Clinical Staff

Brendan Bickley, A.S., B.A., CATS, CADC II, CCS, Doctoral Candidate (Clinical Psychology)
brendan@livingsober.com
- Clinical Director

We are honored and very fortunate to have Brendan Bickley at NTS. He is a nationally renowned addiction treatment expert. Brendan Bickley is a former Hollywood actor with over ten years of experience in the addiction treatment field. Brendan Bickley is considered one of the leading experts in the field of combining addiction treatment with college education. He was the co-creator of the first program ever to combine treatment with higher education. He graduated from the University of California Irvine with honors, including Phi Beta Kappa and the Golden Key International Honor Society. He has been featured on national radio and print media as one of the most experienced experts in the field of addiction treatment coupled with college education. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences, including the National Dual Diagnosis Conference. He holds an Associates in Science degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and undergraduate degree in Criminology, Law & Society and Psychology. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II and is certified in treating Eating Disorders. Mr. Bickley also attended law school and specializes in Motivational Enhancement Therapy/Motivational Interviewing. Mr. Bickley created two college programs at two previous facilities and currently directs the college program at NTS - NTS Academy.

Dr. Michael Anthony, MD
- Supervising Psychologist

Dr. Anthony is our supervising psychologist. He provides supervision of our clinical treatment team and administers psychological testing to clients at NTS. Dr. Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding the treatment of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. He has worked in various substance abuse programs since the early 1990’s and has treated individuals and families from all walks of life. He has been a psychologist at Orange County Juvenile Hall and clinical director of an exclusive residential dual diagnosis treatment program in Newport Beach. His accomplishments include designing a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment program for one of the first dual diagnosis programs in a hospital outpatient program in southern California. Dr. Anthony graduated Cum Laude from the honors program in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He went on to earn his doctorate from the Clinical Psychology program at the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.

Dr. Theodore G. Williams, MD
- Consulting Psychiatrist

Dr. Williams has been in private psychiatric practice in Orange County, California for 20 years. He had a previous career as a U.S. Navy psychiatrist sub specializing in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. After his navy retirement, her served as Medical Director for several private psychiatric hospitals prior to joining the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Ca where he currently serves as Medical Director of Addiction Treatment Services and Eating Disorders. He specializes in the treatment of patients with dual diagnoses of a psychiatric disorder coupled with a drug and/or alcohol dependency. He is a strong supporter of all Twelve-Step programs

Alia Fazio, B.A., M.A., Registered Intern, Doctoral Student
- Registered Intern IMF 54092

Supervised by Michael Anthony, PsyD, PSY 17717

Alia Harlan has come to NTS with experience with a variety of clientele. As a former professional dancer, Alia has worked with dance, movement and the arts for over twenty years, specializing in choreography as well as working with children and families. She began her professional career as a successful dance studio owner and director prior to receiving her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is continuing her education by working on her PsyD with plans of continuing with therapy as well as writing in the future. Her degrees include a BA in Dance, specialization in teaching and a BA in Social Science, minor in psychology. She maintains a vocational teaching credential and is one of 300 members in the national American Dance Therapy Association. Her professional memberships also include Chi Sigma Iota, Chamber of Commerce, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and Dancers Responding to Aids.

Brooke Bucellato, B.A., M.A., Registered Intern, Doctoral Student
brooke@livingsober.com
- Registered Intern IMF 57299

Supervised by Michael Anthony, PsyD, PSY 17717

Brook graduated with honors from California State University, Long Beach with a major in psychology. She went on to complete her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. Previous to pursuing her therapeutic career, Brooke cultivated a passion for operatic singing which provided her the opportunity to travel the country performing. She came to NTS after doing dual diagnosis work at a Domestic Violence Shelter in Orange County. She especially enjoyed her past therapeutic work with the Orange County Community Outreach program that offered Personal Empowerment Programs to court mandated clients. Brooke gravitates towards Narrative Therapy in her approach to her therapeutic work.

