Our Team


Meet the medical, clinical, and recovery professionals behind Laguna Beach Recovery

Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and resilient treatment in a safe, supportive environment on the coast of Laguna Beach

Medical & Clinical Team

Dr. Joseph DeSanto, MD

Medical Director

Board-Certified physician with more than 20 years of Addiction Medicine experience.
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Dr. Richard Peprah, MD

Attending Physician

Board-Certified physician with a strong focus on Addiction Medicine.
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Ernesto Paz, MA,
LMFT #115411

Clinical Director

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience in substance use and behavioral health care.
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Stephanie Springel,
MFT Trainee

Clinician

Stephanie Springel, MFT Trainee, serves as a clinician at Laguna Beach Recovery.
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Experienced Care. Human Connection. Better Outcomes.

From admission through aftercare planning and beyond, our team works together to ensure you receive the highest quality care at every step of your recovery journey.

Medical Oversight

Board-certified physicians provide 24/7 monitoring, medication management, and wellness oversight.

Evidence-Based Therapy

Therapies and clinical interventions grounded in compassion and expertise.

One-on-One Support

Personal connection and individualized guidance from a team that gets to know you beyond your diagnosis.

Personalized Treatment

Every plan is tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Care Team

Kris Main
RADT-i

Case Manager

Kai Danbara
SUDRC, CMT

Medication Technician

Parham Djalilvand
RADT-T, CMT

Medication Technician

Matt Freeman
RADT, CMT

Medication Technician

Britney Buck
RADT

Lead Wellness Tech

Caden Mcclure
RADT

Wellness Tech

Keith Macwatters
SUDRC

Wellness Tech

Brandon Tangi
RADT-T

Wellness Tech

Darrel Moore
RADT

Wellness Tech

Jonny Sadak


Wellness Support

Joe Hill


Wellness Support

Engy Herzalla

Wellness Support

Sara Tovar

Wellness Support

Caroline Young

Wellness Support

Executive Team

Kevin Cullen

Founder
Kevin Cullen is the founder of Laguna Beach Recovery, with more than 20 years of experience in addiction and mental health treatment throughout Orange County. Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in developing and opening multiple respected treatment programs, bringing a steady focus on ethical leadership, strong clinical collaboration, and high-quality client care.
Kevin’s approach is also shaped by 26 years of personal recovery experience, giving him a grounded understanding of what individuals and families need during the early stages of healing. At Laguna Beach Recovery, he has built a culture centered on dignity, accountability, compassion, and real support. His vision is to provide a safe, private detox and residential environment where clients receive evidence-based care, individualized guidance, and the practical tools needed to move forward with clarity and lasting momentum.

Danielle Young

Chief Financial Officer

Kyle Marcotte

Chief Operating Officer

Brandon Hilger

Chief Marketing Officer

Elise Main

Executive Director

Gabby Hilger

Director of Operations

Jordan Griffin

Administrative Assistant

Cody Tolley

Clinical Outreach

Licensed, Certified & Trusted

DHCS Licensed
Joint Commission Accredited
LegitScript Certified