Our Dedicated Team
Meet Our Team
Passionate Experts Dedicated to Your Recovery
Medical Team
Mitchell Naficy
Medical Director
Dr. Naficy is a Board Certified Family Physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. He is a member of the California Medical Association, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Naficy has been licensed to prescribe Suboxone since 2007 and has treated hundreds of drug dependent patients throughout the years. His family medicine background was helpful in establishing his minimalist approach to prescribing medications for patients struggling with drug dependence. Unfortunately, he witnessed too many patients who had been unnecessarily prescribed controlled medications and he encountered too many patients who were overmedicated in the name of treating drug dependence. From the onset of his involvement in this field he sought to undo those trends. Dr. Naficy also happens to be one of only a handful of physicians in the state of California with expertise in mobilization of the unconscious and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherpy (ISTDP).
He has extensive training and research with Dr. H. Davanloo, the world renowned pioneer of the technique at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This knowledge of the metapsychology of the unconscious has proven invaluable in understanding and treating substance abuse and dependence. At the heart of all addictions, drug and otherwise, is unconscious anxiety and unconscious guilt, which is the dynamic force that drives self-destructive behavior. These emotional forces are difficult to access and not easily available to examine for most. Dr. Naficy’s intricate knowledge of the unconscious and ability to shine light on this fundamental area of the patient’s suffering and to guide the willing and determined patient to experience what was heretofore repressed represents a quantum leap in the treatment of substance abuse.
Lernik Sepanosian
Clinical and Leadership Team
Dr. Ray Armstrong
Dr. Armstrong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. His undergraduate degree was from Eastern Washington University, his Master’s was done at Antioch, Los Angeles, and he completed his coursework and dissertation for his Doctorate at Ryokan, Los Angeles. His dissertation was on applying the best evidence-based treatment methodology in working within the adoption triad and foster-families. Dr. Armstrong has been in the field of therapy for over 20 years. His experience ranges from private practice, acting as a Clinical Director of several large agencies (one for 15 years for foster youth and their families), psychiatric hospitals, residential and day treatment programs (substance abuse facilities and eating disorder facilities), inpatient and partial hospital settings. His theoretical orientation is focused primarily on Post-Modern modalities, such as Narrative therapy & Solution-focused therapy. In addition, other modalities include (but are not limited to) Cognitive behavioral, Structural Family therapy, Gestalt, and working on EMDR certification.
Ray has a broad and unique base of experience working with adolescents and young adults. Areas of emphasis include: mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, PTSD, conduct disorder, oppositional defiance, substance abuse, and eating disorders. He has extensive training and experience working with adults and premarital, marital, and family therapy.
Ray has been married for 25 years and has 2 daughters. He enjoys outdoor activities, especially jet skiing and hiking.
Operations Team
Jennifer Cooper
HR Director
Jennifer Cooper brings over 20 years of senior Human Resources experience together with the precision of a California Certified Paralegal.
Jennifer’s skills as a Career Coach at Mission Recovery Home helps first responders in intensive outpatient programs transition from addiction treatment into meaningful employment. Using her ICF Life Coaching Certificate combined with over 20 years of HR expertise and California Paralegal precision, she guides clients to identify hidden and transferable skills, often gained during or before addiction, and maps those strengths to realistic, accessible job paths. She also provides practical job readiness support, including resume building, interview preparation, and navigating background checks, while helping clients maintain employment through accountability check-ins and relapse prevention planning.
Jennifer holds a BS in Human Resources Management from Capella University and a California Paralegal Certification from DAS. She is SPHR certified and holds additional credentials in Employee Relations Law, AI Essentials, and Life Coaching.
Anjelica Ortiz
Admission of Operations
As Director of Operations, I oversee the day-to-day functions of our organization, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of care and support while maintaining efficient and effective operations. Since entering the treatment field in 2017, I have developed extensive experience working directly with clients and supporting multidisciplinary teams to create positive outcomes.
My background combines hands-on client engagement with operational leadership, allowing me to bridge the gap between clinical services and organizational excellence. I work closely with clients, families, and staff to ensure seamless communication, quality service delivery, and a supportive environment that promotes growth and recovery.
Passionate about helping individuals achieve lasting change, I am committed to fostering a culture of compassion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through strong leadership and a client-centered approach, I strive to enhance both the client experience and the overall effectiveness of our programs.
Kevin Manzi RAD-1
Resident Aide
I am a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT-1) and Behavioral Health Technician with a strong commitment to supporting individuals on their recovery journey. My background includes service in the United States Navy, where I served as a Master-at-Arms, developing skills in leadership, accountability, crisis management, and interpersonal communication.
As someone who is also in recovery, I bring both professional training and personal understanding to my work with clients. I am passionate about building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and providing compassionate support to individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. My approach emphasizes empathy, respect, and meeting clients where they are in their recovery process.
Since June 2025, I have been a member of the team at Mission Recovery Home, where I work closely with clients to promote stability, encourage personal growth, and support long-term recovery goals. I am dedicated to helping individuals develop the tools and confidence needed to create lasting positive change in their lives.
Mike Abdeen
Law Enforcement Consultant
I am a Retired Sgt. From the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and a 32-year veteran in law enforcement, currently serving as field deputy for Sheriff Robert Luna and community liaison. In addition, I am a trainer and Instructor at the Sheriff’s academy and training center. I have worked on several national and international security projects and represented the Sheriff’s department and the United States at conferences throughout the world.
During my tenure at the Sheriff’s department, I held many positions from investigations as a detective and a taskforce officer, training officer in patrol, custody division and as a supervisor in patrol and investigations.
I currently serve as president of the board of trustees for the Sheriff’s relief association, a none profit organization that serves deputy sheriffs and employees of LASD.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Business Administration, attended USC school of Public Diplomacy, graduate of the Sherman Block supervisory Institute and hold a diploma in management from the Carl Duisburg college in Munich, Germany. I am classified by the U.S. State Department as a subject matter expert on community outreach and engagement matters.
I have been working with the Mission Recovery Home as a counselor and group facilitator since October 2025.
Your Recovery Starts Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or co-occurring disorders, Mission Recovery Home is here to help. Your path to freedom starts with one step—let’s take it together.