Leadership
JD Kalmenson
CEO, Founder
JD Kalmenson is the Founder and CEO of multiple behavioral healthcare companies in Southern California and Arizona.
Among these is Renewal Health Group, a family of comprehensive addiction treatment centers, Montare Behavioral Health, a dynamic brand of mental health treatment centers, and Zenith Behavioral Health, a collection of high-quality psychiatric hospitals and adolescent treatment facilities.
In addition to these responsibilities, Kalmenson hosts a bi-monthly podcast for Montare Media called Discover U, which highlights complex mental health and chemical dependency issues in interviews with industry professionals, experts, and renowned authorities in various behavioral health fields. The podcast is available on all platforms.
Always interested in broadening and deepening the industry standard, Kalmenson is the creator of a cutting-edge diagnostic tool for chemical dependency issues called “Discovery Model.” He is partnering with Yale University to assess its efficacy.
Kalmenson is a Yale Chabad Scholar, a skilled facilitator, teacher, counselor, and speaker, who has previously provided chaplain services to prisons, local groups and remote villages throughout the world. His diverse experience as a rabbi, chaplain, and CEO has inspired his passion and deep understanding of the necessity for effective mental health treatment and long-term sobriety.
Elliott Liebhard
CFO, Founder
Elliott Liebhard is one of the founders and chief financial officer of a family of behavioral healthcare companies that includes Renewal Behavioral Health Group, Montare Behavioral Health Group, Zenith Behavioral Health, Trellis Recovery, and Conscious Health and Wellness Centers. Elliott provides leadership and oversight for building financial infrastructure, and strategic financial planning. With his vision, these organizations have achieved a high level of care, infused with values of empathy, authenticity, and purpose.
Marlon Rollins, PhD, LPCC, LMHC
President, and COO Renewal Health Group
Marlon Rollins, PhD, LPCC, LMHC is a member of the California Hospital Association, and a licensed therapist with more than 15 years of experience in mental health, dual diagnosis and addiction treatment management. He has served as CEO and COO at some of the largest psychiatric hospitals and addiction programs in the state of California.
In his role as COO and President of Addiction Services with Renewal Health Group, Marlon supports leadership to align operations to meet organization goals. He also advises on strategic planning with the CEO and CFO to help enhance program services.
Dr. Rollins is the author of Healing the Impoverished Mind: Building Resilience Through Adversity. He is a suicide loss survivor of his sister Amber who was a nurse and battled addiction. He dedicates his work to honor her memory of caring for others. He is a board member of United Survivors International. He has also served as a BIPOC mentor with the American Association of Suicidology, and is a member of the Steering Committee for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Dr. Rollins is passionate about enhancing quality of life and well-being through high quality care. As an ordained minister, he uses his faith and experiences to inspire others to seek healing.
Marlon enjoys hiking, photography, drawing, and working out for self-care.
Operation Directors
Dr. Neda Javaherian MD
Medical Director
Melissa Sidnam, MA, SHRM-SCP
Director of Human Resources and Operations
Since joining Renewal in 2016, Melissa has held positions in admissions, counseling, and program management. In her current role as Director of Human Resources and Operations, Melissa’s emphasis is on alignment of the human resources function with the strategic goals of the organization. She specializes in employee management and relations, policy/procedure development, regulatory and legal compliance, management training and coaching. A native Californian who grew up in the Bay Area, Melissa received both her BA and MA in Psychology from Humboldt State University and Certificate in Addiction Studies from Diablo Valley College. In 2021 she achieved the SHRM Senior Certified Professional Certification. Melissa is a firm believer that our employees are our greatest assets and a workplace can only flourish when everyone feels valued, respected and accepted.
Amy Crichton
Executive Director Phoenix Rising Recovery Center
Amy Crichton is the Executive Director and founder of Phoenix Rising Recovery Center. Amy brings 20 years of experience in the field of addiction and recovery to this position. During her recovery from her own addictions, she developed a passion for working with other addicts. She worked in non-profit-criminal justice therapeutic community style treatment for over 10 years and in the private industry since. Amy has helped set up and design many programs in the recovery field as well as helps guide compliance for facilities in California. Designing Phoenix Rising was not only a vision but an accumulation of experience in multiple modalities and treatment styles to form a unique environment to start the journey to choosing life. Amy believes that every single person truly has the ability to not only recover but create a fulfilling and productive life. She believes that providing an environment that is authentic, compassionate, and innovative creates a foundation of healing, strength, and growth.
Karl Kirsch, LMFT, LAADC
Clinical Director Phoenix Rising
Denise Cooney
Clinical Director for Sanctuary Treatment Centers
Madlen Pashinian Foroughmand
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Clinical Director for Renewal Sobriety IOP EMDR and Trauma Focused Therapist
Madlen Pashinian Foroughmand is a Licensed Marriage, EMDR Therapist and Family Therapist, who has been working in the Mental Health field since 2012. Madlen has a broad range of training and experience with Anger Management, Emotional Focused Therapy, Grief Focused Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy and Domestic Violence Advocacy.
As the Clinical Director of Sanctuary Outpatient Program, she and her team have created a unique, wrap-around program for patients struggling with substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and difficulty integrating back into society.
Madlen has trained, supervised, and supported upcoming Associate Marriage and Family Therapists, along with the staff associated with the program, in order to create a cohesive, safe, and family-like environment.
