Redeemed Mental Health Blog

Donna Brandt

Equine Therapist

Donna is a PATH certified instructor with CTRI certificate. Donna began riding horses in College where she rode saddle seat, entered some shows, and won several ribbons.

After graduating from college with an engineering degree, Donna moved to California. Donna has three children. Her second child, Jamie, is severely developmentally delayed and autistic. When Jamie was eight-years-old, she began riding with The Therapeutic Riding Center (TRC) in Huntington Beach, and she flourished.

Donna soon became a side-walker with TRC, and then a horse leader, which eventually led to her current positions as Board President and Head Instructor. Donna says, “I have seen first hand what this program can do for children and adults with all different types of disabilities. It builds confidence and self esteem where there is usually little.”

Donna currently owns a sweet horse named Trigger that does gymkhana, trail and recently, cow sorting (and yes, he is a Palomino!).

Kaylee Crafton, ASW

Program Coordinator

Therapist

Kaylee brings a gentle and compassionate approach to Redeemed Mental Health. She incorporates kindness and a soft approach to those navigating the challenges of mental illness, recognizing that many are coping during the most difficult periods of their lives and deserve respect and empathy.

Kaylee Crafton earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University, where she gained valuable experience working with adolescents addressing social and emotional needs, as well as those involved in the justice system.

Kaylee provides therapy to both adolescents and adults, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and build resilience. She has extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum, offering a fun and comfortable space where they can develop emotional awareness in an age-appropriate manner.

Kaylee has a strong focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and leverages this approach to empower clients, helping them identify and challenge negative thought patterns to achieve personal growth and improved well-being. Her dedication to her clients ensures that each individual feels supported and encouraged throughout their therapeutic journey.

Laura Weber, AMFT

Group & Individual Therapist

Laura is a compassionate and skilled therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. She takes a person-centered approach, creating a warm and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered to explore their emotions and experiences. Laura specializes in addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and domestic violence. She tailors her therapeutic techniques to each client’s unique needs, fostering growth, resilience, and healing. Laura is dedicated to supporting her clients in building healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Frederick L. Williams, LMFT

Group & Individual Therapist

Frederick L. Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. He has been in the clinical field since 2004. The majority of his career have been spent working at local non-profit organizations. Some of his areas of focus are anger management, domestic violence, substance abuse, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, depression, anxiety and parenting.

He is an active member of the Orange County Behavioral Health Advisory Board and currently serves as Vice Chair. His work in client- centered therapy aims to help people strengthen personal authority over their own healing by promoting self-actualization and creating a safe and accepting space.

April Money, AMFT

Group & Individual Therapist

With a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, April brings years of experience in the human services field. Her passion for helping people drives her to provide compassionate, effective support. Rooted in a person-centered orientation, she is committed to meeting clients where they are, offering a judgment-free space for exploration and growth.

To facilitate quick and meaningful results, she incorporates cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) approaches. This combination allows her to address a wide range of issues effectively, helping clients develop practical strategies to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Her approach ensures that each individual feels heard, respected, and empowered on their journey to well-being.

Matthew Song, B.A.

Nutrition and Conditioning Coach

Matt is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Precision Nutrition Coach. He earned a B.A. in Economics from University of Connecticut. With over 17 years of combined experience both personally and professionally, Matt enjoys working with clients to provoke an interest in total body healing and overall wellness. He is a leader in the art of guided movement.

Casey O’Brian, AMFT

Group & Individual Therapist

Casey O’Brian is holds two Master’s degrees from Pepperdine University; one in Psychology and the other in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Casey has spent the last ten years working in the drug and alcohol treatment sector, holding positions as both a therapist and case manager. In addition to his extensive experience working with those who are recovering from substance use and mental health disorders, he also has firsthand knowledge of the devastation that unaddressed substance use can have on one’s life. As a result, Casey continues to educate himself across a wide array of topics and shares up-to-date scientific findings in an effort to not only educate clients, but to normalize their symptoms. Similar to experts like Dr. Gabor Mate and Dr. Richard Scwartz, Casey views mental health symptoms, which include substance use, as invitations to explore what has happened in one’s life that has led to a dysfunction in the ability to regulate one’s emotions effectively. Using all the tools at his disposal, Casey’s main objective is to provide as many options to healing as possible and strives to make it clear to clients that although they are not to be blamed for the development of their symptoms, they are ultimately the ones responsible for choosing to address it.

Christine Cox, AMFT

Group & Individual Therapist

Christine is an associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She is pursuing a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. She previously spent 17 years in Information Technology when she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of coming alongside those struggling with mental health difficulties.

Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre

Medical Director

Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre is a licensed Medical Doctor and is Double Board-Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. She received her Medical Degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her Adult Psychiatry residency training at San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. She also completed a fellowship through the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma with a certification in Global Mental Health, Trauma and Recovery.

​Dr. LaFrenierre has expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, autism spectrum, neurodivergent spectrum, substance use and dual diagnosis disorders. She is experienced with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and integrative mind body medicine. She has performed in several leadership positions, including Medical Director of an addiction treatment group practice and as Chief Resident during her training. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment centers, state hospitals and forensic hospitals, academic settings, and has experience with assertive community treatment and full-service partnership teams. She is committed to providing safe, equitable, and inclusive treatment for all.

Dr. Habermehl

Medical Director

Dr. Habermehl (“Dr. Dee”) earned her medical degree at New York University. She then completed an internship at Brown University, followed by a residency at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California. She also earned her MBA with a Healthcare Focus at Yale University School of Management.

