Our Team

A Psychologist-Led Team for Mental Health, Addiction, and Dual-Diagnosis Care

When you choose a PHP or IOP program, you are choosing the specific people who will see you several days a week. At FOY Wellness and Recovery in Agoura Hills, California, that team is led by Clinical Director Dr. Shannon Dobbs, a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 15 years of experience treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and substance use. She works alongside primary therapists, holistic practitioners, case management, and admissions staff, so each client has a clinical home base and a single coordinated treatment plan rather than a handful of disconnected providers.

Our program is built for adults who need more than weekly therapy but do not need to live in a facility. Most clients keep their home, job, or school schedule and attend morning or evening sessions. If you are weighing treatment options, this page shows you exactly who will be involved in your care, what each person does, and how our admissions team supports you with insurance.

Who You Will Work With

  • Clinical Director: a licensed clinical psychologist who oversees every individualized treatment plan and reviews it as you progress.
  • Primary therapists: the clinicians who lead your individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused care.
  • Holistic practitioners: instructors and practitioners who lead yoga, breathwork, sound healing, bodywork, and nutrition coaching alongside your clinical work.
  • Case management and behavioral health technicians: staff who help with day-to-day coordination, support during programming, and planning for life after discharge.
  • Admissions and outreach: the people who verify your insurance, explain your benefits, and walk you through authorization before you commit to anything.
  • Deanna Farnell
    Deanna Farnell
    Owner / CEO
  • Jeff McGinley
    Jeff McGinley
    Owner / Chef
  • Dr. Shannon Dobbs, Psy.D.
    Dr. Shannon Dobbs, Psy.D.
    Owner / Clinical Director
  • Amy Van Daele, MS, LMFT
    Amy Van Daele, MS, LMFT
    Clinical Director
  • Melissa Paulo
    Melissa Paulo
    Sound / Energy Healer and Yoga Instructor
  • Dr. Steven Siragusa
    Dr. Steven Siragusa
    Psychiatrist
  • Nattalie Tehrani
    Nattalie Tehrani
    Primary Therapist
  • Jacob Chun
    Jacob Chun
    Primary Therapist
  • Brandon Parker
    Brandon Parker
    Primary Therapist
  • Audrey Roghair
    Audrey Roghair
    Primary Therapist
  • Jeremy Stephens
    Jeremy Stephens
    Business Development / Admissions and Outreach Coordinator
  • Lisa Harris
    Lisa Harris
    Business Development / Operations Manager
  • Dennis Noev
    Dennis Noev
    Case Manager
  • Stefanie Pollard, CADC
    Stefanie Pollard, CADC
    Case Manager
  • Vera Ostrova, CCHt
    Vera Ostrova, CCHt
    Group Facilitator
  • Krystal Merlin
    Krystal Merlin
    Group Facilitator
  • Scott Ford
    Scott Ford
    Group Facilitator
  • Kristina Beck
    Kristina Beck
    Health and Fitness Coach
  • Ako Eyong
    Ako Eyong
    Group Facilitator
  • Monique Blanchard
    Monique Blanchard
    Intern
  • David Ogomori
    David Ogomori
    Behavioral Health Technician
  • Francesca Vespe
    Francesca Vespe
    Behavioral Health Technician

Licensed, Credentialed, and Accountable

FOY Wellness and Recovery is accredited by the Joint Commission and certified by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). 

Our clinical team includes a licensed clinical psychologist, a registered psychology assistant, and an associate professional clinical counselor. Pre-licensed and registered clinicians work under supervision, in line with California requirements. Our holistic practitioners hold training in their specific fields, such as yoga instruction, hypnotherapy, nutrition coaching, and massage therapy.

FAQ

Who leads treatment at FOY Wellness and Recovery?

Dr. Shannon Dobbs, a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 15 years of experience, serves as Clinical Director and oversees each client’s treatment plan.

Our clinicians treat mental health conditions and substance use together, with one team and one plan.

Call (805) 659-8429 or submit the contact form for a free assessment.

