spans a diverse array of roles, from her tenure as a Victim Witness Counselor for the Austin Police Department to her impactful contributions as a Medical Social Worker, psychiatric assessor, and individual therapist.  Dr. Vargas has also held pivotal positions in hospitals, jails, residential treatment centers, and other critical care settings, showcasing her versatility and commitment to mental health care.

As a seasoned clinician and senior administrator, Dr. Vargas has worked across various populations and therapeutic modalities, providing essential support to clients and families navigating mental health crises. Her profound belief in delivering personalized care during pivotal moments defines her role at Paradigm, where she currently leads a dedicated team of clinicians, nurses, and support personnel who share her unwavering commitment to compassionate care.

Dr. Vargas earned her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her Doctorate in Social Work from Tulane University. Beyond her professional achievements, she finds joy in spending quality time with loved ones, savoring the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, and embarking on spontaneous adventures around the globe, all while cherishing Austin as her beloved home.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Alicia joins Paradigm Treatment with an extensive background in mental health. She began her career in Reno, Nevada, as a licensed social worker in a Level 1 trauma hospital. She then moved to Austin, Texas, where she worked in marketing for a large mental health hospital. Alicia is passionate about providing assistance to those in need of mental health services and is ready to make a difference!

To care for her own mental health, Alicia enjoys pool days with friends, boating on the lake, and just about any outdoor activity.

Jeff was born on the bayous of Southwest Louisiana. He is a father of two, a daughter, 34, and a son, 26, and grandfather to two little boys, Judah, 5 and Roman, 2. Jeff has worked in this industry for 32 years and has had the privilege to make a difference in hundreds of lives, as a director in 3 different residential facilities, helping many children overcome the trauma and pain in their lives due to abuse and neglect. He aims to create a safe, nurturing environment for the children served by Paradigm.

Jeff believes that client-centered therapy focuses on establishing a warm, safe environment and providing genuine empathy, while building a relationship so that the client feels safe and has a sense of trust. Jeff believes we can reach and help each child overcome any obstacle in their lives by getting to the root of the issues and forming new beginnings with their family. Jeff enjoys coaching select baseball, developing players and creating a team mentality while also spending time with family and enjoying those precious moments with his grandkids.