Who We Are
We are a team of clinical experts who are passionate about helping teens get back on track. Our years of experience in teen addiction treatment, mental health care, behavioral health, and neuropsychology empower members of The Forum to transform your child’s life.
Meet our
Staff
Experts and Difference-Makers
The Forum is based on The Roman Forum: an ancient historical site in the center of Rome, Italy. This was the location for important communal activities, like triumphal processions, religious ceremonies, and social events. We hope for our practice to serve the same purpose; we have built a gathering place for young people to recover.
Our methods promote five pillars of health: emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and environmental. Led by Dr. Joanna Savarese, The Forum seeks to meet the diverse needs of San Diego adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Scroll down to get to know our team.
Dr. Joanna Savarese, PhD
Executive Director / Founder
Dr. Joanna Savarese, PhD
Executive Director / Founder
Neuropsychologist & Licensed Clinical Psychologist - PSY24973
Joanna Savarese, Ph.D. is the Founder and Clinical Director of San Diego BrainWorks and The Forum at San Diego BrainWorks. She is also the President of the San Diego Psychological Association and her platform is centered around normalizing mental health. Dr. Savarese is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist who has specific focus in adolescent treatment and neuropsychological, psychoeducational, and psychological assessment. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults providing both neuropsychological assessments and psychotherapeutic treatment. She has worked with various clinical populations including Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Personality Disorders, LGBTQ, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia. Dr. Savarese is passionate about individuals receiving the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Savarese has more than 17 years of graduate and post-graduate experience in the field of psychology, neuropsychology, and assessment. She has also been teaching at the college level for more than a decade and lectures in the community on topics such as: Understanding Neuropsychological Evaluations, Learning and the Brain, and Building a Positive Relationship with your Child. She has appeared on ESPN radio, NBC News San Diego, and has written articles for Parenting Magazine. She also wrote several features for the textbook The Neuroscience of Learning: Principles and Applications for Educators (2014).
Dr. Ginger Burleson, PsyD
Clinical Director
Dr. Ginger Burleson, PsyD
Clinical director
Ginger Burleson, Psy.D., earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Alliant International University: California School of Professional Psychology. While earning her degree, her coursework largely focused on child and family systems. Over the years, Dr. Burleson has provided therapeutic services to individuals and youths in co-occurring residential treatment settings, acute psychiatric inpatient settings, and outpatient settings. She has several years of experience working with women and their children in a residential treatment facility to assist families with substance use issues, healing from trauma, and parenting needs. She also has extensive experience working with active duty military service members and their dependents.
Dr. Burleson believes that treatment is not “one size fits all,” but rather, that it should be specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. To assist clients with making meaningful change, she utilizes a trauma-informed, integrative treatment approach rooted in evidence-based practices. Dr. Burleson has extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. She is passionate about helping others and committed to helping each client meet their treatment goals.
Amanda Patinkin
Director of Operations
Amanda Patinkin
Director of Operations
Amanda is a native of San Diego and is a graduate of Sixth College, UCSD. She has over twenty years in client care and operations management. Amanda has worked side by side with Dr Savarese at San Diego brainworks, helping clients and families navigate the process of getting care. Amanda has spent her life giving back and volunteering. As a lifelong dog lover, Amanda volunteered as a rescue worker in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, helping a relief effort to save animals. Amanda is the mother to two sons aged 14 and 8. She enjoys playing and writing music, and practices ballet and modern dance in her spare time. She has been known to escape to the mountain and snowboard any chance she gets. Amanda is looking forward to the future of the Forum and welcoming all the Forum families.
Sasha James, LMFT
Therapist
Sasha James, LMFT
Therapist
Sasha James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, from New York, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Hofstra University. As a descendant of the late great William James, known as the “Father of American Psychology,” she seemed destined to gravitate toward the field of psychology.
She specializes in trauma, addiction, anxiety, and emotional regulation, with a background in intensive dual-diagnosis treatment. Taking a multi-faceted and individualized approach, she uses humor, candor, compassion, and connection to shift perspectives, allowing clients to make healthier decisions, gain more control over the direction of their lives, and feel more empowered.
