Doctors
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Katie Hirst, MD | Medical Director
Katie Hirst, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Hirst graduated from Stanford University and then attended UC San Diego School of Medicine, completing her medical degree and then attaining board certification in both Family Medicine and Psychiatry. With this combined training, including additional board certification in Addiction Medicine, she is uniquely qualified to attend to both the psychiatric and medical needs of Villa Kali Ma’s patients and enjoys providing care to each patient from a holistic, whole-person perspective.
Katie Hirst, MD | Medical Director
Medical Director
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Dr. Venice Sanchez – Medical Director
Dr. Venice Sanchez
Medical Director
Dr. Venice Sanchez | Medical Director
Medical Director
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Ashley Amundson, DBH MS LPCC | Chief Operations Officer
Ashley Amundson, DBH MS LPCC
Chief Operations Officer
I serve as the Director of Operations at Villa Kali Ma, where I weave together my passion for holistic healing and my background in clinical leadership to create safe and transformative spaces for women in recovery. I started my journey at Villa Kali Ma in 2017 and have developed experience as a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist. I’ve had the privilege of supporting women as they navigate trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use with courage and resilience.
At Villa Kali Ma, I oversee the daily operations of our residential and outpatient programs, ensuring that our care is grounded in compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence. My work is guided by the belief that true healing embraces the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
I am also a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University, where my research and practice focus on behavioral health, leadership, trauma-informed care and holistic approaches to healthcare organizations. In addition to my leadership role, I draw on my specialized training in breathwork, EMDR, reiki, and addiction counseling to bring depth and creativity to how I support both clients and staff.
My vision at Villa Kali Ma is to help women reclaim their voices, strengthen their resilience, and step into lives of authenticity, freedom, and wholeness.
Dr. Ashley Amundson, DBH MS LPCC
Chief Operations Officer
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Dr. Alisha Bhatia | Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Alisha Bhatia
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Alisha Bhatia is a Naturopathic Doctor who’s mission is to Educate, Enhance and Empower patients to have healthier lives, optimize their bodies through comprehensive blood analysis, and address all aspects of patient care in a holistic model. Her scope in private practice includes helping men and women with a myriad of health complaints, with a focus on thyroid, hormones and gut health.
She is passionate about living up to the Latin word for doctor, docere, which means to teach. One of her favorite things right now is helping to educate patients on the gut-brain axis and how gut health impacts “mental” health, but as Dr. Daniel Amen says, it’s NOT “mental health” is really BRAIN HEALTH.
Dr. Alisha graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR in 2009, and moved to Temecula in 2012. When outside of patient care, she enjoys relaxing, reading, and all things mind/body/spirit. She volunteers monthly for Jacob’s House, a hospitality home like Ronald McDonad House, helping local families who have a loved one in the hospital and need a place to stay.
One of her claims to fame was being featured in the documentary The Miracle Morning, based on one of her favorite books by Hal Elrod.
She has been married to Andy for almost 5 years and they hope to have a family, beyond their fur baby, in the near future.
Dr. Alisha Bhatia
Naturopathic Doctor
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Page Lauer, LMFT | Clinical Director
Page Lauer, LMFT
Clinical Director
Page Lauer, LMFT | Clinical Director
Clinical Director
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Janice Graham, LMFT | Clinical Supervisor - The Villa
Janice Graham, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor – The Villa
As soon as I graduated with a Master of Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco I started my journey following my passion by working as a Clinician, focusing on clients that suffer with co-occurring disorders: addiction, bi-polar, depression, anxiety and Eating Disorders.
I have over 20 years of experience working with complex clients which contributes to my ability to help guide and heal as a primary therapist. I have consistently run an art based therapy group throughout my career which allows the clients to experience another approach to Self-discovery. I also have extensive experience facilitating group process, psychoeducation groups, individual and family therapy sessions. I have many years working with attachment and trauma, providing the clients with a secure and sacred place to process their past history Since working with clients and families of those struggling with eating disorders, addiction and other mental health issues for the past 20 years, I have discovered the importance of the therapeutic relationship so we can get to a deeper level of healing.
I have been lucky to work in some great facilities throughout my career but have found my home here at Villa Kali Ma. It offers a special and unique path to healing which is why I became a therapist. Not only does it incorporate an amazing holistic program it also has some of the most amazing staff that are not only therapist and practitioners but truly are profound healers and artists. Together we are able to focus on the mind, body and spirit of our clients in order to ensure a successful road to their recovery and life.
Janice Graham, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor – The Villa
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Stephanie Ochoa, LMFT | Primary Therapist
Stephanie Ochoa, LMFT
Primary Therapist
I have a lifetime of experiences that have formed me into the person I am today. I have had a deep care and concern for all humans from a very young age. I always had a baby on my hip growing up, helping my family with my younger siblings, my own two sons and then my nieces and nephews. I was a nanny for over ten years. I have an interest and passion for art and design as well. I once owned a chain of vintage boutiques and even dabbled in interior design work. Life has shown me an abundance of joy, but I do also know great pain. I tragically lost my full-term baby girl during delivery many years ago, and that experience brought me to therapy for the first time. I have done extensive trauma and grief work since.
