Compassionate Experts
Guiding Your Recovery
At the San Diego Transformation Center, our strength lies in our people. Our multidisciplinary team brings together leading clinicians, medical professionals, and support staff—each dedicated to empowering your journey toward lasting recovery. Every member of our team shares a commitment to compassionate care, evidence-based practice, and the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
Leadership Team
Jerry Shirey
MBA, BA
Chief Executive Officer
Jerry's life is rooted in 12 years of recovery from mental health and substance use disorders—a transformation that shapes everything he does. He channels that experience into creating sustainable, person-centered solutions for communities in need. Equipped with an MBA in Creative Leadership and currently pursuing a PhD in Social Policy and Behavioral Health Administration, Jerry integrates personal insight, leadership, and evidence-based strategy to advance long-term healing and systemic change.
David Deyhimy
M.D.
Medical Director
David I. Deyhimy, M.D., FASAM, is a board-certified physician in addiction medicine and anesthesiology with over 20 years of experience. He founded South County Addiction Treatment Services and later MYMATCLINIC to provide flexible, evidence-based, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. A committed harm-reduction advocate, he also serves as Medical Director of the Solace Foundation of Orange County, expanding access to naloxone and helping save lives from opioid overdose.
Steven Ackerman
Director of Operations
Steven Ackerman is a seasoned operations specialist with a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. Driven by his own journey with mental health and substance abuse, Steven brings deep empathy and determination to every project he undertakes. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in establishing four treatment centers, ensuring operational excellence and delivering client-focused care. Steven’s commitment to supporting others in their recovery is matched only by his dedication to his family. Outside of work, he finds joy on the open road, pursuing his passion for motorcycles and quality time with loved ones.
Kevin Belcastro
LMFT
Clinical Director
Kevin is a Therapist specializing in trauma-informed care. He leads the clinical team in creating a safe, consistent, and compassionate environment where both clients and staff are supported in doing deep therapeutic work. With nearly two decades of experience across residential, outpatient, and private practice settings, Kevin provides leadership, supervision, and direct client care. He has extensive expertise treating trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and bipolar and mood disorders. Drawing from CBT, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Solution-Focused approaches, he helps clients build insight, resilience, and sustainable change.
Clinical & Medical Team
Jennifer Johnson
FNP-C, CATC III-N
Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer is a highly skilled family nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). With extensive experience at South County Addiction Treatment Services/MYMATCLINIC and in detox and residential care, she provides comprehensive assessments, evidence-based withdrawal management, and compassionate, patient-centered support. Jennifer collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to manage complex substance use disorder cases, integrates holistic and behavioral health approaches, and is committed to helping patients and families navigate recovery with dignity, safety, and hope.
Jeannette Spivey
RN
Registered Nurse
Jeannette is an experienced addiction medicine nurse dedicated to delivering safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to patients in all stages of recovery. She specializes in detoxification support, medication management, and close monitoring of withdrawal symptoms, while collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, and counselors to ensure coordinated, patient-centered treatment. Known for her calm presence, attention to detail, and strong advocacy for clients, Jeannette helps individuals and families navigate the challenges of substance use disorder with dignity, respect, and hope.
Elizabeth Birck
AMFT
Therapist
Eli is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) student specializing in systemic building to decrease systemic trauma. Eli supports individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, communication challenges, and significant life transitions. Their clinical approach integrates Family Systems Theory, EMDR, and trauma-informed, strengths-based interventions to foster resilience and meaningful change. Eli’s doctoral work focuses on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and cultural responsiveness of treatment centers to deliver more effective and equitable care. They are dedicated to strengthening systems of support and enhancing mental-health outcomes across diverse communities.
Sebastian Paez
APCC
Therapist
Sebastian is a trilingual associate therapist with master’s degrees in Clinical Counseling and Neuropsychology. He integrates cognitive-behavioral and trauma-focused approaches, drawing on insights from neuropsychology, to provide thoughtful, individualized care. With experience across community mental health, correctional, and rehabilitation settings, Sebastian supports individuals navigating severe mental illness, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Guided by warmth, curiosity, and integrity, he emphasizes emotional understanding, resilience, and authentic connection in his work. A devoted husband and father, Sebastian views psychotherapy as both a scientific and deeply human process that fosters growth and healing.
Olivia Williams
AMFT
Case Manager
Olivia is a compassionate case manager dedicated to supporting clients with a personalized approach, characterized by empathy and commitment. Originally from San Diego, she offers clients a warm and community-focused perspective, excelling at fostering trusting and authentic relationships with those around her. Olivia is passionate about guiding individuals through complex situations and ensuring they feel seen, respected, and supported throughout the process. Known for her reliability, organization, and commitment to client growth, she contributes a positive impact here at San Diego Transformation Center. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as staying active.