Deanna Farnell
Owner / CEO

"I exist as I am, that is enough ~ Walt Whitman"


Deanna is the Chief Visionary at FOY.  Her vision is to help people create a holistic lifestyle that goes far beyond traditional health fads and quick fixes. It’s about creating a community that offers full-service health and wellness solutions to promote the body’s own healing capabilities in a warm, nurturing environment.  After working for others creating success for them, she envisioned a magical space where everyone felt welcomed and after 2-years is proud to say that is exactly what has been created at FOY. The healing will now live long past her contributions and what a ride this has been.  With love, light, grace and gratitude.  May everyone that enters FOY feel the healing powers within.

Jeff McGinley
Owner / Chef

Learn how to get high on life naturally


Jeff is the Chef at FOY Life. His passion is helping people learn about food and teas to achieve health and wellness. He believes everyone is capable of taking care of their own health needs, but also wants others to know they have a strong support system at FOY Life to lean on if and when needed. Jeff is the architect of FOY Life’s learning initiatives. His goal is to provide a place where health is a lifestyle “journey” not just a destination. Jeff has over 30 years of experience in the Health and Wellness industry.

Dr. Shannon Dobbs, Psy.D.
Owner / Clinical Director

It's either a miracle or it's not, you choose


Dr. Shannon Dobbs is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 15 years of experience treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship challenges, and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Her approach blends clinical expertise with whole-person care, recognizing the connection between emotional, relational, and physical well-being. She integrates psychodynamic and attachment-focused therapy, parts work, Gestalt therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Somatic Experiencing to help clients understand underlying patterns, regulate emotions, and create meaningful change.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Dobbs develops comprehensive treatment programs and leads multidisciplinary teams toward excellence in treatment. She works collaboratively with her clinical team to strengthen therapeutic skills, guide individualized care, and create a compassionate environment where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.

Amy Van Daele, MS, LMFT
Clinical Director
Amy Van Daele, MS, LMFT CA #154609 / NY #002578, is the Clinical Director at FOY Wellness and Recovery, where she leads the clinical team and integrates family systems work into its treatment programming. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New York, she brings a relational, systemic, and attachment-based approach to clinical leadership, supervision, and program development.
Amy has previously served as Family Specialist and Clinical Director at a dual-diagnosis treatment facility, where she built and expanded family programming. She is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Internal Family Systems, is an approved clinical supervisor in New York State, and guest lectures at various universities. She also sees couples and families in private practice in Westlake Village and virtually across California and New York. As co-founder of Relational Foundations Institute, she offers family and couples intensives in New York City and Los Angeles.
Amy’s work rests on a simple belief: healing happens through connection, for clients and for the families who love them.
Melissa Paulo
Sound / Energy Healer and Yoga Instructor

May you be safe. May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you live a life of ease.


With a passion for healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being, I am dedicated to supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves through a holistic, mind-body approach. As a yoga teacher, sound healing practitioner, somatic alignment practitioner, and Reiki Master Teacher, I integrate mindfulness, embodied awareness, energy work, and restorative practices to encourage balance, self-awareness, and inner connection.

I believe healing is not about becoming someone new, but about returning to our essence, the authentic self beneath the experiences, patterns, and expectations we have carried. My approach emphasizes compassion, presence, and honoring each individual’s unique journey. Through intentional practices that support relaxation, self-exploration, and embodied awareness, I strive to create space for individuals to feel supported as they navigate personal growth and transformation.

My work is rooted in the belief that meaningful healing begins when we cultivate a deeper relationship with ourselves, fostering resilience, self-trust, and a greater sense of connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Steven Siragusa
Psychiatrist

"To be ourselves, we must have ourselves." — Oliver Sacks


Steven Siragusa, DO, NPI 1083110126, is an attending psychiatrist at FOY Wellness and Recovery. Triple board-certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Siragusa provides comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric care across FOY’s Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from New York University and his medical degree from LUCOM, later completing his psychiatry residency at Kaweah Health and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at USC. Additionally, he holds specialized training in sports psychiatry. At FOY, Dr. Siragusa integrates an empathetic, whole-person approach with functional principles to empower individuals navigating complex mood, anxiety, and substance use challenges toward sustainable, long-term recovery.

