Our Experts

Thomas Anders, MDThomas F. Anders, M.D. is a renowned child psychiatrist and serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at UC Davis School of Medicine. With over six years of leadership as the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Anders has made substantial contributions to academic medicine and mental health care. His academic journey began with elite training at Stanford and Columbia Universities, and he later built a distinguished career with positions at prestigious institutions such as Albert Einstein College of Medicine, SUNY Buffalo, Stanford University School of Medicine, and the Brown University Program in Medicine.

Dr. Anders’ research centers on understanding how parents and infants navigate the complexities of early development. His work, particularly focused on sleep disorders and regulation issues in infants, has provided valuable insights into the challenges that families face during the formative years. Additionally, Dr. Anders plays an active role in the UC Davis MIND Institute, a leading center for research, education, and clinical services for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. His dedication to advancing mental health care and supporting families with developmental challenges makes him a leading figure in child psychiatry.


Janelle Thompson, LCSWJanelle Thompson, LCSW, serves as the Lead Therapist at a renowned addiction treatment center, where her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group counseling significantly impacts individuals recovering from alcohol and drug dependencies. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) with a clinical focus from the University of Chicago. Since beginning her career in 2010, Janelle has worked in diverse therapeutic settings, including outpatient clinics, residential treatment centers, and private practice.

Janelle’s specialized training in CBT and her extensive experience in group therapy dynamics enable her to effectively address a spectrum of issues associated with addiction, such as anxiety, trauma, depression, and relapse prevention. She is known for her skillful integration of evidence-based practices with compassionate, patient-centered care. Janelle actively develops tailored therapy plans that emphasize skill-building and behavioral change, helping clients to overcome challenges and sustain recovery.

Beyond her clinical duties, Janelle is committed to continuing her education and staying abreast of the latest research in addiction therapy. She regularly attends workshops and conferences and is a contributing member of several professional networks dedicated to advancements in mental health and addiction treatment.

In her personal time, Janelle is an advocate for mental health awareness in her community, leading public seminars and support groups. She enjoys yoga and meditation, which she often incorporates into her therapeutic practices to enhance mindfulness and emotional regulation among her clients.


Dr. Elijah Kim PhDDr. Elijah Kim, PhD, serves as the Director of Community Outreach, bringing an extensive background in public health and preventive medicine to his role. Dr. Kim earned his Doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, focusing on community health and preventive strategies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, where he specialized in community organization and systemic change.

With over a decade of experience in the field, Dr. Kim has developed, implemented, and evaluated a wide range of preventive programs and community-based recovery supports. His work often involves collaborating with local governments, healthcare facilities, and non-profit organizations to establish initiatives that address the root causes of addiction and promote sustainable recovery. Dr. Kim’s expertise includes creating educational campaigns, leading support groups, and training community health workers to enhance their capacity to support individuals in recovery.

Dr. Kim is known for his holistic and inclusive approach to community health, emphasizing the importance of culturally competent care and the need to tailor services to the unique needs of diverse communities. He is an active member of several national public health organizations and frequently presents at conferences about innovative community outreach strategies in addiction recovery.

In his free leisure, Dr. Kim enjoys hiking, exploring local cuiseries, and volunteering at community gardens, where he teaches about the benefits of nutrition and physical activity for mental health and wellness.


Nina Rosario, MPHNina Rosario, MPH, serves as the Education and Policy Advisor for a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming addiction treatment and public health policies. With a Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University, specializing in health policy and management, Nina brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust evidence-based approach to her role. Her expertise lies in analyzing the public health implications of current addiction treatment methods and advocating for innovative policy changes to improve these systems.

Nina’s career has been characterized by her commitment to bridging the gap between clinical practice and policy. She works closely with healthcare providers, researchers, and legislators to ensure that the latest research in addiction treatment is translated into practical, effective public policies that support recovery and reduce the burden of substance use disorders. Her approach includes a focus on enhancing access to care, reducing stigma associated with addiction, and promoting integrated treatment models that address the holistic needs of individuals.

Her contributions extend to authoring policy briefs, conducting workshops, and speaking at national conferences about the intersection of public health and addiction treatment. Nina also collaborates with educational institutions to develop curricula that prepare future public health leaders to tackle challenges in addiction with innovative and multidisciplinary strategies.

Outside of her professional life, Nina is deeply involved in community service. She volunteers with local organizations to support underprivileged communities in accessing healthcare services. Nina is also an avid reader and enjoys staying updated on the latest public health research, which she often shares through guest lectures and public forums.


Dr. Claire BennettDr. Claire Bennett, a board-certified psychiatrist, brings a comprehensive and integrative approach to her specialization in dual diagnosis and the psychiatric treatment of addiction. She holds a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her residency in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in treating complex mental health conditions that co-occur with substance abuse.

Dr. Bennett’s treatment philosophy combines traditional psychiatric approaches with evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address the intertwined challenges of mental health disorders and addiction. She places a strong emphasis on understanding the unique circumstances and histories of her patients, believing that personalized care is crucial to effective treatment and long-term recovery.

Her clinical interests include the impact of trauma on addiction and the use of integrative therapies to enhance psychiatric care. Dr. Bennett is also an advocate for incorporating lifestyle medicine into her practice, focusing on how dietary choices, physical activity, and sleep patterns influence mental health and recovery processes.

A respected voice in her field, Dr. Bennett frequently presents her findings at national conferences and contributes to medical journals on topics related to dual diagnosis treatment. She is committed to advancing the understanding of addiction as a multifaceted psychiatric condition, promoting research that explores innovative treatments and comprehensive care strategies.

Outside of her professional activities, Dr. Bennett is passionate about wellness and enjoys practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation. She believes these personal practices enhance her empathy and effectiveness as a psychiatrist, providing her with insights into the holistic therapies she often recommends to her patients.

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