Meet the Found Recovery Team
Found Recovery's Founders
CAINAN OLIVER
Co-Founder / Executive Director
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Cainan Oliver is a bold innovator in the field of behavioral healthcare—merging clinical insight, operational rigor, and visionary thinking to reshape how recovery is delivered. As the founder of Oliver Enterprises, LLC, Cainan has championed personalized, multimodal treatment models that empower individuals to rebuild their lives with meaning, connection, and purpose.
With a background in executive leadership at some of California’s most respected healthcare providers, Cainan has led the design and expansion of programs that integrate nature, movement, and peer support into the therapeutic process. His approach bridges evidence-based care with human-centered values, delivering measurable impact without losing sight of what matters most: people.
As Co-Founder and Executive Director, Cainan is a cornerstone of the Found Recovery team, leading with clarity and purpose—balancing compliance with compassion, and overseeing everything from licensing and protocol development to long-term growth strategy and organizational excellence. Learn more about our Intensive Outpatient Program, where his leadership helps shape compassionate, evidence-based care for every client.
Outside of work, Cainan is a dedicated athlete, triathlon competitor, and outdoor enthusiast. He’s an avid runner and hiker, and is currently pursuing his private pilot’s license in general aviation.
DANIELLE NEPUS
Co-Founder / Admissions
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Danielle Nepus brings over a decade of lived experience and professional expertise in recovery to her role at Found. After finding sobriety in 2009, Danielle dedicated her life to helping others do the same—working on the front lines of addiction treatment across California. She’s led admissions for some of the most respected recovery centers in the state, supported countless families through crisis, and has earned a reputation for being both deeply compassionate and fiercely dependable.
Danielle’s background includes extensive experience as a sober companion, interventionist, and trusted guide through the most vulnerable chapters of early recovery. She’s hands-on, heart-forward, and known for her ability to build immediate trust with clients and families alike.
As Co-Founder and Admissions Director, Danielle is an integral part of the Found Recovery team, ensuring that every client and family feels supported from the very first call. She leads admissions with empathy and integrity, helping people find the right level of care through our Partial Hospitalization Program.
Above all, Danielle leads with empathy and integrity. Family means everything to her, and she brings that same level of care to the clients who walk through Found’s doors—offering each person the dignity, support, and belief they need to begin again.
Operations & Support Staff
MADISON MASTERA
Chief of Staff
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Madison is a dedicated professional with a strong background in the treatment industry. With years of experience in admissions and operations of recovery homes, Madison has developed a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face when seeking help for addiction and mental health issues.
Driven by a genuine passion to make a positive impact on people’s lives, Madison is committed to providing compassionate and effective support to those in need. Madison believes in the power of recovery and understands the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to heal and grow.
Through her work, Madison has helped countless individuals navigate the often complex and overwhelming process of seeking treatment. Madison takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment where individuals can feel supported and encouraged throughout their recovery journey.
She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve her clients and provide them with the highest level of care.She is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and she looks forward to leveraging her expertise to support their journey towards lasting recovery.
AMANDA FRAZIER
Client Success Coordinator
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Amanda is the welcoming first point of contact for every Found Recovery client. She guides individuals from their first inquiry through active participation in our programs, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.
With a background in behavioral health administration and a passion for empathetic care, Amanda streamlines scheduling, insurance coordination, and progress check-ins. In addition, she helps clients stay focused on healing by removing common barriers to treatment.
As part of the Found Recovery team, Amanda blends operational expertise with genuine compassion. Her goal is to make each person feel seen, supported, and set up for success throughout their recovery journey.
Clinical Director & Compassionate Case Managers
MELISSA SCHARF, LMFT
Clinical Director
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Melissa Scharf is a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has devoted her career to supporting individuals on their recovery journey. She began her academic path at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she built a strong foundation in human psychology. Melissa later earned her degree in Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute, deepening her expertise and passion for the field.
For more than 12 years, Melissa has held pivotal roles across behavioral health. She has served as a Clinical Director, overseeing and enhancing therapeutic programs to ensure the highest standard of care. In addition, she has led Family Programming, recognizing the vital role of families in recovery and fostering a holistic, community-based approach to treatment.
As Clinical Director of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Melissa manages and coordinates all clinical aspects of care. Her work includes designing effective therapeutic interventions, supervising clinical staff, and ensuring alignment with the latest evidence-based practices. Above all, she is passionate about helping clients discover new paths to recovery and personal growth.
Outside of her professional work, Melissa enjoys time with her husband and two children, Ava and Lenny. Her holistic approach to life and genuine dedication to others make her an invaluable part of the Found Recovery team, inspiring clients and families alike.