Madlen is a strong believer in utilizing compassion, empathy, and ethics in everything that she does for the company, and makes client care a top priority.
Madlen is also a private practitioner who treats clients in her private practice focusing on trauma and relationships. Additionally, Madlen is an adjunct Professor at her Alma Mater, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
She also enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, and gratitude practice.
Faridah Gonzalez LVN
Executive Director / Lead Nurse
Faridah A. Gonzalez has been practicing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for the past 13 years. Initially, Faridah worked for a Non-Profit Community Health Center, where she provided community outreach and chronic health education to patients. Her first hand experiences at the Community Health Center made her realize she had a passion for helping those struggling with addiction, so she decided to help in a more direct manner. In 2014 she focused her career on working in Substance abuse and dual diagnosis recovery treatment. It wasn’t until 2017 that she found her home with the Sanctuary Treatment Center. Faridah started with the company as a Lead Nurse and though hard work, determination and commitment to the betterment of patients and staff, she rose to become the Executive Director for Renewal Health group. Today, she leads a team of clinical, medical, and patient support staff. Faridah promotes a vibrant culture of growth and support, ensuring that all staff members are set up to succeed. She is a fierce advocate for ensuring that the medical and mental health needs of her clients are met.
Kathy Rosales, LVN
Director of Nursing Phoenix Rising
Admissions & Marketing
Stephanie Rosten
VP of Admissions
Stephanie Rosten is the VP of Admissions at Montare Behavioral Health and Renewal Health Group. She found her calling in the field of addiction treatment after recovering from the tribulations of her own addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Stephanie began her career in behavioral health as a dependency technician while attending College of the Desert. As a case manager, Stephanie was an inspirational role model for her clients. By sharing her life experiences she motivated them to return to school to complete their education and seek gainful employment. Stephanie received her CADAC credentials at The Center for Addiction Studies and Research.
Stephanie leads a team of admissions counselors. She encourages them to meet clients where they are now. Stephanie also oversees Renewal Health Group’s alumni program.
Lara Frazier, MBA
VP of Digital Marketing
Lara Frazier is the VP of Digital Marketing at Renewal Health Group. Lara has over twelve years of experience in the behavioral health industry, and over twenty years of experience in marketing. Lara holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Pepperdine University. Lara oversees all digital marketing efforts and manages all aspects of digital marketing campaigns for Renewal Health Group. She is incredibly passionate about mental health treatment and addiction awareness and is well known in the digital recovery space for writing and speaking about these topics. Lara also Co-founded one of the number one publications and websites for addiction recovery, which Mark Zuckerberg praised “as a place for people affected by addiction to come together.” In her free time, Lara enjoys being in nature, hiking, and cuddling with her pet pig.
Christian McLaughlin
Director of Business Development
Hailey Livingston
National Director of Business Development
Renee Baribeau
Marketing & Brand Manager
Renee Baribeau is an innovative marketing leader with over 10 years of experience in delivering exceptional marketing campaigns, content, and collateral for Behavioral Health Organizations. As a results-oriented and collaborative professional, she brings expertise in brand management and social media engagement. With a keen attention to detail and a decisive leadership style, Renee has made significant contributions as a Marketing Director at Renewal Health Group, Montare Behavioral Health, as well as in her role as Regional Business Development Manager at Michael’s House Treatment Center.
Throughout her career, Renee has demonstrated her skill in brand development, particularly in the multi-facility behavioral healthcare start-up sector. She has successfully improved and enhanced brand image through focused marketing campaigns and professional networking efforts to support outreach. Renee has also played a pivotal role in coordinating well-coordinated campaigns, events, and public relations strategies, including the premiere Behavioral Health Conference, Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health at UCLA, in 2022 and 2023. She has worked closely with creative teams to generate dynamic marketing content and communication tools for promotional campaigns, contributing to the overall success of the brands she has managed.
Monica Montoya
National Clinical Outreach Specialist
Stephanie King
Director of Business Development
Austin Cooper
Director of SEO
Loren Hauck-Kwas
Regional Outreach Specialist
Jessica McAninch, RADT-1
Admissions Manager
Jessica McAninch is a RADT-1 certified Admissions Manager. She is a seasoned substance abuse professional who joined Renewal Health Group in 2019. Jessica is patient, compassionate as she guides clients and families through the admissions process. As a person of great understanding, she possesses a unique ability to tap into the feelings and needs of clients seeking renewal. This insight gives Jessica the capacity to help those who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health. Jessica is a good listener who supports clients as they rebuild their lives and connections with loved ones.
Jessica is truly committed to recovery and the success of every individual entering Renewal Health Group.
Jill Macellaro
Alumni Coordinator
As Alumni Coordinator for Renewal Health Group, Jill applies her experience, expertise and passion for helping people by strengthening and building community. After coming to terms with her personal struggles with addiction, she decided to enter the field of substance abuse and mental health.
Jill holds a B.A. degree in Business Management from Farmingdale State College. Her previous work and background in the field of Public Relations and Marketing has enabled her to spearhead and oversee various alumni services and events.
Jill’s calming, caring and empathetic demeanor is a great fit for encouraging and developing fellowship among client’s who successfully completed treatment at Renewal Health Group’s many substance abuse facilities.
