About CAST
Our Staff.
Mike Bayer CADC II, BRI II
Executive Director and Founder.
Mike Bayer is an addiction specialist, crisis consultant and interventionist with over 10 years of experience working in the addiction and mental health field. He is well known for quickly responding to crisis situations and assisting clients in obtaining the appropriate levels of care. Mike assembles specialized teams to help clients who may not be suitable for inpatient treatment due to professional or personal commitments and/or privacy concerns. Mike excels in creating individualized care plans and caters to the specialized needs of executives, professionals, celebrities and other clients who require the highest level of personal attention. Mike and his team at CAST understand the personal and confidential needs required to support high profile clients at home or at work in order to minimize disruption to their careers.
Mike Bayer received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. He is a California Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC II) as well as a Board Registered Interventionist (BRI I). He did his residency at The Hazelden Foundation and Progress Valley treatment programs as a residential counselor and worked at The Retreat Center in Wayzata Minnesota and Twin Town Treatment Centers in Minneapolis. Prior to founding CAST Recovery, Mike was one of the leading interventionists for what was then one of the largest addiction consulting companies in the country. In addition, Mike has consulted for many of the top treatment programs in the U.S., including the Hazelden Foundatio, and has founded several programs helping complex clients in need of crisis intervention, personal attention and specialized care. Today, as the President and CEO of CAST Recovery, Mike supervises other counselors working in an integrated program that includes top notch clinicians, therapists, consultants and staff.
Karen Rubenstein, LMFT
Lic. #MFC43747
Program Director
Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 43747) with a specialization in co-occurring disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and her Masters of Arts degree in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute.
Prior to her work as a Therapist, Karen was a Vice President and Operations Department Head at one of the largest savings and loans nationwide.
Karen has held the position of Clinical Director for one the most prestigious adolescent dual-diagnosis treatment centers nationwide. She most recently was the Clinical Director for an adult treatment center in Hollywood, CA.
As the Clinical Director, Karen managed the clinical team providing adolescents, adults and their families` the necessary tools to effectively address mental health and substance abuse issues. Karen worked compassionately with staff, clients, and their families to foster a healing environment.
Karen`s work as a therapist also included working with youth and families in a vast range of populations: direct care for youth in Los Angeles Unified School District, Haven Hills, a non-profit women and families domestic violence shelter, Bridges gang intervention youth programs, Camp David Gonzales, a LA County juvenile detention probation camp and California Family Counseling Center. Karen also has a successful private practice in Sherman Oaks.
Stephanie Grayson, M.A., Ph.D.
Manager of Clinical Services
Stephanie Grayson, M.A., Ph.D., is CAST’s Manager of Clinical Services, overseeing the clinical program, its implementation, and the professional development of the team. She teaches workshops and is the family liaison for the outpatient program. Stephanie comes to CAST with experience in psychological research, assessment, and practice as well as outreach, advocacy, and program evaluation. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Psychology and Art History from the University of Southern California, Stephanie completed her Master of Arts and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. Stephanie received formal clinical training at Harbor UCLA TIES for Families, the United American Indian Involvement, and the Long Beach Child andAdolescent Program / CalWORKS. She has implemented and evaluated wellness programs and interventions promoting life skills, prosocial behavior, empathy, and compassionate stances towards self and others.She is also involved in social psychological research in the area of prejudice, and she publishes and presents research in this area. Stephanie believes that a life worth living is within reach for everyone, and she considers it an honor to be part of CAST’s efforts to help others in shaping such lives for themselves.
Sharon Miller, MSC
Senior Clinical Advisor
Sharon holds an advisory role in CAST, responsible for both clinical guidance to the CAST programme and management operations.
She is based in the UK where she has practised integrated psychotherapy for a number of years. She is a certified practitioner in a variety of modalities holding a Diploma in Integrated Emotional Therapy, is member of the National Council of Psychotherapists in the UK, an affiliate of the UK Association of Business Psychologists and is qualified to American Board level in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy and Time Line Therapy. In addition she is qualified in a number of ‘energy’ healing techniques including Pranic Psychotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Metamorphic Technique.