Nattalie Tehrani
Primary Therapist

There is scarcely any passion without struggle ~ Albert Camus


Nattalie holds a B.A. and two Masters Degrees in clinical psychology. She has completed three years of her doctoral program and is a registered psychology assistant to Dr. Shannon Dobbs. She has been working and studying the human brain and behavior for 12 years across many different populations that include: child development to those within the prison system, neurological disorders in children and geriatric populations to substance abuse. Her extensive training has covered a variety of interventions and her orientation background is a mixed bag with highlights of existential therapy, psychodynamic theories and skill-based training derived from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Outside of therapy Nattalie likes comic books, drumming, and exploring.

Jacob Chun
Primary Therapist

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity ~ John Archibald Wheeler


Jacob Chun has received a BA in Psychology, a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is continuing to pursue a Post-MS in Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate. Jacob is registered as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and plans to become an LMFT. He has worked with several populations in different capacities including a behavioral specialist for school children, youth developmental specialist for adolescents and currently providing psychotherapy for adults struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. He specializes in CBT, DBT and Person-Centered Therapy. He believes in a multifaceted holistic approach to provide each client with the tools they need to achieve a healthier and happier life. His personal hobbies include surfing, art, ukulele and singing.

Brandon Parker
Primary Therapist

“In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” ― Carl Jung


Brandon holds a M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is registered as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor under the supervision of Dr. Shannon Dobbs. Currently, Brandon is also pursuing his Doctorate of Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology. He has worked with individuals across the lifespan in various settings such as wilderness therapy, educational institutions, community mental health, and private practice. Operating from the depth tradition, Brandon specializes in Jungian psychotherapy which approaches the psyche with reverence and curiosity, aiming to integrate unconscious and conscious material with the purpose of cultivating meaning, authenticity, and wholeness. In his free time, Brandon enjoys surfing, horsemanship, weightlifting, and writing.

Audrey Roghair
Primary Therapist

"The more we understand the roots of our patterns, the more freedom we have to choose a different path.”


Audrey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently completing her Master’s degree in December 2026 for Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. She currently serves as a therapist at FOY, bringing a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to her clinical work.

Prior to joining FOY, Audrey worked in a psychiatric hospital, providing care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric challenges. This experience strengthened her foundation in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and working with individuals navigating complex mental health concerns.

Audrey is passionate about creating a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. As she continues to develop professionally, she is particularly interested in integrating psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches to help clients explore underlying emotional patterns, deepen self-awareness, and foster meaningful, lasting change.

Jeremy Stephens
Business Development / Admissions and Outreach Coordinator

"Life is balance between holding on and letting go” - Rumi


Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Jeremy studied biology and psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno, before spending six years teaching English in Taiwan and eventually settling in Los Angeles.

Growing up, Jeremy struggled with a sense of belonging and acceptance of his queer identity. This emotional toll led to struggles with self-harm during his teenage years. Later, while living abroad, he faced significant health challenges that further impacted his mental well-being. Following a profound personal loss in Los Angeles, Jeremy reached a turning point and chose to prioritize his mental health and pursue healing.

These experiences inspired his passion for helping others navigate their own challenges. Today, Jeremy is dedicated to connecting individuals with compassionate, life-saving care when they need it most.

He believes lasting wellness comes from nurturing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. At FOY Wellness & Recovery, he is proud to help individuals heal, rediscover their strengths, and reach their fullest potential.