Ronald Gardner
CADC-I
Case Manager
Ronald Gardner is a devoted husband and proud father of five who brings his whole heart to the recovery community. With 7 years of sobriety from addiction, he understands firsthand the courage, humility, and daily commitment it takes to rebuild a life. Ron has walked alongside people at every stage of recovery—detox, residential, PHP, and IOP—and has seen how fragmented care can leave clients feeling unseen and unsupported. His vision is to change that reality by creating a space where nutrition, physical health, mental health, and fitness come together under one roof, treating the whole person rather than just their symptoms. Grounded, compassionate, and deeply relational, Ron is driven to help build a long-term, sustainable model of care that replaces the revolving door of treatment with genuine healing, dignity, and lasting change.
Support & Wellness Staff
Stephanie Galvan
Executive Assistant
Stephanie is an essential part of the daily operations at The San Diego Transformation Center. Born to Filipino and Mexican descent, Stephanie fosters an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone from all walks of life. She is a strong advocate and humanitarian for individuals experiencing poverty and social injustice. A generational survivor of substance use disorder, Stephanie is deeply knowledgeable about the recovery process from inception to completion. Her strong conviction and unwavering passion for the recovery community are evident in every step she takes to help the next person move forward in their journey.
Matthew Seaman
NCPRS, CEI
Business Development Specialist
Matthew is a native of San Diego, CA, where he began a 25-year career in Mortgage Banking, working for such financial institutions as Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, and Bank of America. After overcoming his own struggles in 2015, he turned a profound personal journey into a passion for helping others. Matthew is a National Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (NCPRS), a Certified Event Interventionist (CEI), and is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC).
Brittany Feather
RADT
Intake Coordinator
Brittany is a dedicated behavioral health professional with experience in admissions, case management, and client care across multiple levels of treatment. She has supported clients through detox, residential, PHP, and IOP programs, ensuring each person receives compassionate, ethical, and individualized care. Brittany is recognized for establishing strong rapport, advocating for client needs, and collaborating with clinical teams to ensure a safe and successful treatment experience. She is currently completing her education in Substance Use Disorder Counseling and is committed to helping individuals and families navigate recovery with dignity, respect, and hope.
Jennifer Fisher
SUDRC
Client Services Liason
Jennifer is a Community Liaison with extensive experience supporting diverse client populations, including individuals living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorders. Before her current role, she provided direct care in a crisis house setting, developing strong skills in de-escalation, client advocacy, and collaborative care. Jennifer is committed to fostering trust, improving communication between clients and service providers, and ensuring compassionate, person-centered support that empowers individuals and strengthens the networks that promote long-term stability and well-being.
Kara Long
RADT
Behavioral Health Technician
Kara is a registered alcohol and drug technician working as a behavioral health tech. She is currently pursuing a PhD in trauma-focused clinical forensic psychology at a graduate school. Kara has been working in the mental health field for over five years and is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Teens 4 Teens Help. Having navigated her own mental health challenges and years of treatment, she strives to provide others with the support she knows is vital to lasting recovery. She is passionate about helping others overcome the consequences of their trauma and advocates for individuals facing social disadvantages.
Joey Pena
RADT/EMT
Behavioral Health Technician
After serving in the U.S. Army, Joey Peña watched many friends struggle with substance use disorders and mental health challenges—struggles he knew personally from his own battle with alcoholism before enlisting. That experience ignited his commitment to behavioral health. Now a devoted father, Joey is driven to help build a world where his children grow up free from the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. He is passionate about making every client feel genuinely seen, valued, and heard, not just processed as a number in the system.
Our Commitment to You
Every member of our team is united by a single purpose: to walk alongside you through every stage of your recovery journey. We believe in the power of collaboration, empathy, and clinical excellence—so you can focus on what matters most: your transformation.
Interested in meeting our team or learning more about our approach?
Contact us to schedule a tour or speak with an admissions specialist.
MENTAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH PHP
MENTAL HEALTH IOP
MENTAL HEALTH OP
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AMBULATORY DETOX
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS PHP
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS IOP
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS OP
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
INTEGRATED MEDICAL SERVICES
CASE MANAGEMENT
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
TMS (COMING SOON)
EMDR
FAMILY THERAPY
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Certification Number: 370256AP | Expires 10/31/2027
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9909 Huennekens St.
Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92121
Email: info@phealthsd.com
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency,
please call 911 or 988 immediately.