My greatest passion was found recently over the last five years through my work as a therapist, leaning into a humanistic model. After obtaining my M.A. in Counseling, I went on the path of marriage and family therapy. I feel blessed and connected daily with my clients. My heart has expanded on this career path beyond what I ever thought possible. I am an advocate for women, a proud ally of the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. My favorite part of this work is witnessing transformation as others reconnect with their true authentic self. I am the compassionate witness who is forever changed by these experiences. In complete awe.
Stephanie Ochoa, LMFT
Primary Therapist
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Shane Padamada, LPCC, NCC | EDMR Therapist - The Villa
Shane Padamada, LPCC, NCC
EDMR Therapist – The Villa
Inspired by the deep gratitude I have for the profound support I received during my own recovery, I became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC), with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. At Villa Kali Ma, I offer compassionate EMDR therapy to the brave women who have chosen to seek holistic treatment to address their substance use and mental health challenges.
EMDR, an evidence-based approach, harnesses the brain’s natural healing processes through adaptive information processing. By addressing distressing memories and their associated negative beliefs, EMDR helps to reframe these experiences into more manageable aspects of your life. My role is to guide you through this transformative process, tackling the root causes of your struggles and supporting you in achieving lasting positive change, resilience, renewed hope, and healthier connections to self and others.
I am committed to creating a warm, empowering environment where you can explore and embrace your inner strengths, while developing additional resources, to facilitate further growth and healing. Every step you take toward recovery is a testament to your courage, and I am honored to be part of your journey.
Shane Padamada, LPCC, NCC
EDMR Therapist – The Villa
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Isabelle Robinson, AMFT | Primary Therapist - The Villa
Isabelle Robinson, AMFT
Primary Therapist – The Villa
As a trauma-informed therapist, my primary goal is to facilitate a safe and nourishing place for my clients, where they can explore their subconscious in a compassionate environment and discover the healing available to them. My therapeutic approach is bottom-up. A bottom-up approach addresses the somatic and psychological impacts of trauma by attuning to bodily sensations through mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and other mind-body techniques.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy yoga, being outside, going to the beach, and spending time with my husband!
Isabelle Robinson, AMFT
Primary Therapist – The Villa
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Maicee Byrd, ACSW EMDR | EMDR Therapist - The Retreat/The Office
Maicee Byrd, ACSW EMDR
EMDR Therapist – The Retreat/The Office
I’m an Associate Social Worker registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and currently pursuing my LCSW license. Over the past 8+ years, I’ve worked as a case manager, school social worker, psycho-social rehabilitation worker, and therapist.
I work with clients of all ages to address complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and relational trauma. My approach centers on healing attachment wounds and building a sense of safety in both relationships and self. I specialize in attachment-based EMDR therapy, guided by the belief that the mind can heal from psychological wounds just as the body recovers from physical injury. Through EMDR, I help clients process distressing memories, build resilience, and reclaim their lives.
I strive to embody the values of female empowerment, self-efficacy, compassion, and accountability in both my personal life and professional practice. While I’m not in session, you can find me sweating through a hot yoga class, running at the Sunset Cliffs, or spending time cuddling my chunky orange tabby cat.
Maicee Byrd, ACSW EMDR
EMDR Therapist – The Retreat/The Office
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Angie Sandoval, AMFT | Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Angie Sandoval, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Angie Sandoval is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working toward licensure under the supervision of Page Lauer, LMFT. Her passion for supporting others is rooted in her own experiences with trauma and healing, which inspired her to create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino, along with a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from California Baptist University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University.
Angie brings over seven years of experience in the mental health field, including more than two years as a practicing therapist. Throughout her career, she has supported individuals across different stages of their healing journey, gaining a deep understanding of personal growth, resilience, and the complexities that come with change.
Her approach to therapy is person-centered, grounded in the belief that each individual is the expert of their own life. She works collaboratively with clients, offering empathy, encouragement, and a supportive environment while gently helping them challenge patterns that may be holding them back.
Angie has experience working with teens, adults, older adults, veterans, women, families, and couples. Her clinical focus includes depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma-related concerns, ADHD, substance use, self-harming behaviors, and bipolar disorder.
She is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space where clients feel heard and understood. Her goal is to help individuals build resilience, rediscover hope, and move toward a greater sense of balance, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives.
Angie Sandoval, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
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Katherine “Kat” McEwan MA, REAT, ATR | Art Therapist
Katherine “Kat” McEwan MA, REAT, ATR
Art Therapist
I gained my undergraduate degree in Creative Expressive Therapies and postgraduate training in Art Therapy in 2015 in Derby, England. After my studies and several months of eye opening travel I moved from rural England to San Diego, CA. While living and working in beautiful San Diego I gained my Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credentials.
Over the years that I have offered Art Therapy services in clinical settings, I have had the honor of witnessing the powerful potential that Art Therapy is able to unleash in the recovery journey.