Lisa Harris
Business Development / Operations Manager

"Always go with your passions. Never ask yourself if it's realistic or not ~ Deepak Chopra"


Lisa was born and raised in Ventura, California, and now resides in Thousand Oaks, California. With over seven years of sobriety, Lisa brings an extensive background in administrative support and behavioral health, along with valuable experience working in the recovery community.
Lisa has always believed had strong faith, even during the darkest chapters of her life. After finding her way into recovery, her own happily-ever-after began-a journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery that continues today. One of her greatest accomplishments has been discovering her self-worth, finding balance, and learning to truly love herself. Lisa believes that by nurturing her own well-being and continuing her personal growth, she can be of greater service to others. Her greatest passion is helping people discover their own hope, healing, and possibilities for a brighter future.
Dennis Noev
Case Manager

“Man follows the Earth. Earth follows Heaven. Heaven follows the Tao. The Tao follows what is natural.” — Tao Te Ching, Chapter 25


Dennis is a Case Manager at FOY Wellness & Recovery who believes that healing often begins by connecting the missing pieces of our experiences. His approach to mental health and substance use disorder treatment goes beyond addressing immediate challenges, encouraging individuals to explore the relationship between their personal stories, behavioral patterns, and overall well-being.

Beyond his work in behavioral health, Dennis is a Sound Healing Practitioner and Yang-style Tai Chi Instructor, with additional studies in Reiki, meditation, and Taoist philosophy. He draws from evidence-based practices and holistic traditions to incorporate mindfulness, somatic movement, and sound meditation into his work.

At the heart of his philosophy is the belief that everyone can benefit from cultivating a personal practice. Over time, the practice itself becomes the teacher, offering opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and transformation. He believes our lived experiences can become powerful bridges to human connection.

Stefanie Pollard, CADC
Case Manager

"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." Eleanor Roosevelt


Stefanie is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I) with a background in substance use and mental health treatment. Her experience includes working in residential and outpatient settings, providing individual counseling, case management, and treatment planning.

Stefanie has a genuine passion for helping others and believes everyone can grow, change, and build a more fulfilling life. She enjoys connecting with people, hearing their stories, and helping them recognize strengths they may not see in themselves. Her approach is compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental, with an emphasis on meeting people where they are in their recovery journey.

Outside of work, Stefanie enjoys yoga, drinking coffee, and spending time in the mountains with her family.

Vera Ostrova, CCHt
Group Facilitator

There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.


Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, RADT, & Certified Mental Health Specialist
Vera Ostrova is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT), certified mental health specialist, sound facilitator, and mindfulness teacher dedicated to helping individuals restore balance and peace. Classically trained in opera and piano, Vera spent a decade as an EDM artist before following a deeper calling toward holistic healing. She graduated with honors from HMI College of Hypnotherapy and earned her sound meditation certification under Lynda Arnold.
Holding eight years of personal sobriety, Vera brings genuine empathy and lived wisdom to every session. Over the past six years—including three with her cherished community at Foy—she crafts restorative soundscapes blending gentle hypnosis, breathwork, guided meditation, and live music with her uplifting voice. Vera creates a safe sanctuary where clients feel truly supported and inspired to cultivate self-love and lasting recovery.
Krystal Merlin
Group Facilitator

Healing isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about feeling safe enough to come home to yourself.


Krystal Merlin is a certified hypnotherapist and experienced group facilitator with over six years of experience in substance use treatment and mental health. Her work centers on trauma-informed healing, emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, self-worth, and reconnecting with the self. Drawing from her professional experience, hypnotherapy training, and personal journey of recovery and spiritual growth, Krystal brings a compassionate, grounded, and holistic perspective to healing. She believes meaningful change begins when people feel safe enough to explore their patterns, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop a deeper connection with themselves. Her approach integrates psychoeducation, guided visualization, mindfulness, and self-reflection to support greater self-awareness, resilience, and lasting personal growth. Krystal is passionate about helping people recognize their inherent worth, cultivate self-trust, and discover that healing is not about becoming someone new, but reconnecting with who they are beneath the experiences that shaped them.

Scott Ford
Group Facilitator

"You deserve the same kindness you so freely give to others."


Scott Ford is a certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC) and also a qualified mental health specialist (QMHS) with over thirty years of experience in the addiction and mental health treatment field.