Sasha particularly enjoys working with clients who struggle with authority – notably those that have become entangled within the criminal justice system. She has extensive experience working in court-mandated treatment, and excels in encouraging challenging clients to learn to trust, demonstrate vulnerability, and begin making better choices for themselves.
When not at The Forum, Sasha sees clients in Private Practice, embarks on adventures with her dogs, practices photography, and volunteers with a local dog rescue.
Nathan Feder, MA
Therapist
Nathan Feder, MA
Therapist
Nathan earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology and is completing his doctorate with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University. He uses an integrative therapeutic approach to facilitate meaningful change for people and their relationships. Nathan works with clients from diverse backgrounds (racial/ethnic and cultural minorities, LGBTQAI+, youth and emerging adults, biological and adoptive families) to alleviate anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, complex trauma, and ADHD problems.
Nathan has worked across clinical settings, including substance rehabilitation centers, mental health crisis centers, forensic psychiatric evaluation court clinics, and therapeutic outpatient services. Over the years, Nathan has provided individual, group, family, and couples therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and Attachment-based Family Therapies. Nathan is supervised at The Forum at San Diego BrainWorks by Dr. Joanna Savarese.
Dr. Shilpi Sheth, Psy. D.
Clinical Director
Dr. Shilpi Sheth, Psy. D.
Clinical Director
Dr. Sheth earned his Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology from the California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University. Prior to his clinical work, he earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Houston. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, San Antonio. His internships and background are in community mental health and residential rehabilitation.
Dr. Sheth’s specialty is in providing evidenced-based treatment to individuals and families. Specifically, he has extensive training and experience in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and extensions of CBT including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). His work involves using CBT/DBT and elements of attachment and family therapies to treat a variety of issues including relationship difficulties, family problems, men’s/women’s/LGBT issues, addiction, stress/anxiety, and depression.
Hannah Scheierman, MA
Clinical Counselor
Hannah Scheierman, MA
Therapist
Hannah specializes in the treatment of relational dynamics, mood disorders and acute mental and physical illness in children and adolescents. Throughout her training, Hannah has worked in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings to give individual, group, and family support therapy. She has provided mental health assessments and resources to numerous middle and high schools spanning across North County. She has given psychoeducational and neurological assessments to accurately diagnose psychosis, learning disorders, ADHD, and autism. Hannah has previously been trained in ACT, DBT, multiculturalism, trauma therapy, and crisis intervention. She primarily utilizes a person-centered, collaborative approach to create individual goals and support for each client.
Hannah attained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at San Diego State University. She then went on to gain her masters and is continuing her training to receive her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the California School for Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. Hannah’s clinical training includes Alpine Special Treatment Center, North County Lifeline, and Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit (CAP3). Hannah is supervised at The Forum at San Diego BrainWorks by Dr. Joanna Savarese.
Dr. Jessica Lenihan, PsyD
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr. Jessica Lenihan, PsyD
Pediatric Neuropsychologist - PSY32069
Dr. Lenihan is a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist whose expertise is the assessment of a wide variety of disorders, including traumatic and nonaccidental brain injury, concussion, seizure disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning differences, pediatric stroke, spina bifida and genetic disorders. She utilizes neuropsychological assessment in diverse contest in order to diagnose, plan intervention, conduct screenings and monitor progress with pediatric populations.
Dr. Lenihan provides a comprehensive assessment approach and tailored recommendations to assist with academic support, tutoring, psychotherapeutic treatment, and parental resources. She specializes in neuropsychological evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations, psychoeducational evaluations, pre and post-surgical evaluations, and concussion management.
