Meet The Team And Facility

Our Staff

Their highly trained and empathetic staff create a nurturing atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and understanding among the residents. Through a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies, counseling sessions, and wellness activities, Kokua Wellness Center empowers individuals to address the root causes of their addiction, promoting lasting recovery and a renewed sense of purpose.

Mike Bradshaw

Mike Bradshaw

Co-Founder

Mike’s own experiences inspired him to make a career out of helping others with addiction. In 2009, he entered the field of addiction treatment, and in 2013 he became a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC I) through California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). Mike started working in the field of addiction counseling and quickly found his calling.

A Selfless Approach

He has been essential in shaping treatment initiatives in Southern California and remains engaged in direct care. According to him, the best method to help someone who is struggling with addiction is to point them in a new direction. This commitment, coupled with his unselfish willingness to help others, has helped him to keep his position as a respected leader in the field of substance abuse recovery.

Randy Flores

Randy Flores

Co-Founder

 

Randy’s personal experience led him to pursue a career in the rehabilitation industry. In 2012, Randy entered recovery and started collaborating with others. Randy chose to repay the generosity shown to him.

A Passion Towards The Process

In 2017, Randy started working at a Detox in the San Fernando Valley, where he quickly developed a deep interest in the treatment field. Randy is committed to treatment because he believes in the power of hope to transform lives. He lives by the maxim, “Keep It Simple.” Randy brightens up the KoKua Wellness Family with his optimism and realistic perspective.

Sue Belanger, Co-Founder

Sue Belanger, Co-Founder

Sue has been a Registered Nurse for the last 30 years and was inspired to help others as a result of her personal experience with addiction. She has lived in the Ventura County area for many years, working at Ventura County Medical Center and then currently at Community Memorial Hospital. She met Mike and Randy through her sons, and was inspired to work together with them to create a safe place for people to begin their recovery process. She continues to be the liaison between health care providers in the area and the people who need help in the community, and truly enjoys that personal connection. 

Alejandro Alva, MD

Alejandro Alva, MD Medical Director

Alejandro Alva, M.D., is the Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS), a reputable psychiatric medical group that specializes in treating psychiatric disorders and dual diagnosis conditions, including substance use disorders. Dr. Alva earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and completed medical school at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. He then returned to California, where he completed his psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine. Prior to Dr. Alva’s formation of PNS, he was involved in multiple endeavors, including detoxification and rehabilitation work, both inpatient and outpatient, including the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Chapman Medical Center in Orange , as well as multiple rehabilitation centers. Since the formation of PNS, Dr. Alva’s focus is on the latest treatments available for psychiatric disorders and chemical dependency as well as aspects of ethnicity and gender and their correlation to pathological states. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Alva has served the medical community in various capacities: as a patient advocate, researcher, and medical director. His expertise in adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry makes him one of the nation’s most innovative and prominent psychiatrists. Dr. Alva and his team at PNS are committed to utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including anti-craving treatments, to address complex dual diagnosis conditions such as depression and substance use disorders.

Paige Ellison

Paige Ellison

Program Director

 

Dr. Shannae Anderson, PhD

Dr. Shannae Anderson, PhD

Clinical Director

Roxana Barkhordar

Roxana Barkhordar

Director of Business Development and Admissions

Connor Kinnon

Connor Kinnon

AMFT Primary Therapist

Eunice Avalos

Eunice Avalos

LVN

Team Member

Ameris Ikeda

Clinical Intern

Team Member

Sydney Koffman

Clinical Intern

Ronnie Miller

Ronnie Miller

CADC II Group Facilitator

Connie Taylor

Connie Taylor

CATC Group Facilitator

Team Member

Shannon Walling

Group Facilitator

Team Member

Harry Young

Chef

Team Member

Jenn Cruz

Technician

 

Team Member

Chris Widmer

Technician

 

Team Member

Ann Hawthorn

Technician

 

Team Member

Michelle Gray

Technician

 

Team Member

Caleb Haugen-Bauer

Technician

 

Team Member

Devin Samaniego

Technician

 

Team Member

Victor Ultreras Technician

Technician

 

California’s beautiful Ventura County is home to the caring addiction treatment facility Kokua Wellness Center. This institution, which embraces a holistic approach to treatment, offers a homelike setting where people can start their path towards healing and transformation. The Kokua Wellness Center’s steadfast dedication to delivering individualized treatment guarantees that every client gets the respect and assistance they deserve.