Our Team

When it comes to matters of mental health treatment, the clinical staff is where the true difference lies

Whether its focus is on drug & alcohol addictions, mental health illnesses, dual-diagnosis disorders or anything of the like, the effectiveness of a treatment center is largely determined by the quality, experience and dedication of its staff. In that spirit, we can truly affirm that our clinical and support staff is among Southern California’s finest. As you browse through our staff bios below, you will notice we have also included certification numbers for all of our LMFT’s and AMFT’s. We do this because:

  • We have a steadfast commitment to integrity & transparency
  • We are proud and honored to have each & every one of them on staff with us
  • Considering the importance of selecting the right mental or behavioral health recovery option, we strive to further simplify the due diligence process for you should you choose to do so

Should any question arise regarding staff information on this page, or for any reason, please call us 7 days a week at: (760) 777-7720

 

Executive Staff

    A smiling woman sitting on an outdoor sofa with trees in the background.

    Kelly Lewallen

    LMFT #37832

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Gregg Homme

    CFO

    James Gallegos, Associated Marriage Family Therapist

    James Gallegos

    MH Clinical Director/AMFT #138738

    Associated Marriage Family Therapist

    Wyatt Lewallen

    AMFT #129490

    Associated Marriage Family Therapist

    Rob Lewallen

    Administrative Director of The Lewallen Center

Clinicians

    Robert Barron

    LMFT #45967

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Rita Romero

    LMFT #121610

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Kate Homet, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Kate Homet

    LMFT #142324

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Jose Gonzalez, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Jose Gonzalez

    LMFT #140048

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Woman smiling in glasses, wearing a light sweater, standing on a porch with a clear sky behind her in Palm Desert.

    Kasey Rissman

    LPCC #9950

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

    Michael Tripet

    LMFT #91096

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Jane Gaunt

    LMFT #41412

    Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

    Madeline Stevens, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

    Madeline Stevens

    LPCC #1123

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Associate Clinicians

    Tim Rogers

    AMFT #144160

    Associate Marriage Family Therapist

    Tashana Bednar

    AMFT #144534

    Associate Marriage Family Therapist

    Michael “Mike” Jacobs

    AMFT #139027

    Associate Marriage Family Therapist

    Lorena Sarrouf, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

    Lorena Sarrouf

    APCC#12583

    Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

    Liliana Zavala

    APCC #Pending

    Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

    Hayli Boiko, AMFT LIC#129727

    Hayli Boiko

    AMFT LIC#129727

    Associate Marriage Family Therapist

    Emma Lukes Associated Professional Clinical Counselor

    Emma Lukes

    APCC #144534

    Associated Professional Clinical Counselor

    Briana Chopin Associate Counselor Social Worker

    Briana Chopin

    ACSW#105368

    Associate Counselor Social Worker

    Claudia Cabrera Associate Marriage Family Therapist

    Claudia Cabrera

    AMFT #133133

    Associate Marriage Family Therapist

Dietitian and Nutritional Techs

    Ashley Lytwyn

    Registered Dietician Nutritionist

    Mariana Granados, Nutritional Tech Aide

    Mariana Granados

    Nutritional Tech Aide

    A person with glasses, wearing a blue turtleneck and black pants, stands in front of a building with a badge around their neck.

    Isabel Bojorquez-Lopez

    Nutrition Tech

Case Managers and Behavioral Health Techs

    Suzy Salgado

    Behavioral Health Technician

    Jordan Bradley

    UR Specialist/BHT

    Gail Jacobs MH Clinical Case Manager

    Gail Jacobs

    MH Clinical Case Manager

    Corynne Betts, Case Manager

    Corynne Betts

    Clinical Case Manager

Administration

    Sydney Hodges

    Intake Specialist

    Rick S

    Head of Transport

    Zenaida Salinero

    Registration Intake Specialist

    Iris Marrufo, Intake Specialist

    Iris Marrufo

    Intake Specialist

    Gerardo (Tito) Benitez

    Billing Specialist

    Linda Hale, Facility Manager/HR

    Linda Hale

    Facility Manager & Human Resources

    Patricia Rivera

    Insurance Manager

    Liza Ramil, Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator

    Liza Ramil

    Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator

Therapy Dogs

    Bobby

    Therapy Dog

    V.P of Fun

    Merle-coated dog with a red scarf and blue collar against a neutral background.

    Tug

    Therapy Dog

    V.P. of Treat Acquisitions

    A black and white dog wearing a colorful collar and harness, looking to the side against a white background.

    Lulu

    Therapy Dog

    Anxiety Specialist

Contact Us

The team at Desert Marriage & Family Counseling would be happy to assist you in any difficulties that you might be experiencing as a couple or individual. Contact us today for an appointment.