STEVEN BIGELOW
Case Manager
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As a Case Manager at Found Recovery, I walk alongside clients on their journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My role goes beyond case management checklists—I help individuals reconnect with themselves, uncover their passions, and explore what truly brings fulfillment in life.
I provide structured support for clients navigating medical, legal, and financial challenges, while also offering counseling, recovery resources, and life skills training. A key focus of my work is helping clients create a healthy balance between work, life, and recovery so they can sustain long-term success.
My goal is to empower each person to rebuild stronger and wiser, fully aligned with their true potential. Together, we envision the best version of themselves and create a clear, supportive path to get there. No one has to face recovery alone—I am here to guide and support every step forward.
NICK SHARP
Recovery Support Coach
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Nick is Found’s nature-based guide and recovery support coach, providing Transpersonal Counseling & Gestalt Psychotherapy to his clients. Nick understands there is interconnectedness in everything on this planet and is committed to empowering humans to find wholeness in their lives. His client work is relational centered and based to their present moment experience.
He envisions a future of mental health care happening outside, instead of indoors via offices and clinics. It’s his goal to break traditional norms around getting support and release the story we must isolate to heal. Nick makes mental health accessible, digestible, and transformative, even to those who are new to this work or do not have an awareness to make change.
Training: Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Counseling at Naropa University Nature Based Transpersonal Counseling, Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies: Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy (current), Waves of Recovery Surf Therapy Facilitator, Men’s Work Facilitator & Member of Man Uncivilized, Wilderness First Responder, YTT Yoga Instructor (Kula Collective), Meditation Teacher (One Giant Mind), Suicide Prevention Advocate (QPR), American Counseling Association Member, & Eagle Scout.
Expert Care
DR. AKASHDEEP GILL
Psychiatrist
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Dr. Akashdeep is a board-certified and California-licensed psychiatrist based in the Los Angeles area, specializing in both addiction psychiatry and general psychiatry. With extensive training across renowned institutions—including UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Olive View County Hospital, and the Veterans Affairs medical centers—Dr. Akashdeep brings a depth of experience across a wide range of clinical settings.
Believing that recovery and mental wellness are lifelong, deeply personal journeys, Dr. Akashdeep is committed to helping patients find and sustain lasting mental peace. Their approach to care integrates evidence-based pharmacology with personalized psychotherapy, tailored to each individual’s unique needs and life story.
As the psychiatrist on the Found Recovery team, Dr. Akashdeep provides specialized support in psychiatric care and medication management, ensuring clients receive the highest standard of integrated treatment for both mental health and addiction.
Dr. Akashdeep earned an undergraduate degree from Kent State University and a medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University. They went on to complete a Psychiatry Residency at the UCLA – San Fernando Valley Program, followed by an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the UCLA – Cedars-Sinai program.
DR. mICHAEL GERTZ
Medical Director
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Dr. Michael Gertz is a board-certified emergency physician and a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, bringing over 25 years of clinical experience to the Found Recovery team. As Found’s Medical Director, he combines evidence-based treatment with compassionate care to support lasting recovery for individuals and families.
Dr. Gertz is widely recognized as a leader in the field of addiction medicine. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, and a former President of the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. His expertise has been sought by state and county leadership, including testimony before the California Senate Health Committee and service on a Los Angeles County task force focused on expanding access to addiction treatment.
In addition to his role at Found Recovery, Dr. Gertz continues to advance the field as a medical director, educator, and advocate for improved healthcare outcomes across California. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging clinical excellence with public health leadership. Learn more about our medical and psychiatric services, guided by Dr. Gertz’s expertise.
Group Facilitators & Recovery Specialists
ALEX BUCK
Group Facilitator
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Alex believes movement is more than physical exercise. It can also be a powerful pathway to emotional and mental transformation. At Found Recovery, he leads fitness and movement therapy groups that help clients reconnect with their bodies, build resilience, and discover strength even in discomfort.
With a background in exercise science and personal recovery, Alex understands the deep link between physical engagement and sustainable healing. In addition, his own journey as a recovering alcoholic gives him a unique perspective. He brings both lived experience and compassionate accountability to each session.
As part of the Found Recovery team, Alex guides clients through movement and experiential therapy. His groups give clients the opportunity to face challenges, develop confidence, and strengthen their foundation in recovery—one rep, one breath, and one breakthrough at a time.
NATHANIEL MILLS
Group Facilitator
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Nate brings a grounded, heart-centered presence to Found Recovery’s mindfulness and meditation programs. With experience working with youth through Worthy Beyond Purpose, he is passionate about making mindfulness accessible. His goal is to help individuals of all ages reconnect with themselves through breath, movement, and stillness.
At Found Recovery, Nate leads group sessions that focus on emotional regulation, self-expression, and nervous system healing. In addition, he offers clients simple and sustainable tools they can carry into daily life and long-term recovery.
