Laura Rothafel, M. A., L.M.F.T., Clinical Director
Ms. Rothafel specializes in treating chemical dependency and is a recognized expert in helping difficult "at-risk" cases. For more than 20 years, she has co-developed and helped facilitate programs. Her experience and understanding of dual diagnosis is extensive. Ms. Rothafel has the ability to identify the clinical and social needs of each patient and believes that treatment is systemic in nature. Her role at Brookside Institute as the clinical director includes scheduling of services, supervision of staff and patient care. Ms. Rothafel is an excellent speaker and has made presentations at various functions. She also serves as president for The Friendly Center, one of Orange County's oldest non-profit organizations. Ms. Rothafel received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Long Beach, majoring in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications, and her Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in Counseling Psychology.

Yi Jin, M.D., Electrophysiologist, Director of Neuroscience Center
Dr. Jin is an electrophysiologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical, psychiatric and electrophysiological research. His specialty in electroencephalogram (EEG) is particularly suitable to the work at Brookside Institute. His electrophysiological works have been extended to the studies of neural perceptual coding, mental disorders, substances abuse, genetics, and psychopharmacology. Dr. Jin is director of Behavioral EEG Lab of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine. He is also an executive board member of the EEG & Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS).

Trung Thai, M.D., FACGS., Diplomate American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Medical Director
Dr. Thai has spent the past ten years working with patients who suffer from anxiety, PSTD, depression, Alzheimer 's disease, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders. He brings a wealth of experience in dual diagnosis, pharmacology, and mental health disorders to Brookside Institute. Dr. Thai is an associate clinical professor at UCI Medical Center and has been involved in psychiatric residents as well as medical students’ education. He was awarded 2007 America’s Top Psychiatrists by the Consumer’s Research Council of America and 2008 Teacher of the Year by UCI residents. He has co-authored many groundbreaking research papers on mental health disorders, including the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on certain psychiatric conditions. In recent years, Dr. Thai has served on the Orange County Mental Health Board and on the UCI Credential Committee.

Janet Blaser , M.A., M.F.T. Therapist
Ms. Blaser earned her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. While at Pacifica she wrote a thesis exploring the relationship between creativity and addiction. Ms. Blaser holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Evergreen State College. She has been practicing psychotherapy for 10 years, currently specializing in the treatment of individuals with dual diagnoses, focusing on solutions to problems related to substance abuse and dependence. Ms. Blaser is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Brookside Institute where she works with patients in individual and group therapy. She facilitates Brookside's Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program, and leads weekly groups in Creative Expression. Her background in psychology, art and design are apparent in the passion and expertise she brings to these components of the Brookside program. Janet also facilitates weekly groups in Self-Esteem and Grief and Loss.

Thom Montgomery, Ph.D., Research Consultant
Dr. Montgomery brings more than 25 years of experience to Brookside Institute as a certified specialist in the treatment of substance abuse. He has established protocols for various programs and has been associated with a variety of institutions including the American Public Health Foundation in Orange County, Martin Luther King Hospital in Anaheim, Twin Town Treatment Centers and San Pedro Peninsula Hospital.

Christina M. Carey, Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate, A.S. Human Services, Case Management
Ms. Carey received her Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate and her Associates of Sciences in Human Services at Saddleback College, as well as working towards her Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Over the last four years, she has been an active member of the recovery community, as well as working at local Alcohol and Drug Detox Programs. As Case Manager, Ms. Carey utilizes her knowledge and experience to work one -on -one with each individual in assessing their case management needs in various areas including legal, financial, medical, and professional / educational needs.

Andrea Brokaw, B.A., BCIA- EEG, Sr. Neuroscience Technologist
Ms. Brokaw received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2005. Prior to graduation, she participated in clinical research utilizing EEG as a means to help better understand depression. For two years she worked in the Psychiatry department at the UCI Medical Center conducting additional research with EEG as well as investigational medication trials. Here she gained experience working with patients who were diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Major Depressive Disorder. At Brookside, she is a Sr. Neuroscience Technologist working closely with our medical staff to administer EEG, and rEEG, as well as MERT and Neurofeedback treatment. In July 2009, Ms. Brokaw was awarded the BCIA national certification in EEG Biofeedback/Neurofeedback.

Michelle Spitler, LVN, MHW - Director of Health Services
Ms. Spitler is a licensed Vocational Nurse who completed her nursing credentials at Santa Barbara College. She started her work with psychiatric patients in 2000 as a mental health worker at St. Francis hospital in Santa Barbara. Ms. Spitler is currently working on her RN. As a core member of our health team, she provides both medical and mental health care for our patients at Brookside Institute.

Alexander Ring, B.S., Neuroscience Technologist
Mr. Ring received his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, in 2008. Prior to graduation, he participated in clinical research utilizing the EEG to help better understand perception in schizophrenia and affective disorders. Additionally, he participated in researching a rodent model for epilepsy, scanning 24-hour EEGs for signs of epileptic activity. Mr. Ring also spent some time designing and testing a research protocol for emotion recognition in post-traumatic stress disorder with EMG technology at the University of California, San Diego. At Brookside Institute, he is a Neuroscience Technologist, working with the medical staff to administer EEG, rEEG, and MERT treatment.