Clay Niles, CATC
- Program Manager

Clay Niles has been working in the field of addiction since 1996. Clay is a State Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and earned his certification from Cypress College majoring in drug and alcohol studies carrying a 4.0 GPA. He started his career in treatment working with addicts on parole who have a difficult time re-entering back into society. Clay was one of the original case managers when Proposition 36 was introduced to the state of California. This proposition gave addict’s treatment in lue of incarceration. He then transferred into to private sector of addiction treatment, treating those with dual diagnosis issues coupled with their addiction Clay’s extensive experience in the field of addiction and his own personal recovery efforts, with a clean date of December 4th 1993, gives him the insight to work with any addict, on any level coming into treatment. Clay has help hundreds of addict’s recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. As Program Director, Clay makes sure every client at NTS is getting the support and direction they need to grow and become a productive, caring individual that is not only an asset to society, but to the family that cares about them.

Char Manley
- Medication Coordinator

Ms. Manley has a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of South Carolina. She was a scholarship All American Division I athlete. Ms. Manley also has a two-year degree in Paramedic Science from the University of South Carolina. She worked for eight years as a paramedic and 6 years as a flight paramedic. She is an EMS instructor, teaching EMT classes as well as CPR BCLS/ACLS to both health care professionals and the public for American Heart. She has also been involved in various clinical research projects, as a researcher, for the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Southern California.

Don Earhart B.S. PSY. C.A.T.C.
- Transitional/Outpatient Program Manager

Mr. Earhart completed his education in drug and alcohol studies at Saddleback College. He is certified by the State of California as an addiction treatment counselor. He also graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in psychology. Don is an experienced clinical team member with specialized education in Cognitive behavioral therapy and anger management. Having well over a decade of sobriety, he has the personal experience in recovery which gives unique insight into the disease of addiction. Working directly with clients and families is his strength. Instilling new hope for the future and helping people to find a positive direction in life. He provides clients with personalized treatment options. Don has proven himself as being highly adept and instrumental in motivating others. He also helps clients to achieve and maintain ongoing recovery and success.

Shannon Reed, C.A.D.C.A.
- Counselor/Case Manager NTS Academy

Shannon is a state certified addiction treatment counselor and works closely with our NTSA Clients. She comes from a background of over fifteen years in real estate finance and holds a certificate in masters of management. Shannon has also volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County and has been an active leader in various youth activities and organizations throughout the state. She excels in both motivating as well as assisting clients in renewing their hope, building life skills, and finding purpose in life again. She helps her clients clarify their individual goals and navigates them through the treatment process. Shannon believes that educating and bringing understanding to the families we serve, is a critical component to recovery.

Kim Hammett, C.A.T.C.
- Counselor/Case Manager

Kim has over 12 years experience in the chemical dependency field. She received her drug and alcohol studies degree from Cypress College. Kim specializes in multiple theoretical perspectives focusing on the inner person and concentrating on the unique qualities of human beings. Kim began her career in this field as a 12-step coordinator and senior counselor with Orange County Health Care servicing court mandated clients. In addition, Kim holds several certifications in areas including self-esteem strategies, hepatitis-C education, and motivational interviewing. Kim is very active in the recovery community and has served as a volunteer for the Orange County Women's jail facility for over 5 years. Her hope is to carry the message of recovery to those who are unable to attend outside 12-step meetings.

Lauren Brdecka, CADCA
- Counselor/Case Manager

Lauren is currently a CADAC trained addiction treatment counselor. Lauren has vast experience in the recovery field and specializes in working with young adults. Lauren possesses a working knowledge of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and addiction treatment. She is passionate about carrying the message of recovery and we are honored to have her on our clinical team.

Rick McGuire, CADAC
Case manager/Counselor

Rick McGuire graduated from Inter Coast College with a 4.0 GPA and has been working in the field of addiction for 3 years. Rick is a CAADAC Certified drug and alcohol counselor. He has been in recovery for over 15 years and has worked with all ages ranging from adolescence to adults.
Rick has experience with Dual Diagnosis, family dynamics as well as strong spiritual coaching. Rick is very active in his church and believes that through spiritual principles anything is possible. Ricks believes that he was saved by grace and lives by grace one day at a time.