She holds an Honours Degree in Biology and Geography from Bristol University and a Masters in Economics and Politics from the London School of Economics. Previous posts and awards include; assistant to two Members of the European Parliament, finalist laureate for the Women of Europe Award and for the Cosmopolitan Women of Achievement Award and Managing Director of an Environmental Health Consultancy. Whilst living in Russia she established two charitable foundations; one for Russian tiger and leopard conservation and one for veterinary support for environmental conservation projects and she still chairs the boards of these two foundations.
Sharon’s special area of interest is working with high achieving adults and has worked with a number of athletes, performers, business executives and medical professionals
Jorja Davis, LMFT – Therapist
MFC #37521
Jorja Robin Davis has facilitated recovery with clients for the past 21 years. Initially beginning as a chemical dependency counselor and graduating from one of the first programs in the state to offer certification she continued her education and currently has a Masters in Psychology and licensure as an LMFT. Jorja is also a certified EMDR therapist. Jorja has worked in the fields of mental health as well as substance abuse and brings many areas of expertise to her practice. In 1995 Jorja won an award from the Department of Corrections for service to the community and brings with her, knowledge of criminal justice and legal issues. While researching new & relevant theories for those affected by addiction, she began studying neurochemistry and its relevance. She has developed an educational seminar for families that are affected by substance abuse and/or other addictions which was profiled by The Signal, with a focus on adolescents and impulse control.
Roxan Malloy, RRW
Lic. #RW3288
Case Manager and Recovery Companion Supervisor
Roxan Malloy is a Registered Recovery Worker with the California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Roxan has been with CAST since 2009, beginning as a Recovery Companion. Her experience in the recovery field began in 2004. Prior to joining CAST, Roxan worked as a Director of Operations, Tech Manager and Psych assistant at Milestones Ranch Malibu, a premier Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center. Roxan has facilitated workshops on chemical dependency, relapse prevention, crisis management, and neuroscience in recovery. She has received training in Axis I and Axis II clients and psychopharmacology. Roxan is Lead Case Manager at CAST and supervises all Sober Companions.
Steve Music, MFTI
IMF #56378
Supervised by Karen Rubenstein Lic. #MFC43747
Therapist Intern/Group Facilitator
Originally from New Jersey, Steve has over thirty years of experience in the health care field, beginning in 1970 as an orderly and later, as a psychiatric technician. After getting sober in 1989, putting an end to his twenty year run with drugs and alcohol, Steve began working in the field of addiction and chemical dependency. Having experienced that all things are possible with sobriety, he began to entertain the remote possibility of going to college. For Steve, who struggled with a severe learning disability all of his life, going to college was once thought as equally as unattainable as getting sober. In 2008, Steve graduated from Antioch University with a Masters degree in Psychology. He is presently a registered MFT intern, working towards getting his credentials as a marriage and family therapist. Steve specializes in facilitating relapse prevention groups and works compassionately with chronic relapsers and the challenges they face rebuilding their sobriety, self-esteem and commitment to a heather way of life.
Britney Elyse, MA, MFTI
IMF #69791
Supervised by Karen Rubenstein Lic. #MFC43747
Case Manager
Britney is a registered marriage and family therapist working towards her credentials. She has several years experience working in addiction and eating disorders. Prior to working in recovery Britney started her career in the music industry. After becoming sober, Britney decided to pursue a career in addiction and mental health. She later went back to school and completed courses for her master’s degree in clinical psychology. Britney brings her enthusiasm, positive attitude and drive to CAST recovery.
Lee Collins
Case Manager
Lee has a certificate from UCLA in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies. She is currently working on her California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (CAADAC) certification. For the past 25 years, she has worked as an Interior Designer, servicing residential clients. Having had personal experience with mental illness and addiction within her family, she decided to embark on a career in the field of addiction and recovery. Lee has always been passionate about helping people. She is enthusiastic about working with CAST’s team so that she can be of support to individuals and their families who are struggling with addiction and assist them during their personal transformations so they may reach their fullest potential.
Brendon O’ Rourke
Manager of Operations
Brendon received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Columbia College. After graduating college he worked for many years in Television and Film production. Before moving into his current position of Manager of Operations for CAST, Brendon successfully ran and managed The Employment Program with Black Sheep Industries. Brendon is also an alumni of CAST and is excited to be a part of the CAST Recovery family.