Dr. Habermehl is a specialist in Addiction Medicine and is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Gynecology and Obstetrics. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Lee Breitenbach

Trauma Lead

Lee Breitenbach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys providing interventions in a warm, relatable manner to others. He will breakdown the goals of therapy through education while building rapport and engaging individuals in the present moment.

He currently practices at the Department of State Hospitals as the program assistant to the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) program. He is heavily involved in culturally based committees/workgroups, program development, intervention implementation, and trauma research. He attended California State University, Fullerton to earn a BA in Psychology followed by a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. He individually possesses over 20 years of experience practicing in the field of mental health. His skills range from his experience providing therapy in Group home settings, substance abuse programs, trauma groups for Veteran’s Affairs, Long Beach, hospice settings, and currently in-patient mental health care. He specializes in trauma recovery and group dynamics.

Sean Leonard

Medical Director

Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.

Sean Leonard works primarily with adult populations but has been trained across the lifespan, from children/adolescents to geriatric. He offers medication management, crisis management, and psychotherapy with extensive experience in anxiety/OCD, depression, mood disorders, attention deficit disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He believes that “everyone can benefit from therapy and that many may find great benefit from medicine. Therapy is cornerstone to my practice, medicine or not.”

Vaughn Lawson

Facilities Manager

Vaugh has a passion for assisting those struggling with mental health symptoms. His gentle approach to client care is warmly received by both staff and client’s at Redeemed Mental Health. He has a history of working with mentally aggressive disabled adults as a personal attendant.

Sophia Deahl, MS, RD

Registered Dietician

Sophia Deahl, MS, RD is a functional medicine dietitian with an MS in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity from the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in psychology. She is dedicated to helping clients transform their physical and mental health and well-being with personalized nutrition and lifestyle support. She believes in a root-cause approach, helping her clients build sustainable lifestyle habits that support all six lifestyle pillars: nutrition, microbiome, sleep, stress, movement/exercise, hormones & detox support.

William Nephew, B.A.

Music Counselor

UNIVERSITIES + DEGREES: San Francisco State University [Cinema Production, BA] San Diego City College [Audio Production, A.A.]

CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION: As an award winning musician and clinical counselor, William empowers therapy clients to craft musically dynamic songs using their own personal narratives and musical tastes. He leads collaborative songwriting, music performance, and music education opportunities for individuals and groups. William’s musical talents as a singer/songwriter, combined with a natural ability to connect with clients, make him a dynamic facilitator for creative expression.

In addition to his musical talent and clinical training, William brings expertise in audio production and film music to client sessions.

William is the founder of a music therapy organization called Moving Melodies, where he has developed a unique curriculum that guides participants through each stage of the songwriting process: (1) Identify the Intention; (2) Move the Melody; (3) Create and Connect; (4) Ready to Record.

CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC)

Chad Pinel, CADC ll

Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Chad Pinel, CADC ll. Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. 9 years sober and eight years working in treatment. Specializes in Holotropic Breathing and meditation practices.

Aster Robarge

Group Facilitator

Aster specializes in mindfulness practices, including sound baths and psychoeducational group sessions. With a background rooted in behavioral health since 2020, Aster’s expertise lies in creating enriching experiences for participants on their healing journey. Aster received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton and is pursuing a Master’s of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. In her role, Aster harnesses the therapeutic power of sound baths to address stress and trauma in her participants. Sound baths, offer a unique approach to healing that can deeply resonate with individuals who have experienced trauma or are struggling with stress. Through carefully selected sounds and frequencies, Aster creates an environment of safety and relaxation, allowing participants to release tension held within their bodies and minds.

Donna Brandt

Equine Instructor

Donna is a PATH certified instructor with CTRI certificate. Donna began riding horses in College where she rode saddle seat, entered some shows, and won several ribbons.

After graduating from college with an engineering degree, Donna moved to California. Donna has three children. Her second child, Jamie, is severely developmentally delayed and autistic. When Jamie was eight-years-old, she began riding with The Therapeutic Riding Center (TRC) in Huntington Beach, and she flourished

Donna soon became a side-walker with TRC, and then a horse leader, which eventually led to her current positions as Board President and Head Instructor. Donna says, “I have seen first hand what this program can do for children and adults with all different types of disabilities. It builds confidence and self esteem where there is usually little.”

Donna currently owns a sweet horse named Trigger that does gymkhana, trail and recently, cow sorting (and yes, he is a Palomino!).

Dr. Andrea Wagner

Owner / Chief Clinician & Psychologist

Dr. Andrea M. Wagner, Psy.D., is the backbone of Redeemed Mental Health. With a wealth of experience across various settings, Dr. Wagner brings a unique perspective to mental health treatment. She is passionate about making complex therapeutic issues easily understandable and provides a roadmap to mental well-being that is tailored to each individual’s unique journey.

Dr. Wagner strives to provide an easily understandable approach to difficult and complex therapeutic issues. She will translate complicated concepts related to mental health concerns into basic and simplistic strategies aimed to achieve the results you desire based on your individual needs.

She currently practices at Department of State Hospitals (California in-patient forensic psychiatric hospital) as an active member on multiple committees. She earned a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has experience in various settings including the United States Army, UCI Medical Center (Partial Hospitalization Program; Adolescent), Juvenile Recovery Court (Substance and Behavioral Treatment), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She specializes in a broad range of psychiatric arenas in evaluations and treatment of multiple major mental illnesses.

Dr. Wagner specializes in treating adults struggling with the more severe ramifications their major mental health issue causes in their daily lives. She has extensive experience in psychological assessment to include personality, intelligence, developmental, and assessment of learning disabilities. She has the ability to treat an array of mental health issues ranging from Schizophrenia to codependency and coaching through life difficulties. She has specialty with psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders.