Therapist
Maria is a licensed clinical social worker. Maria graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2014 with a double major in psychology and criminology. In 2018, Maria graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work degree. Maria has been working with individuals and families struggling with substance abuse and mental health since 2016. Maria’s passion for working as a mental health therapist in the field of addiction stems from her own experience growing up in an alcoholic family, and her desire to help other individuals and their families who are affected by substance abuse and mental health. In her free time, Maria enjoys walking her dog, reading, going to the gym, and spending time with her friends and family.
Therapist
Jacqueline is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has spent most of her internship/associate work with adolescents as well as young children beginning in 2012. Jacqueline also has experience with adults struggling with addiction and mental health issues but has a special spot in her heart for adolescents which has resulted in her returning to the adolescent population.
Jacqueline attended California State Long Beach where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University.
Jacqueline is married and enjoys time spent with her husband and family and enjoys self-care, such as gardening. Jacqueline also loves to travel and is hoping to visit all 50 states within the next 10 years.
Clinical Director
Donata is currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of hands-on social work and clinical experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, and process addictions, self-harm, eating disorders, suicidality, and other behavioral and emotional issues pertaining to all areas of their lives. Donata works from an individualistic holistic approach, being sensitive and aware of cultural, spiritual, and aspects of client’s lives which can impact their daily functioning of each individual in a unique way.
Donata attained a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University. She also has a Masters in Social Work from the London Metropolitan University. She received her Bachelors of Science in Social Policy from Middlesex University (UK). Donata’s areas of training, specialty, and interests are in crisis intervention, trauma, CBT/DBT Skills, Somatic Experiencing and Family Systems, and Attachment-Based Family therapy (ABFT).
Donata is eclectic in her approach to working with various communities and draws from humanistic, existential, integrative, solution-focused, and family systems modalities. Donata’s philosophy is that she meets each individual exactly where they are at. Donata’s expertise is in working with adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, substance abuse, process addictions, cross addictions, trauma and PTSD, and family systems.
Consultant
Dr. Yvonne McSkimming is a top-performing executive with over 35 years of experience in the social service industry. Yvonne has been credited with combining implementation, oversight, and business development expertise constructing programming, recognized as exceptional in the highly competitive social service market. With a Ph.D. in Social Science (focused on social media, addiction, and mental health for youth) and a Master’s degree in Leadership / Psychology.
Yvonne blends her diverse skill set to provide strong expertise in clinical counseling, group/seminar work, collaborative planning, strategic/risk management, policy/program development, outcome/evaluation management, staff recruitment/retention, network development, and quality improvement. Dr. McSkimming has been nominated for a Women of Distinction Award and been awarded a Women in Spotlight Award for her contribution to the social service industry.
Dr. McSkimming is working with Sustain Recovery as the Chief Clinical Officer providing direction and support for all therapeutic/clinical services.
Recovery Coach
Gusto Sollas has an extensive background in helping adolescent and adult clients in the chemical dependency field for over twenty-five years.
Gusto’s extensive experience in the field of addiction allows him to be an empathetic and effective leader when it comes to practicing sobriety and teaching others how to maintain as well as sustain a sober life. Gusto has worked in adolescent probation as well as out-patient counseling and believes that the in-patient approach is the most effective way for an adolescent to achieve the necessary emotional displacements and rearrangements needed to gain new ideas, emotions, and attitudes which are essential at sustaining recovery.
All who know Gusto find him to be extraordinarily passionate about his work, to have a wonderful sense of humor, and to enjoy a good meal and walks on the beach.
Chief Operating Officer / Co-Founder
For over 25 years Pam has been a leader and a top-performing manager credited with combining implementation, oversight, and program development expertise to deliver substantial services in the substance recovery market. Pam has extensive experience working with youth, adults, and families who struggle with mental health issues, substance dependency, and eating disorders.
Pam’s skills are extensive and include organization, communication, leadership, operations delivery maintenance, policy network development, record maintenance, and staff training. Pam handles all aspects of licensing and administration of Sustain Recovery’s Residential programs in California through the Department of Social Services; Community Care Licensing. She also manages Sustain Recovery’s Outpatient program in California through the Department of Health Care Services, as well as accreditation and oversight.
Pam brings a significant amount of experience working with youth and families and shares a deep commitment and passion to helping others find their road to recovery.
Medical Director
Dr. Dorsey joined Sustain Recovery as its Medical Director after a long career in clinical and administrative medicine. He has directed research programs in the pharmaceutical industry, served as Chief of Psychiatry at multiple hospitals, and as Medical Director for a large public mental health agency.
Dr. Dorsey currently practices psychiatry from offices in Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, Santa Ana and Corona, and is Medical Director for another substance abuse program in Costa Mesa. Dorsey is board certified in psychiatry and administrative psychiatry and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Co-Founder
Sayeh Seyedfathi is an experienced leader and financial executive with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.
She is an energetic, forward-thinking individual with a creative personality. She encompasses high ethical standards and is well-organized, self-directed, “politically savvy” and a team player. She has been an active participant in the public school system as PTA president, Vice President, and treasurer. She has received awards from the PTA and the school community for her leadership and commitment to youth.
She has been involved in the world of recovery since 2009 and is bringing her business talent and desire to help families together to be a part of this revolutionary concept in young people’s recovery.
Co-Founder
Kyle Carter resides in Aliso Viejo, California where he sits in leadership roles on several public service committees, focused on young persons in recovery.
Carter’s professional career began in sales and marketing which lasted for over nine years, most recently with New York Life as a licensed Life Insurance agent. Carter began his career in substance abuse treatment working as a Care Coordinator at Newport Academy in Orange, CA.
Working with young people, Carter was able to utilize his own personal experience with recovery as well as training received from top professionals to advance his career and become a recovery coach. Concurrent to his employment in the treatment field, Carter attended school at Saddleback College earning a certificate of achievement for Drug and Alcohol Studies.
Carter’s passion for working with young people in recovery, combined with his training and education working in the industry has led him to collaborate with other respected professionals to build a program bridging the gap between treatment and aftercare. Sustain Recovery was then created as a transitional living program for young adults to provide that level of care needed to sustain long-term recovery.
Certified by DHCS Department of Health Care Services
Certification Numbers & Expiration Dates:
300640AP 2/29/24
3060040BP 11/30/23
399640CP 1/31/2023
DHCS Website
(949) 407-9052
Sustain Recovery
3943 Irvine Blvd #5
Irvine, CA 92602