Although I have worked in many wonderful settings I have discovered my true passion lies in providing Art Therapy services to those embarking on the healing journey from trauma, addiction and co-occurring experiences. I am honored to be part of the Villa Kali Ma team providing a safe and welcoming space to discover, utilize and witness the creative process that is within every one of us.
Katherine “Kat” McEwan MA, REAT, ATR
Art Therapist
Clinical Support Team
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Elyse Estrada, RADT| Program Director - The Villa
Elyse Estrada, RADT
Program Director – The Villa
I am a Southern California native, born and raised in Long Beach, CA. During my struggle with substance use, I decided to move to San Diego in 2015 and have never left. Through my journey in recovery, I discovered a passion and joy that comes from helping others. I am currently working on my AODS and will continue the adventure of learning and growing in whatever direction the universe calls to me.
There was an overwhelming sense of peace when I first walked through the doors of Villa Kali Ma, and I knew this was the place I needed to be. Villa Kali Ma is my first job working in Substance Use Treatment. I couldn’t be happier working in a small intimate setting where I’ve been honored to witness so much healing and have had the opportunity to learn and grow with such an incredible staff.
Elyse Estrada, RADT
Program Director – The Villa
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Lizzie Powell, RADT | Program Director - The Retreat
Lizzie Powell, RADT
Program Director – The Retreat
I was lucky enough to grow up in Oceanside, Ca. I got married and had my two sons at young age and unfortunately fell down my own dark road of addiction that took a few years to get out of & when I finally did, I had this feeling that I needed to help other women in my situation. I enrolled in Palomar College in their AODS program and found Villa Kali Ma. I started in 2020 as a Resident Advisor, and then moved to Case Manager and in January 2023 became Operations Manager of our PHP/IOP program. Villa Kali Ma was different than anything I had ever seen in the treatment world. I felt a connection instantly and knew I found my passion and my home.
My Mom taught me from an early age how important it is as a woman to lift not only myself up, but other women as well. In May 2021, my mom fell ill and passed away. I was filled with heartbreak and sadness but also felt this new motivation to carry on what she always taught me as a young girl and decided Villa Kali Ma is the place for me long term to find a way to help women get their lives back and face the trauma they had been through.
When I am not at VKM, I am with my husband of 10 years and our two sons. I love doing yoga, journaling, listening to a good podcast and remembering to constantly keep working on myself. Villa Kali Ma helped me find my true self, and it’s my honor to help other woman in the healing that takes place here.
Lizzie Powell, RADT
Program Director – The Retreat
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Camila Carniero RADT | Case Manager
Camila Carniero RADT
Case Manager
Throughout my life, I have always had a strong desire to help people and to hold them up when they need it most. I was drawn towards this field because there is so much beauty and hope to be found in this delicate part of people’s journeys. We don’t get to choose what happens to us in this life, but we do have a choice in what we do with it; it takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to make these changes, and every day I am so inspired by the women who walk through these doors and commit to a better life, who commit to themselves.
I’ve learned so much in my time here, and each heartfelt interaction teaches me more about how I want to move through the world. I’m excited to continue my own path and keep growing alongside everybody here!
Camila Carniero RADT
Case Manager
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Amber Keith, RADT | Operations Manager
Amber Keith, RADT
Operations Manager
Amber Keith, RADT
Operations Manager
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Holly Mae Haddock | Content Writer
Holly Mae Haddock
Content Writer
I am honored to be the “voice of Villa Kali Ma” as blogger and content writer for the website. I began my relationship with Villa Kali Ma in 2016 as the director of the Expressive Arts Therapy Program while also providing Individual Therapy Sessions for the clients. With the personal experience of being on the clinical team and working closely with the founder, I am able to speak the Villa Kali Ma language and share the unique mission, vision and passion of this transformational program for women.
I received my MA in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2007. Throughout my career I have utilized Expressive Arts to work therapeutically with individuals suffering from dual diagnosis in a variety of settings such as transient families in community-based programs, incarcerated youth and individuals in residential treatment centers for addiction and mental health. Currently working as a private counselor and coach, I specialize in supporting people from all walks of life to develop channels of resilience, joy and meaning through accessing the deep, wild creativity that dwells inside us all. If you would like more info about me and my work please check out https://www.lionsongprocess.com
Holly Mae Haddock
Content Writer
“"I don't believe it to be an exaggeration to say that Villa Kali Ma saved my life. I couldn't have asked for a better environment to heal and redirect onto a path towards true living."
Kristen B.
“"This place completely changed my life. I needed a drastic change from the typical recovery environment in order to stay sober long term. Villa Kali Ma was more than able to provide a safe healing environment for me to cultivate a strong spiritual connection through yoga, meditation, and an organic lifestyle. I can honestly say that I love who I am today and I am forever grateful for Villa Kali Ma!"
Cynthia B.
“"I am so grateful I found Villa Kali Ma, it has truly changed my life. Kay is awesome and the entire team who works there is absolutely amazing. I was introduced to many different types of therapy, healing and recovery options. I was able to choose what works for me and continue them outside of treatment once I went home. VKM is truly a tranquil place to start healing. If you are looking for treatment I would highly recommend making this the start to your recovery."
Suzie H.
