Medical / Clinical Team
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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. Venice Sanchez – Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dr. Venice Sanchez
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist
Venice Sanchez, MD, is a double board-certified physician, specializing in Psychiatry and Neurology as well as Addiction Medicine. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. At her private practice in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Sanchez offers a holistic approach to patient care, integrating not only medication management and traditional medical treatments but also therapy, spirituality, healthy eating, exercise, and attention to social factors that impact well-being.
Dr. Sanchez moved to the United States from the Philippines at the age of 11. As a first-generation immigrant raised in a disadvantaged community, she quickly recognized the value of education and hard work. While raising two daughters, she remained committed to pursuing her medical education and career. The challenges she faced as a young mother and first-generation postgraduate student deepened her awareness of the disparities in community support for women and highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health care services.
Dr. Sanchez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of California, Irvine, where she was honored with the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication to education, patient care, and clinical work.
Her extensive training at multiple renowned facilities, under the guidance of experts in her field, has given her a broad and comprehensive skill set in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Sanchez has worked at the Long Beach VA, various addiction rehabilitation centers, and San Diego detention facilities, gaining invaluable expertise in PTSD, substance abuse, and mood and thought disorders associated with substance use.
Dr. Sanchez has a particular focus on women’s health, especially in the treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients struggling with mental health issues. She trained with specialists at the Maternal and Fetal Clinic at UCI Medical Center and was instrumental in launching the first Women’s Mental Health Medication Management Clinic at the Long Beach VA Medical Center.
Driven by her passion for her field, Dr. Sanchez has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in treating a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, insomnia, and other treatment-resistant disorders. Her subspecialty in addiction medicine also allows her to guide patients through the difficult journey of recovery.
Due to her dedication and exceptional work in the field, Dr. Sanchez has been recognized as Women in Medicine Top Doctor 2024, as well as the Best of 2024 Newport Beach, Psychiatrist.
Dr. Venice Sanchez | Medical Director
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist
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Dr.Daniella Newman, DO, MBA | Medical Director
Dr.Daniella Newman, DO, MBA
Medical Director
Dr. Newman is a Southern California physician with a strong background in family medicine and a passion for whole-person care. A Los Angeles native, she earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Southern California, completed medical school at Western University of Health Sciences, and completed her residency at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. She also earned her MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business.
As Medical Director at Renew Medical Group, Dr. Newman specializes in a “whole-person” approach to medicine, recognizing that optimal health is achieved by addressing the interconnected physical, emotional, mental, and lifestyle factors that influence overall well-being. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, she works collaboratively with patients to identify the underlying contributors to illness while developing personalized treatment plans that support long-term health and vitality.
Her approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, preventive care, chronic disease management, medication management, and patient education. Dr. Newman partners closely with each individual to address immediate health concerns while promoting sustainable lifestyle changes that foster resilience, wellness, and lasting quality of life. She is committed to empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take an active role in their health and achieve meaningful, lifelong well-being.
Dr.Daniella Newman, DO, MBA | Medical Director
Medical Director
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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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Erika Kamish, Psychiatric PA | Clinical Director
Erika Kamish, Psychiatric PA
Clinical Director
Erika is a nationally board-certified physician assistant and is licensed by the California Physician Assistant Committee. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University in New York City, then completed her physician assistant training at Western University of Health Sciences. Her education and clinical background give her a strong foundation in both medical science and patient-centered care.
Erika has more than six years of experience in primary care and addiction medicine, with a special emphasis on aesthetic medicine. This combination allows her to address both medical and cosmetic concerns with a careful, integrated approach. Patients and colleagues know her for her calm presence, attention to detail, and her genuine investment in helping people feel better in their own skin.
Erika Kamish, Psychiatric PA
Clinical Director
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Michelle Ramos Olsen | Psychiatric PA-C
Michelle Ramos Olsen
Psychiatric PA-C
Michelle is a dedicated Physician Assistant with more than 10 years of clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings, including international practice. Her 16-year military career shaped her leadership, resilience, and commitment to patient-centered care.
