Our Team

Executive director

Louise Polzel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and substance use treatment. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a sub-concentration in Military Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2016, and a Master of Studies in Law with a focus on Healthcare Compliance in 2023. Since 2016, Louise has worked extensively in the field of substance use, integrating her expertise as a trauma-focused therapist with a deep commitment to compassionate, accountable care. She is dedicated to supporting clients on their recovery journeys while fostering professional excellence within her team.

Director of Business Development

Before transitioning into the behavioral health field, Kevin spent over a decade in digital advertising, working with several prominent e-commerce companies in the Los Angeles area. In 2017, he launched his own digital marketing agency, where he specialized in performance-driven campaigns and strategic brand growth. Seeking a more purposeful career, Kevin shifted his focus to substance abuse treatment, leading admissions and marketing efforts for two treatment centers located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Since then, he has remained committed to helping individuals achieve recovery and lasting wellness.

Primary Clinician

With over three decades of experience in social work and addiction treatment, I bring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to behavioral health. I earned my BSW in 1994 and MSW in 1997 from Marywood University in Scranton, PA, and have been a licensed clinician since 1997. My career spans community outpatient services, school- based counseling, hospital settings, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized addiction treatment programs.
I've worked extensively in the field of chemical dependency, providing care across inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient (IOP) levels. As the lead counselor for the Healthcare Program at Marworth Treatment Center, I supported professionals navigating recovery with discretion and empathy. My clinical toolkit includes advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), allowing me to tailor interventions to individual needs.
I am also committed to inclusive care, with a nuanced understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues and their intersection with recovery and mental health. My practice is grounded in respect, evidence-based methods, and a belief in every person's capacity for growth and healing.

Medical Director

Christian Small, MD is board certified in addiction psychiatry, general psychiatry and family medicine. He is one of a handful of doctors in the US who have the experience and training to treat full spectrum medical and psychiatric illness. Dr. Small has become a leader in delivering evidence based addiction practices, medical and psychiatric care to addiction treatment programs.

He is the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services, an innovative company bringing the highest level of patient care to substance treatment and mental health programs. Dr. Small was previously employed by the Veterans Administration in La Jolla as an addiction psychiatrist and at the University of California San Diego. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine and completed a residency in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at UCSD.

Lead Medication Technician

Sarah has been with the Bella Monte team since 2019 after graduating California Nurses Educational Institute as valedictorian of her class for alcohol and drug addiction counseling. She has worked in many departments from admissions, to case management, to business development, and currently works in our nursing department. Sarah is working on expanding her education to become a social worker, and loves working with folks from all walks of life. Sarah is a lifelong resident of the Coachella Valley, and is passionate about music, photography, literature, and exploring the beautiful nature the desert has to offer.

Lead Recovery Coach

Robyn “Bobbi” Rasp is a dedicated Peer Support Specialist with more than a decade of experience in the recovery field. Since beginning her work in 2014, Bobbi has drawn on her own lived experiences with substance use and mental health to bring empathy, compassion, and authenticity to her role. She is committed to a client-first approach, building trust through kindness and respect. Passionate about fostering hope and resilience, Bobbi empowers individuals on their recovery journeys through genuine connection and advocacy.