Meet Our Dedicated Team
At Invigorate Behavioral Health Counseling Center, our team of mental health professionals is committed to providing personalized care and comprehensive treatment to help you or your loved one achieve recovery. Get to know the people on our staff who are here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. Christian Small
M.D., Medical Director
Dr. Christian Small
Christian Small, MD is board certified in addiction psychiatry, general psychiatry and family medicine. He is one of a handful of doctors in the US who have the experience and training to treat full spectrum medical and psychiatric illness. Dr. Small has become a leader in delivering evidence based addiction practices, medical and psychiatric care to addiction treatment programs. He is the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services, an innovative company bringing the highest level of patient care to substance treatment and mental health programs. Dr. Small was previously employed by the Veterans Administration in La Jolla as an addiction psychiatrist and at the University of California San Diego. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine and completed a residency in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at UCSD.
Dr. Brandi Jordan
Ph.D., LMFT, LAADC, ICAADC, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Brandi Jordan
Brandi was born and raised in Fresno, California. She is married and has two children. Brandi and her family recently moved to Southern California in 2021.
Brandi earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University Fresno, earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, and earned her Ph.D. in general psychology from Grand Canyon University. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC), and is certified in animal-assisted therapy (CAATP). She currently sits on the board of directors for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Brandi has a passion for working with those struggling with mental health and addiction-related disorders as she has seen both affect those closest to her since a young age. Brandi has experience working in a variety of mental health and substance use disorder settings both in public and private communities. She has worked in battered women’s and children’s shelters, children’s youth services, the Salvation Army, and provided co-occurring services within the educational system. Brandi worked in the private treatment industry both as a therapist and as a clinical director overseeing all levels of care in the SUD field. Brandi was deputized as a conservator working with serious mental illness within the County of Fresno and was a utilization review specialist for the County of Fresno, conducting audits for all substance use programs under Medi-Cal. Brandi was the liaison for the Fresno County Jail ensuring those on conservatorship and incarcerated were able to get needed mental health and SUD treatment. Brandi also had a private practice where she practiced her specialty in animal-assisted therapy in conjunction with psychotherapy. Her dog Rocket is currently in training to be her new therapy dog. Brandi now is the Chief Operating Officer for Pinnacle Health Group. She oversees all operational and clinical staff and ensures the treatment is of the utmost quality, from the client’s arrival to discharge.
Brandi tries to see beauty and hope everywhere she goes and believes everything happens for a reason. Brandi’s passion is advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves and helping people start a new life and journey in recovery.
Dr. Arlene Ghahremani
Ph.D., LMFT, Clinical Director
Dr. Arlene Ghahremani
Dr. Arlene Ghahremani, otherwise known as “Dr G,” started her journey by getting her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and then went on to receive her Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana, Monroe. Ultimately, earning her Doctor of Philosophy in System Studies and Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr G. has had numerous years of experience working in dual-diagnosis treatment programs, treating mental health and substance use disorders. Dr G. has conducted and been a part of research studies that look at the dynamics of relationships and people suffering from PTSD.
Shane Niels
CADC-I, QMHS Program Director
Shane Niels
Shanika Jones
LVN, Director of Nursing
Shanika Jones
Shanika is a licensed vocational nurse currently in school for her RN, BSN. She has been working in treatment for seven years and has also previously worked in memory care at a senior living facility. Her dream is to be a nurse practitioner and continue to work in treatment, serving clients with both substance use and mental health disorders. Shanika strives to bring laughter and joy wherever she goes.
Connie Johnson
Director of Business Development and Alumni
Connie Johnson
Connie has over 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field, with the past 13 years dedicated to business development. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Psychology with a minor in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine, and started working in treatment shortly after graduating. She began her career in compliance and admissions roles, laying a strong foundation before transitioning into business development, where she discovered her true calling. Connie has worked extensively with co-occurring disorders, gender-specific treatment, aftercare, and transitional care. Her experience working in aftercare has reinforced her belief in the value of long-term support and the importance of staying connected with alumni to promote lasting recovery. Connie is recognized for her integrity, reliability, and genuine dedication to her work. She’s passionate about helping others and takes pride in building strong, supportive relationships with clients, families, and colleagues alike.
