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20350 Ventura Blvd, Site 200, Woodland Hills, Ca 91367

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Meet Our Staff 

At Launch to Wellness, our team is the heart of everything we do. Comprised of experienced clinicians and compassionate professionals, we are united by a shared commitment to providing personalized, high-quality care. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and lived experience, allowing us to support clients with depth, understanding, and genuine connection.

Larisa Krichevsky, LMFT

CEO, Program Director

Kyna Sternlight, MSW

Director of Operations

Desiree Golbahar

Clinical Director

Annie-Claire Lowen, LMFT

Assistant Clinical Director

Dr. Eric Chaghouri, MD

Medical Director

Jackie Heckmaster, RADT

Director of Admissions

Elizabeth Davis, SUDRC

Intake Coordinator

Wendy Roehr, AMFT

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Paul Backlund, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Jacobi Wade, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Erica Silvera, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Leslie Venegas, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Orlando Suarez, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Kayala Gosnell, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Cody Shore, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Jacob Flores, RADT

Case Manager

Patrick Lombardo, RADT

Operations Coordinator

Amaka Obaze, M.S

Director of Marketing

Nia Brooks, SUDRC

Client Care Specialist

Michael Stewart, RADT

Client Care Specialist

Larisa Krichevsky is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist and a clinical supervisor. Larisa’s approach is solution-focused and asset based. This means her work is focused on reinforcing her clients’ strengths, rather than putting the focus on the exploration of their weaknesses. Larisa’s treatment goals include teaching emotion-regulation skills, the ability to identify somatic activation patterns (mad, sad, glad, afraid, etc.), moving her clients to a more secure attachment strategy, increasing resilience for positive experience, and the restoration of a natural defensive response or their natural ability to say ‘NO’. 
 Larisa is greatly influenced by neuroscience and the research of positive psychology which guides her asset based treatment through the underlying assumption that without focusing on strengths and resources healing will not occur. Larisa is dedicated to fostering growth in a safe and nurturing environment. Her treatment approach is tailored to who the client is, where her clients’ strengths lie, and the clients’ needs as unique individuals. Larisa’s ultimate goal is to empower her clients to create change within themselves, have their needs met in relationships and to help every client feel accepted, valued, and understood within themselves and their interpersonal relationships.

Larisa Krichevsky, LMFT

CEO, Program Director

Kyna Sternlight is a passionate and compassionate individual with a diverse background in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and business operations. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. Kyna has worked with dually-diagnosed adolescents and teens in residential treatment facilities, as well as in an inpatient adolescent psychiatric facility. She is committed to supporting individuals on their road to recovery from addiction. Kyna has also owned and operated two successful businesses and understands the importance of organization and implementing systems to maximize function and impact. She has a deep listening of clients' needs and is dedicated to expanding their success and well-being.

Kyna Sternlight, MSW

Director of Operations

Desiree Golbahar is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Program Director at Launch to Wellness, specializing in addiction and co-occurring disorders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC San Diego and her master’s in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. With over 10 years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across a wide range of mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control, and behavioral issues. Desiree takes a primarily cognitive-behavioral approach, integrating psychodynamic, family systems, existential, and DBT techniques. She has also trained at UCLA’s OCD Clinic, supporting individuals with OCD and hoarding disorders, and is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Known for her compassion, authenticity, and strong clinical leadership, she is dedicated to creating a supportive, ethical, and client-centered environment while guiding individuals on their path to lasting recovery.

Desiree Golbahar

Clinical Director

Annie-Claire Lowen, LMFT, earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2020 and has completed advanced training in EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). She has several years of experience working with individuals facing complex trauma, mood and personality disorders, substance use, and at-risk youth. Annie-Claire takes an individualized, attachment-focused approach to therapy, helping clients understand how life experiences shape present challenges while incorporating mindfulness and grounding practices to support healing and growth.

Annie-Claire Lowen, LMFT

Assistant Clinical Director

Dr. Eric Chaghouri graduated summa cum laude from UCLA in 2007 with a B.A. in Biology, where he was also part of the 2006 NCAA National Championship men’s volleyball team and was named UCLA Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2007. He earned his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine of USC and completed his psychiatry residency at LAC + USC Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident of Psychiatric Emergency Services and as a Resident Clinical Instructor. He later completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the USC Institute of Psychiatry and Law. Dr. Chaghouri now runs a successful psychiatric practice in Southern California specializing in co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, while also consulting with attorneys, courts, and major television networks on psychiatric matters. His professional interests include addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, medical ethics, psychological autopsy, gender wellness, and evidence-based psychiatric treatment.

