Renaissance Malibu - Clinical Team

Our Founder

Clinical Team

Corporate Team

Clinical Team


	Walter Thomas, M.D. Addictionologist / Internist - Adjunct
Dr. Thomas was born in South Africa and graduated from Stellenborsch Medical School in 1973. He is board certified in Family Medicine and certified by ASAM in Addiction Medicine, #001859, California licensure A345360. Dr. Thomas has had his own private practice in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. Formerly the Medical Director of Addiction Services at Simi Valley Hospital and Charter Hospital of Thousand Oaks, he also successfully passed the first certification offered in the United States in Addiction Medicine.

	David Lewis, M.D. Psychiatrist - Adjunct
Dr. Lewis is the founder and director for the highly successful NBA, NHL and MLS drug treatment programs. Dr. Lewis is a nationally respected medical professional and public figure dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. As a Presidential appointee and a member of the White House Conference on a Drug-Free America, he has made recommendations to the White House and Congress for anti-drug legislation. Dr. Lewis has appeared nationally on numerous television programs and is a published author in the fields of Medicine, Psychiatry, Substance Abuse and Sports Medicine as well as the recipient of numerous community service awards.

	Leila Mesghali, MA, LMFT Primary Therapist
Leila is a licensed marriage and family therapist who brings over 10 years of experience to Renaissance Malibu having worked in inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. Leila attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies earning a BA in Psychology, and attended Pepperdine University for her graduate studies earning a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. She brings a wealth of experience to Renaissance Malibu, and her areas of specialty include anxiety and depressive disorders, family work, couples therapy, and dual-diagnosis. Leila was raised in Iran and France, is tri-lingual (Farsi/French/English), and is an expert in cross-cultural issues.

	Laura La Piana, PSY. D. Primary Therapist
Dr. La Piana is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 18 years of experience. Besides her knowledge of addiction disorders, Dr. La Piana brings expertise in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and family therapy. Addressing underlying issues of trauma, developing useful insight, and exploring family dynamics aids in the maintenance of recovery. Dr. La Piana trained at Wright Institute Los Angeles and is well versed in the benefits of insight therapy and relapse prevention. Dr. La Piana has applied her skills in a variety of settings including community clinics, private practice, hospitals, and schools.

	Beth Pinc, MA, RCAS Director of Outpatient Services
After many years in the corporate world, Beth left a successful career as a stockbroker and business owner to follow her passion of working with those who suffer from Alcoholism and Addiction find a new way to live. With over 20 years of recovery experience, a Registered Addiction Specialist, former Program Director and Counselor for a major Southern California Recovery Center and active in the Recovery and Mental Health Community for over 15 years, Beth brings a unique blend of experience and education to the Intensive Outpatient process.

	Steffanie Sampson Hypnotherapist


	Ryan Parks Mindlighter
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	Robert Paulson Co-Lead Resident Advisor
Robert Paulson has been in Recovery for years and is extremely active in the 12 Step fellowships in Southern California. He graduted with a Bachelor of.Arts in Liberal Arts from Reed College and Mt.St. Mary's College. His life experiences and personal ressurection from the hopelessness of chemical dependency are a testament to the miracle of recovery that can occur. Robert has been at Rennaisance for the past 2 years and has excelled in the Resident Advisor position, recently he was promoted to serve as co-Lead Resident Advisor. He plans on returning to graduate school in the near future to pursue his Masters in Social Work.

	Chris Paulson Co-Lead Resident Advisor
Chris Paulson has been working in the substance abuse treatment field for the last 3 years with a wide range of experience in different types of clinical settings. He brings to Renaissance his knowledge of a wide variety of treatment methods and his experience in various clinical settings. He is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, graduating Magna cum Laude. Chris has been a great addition to the Renaissance family, we feel fortunate to have him working with our clients as co-Lead Resident Advisor.