As a member of the Found Recovery team, Nate integrates mindfulness-based practices into recovery, creating space for calm, connection, and resilience.
TIM HALLING
Group Facilitator
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Tim Halling brings over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to his work at Found, where he leads creative arts, improv, and expression-based therapy groups. A seasoned actor, writer, and producer, Tim is passionate about using storytelling and performance as tools for healing, connection, and self-discovery.
His approach helps clients build confidence, explore emotion through movement and voice, and reconnect with their personal narratives in a safe, supportive environment. Tim is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and continues to inspire transformation through creativity every day at Found.
NICOLETTE SIKELIANOS
Group Facilitator
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Nicolette is a Mindset and Wellness Coach who specializes in behavior and habit change, mindfulness, sound therapy, health, fitness, and nutrition. She helps clients shift their lifestyle by focusing on mindset, routines, and self-concept. Her belief is simple: building a positive mindset and daily practices can open the door to lasting transformation.
Nicolette’s journey began with sound healing. As someone who once struggled with severe anxiety, she found that sound therapy was the only tool that helped her clear her mind and find peace. Through sound meditation, journaling, shadow work, and mindset shifts, she rebuilt her life with greater control and calm.
Today, as part of the Found Recovery team, Nicolette brings her experience to group sessions that integrate sound and mindfulness practices. She is dedicated to helping clients discover inner peace and carry that healing into their daily lives and communities.
DEAN MCDERMOTT
Group Facilitator
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Dean is a dedicated group facilitator at Found Recovery, bringing deep empathy and lived experience to his work in addiction recovery. With a passion for guiding individuals through their healing journey, he creates a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can face challenges, build resilience, and rediscover their strengths.
His approach combines personal insight with evidence-based techniques. In addition, he helps clients engage in meaningful self-reflection and growth. Dean’s commitment to recovery and transformation makes him an invaluable part of the Found Recovery team.
At Found, Dean leads group sessions that integrate addiction recovery practices into daily life, empowering clients to heal with courage and connection.
RYAN ALPHONSO
Group Facilitator
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Ryan is a dedicated group facilitator at Found Recovery with a focus on professional development. He is committed to empowering individuals through transformative group experiences that strengthen communication skills and support personal growth. His dynamic and interactive style helps participants build confidence, navigate challenges, and unlock their potential.
Ryan’s sessions go beyond conventional methods. In addition, he incorporates innovative strategies that foster resilience and effective communication. With a strong belief in continuous learning, he creates an inclusive environment where clients feel supported and motivated to strive for excellence.
As part of the Found Recovery team, Ryan integrates life skills and professional development support into recovery. His approach equips clients with the tools they need to grow personally and professionally while sustaining long-term healing.
DOROTHY McMAHON
Group Facilitator
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Dorothy McMahon is a chef and yoga instructor who specializes in longevity cuisine and mindful movement. She also runs her own business, LLVG, where she helps clients find their optimal levels of health through movement, nourishment, and mindset.
With over a decade of healthcare experience and a lifelong passion for wellness, Dorothy brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing with two Naturopathic Doctors as parents. Their influence instilled in her a deep love for the connection between mind, body, and nutrition.
As part of the Found Recovery team, Dorothy leads with a mission to inspire others to take ownership of their health in ways that create lasting change. She supports clients through nutrition and holistic wellness practices, integrating food, movement, and mindfulness into recovery.
GARO KHARADJIAN
Group Facilitator
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Garo is an experienced group facilitator at Found Recovery who helps individuals find balance and vitality in mind, body, and spirit. With a focus on mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, fitness, and nutrition, he empowers clients to begin a journey of self-discovery and transformation. His compassionate and knowledgeable approach combines evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of human psychology.
Through mindfulness and breathwork, Garo helps clients build self-awareness, resilience, and inner peace. In addition, his meditation sessions create a quiet space for reflection, stress reduction, and emotional balance. These practices encourage clients to stay grounded in the present moment while strengthening overall well-being.
As part of the Found Recovery team, Garo also provides guidance in fitness and nutrition support. Whether through movement, nutrition, or mindfulness, he inspires individuals to prioritize wellness and achieve lasting transformation.
GRACIE
Our Support Animal
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Gracie is more than just a support animal—she’s a beloved member of our IOP community. With her gentle spirit and loving presence, Gracie provides clients with unconditional affection and comfort during their recovery journey. She helps promote emotional regulation, offering a calming influence when stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions arise.
Gracie has become a pillar in our program, creating an atmosphere of safety, warmth, and connection. Her ability to sense when someone needs extra support reminds us of the healing power of love and presence. Whether it’s through a wagging tail, a cuddle, or simply being by someone’s side, Gracie embodies compassion and reminds us all that recovery is about community, care, and hope.