Dr. Eric Chaghouri, MD

Medical Director

Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Jackie moved to Los Angeles six years ago and found purpose through her recovery journey. For the past five years, she has been an active member of the LA recovery community, dedicated to supporting others in sobriety. As a sponsor, Jackie offers compassionate, one-on-one guidance, grounded in her belief that genuine human connection is key to healing. She draws strength from her supportive family, whose encouragement has fueled her growth and resilience. Passionate about giving back, Jackie inspires others to stay committed to recovery, reminding them that a happy, sober life is possible. Outside of her work, she enjoys fitness, beach days, reading, golf, and spending time with loved ones.

Jackie Heckmaster, RADT

Director of Admissions

Eliza grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and brings a warm, personal touch to her work at Launch to Wellness. Her passion for helping others is deeply rooted in her own lived experience. Having walked through addiction, survived suicide attempts, faced the pain of losing loved ones, and worked through the long process of grief and healing from trauma, Eliza understands firsthand how challenging the road to recovery can be. Guided by a strong spiritual motivation and a belief in the power of hope, Eliza approaches every patient with empathy and genuine care. She strives to create a safe space where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to believe that change is possible. Eliza is dedicated to lifelong learning and growth in the field, and she feels honored to walk alongside individuals and families as they discover their own strength and resilience. She believes that recovery is more than overcoming addiction—it’s about rebuilding a life filled with purpose, connection, and the possibility of healing.

Elizabeth Davis, SUDRC

Intake Coordinator

Wendy Roehr is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT) with over 18 years of experience working with children, adults, couples and families. In her career as a therapist Wendy has worked with state agencies and non-profit organizations, in-patient and out-patient treatment, dual-diagnosis mental health, trauma and substance abuse treatment. She has been commissioned to create team building projects, interpersonal relationship seminars, and parenting & life skill classes for pregnant teens and teen parents. She is passionate about her work, recognizing unique and complex needs of clients and incorporating them in the therapeutic process as a healing tool and integrative technique for mind, body and spirit.

Wendy Roehr, AMFT

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

From an early age, therapy played a meaningful role in Paul’s life, shaping his curiosity and desire for deeper understanding. As a second-generation St. Thomian from the Virgin Islands, he was raised within a rich, multicultural community that instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and connection. These experiences led him to mentor at-risk and marginalized youth and pursue studies focused on how unseen social influences shape our lives. Paul became a therapist to help others explore the stories that define them. He believes therapy is not about “fixing” problems, but about understanding our relationship to them—uncovering how thoughts, beliefs, and experiences shape emotions like anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. Through a collaborative and compassionate approach, he helps clients challenge limiting patterns and discover new, more empowering narratives. Paul has experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, trans youth, young adults, couples, and families. His areas of focus include anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Paul Backlund, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Jacobi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a diverse professional background. She earned her Bachelor’s from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a law degree from New England School of Law before transitioning from family and public interest law into mental health. She later received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. Jacobi has clinical experience across detox, IOP, PHP, and residential treatment settings, working with court-involved families, veterans with PTSD, and individuals navigating trauma and addiction. Her international nonprofit work has further shaped her culturally competent, client-centered approach. Grounded in empathy and authenticity, Jacobi integrates DBT, CBT, mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems, along with creative arts therapies, to support meaningful healing and growth. Outside of her work, she enjoys painting, hiking, music, and spending time with loved ones.

Jacobi Wade, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Erica is a compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with over seven years of experience in mental health care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and her Master’s from the University of Massachusetts Global, with experience across in-home, residential, school-based, and outpatient settings. Erica has supported individuals facing trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and developmental challenges. Guided by empathy and her own lived experiences, she takes a holistic, client-centered approach focused on healing, resilience, and empowerment. Outside of her work, Erica enjoys reading and spending time with her two cats, finding balance through self-care and her personal passions.

Erica Silvera, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Leslie is a seasoned clinician with over 5 years of experience in the field. She utilizes a variety of approaches including client-centered therapy, symptom-based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. With a diverse background, Leslie has extensive experience working with individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Her work has spanned across various demographics, including children, adolescents, and adults, in settings such as at-risk youth programs, in-patient centers, and state-funded programs. Leslie's therapeutic approach is centered around providing a safe and open space for clients to share their stories, thoughts, and feelings. She believes in meeting clients halfway and empowering them to grow while equipping them with healthy coping skills to effect positive change in their lives. With warmth, humor, and honesty, Leslie strives to build strong connections with her clients, fostering a therapeutic environment conducive to healing and personal growth.