Chris Murillo, RRW
RRW#5545
Intake Coordinator
Chris Murillo is a Registered Recovery Worker with the California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors and a graduate of Victor Valley College with an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts.
In 2010, Chris attended ICDC and majored in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. As an intern at The LA Gay and Lesbian Center, Chris provided 1-on-1 counseling, facilitated groups, case management, outreach and relapse prevention. Chris is currently working on his California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) credential. Chris battled his own addiction before getting sober and has a passion in helping others achieve sobriety. As Intake Coordinator for CAST, Chris is responsible for all intake calls and directing new clients in the admission process.
Holly Letchworth
Manager of Clinical Outreach
Holly received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.In Louisiana, Holly worked in and around the field of addiction for nearly 8 years. She is experienced in coaching clients and enriching their lives with structure and a healthy lifestyle.
Nick Benko
Manager of Black Sheep Industries
Nicholas Benko oversees the paid internship program at Black Sheep
Industries. Nicholas has over 5 years of experience managing the day to day operations of creative companies. He has extensive knowledge in the areas of graphic design, video production, data entry and human resources. Before coming to Black Sheep Industries, Nicholas was studying to become a teacher.
His education in this field makes him extremely capable to provide a structured, educational, and empowering experience for interns at Black Sheep Industries. Nicholas has ten years of sobriety and loves to share his experience, strength and hope with his employees. His personal experience in recovery makes him an ideal candidate to work with others in early recovery, and support them on their individual journeys.
Roberto Cancel, MA, LMSW, TEP
Group Facilitator
Roberto J. Cancel, MA, LMSW, TEP, is a Trainer, Educator and Practitioner (TEP) in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy. He has Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, a Masters in Drama Therapy and a Masters in Social Work from New York University.
Roberto studied psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy at the Sociometric Institute, the Psychodrama and Creative Arts Therapies Institute in New York City, and at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Washington DC.
For the past eighteen years, Roberto has worked in the field of mental health in the areas of assessment and treatment of mental illness in inpatient and outpatient units; facilitation of individual and group psychotherapy in related with sex and drug addiction; HIV related issues; interpersonal relationships; family issues, and emotional, physical and sexual trauma. Roberto is affiliated with the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy.
Wendy Adamson
Group Facilitator
Wendy Adamson is a dynamic, motivational speaker, meditation teacher and spiritual coach. She has dedicated her life to helping individuals who are experiencing a life crisis and to use it as a jumping off point for transformation. Wendy has worked in both high-end treatment centers and on the front lines of detox in a hospital setting. As a certified counselor she has the innate ability to meet the client where they are and speak to them in both a disarming and constructive manner. Wendy’s spiritual muscle has been developed through many years of meditation and study with such leaders as Michael Bernard Beckwith, Patricia Cota-Robles, Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra. With compelling purpose Wendy is driven by her desire to alleviate human suffering and does this through her innate ability to work with addicts.
Russell Gooch
Director of Transitional Living Operations
Russell graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College School of Nursing and earned his Associates degree in Registered Nursing in 2000. Russell began working in the Intensive Care Unit and Telemetry Unit(s) at Gulf Coast Memorial Hospital, located in Gulfport, Mississippi. Russell later transferred to Ochsner Clinic Foundation working in the Intensive Care Unit, Recovery Room, and Emergency Room, while working on his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Russell moved to California as a traveling Registered Nurse working at different hospitals along the Southern California coast, until working as a Charge Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at University California in San Francisco, CA. In 2011, Russell realized his passion was in not only helping people, but helping people in early recovery and in treatment. Having personal recovery himself, Russell began working at the C WEST Transitional Living Home, as the night and weekend manager. Russell has worked for CAST Recovery for over a year now, and supervises operations of all the Sober Transitional Living Homes.
Lisa Bagley
Manager of CAST transitional living for women
Lisa comes to CAST with 15 years of experience as an Executive Secretary to one of the entertainment industry’s busiest professionals. She earned a solid reputation as a gifted problem solver willing to handle any task, no matter the size.