After completing a critical care neonatology fellowship, Michelle developed specialized expertise in caring for vulnerable newborns and supporting families. She now focuses on treating individuals with chronic depression and generalized anxiety disorder, using a holistic and collaborative approach to care.
Michelle conducts comprehensive mental health assessments that consider each patient’s medical, psychiatric, and family history. She is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that helps patients achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health.
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!
Michelle Ramos Olsen
Psychiatric PA-C
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Janice Graham, LMFT | Clinical Supervisor
Janice Graham, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor
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
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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
Shane Padamada, LPCC, NCC
EDMR Therapist
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
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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
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Uni Manni, ASW, LMSW, MSEd, CYT-500 | Clinical and Holistic Therapist
Uni Manni, ASW, LMSW, MSEd, CYT-500
Clinical and Holistic Therapist
As an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), educator, and holistic therapist, I bring a warm, integrative approach to healing that bridges clinical practice with holistic and experiential modalities. My work is grounded in the belief that meaningful transformation occurs when mind, body, and spirit are supported together within a safe, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
My professional background spans mental health, education, and community-based settings. I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Education and have supported individuals and families through a wide range of emotional, developmental, and life transitions. This diverse experience allows me to bring both a strong clinical foundation and an educational perspective to the healing process.
In addition to individual and group therapy, I integrate a variety of holistic practices into my work, including yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, somatic awareness, and nervous system regulation. As a CYT-500 yoga teacher trained in Integral Yoga and the Dharma Mittra tradition, I draw upon the wisdom of yoga alongside Gestalt and somatic approaches to help clients cultivate greater self-awareness, embodiment, and resilience. I facilitate therapeutic groups focused on yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, wisdom journaling, the heroine’s journey, and inquiry-based practices. In individual sessions, I incorporate body-centered and experiential approaches that support emotional processing, integration, and deeper connection with one’s authentic self.
My approach honors the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Whether through psychotherapy, somatic work, mindful movement, or contemplative practices, my intention is to help clients reconnect with their inner resources, strengthen self-trust, and move toward greater wholeness and balance.
I am also the creator of the Light Flow Method, an integrative approach that combines mindfulness, somatic awareness, breath, sound, and experiential practices to support healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.
Uni Manni, ASW, LMSW, MSEd, CYT-500
Clinical and Holistic Therapist
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Isabelle Robinson, AMFT | Primary Therapist
Isabelle Robinson, AMFT
Primary Therapist
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
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Maicee Byrd, ACSW EMDR | EMDR Therapist
Maicee Byrd, ACSW EMDR
EMDR Therapist
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
Clinical Support Team
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Elyse Estrada, RADT, CADC II | Program Director
Elyse Estrada, RADT, CADC II
Program Director
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, CADC II
Program Director
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Lizzie Powell, RADT | Program Director
Lizzie Powell, RADT
Program Director
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
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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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Rosanna Santos, MBA, RADT | Case Manager, Quality Care Coordinator
Rosanna Santos, MBA, RADT
Case Manage, Quality Care Coordinator
I was born in Washington, DC and spent summers with my three siblings in Spain, my parents’ home country. I studied political science and art history at Tulane University in New Orleans and started my career back in DC at the Smithsonian Institution before moving out to San Diego to get a taste of the West Coast. Once in San Diego, I began a marketing career in the pharmaceutical industry before making a change towards a more fulfilling position at Villa Kali Ma in 2024. In early 2026 I began working with clients on their case management needs and am thrilled every day to have an opportunity to help them tackle some of the logistical challenges in their lives and with their continued care plans once they have completed their important work with us at VKM.Â
In my free time, I try to keep up with my teenage daughter and our Swiss Mountain dog, Millie. I enjoy bettering our lives in any way that I can, and trying to put into practice the lessons in mindfulness and self-care that are such an important part of VKM’s philosophy.
Rosanna Santos, MBA, RADT
Case Manage, Quality Care Coordinator
“"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.