Staff

Melissa Legere, LMFT graduated cum laude from California State University, Fullerton with her master’s degree in Counseling. Melissa has 12 plus years of experience as a License Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working in many different settings from hospital inpatient and outpatient programs, residential detox and treatment facilities, to utilization review departments. She has extensive experience in developing programs and is always challenging the status quo when it comes to treating individuals. She has specific training and experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Melissa excels at supervising intern therapists and ensures their development. Melissa founded and created the Program at California Behavioral Health which provides truly individual care based on each person’s own experience and desire. She is a co-founder, Chief Operating Officer and Clinical Director for California Behavioral Health.

Paul has over 30 years’ experience in finance, human resources, administration, and operations with the hospitality and healthcare industries. He has spent the past 12 years in the healthcare industry working with American Addiction Center, Las Vegas Recovery Center, Delphi Behavioral Health and now has founded California Behavioral Health. He has a track record for operational, financial and clinical success in the healthcare substance abuse treatment industry. He has founded CBH on the principles of a safe environment, dignified treatment and exhibiting the utmost respect toward everyone while provider the very best opportunity toward long term recovery.

Amber is a Licensed Vocational Nurse born and raised in Coachella Valley. She graduated from California Nurses Educational Institute in 2015. She has worked in the medical field for over 18 years with extensive experience in case management and mental health. Amber’s strong sense of duty, dedication to serve, and willingness to provide care to all residents is what drives her toward medical excellence.

Alejandro Alva, M.D., is the Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS), a reputable psychiatric medical group that specializes in treating psychiatric disorders and dual diagnosis conditions, including substance use disorders. Dr. Alva earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and completed medical school at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. He then returned to California, where he completed his psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine.

Prior to Dr. Alva’s formation of PNS, he was involved in multiple endeavors, including detoxification and rehabilitation work, both inpatient and outpatient, including the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Chapman Medical Center in Orange , as well as multiple rehabilitation centers. Since the formation of PNS, Dr. Alva’s focus is on the latest treatments available for psychiatric disorders and chemical dependency as well as aspects of ethnicity and gender and their correlation to pathological states.

With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Alva has served the medical community in various capacities: as a patient advocate, researcher, and medical director. His expertise in adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry makes him one of the nation’s most innovative and prominent psychiatrists. Dr. Alva and his team at PNS are committed to utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including anti-craving treatments, to address complex dual

Christine has been a licensed Vocational Nurse since graduating from California Nurses Educational Institute in 2015. She has been in the medical field for 9 years with experience from geriatric to substance abuse. Christine’s duty is to provide direct patient care to individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction is a calm and compassionate way. Christine thrives within her career by witnessing the growth of her patients from a day-to-day basis.

Martin Silva Therapist Intern earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies with a focus on Child & Human Development from Brown University in 2010. His work experience thereafter includes clinical research, non-profit fundraising and development, and teaching. These experiences are all unified by his passion for advocacy and self-empowerment, leading to the pursuit of his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. His personal, professional, and academic experiences inform how he connects with his clients. Martin works to create therapeutic spaces that foster vulnerability and connection with the hopes of facilitating healing and growth.

William earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Redlands. Shortly after graduating, William began working with individuals on the autism spectrum as a Behavior Therapist in the Inland Empire. After three years in the field, William returned to the University of Redlands to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with hopes to better serve stigmatized and marginalized populations in his community. He has experience working with individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. Specifically, he strives to create collaborative, therapeutic relationships that foster an accepting and empathic environment.

Leslie Penaloza Group Facilitator earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona and has dedicated four years of her career in the mental health field. Her passion for understanding and helping individuals navigate their mental well-being has been a driving force in her professional journey. Leslie’s ability to empathize and communicate with clients has allowed her to work effectively with diverse populations. Leslie is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Northcentral University, allowing her to further specialize in a field she is deeply passionate about. For Leslie, becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist means being equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals.

Patrick Visgilio, Driver. Patrick was born in Vicenza, Italy. He grew up overseas in such places as Germany, Spain, and Japan. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and the Far East exposing him to many different nationalities and cultures. He attended the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California where he earned an Associate’s Degree. Patrick was a small business owner for ten years prior to becoming a team member at California Behavioral Health. He enjoys interacting with people and loves to see them meet their full potential.

Hedley joined CBH having previously worked in operations at two other treatment centers here in Southern California. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position having been the CEO at a medical device company and the EVP of business development at a full-service marketing agency exclusive to the mental, behavioral and substance abuse industry. He has an extensive background in banking, finance, administration and operations and hold degrees in Finance and consumer and business law earned during his time in the UK. As Marketing Director at CBH, Hedley handles the marketing and the HR administrative duties at the facility while maintaining a supportive presence among our residents.

Heather joined California Behavioral Health as Care Manager when it first opened, having worked in the healthcare field and specifically addiction for the last 4 years. During this time, she has developed a passion for supporting our residents and helping in the transition from treatment to outpatient and sober living. The journey began for Heather after completing a medical assistant and family medicine at Loma Linda Hospital where she learned the value of working collaboratively within a team of medical professionals and support staff. As Care Manager Heather is responsible for the CBH aftercare program, State compliance, admissions, and alumni follow up. In this role she works daily with the residents and supports the Clinical team. Heather enjoys spending her free time with family!