At CAST Recovery, Lisa works with clients at our aftercare residence and understands the delicate process of early sobriety and building new healthy lifestyles.She treats each client with care and respect.
Lisa Bagleyhas been clean and sober since January 1985.
Chris McGlaughlin
Manager of C WEST Men’s Transitional Living
Chris served in the United States Navy working in the aviation electronics field for eight years. After the Navy, Chris worked with Boeing, ABM Engineering and Morpho Detection at the Los Angeles International Airport. In recovery since 2005, Chris has been active in the recovery field, motivating and assisting others in their recovery. Chris has a passion for helping those around him and manages the staff as Director of C WEST Men’s Transitional Living.
Jodi Kresofsky
House Manager
Jodi has over twenty years of experience in marketing and customer service. Jodi has worked in treatment for years and enjoys working with individuals in early recovery and giving back any way she can. Jodi is pursuing her goals of going to school to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
Natalie Martin
House Manager
Natalie is currently registered with CAADE and has obtained her Chemical Dependency Specialist Degree from Pierce College, while also continuing her education; majoring in Psychology. Natalie brings a special dedication to CAST in regards to addiction and recovery. Although she has never struggled with substance abuse problems, she is involved in other 12- step programs. Members of her immediate and extended family have struggled with dependency issues and this life experience drives her desire to help others and see them recover.
Michael Shores
House Manager
Michael has battled addiction for many years. Michael comes to CAST after completing five months of the outpatient program and sober living. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Missouri. Michael has continued his education in Addiction Studies. Michael is a house manager for C WEST Men’s transitional living.
Damon Raskin, M.D
Affiliated Professional
Dr. Damon Raskin, M.D has been doing what he loves for the past 16 years. As a board certified internist, he has dedicated his career to helping his patients through both minor and major medical interventions. For 10 years Dr. Raskin has specialized in working in addiction detoxification.
His interest in addiction medicine was fueled by helping people change their lives for the better and seeing their success. His greatest satisfaction as a doctor is seeing his patients make it through the hard times and transition into sobriety.
Dr. Raskin grew up in Los Angeles before moving up north to attend Stanford University for his undergraduate degree. After graduating with honors, he went to medical school at George Washington University, where again, he graduated with “distinction.” He then moved back to Los Angeles to finish his internship and residency at UCLA.
Dr. Raskin first became involved with addiction medicine when he was hired as a consultant at a rehab center in Southern California before moving on to Cliffside Malibu as one of their medical specialists. At Cliffside Malibu he works closely with patients who are going through detoxification. Dr. Raskin believes that the detox process can be very dangerous and he stresses it is important that the addict doesn’t stop using suddenly as it can be as harmful as their actual addiction. Dr. Raskin recognizes that it is beneficial for the addicted patient to slowly and calmly re-train their bodies to function without drugs for optimal treatment
There is a fine line between treating underlying legitimate cognitive issues with medicine and actual substance abuse, and that is where Dr. Raskin is most skilled. After the initial detox period, Dr. Raskin understands that sobriety is an on-going process and he feels gratified that he can help so many people achieve this goal. He strategizes with his patients on how to stay sober and if needed with the use of medication, as many times there are mental or psychological issues that need pharmaceutical assistance.
Dr. Raskin knows that addiction and sobriety is an on-going process and he feels gratified that he can help so many people achieve this goal.
Dr. Raskin is married and has two young children and two dogs. And, while he is too busy to have a major hobby, the family, dogs included, enjoy long beach days in Malibu or hiking on the Pacific Palisades trails.
Jeffrey S. Gandin, M.D.
Affiliated Professional
Dr. Gandin received his Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Philosophy from the University of California at Berkeley. He subsequently completed a Masters of Science in Physiological Psychology from California State University. After completing medical school at Sackler School of Medicine, Dr. Gandin performed his Internship and Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. In addition, he has received psychoanalytic training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis.
Dr. Gandin is licensed as a Physician and Surgeon by the Medical Board of California and is board certified in Psychiatry as a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA and has supervised trainees within the UCLA Memory Disorders Clinic. Dr. Gandin is a member of and remains active in various organizations including the American Medical Association, New Center for Psychoanalysis, the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
