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.

Vocational Nurse

Kayleen Locklin is a Licensed Vocational Nurse with two years of experience specializing in detox and substance use disorder treatment. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate and genuine care, ensuring that each client feels supported and valued throughout their recovery journey.
Kayleen not only addresses the medical needs of her clients but also builds strong professional rapport, creating a safe and respectful environment where clients feel comfortable and unashamed in seeking help. She is a strong advocate for her clients’ well-being and is passionate about guiding them toward long-term sobriety.
Her dedication to client care, advocacy, and holistic treatment makes her an integral part of the treatment team.

Vocational Nurse

Hello, my name is Felicia Selvey. I am a Licensed Vocational Nurse a part of the Bella Monte
Recovery Center’s nursing department. I am here to offer compassionate care along with a
smile. I have been working in the healthcare and customer service field for over 30 years.
Whenever you are in the building come by for nursing education and a smile.

Lead Recovery Coach

Cassie Coppen – Recovery Coach Lead
Cassie is the Recovery Coach Lead at Bella Monte Recovery Center and has been part of the team for about a year. She is in recovery herself and uses her lived experience to connect with clients in a meaningful and supportive way. Cassie is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services with a focus in Alcohol and Drug Studies, further strengthening her ability to support others in their recovery. She is passionate about walking alongside individuals as they navigate their own recovery journeys, offering encouragement, guidance, and hope. Her dedication to client care and her belief in the possibility of lasting change make her a valued part of the Bella Monte team.

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.

Recovery Coach

Robyn Smith has worked in the treatment field for the past five years, supporting individuals in their journey of recovery with compassion and dedication. She is a graduate of CNEI’s Drug and Alcohol Counseling program. In addition to her professional work in treatment, Robyn is deeply involved in recovery outside of the clinical setting. She actively works a personal recovery program centered on sobriety and service, and she also manages a sober living home, helping residents build accountability, structure, and community support. Robyn is passionate about combining evidence-based practices and lived experience, creating an environment where clients feel understood, empowered, and motivated to embrace lasting change.

Recovery Coach

Briana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and brings experience supporting individuals in mental health and substance use recovery. She has worked with diverse populations, helping clients build coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and develop healthier routines. As a recovery coach, Briana is committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered, seen, and motivated to reach their goals. In her free time, she enjoys working out, discovering new coffee shops, and playing cards.

Recovery Coach

Mayra is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician with hands-on experience in withdrawal management and early recovery stabilization. She blends trauma‑informed, strengths‑based care with motivational interviewing to help adolescents and adults build practical routines, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with purpose. Currently completing her coursework toward CADC certification, Mayra is committed to culturally responsive, family‑inclusive care and seamless coordination across levels of care. She is energized by helping clients translate goals into daily habits that support long‑term sobriety and wellness.

Recovery Coach

Jenn is a Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (SUDRC) and Certified Peer Support Specialist, currently completing coursework toward her CADC certification. She is dedicated to providing culturally responsive, family-inclusive care and ensuring seamless coordination across levels of treatment. Jenn is passionate about empowering clients to transform personal goals into practical daily habits that foster long-term sobriety, resilience, and overall wellness. She is currently enrolled in Sober College School of Addiction Studies.

Recovery Coach

I believe in compassionate support at every step of the recovery journey. After graduating from the C.N.E.I. Drug and Alcohol Counseling Program in 2022, I began working in treatment and found my passion in helping others heal. As a Recovery Coach at Bella Monte, I'm here to encourage, guide, and walk alongside clients as they build strength and lasting
recovery.

Recovery Coach

Brandy is a California Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialist and a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician with over two years on her own recovery journey. She is deeply passionate about supporting individuals with substance use disorders and trauma, offering hope, encouragement, and healthy role modeling to those seeking sobriety. Brandy is committed to helping clients develop coping skills, build resilience, and feel supported in their recovery path. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, hiking (even if it comes with a few falls), and being active in her church community. Married for more than 26 years and a proud mother of four, Brandy finds her greatest joy in family time, sharing meals, watching movies, and staying connected with loved ones.