Seth Holtz
Admissions Counselor
Seth Holtz
Seth best decision he has ever made was getting sober. He has a passion for recovery and truly feels blessed and honored to be a part of this team. He remembers what it was like the day he made the call to get help, and how much his life changed. To be able to help others get sober and heal every day is truly a gift from God, and a responsibility that he take seriously. He is very grateful to be on such an outstanding team at Invigorate for the last 3 years.
Ben Yurchak
Admissions Counselor
Ben Yurchak
Ben is one of our Admissions Counselors specializing in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Florida, he brings not only professional experience to this role but a deep personal understanding of the struggles that come with addiction. He knows firsthand how dark and isolating that road can feel and now he uses his mess to become a message. “Recovery didn’t come easy – it took hitting rock bottom, asking for help, and learning to be vulnerable. What saved me wasn’t just treatment, but the people who showed up for me with compassion and understanding. That connection – being seen and heard without judgment -changed everything.” Now helping people take that first courageous step toward recovery is more than just a job to him – it’s his purpose.
Brian Bosley
Admissions Counselor
Brian Bosley
Brian is an admissions counselor specializing in drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment. Originally from Maryland, he brings a grounded and compassionate approach to helping individuals take the first step toward recovery. With a strong belief in the power of human connection and support, Brian works closely with clients and their families to guide them through the admissions process with care and understanding. Outside of his professional work, Brian enjoys playing baseball and staying active, which helps him maintain balance and a positive outlook on life.
Katherine Feller
ACSW, Therapist
Katherine Feller
Katherine, otherwise known as Kat, graduated from USC with a Master of Social Work degree after her first career as an executive in television production. During her graduate studies, she was awarded a government stipend to research substance use disorders and served as a board member of the Mind/Body Caucus. Kat has worked as a clinician at a homeless shelter on Skid Row, a dual diagnosis residential treatment center, and an inpatient psychiatric hospital. She is certified in Seeking Safety, an evidence-based intervention for co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and chemical dependency. Kat’s therapeutic style is strengths-based, diversity-affirming, and insight-oriented, with the goal of supporting clients as they undertake the challenging work of transforming painful experiences into purpose and progress. Daily, she awakens delighted to share knowledge and skills she has learned throughout her own recovery, aiming to empower others as they courageously embark upon their treatment journeys. Kat is supremely grateful to feel called to a life of service and is constantly inspired by the evolution, love, and healing that human connection offers.
Reginald Bland
AMFT, Therapist
Reginald Bland
Reginald Bland, an associate marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles with a Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College. Specializing in trauma, he is dedicated to
the wellness and healing of his fellow human beings. Being born and raised in Pasadena, He is connected to the community and treasure, working to help those we share this beautiful and diverse place we call home. He enjoys music, art, and collecting antiques. He hopes that he can walk along side his clients on part of their life journey of wellness, happiness, and fulfillment. Clinically, he specializes in cognitive behavioral
therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy modalities, carrying a passion for helping
individuals thrive, heal, and self-actualize to realize their greatest potential and lives. His therapeutic
approach is individualized to meet the unique personalities and needs of our clients to achieve our
mission of providing quality care for the successful recovery of every person who steps through our
doors.
Gabriel Giaminardi-Bekele
Case Manager
Gabriel Giaminardi-Bekele
Gabriel Bekele is a Los Angeles native with over six years of experience in the field of substance use disorder and mental health. His journey is not only professional, but profoundly personal. As someone in long-term recovery, Gabriel’s life was once marked by struggle, but through the transformative power of a 12-step program, he has rebuilt his life from the ground up. That journey continues to inspire his work and his sense of purpose every single day.
What began as a path to save his own life has become a calling to help others do the same. Gabriel brings more than just clinical experience—he brings deep empathy, lived understanding, and a commitment to walking alongside others through their darkest moments. For him, recovery is not just a job—it’s a privilege. Being able to witness transformation and contribute to saving lives is the most meaningful part of his work.