	Jorge Mejia Executive Chef
I discovered my culinary identity at the age of 16. I consistently found myself in the family's kitchen and spent a great deal of time at my father's restaurant. My passion for cooking remained. I eventually made the decision to commence a culinary career and began my professional training. I now carry with me a culinary degree and 7 years of experience. I seek to do the best for the guest at all times. With every meal I prepare I make it my goal to cook with passion and taste.
Adjunct Staff
	Leo Booth Spiritual Director
Leo Booth is a Unity minister, former Episcopal priest, an internationally-acclaimed author, lecturer, and trainer on all aspects of spirituality and recovery from depression, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and low self-esteem. He joins RENAISSANCE MALIBU as its Spiritual Director. Leo presents workshops, lectures, and training on spirituality, recovery, religious abuse & addiction to a wide variety of organizations and institutions every year. Leo has appeared on such television shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Geraldo, Sally Jesse Raphael and contributes to a number of publications.

		Bridget Gardner Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist
Bridget has been a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist since 1998. She is an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and runs her private practice with fully-stocked Chinese herbal pharmacy. Bridget brings a unique approach to accupuncture by integrating both the Eastern and Western philosophies to her practice. Bridgit did post-graduate work in Beijing China at the Beijing Traumatology Hospital. She is licensed nationally by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), has worked 3 years as a Qualified Medical Evaluator, and is nationally board certified in Acupuncture Orthopedics (NBAO).

		Kendra Kessel Massage Therapist
Kendra has over 10 years of professional work in the fitness and wellness area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of Arizona, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Additionally, she holds her personal training certification through the American Counsel on Exercise. Kendra has worked with some of the country's top athletes and entertainers and is a wellness consultant for numerous popular magazines, several top news stations, and television programs.

	Carol Sorrenti Yoga
Carol has been practicing yoga since the age of 8 years old. Arriving in Los Angeles from Wisconsin she began teaching yoga at the oldest yoga school in LA, the Center For Yoga on Larchmont street, under the White Lotus Foundation, Ganga White, went on the teach at Yoga Tantra Institute, alongside other senior teachers, Yogiraj Alan Finger of South Africa, Rod Stryker, and Maty Ezraty. Carol has studied all forms of Hatha Yoga including Iyengar method, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and has passed her meditation and breathing techniques to all her students. Teaching in Los Angeles for the past 28years she has put her yoga program into Cedar Sinai Medical Center, UCLA under Dr. Marshall Urist Orthopedics and Rehabilatation. Her unique style is appreciated by many athletes, and novices.

	Martin Mondia Personal Trainer
Martin has 17 years of experience in the fitness industry, and holds a Future Fit Certification. A strong believer in the proper technique, Martin makes this his high priority when working with clients. Martin is committed to educating his clients about the importance of maintaining a proper fitness program, and motivating each client to continue their fitness program upon leaving treatment.

	Susan Tschudi, M.A., M.F.T EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Susan is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a graduate of Pepperdine University. She serves as clinical director of a counseling center and has many years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. Her work at Renaissance Malibu focuses on trauma experiences and she uses a technique called EMDR, which stands for (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This technique was developed to resolve symptoms resulting from disturbing, distressing or unresolved life experiences. It uses a structured approach to address past, present, and future aspects of disturbing memories. Susan is a Level II Certified EMDR practitioner.

	George Martin-Mauser Adventure Therapy
George founded California Wilderness Trainings in 1979. From 1979 until 2000 he designed and facilitated experiential team building and leadership development programs. In 2001 he formed "NewLife Adventures" and now works with people in recovery.George's methodology is adventure based, interactive, experiential learning activities including high ropes course work. He uses these tools to support, encourage and empower people to go beyond their self limiting belief systems. By creating a supportive, caring environment he invites people to step outside their comfort zone and attempt to do what they consider "impossible". More often than not, this creates the possibility for breakthrough and transforms how the person sees him/her self.

	Michael A. Brown, MA, LISAC Family of Origin
Michael is a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor and a psychotherapist who has been working in the field of recovery for the past 17 years. Prior to entering the substance abuse field he held an Assistant Professorship in Psychology for 23 years. He specializes in drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment and was a primary therapist and individual counselor at Sierra Tucson Treatment Center for many years. He has facilitated Family of Origin Weekends at RENAISSANCE MALIBU for the past 4 years and brings his strong but gentle skills in working with families.