Leslie Venegas, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Orlando Suarez’s approach to therapy is supportive, practical, and empowering. He integrates DBT, CBT, ACT, and IFS with mindfulness and affirmative therapy to help clients manage emotions, build healthy coping skills, and navigate life’s challenges. Orlando also has extensive experience supporting individuals struggling with addiction and believes recovery begins with compassion, not judgment. In addition to his clinical training, he brings over 15 years of experience as a yoga teacher, incorporating a mind–body perspective to support healing and lasting growth.

Orlando Suarez, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Kayala Gosnell is a somatic psychotherapist focused on trauma-informed and holistic healing, supporting individuals recovering from complex trauma and addiction. Her approach integrates somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy, and she also works with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to help bridge Eastern and Western healing practices. With experience in addiction treatment and her own journey in 12-step recovery, Kayala brings both professional insight and lived experience into a compassionate, client-centered approach. She is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Kayala Gosnell, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Cody is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with over four years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and his Master’s degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Cody takes a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to therapy, using evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT while creating a supportive, client-centered space where individuals can build coping skills, increase self-awareness, and work toward meaningful change.

Cody Shore, AMFT

Primary Therapist

Jacob's journey began in a small Oklahoma suburb, where he quickly realized the need to seek opportunities beyond his hometown's confines. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, Jacob pursued a career in the helping profession, drawing from his own recovery journey to guide others struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. Committed to continuous learning and growth, Jacob aims to understand all facets of recovery, ensuring he can provide tailored support to each individual. Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of a caring and safe environment, Jacob prioritizes creating that same nurturing space for his clients. As a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT), Jacob is dedicated to expanding his knowledge and expertise in the field to better serve those in need.

Jacob Flores, RADT

Case Manager

PJ is a dedicated Client Advocate at Launch To Wellness, bringing a wealth of experience in behavioral therapy and a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. With a background as a Behavioral Therapist specializing in children with Autism and Down Syndrome, PJ possesses invaluable insights into addressing the unique needs of each client with empathy and expertise. He holds two Associate’s degrees, one in Behavioral Science and another in Administration of Justice from Los Angeles City College, an American Bar Association-approved program. This comprehensive academic foundation enriches PJ's approach, allowing for a holistic perspective in client advocacy and support. Driven by a passion for empowering individuals and families, PJ is committed to fostering a supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and encouraged on their path to healing. He combines clinical knowledge with compassionate advocacy to ensure that every client receives personalized care and guidance throughout their treatment journey.

Patrick Lombardo, RADT

Operations Coordinator

Amaka brings over a decade of experience in marketing, storytelling, and community-building to her work, blending creativity with a deep commitment to impact. Throughout her career, she has led innovative social media strategies and campaigns for globally recognized brands, building engaged communities and driving meaningful connection at scale. Driven by a passion for helping others, Amaka extends her expertise into the wellness and recovery space, where she focuses on creating authentic, purpose-driven narratives that resonate. She believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change, foster connection, and support personal growth. Known for her strategic mindset and empathetic approach, Amaka is dedicated to building environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered on their journey. Her work is rooted in intention, impact, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Outside of her professional work, Amaka enjoys staying active, exploring culture and creativity, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Amaka Obaze, M.S

Director of Marketing

Nia brings a unique blend of compassion, professionalism, and lived experience to her role as Client Care Specialist at Launch To Wellness. With a background in hospitality and over three years of experience supporting clients, including her time as a Room Service Associate at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, Nia has always been committed to service and care. After moving to Los Angeles in 2022 to begin her own recovery journey, she has since worked in residential and detox settings for substance use treatment, gaining 16 months of hands-on experience in the field. In addition to her commitment to the 12 step process, Nia is passionate about holistic healing and fully embraces Launch to Wellness’ approach to recovery. She finds purpose in being of service to others and takes pride in meeting client needs while being a reliable and supportive presence on her team.

Nia Brooks, SUDRC

Client Care Specialist

Michael has had hands-on experience working in sober living environments and detox treatment centers, supporting individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. His background has given him a strong understanding of recovery-focused care, crisis support, and working with diverse populations in high-stress settings. Michael brings true empathy, professionalism, and a very strong and dedicated commitment to helping clients work toward stability and long-term recovery.

Michael Stewart, RADT

Client Care Specialist

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