Scott began his career as a counselor at the legendary Promises treatment center in the very early 1990’s, going on to be part of the team that opened the very first treatment center in Malibu, the prestigious Promises Malibu.

Scott eventually moved into the world of individual counseling and sober companion work for a number of years until fate presented an opportunity to tour the world as a musician, which he did with great success for around a decade.

Scott eventually chose to return to the treatment field and raise a family in Los Angeles and has been an independent contractor for the last fifteen years. Scott is a specialist in independent group facilitation and is highly regarded as an expert in the field of addiction and mental health.

Kristina Beck
Health and Fitness Coach

Put your energy into positivity, kindness, and hard work….you can accomplish anything


Moxie Fitness Studio presents FOY FIT by Kristina Beck. Personally embracing all aspects of a fitness lifestyle has led Kristina into a rewarding career as a personal trainer, spartan trainer, health & fitness coach and business owner. Kristina has been working with clients from all walks of life for over 20 years. She believes that if you set your mind on the things in life you want to accomplish, work hard and keep moving forward, then anything is possible. She applies these principles to her life and inspires her clients to do the same. Although she is very passionate about fitness, she also loves creativity and art of all kinds. She embraced these characteristics when designing her studio, as well as clients programs. The workout studio was designed to feel, comfortable, warm and inviting. Every workout is different and creative.

Ako Eyong
Group Facilitator

I do not know any other way to live but to wake up every day, armed with my convictions, not yielding them to the threat of danger or to the power and force of people who might despise me. Wole Soyinka


I have been an artist for as long as I can remember, but my path into art therapy came along as a result of an extended foray into narcotics use and a subsequent journey into recovery. At the time, unknowingly, my own artistic expression was serving the purpose of a healthy activity through which I could explore and calm down my emotions, relax, become mentally present, and refocus my mind away from triggering thoughts. I have been narcotics free for 17 years now.

For much of that time, in conjunction with my total mastery of art and the painting process, I have deployed the same technics to help other people(the majority of whom had never painted before), who are in search of recovery, and the results have been quite positive. The satisfaction that comes from seeing others benefitting from this process in real time, makes it all so worth it. I am deeply grateful.

I have an RADT, a QMHS, and I am working on a CADCII, which I am sure to get in 2027. I also hold a 4 year Bachelors degree in History and the Political sciences.

I am a published author and my debut historical fiction novel, has been nominated for one, and has won another literary award.

I am fluent in written and spoken french, and I can communicate passably well in Spanish.

Monique Blanchard
Intern

“I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief.” - C.S. Lewis


My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, authenticity, creativity, and a deep respect for each individual’s lived experience. Drawing from my background as an actor, I bring an appreciation for storytelling, emotional expression, and the mind-body connection into the therapeutic space. I am passionate about trauma-informed, person-centered, and somatic approaches that honor the nervous system and recognize that healing goes beyond words. I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their emotions, reconnect with themselves, and discover their capacity for healing and growth.

David Ogomori
Behavioral Health Technician

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky


David Ogomori is a Behavioral Health Technician at FOY Wellness & Recovery with experience in detox, residential treatment, and outpatient care. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from California State University, Los Angeles.

While David has never been in treatment himself, he discovered a passion for supporting people in recovery when he started working in the field and has loved it ever since. At FOY, he supports daily operations and facilitates groups focused on mindfulness, grounding, and emotional regulation. He enjoys getting to know clients, listening to their experiences, and being someone they can count on. For David, the work means more than a paycheck. Being able to help someone through a difficult time is what makes it worthwhile.

Francesca Vespe
Behavioral Health Technician

“Train the mind and the body will follow"


Francesca has a diverse professional background in writing, finance, and administrative support, along with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. She believes good communication is essential to building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring individuals feel heard and supported. As a Behavioral Technician at FOY, Francesca values the opportunity to support individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Her own experiences with mental health have strengthened her empathy and appreciation for the importance of compassion, patience, and individualized support throughout the recovery process. She strives to create a positive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and working toward personal growth.