Dr. Lenihan received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program at Loma Linda University with an emphasis in Child Clinical Psychology in Loma Linda, California. She completed her one-year internship in Pediatric Neuropsychology and Pediatric Psychology at Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her two-year APPCN approved pediatric neuropsychology fellowship at Advanced Neurobehavioral Health of Southern California in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Ricky Metcalfe, PsyD
Psychologist
Dr. Ricky Metcalfe, PsyD
Psychologist
Dr. Metcalfe has worked in a number of clinical settings, including outpatient, residential treatment, integrated medicine, and behavioral medicine/inpatient psychiatric hospitals. His primary focus has been with youth and their families, providing both psychotherapy and comprehensive psychological evaluations. He has specific training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, Autism, Learning Disorders, psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, OCD, and personality disorders. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from San Diego State University, followed by his Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. While completing his doctorate, Dr. Metcalfe enjoyed concurrent roles as an assessment specialist, group therapist, and individual therapist with children and adults at Loma Linda University’s Behavioral Medicine Center and through the Riverside University Healthcare System. As an adjunct to his graduate school work, Dr. Metcalfe also conducted psychological assessments with adults under the tutelage of some esteemed psychologists in San Diego.
Dr. Brenda Franz, PsyD
Psychologist
Dr. Brenda Franz, PsyD
Psychologist
Dr. Franz has a dual master’s degree in forensic psychology and clinical psychology. She earned her doctorate degree at Alliant International University: California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. She also holds a dual bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from California State University, San Marcos.
Dr. Franz worked in the mental health field for several years prior to obtaining her doctorate degree. She has experience with the older adult population, adults, adolescents, children, and military in an acute psychiatric inpatient and outpatient hospital setting that specialized in substance abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. During her training years, Dr. Franz worked closely with high school students in residential treatment, as well as high school students in a specialized trade program. She assisted in IEP’s, 504 plans and conducted individual therapy utilizing CBT and psychodynamic therapy with students on the autism spectrum, as well as students with various learning disorders, depression and anxiety. Dr. Franz’s training also includes working at a long-term women’s substance abuse facility conducting group and individual therapy with clients, as well as with their children as the parent and child therapist. Here, she utilized CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, trauma therapy, and seeking safety. She also created parent/child curriculum to assist the clients in positive parenting, as well as lead Incredible Years classes. She completed her internship conducting Neuropsychological assessments at the Orange Health Care Agency performing a multitude of assessments focusing on traumatic brain injury, dementia, ADHD, personality, and acute mental health disorders. Dr. Franz is committed to providing thorough and comprehensive evaluations for each client.
Ryan Bolt PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ryan Bolt PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ryan Bolt is duel board-certified in psychiatry/mental health and family medicine. He specializes in treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ryan earned his BSN from Boise State after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He later earned his graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama and National University. He has extensive experience in outpatient, PHP/IOP, and community mental health settings.
He believes in an integrative approach with a focus on wholeness and client-centered care. He strives to provide comprehensive care that incorporates complementary treatments, genetic testing, lifestyle modification, therapy, and medication management.
Ashlee Bolt, PMHNP-BC
Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ashlee Bolt, PMHNP-BC
Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ashlee Bolt is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. Ashlee received her BSN from Boise State University and MSN from the University of South Alabama. She has added qualifications in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction management with a range of specialty experience including crisis stabilization, inpatient hospitalization, community mental health, IOP/PHP, and private practice.
Ashlee has a strong belief in mind-body wellness and encompasses an integrative approach using complementary treatments, pharmacogenetic testing, and medication management.
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre is a licensed Medical Doctor and board-certified Psychiatrist. She received her Medical Degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her Adult Psychiatry residency training at San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. She also completed a fellowship through the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma with a certification in Global Mental Health, Trauma and Recovery.
Dr. LaFrenierre has expertise in the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. She has performed in several leadership positions, including Medical Director of an addiction treatment group practice and as Chief Resident during her training. She also received the Resident Award in Excellence two years in a row during her training. She was awarded the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship award through the American Psychiatric Association and developed a Cultural Competency curriculum for her residents in training. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment centers, state and forensic hospitals, academic settings, and has experience with assertive community treatment and full-service partnership teams. She is committed to providing safe, equitable, and inclusive treatment for all.
Practice Philosophy
My treatment philosophy focuses on building resiliency through holistic, long-lasting changes to help my patients achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I have been fortunate to develop many different skill sets in the treatment of mental health and addiction, and I am excited to be able to offer customized treatments to my patients. I provide a warm, empathic, and active therapy style, and I bring a conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of health in treatment planning. My role is to help my patients reach their goals by providing clinical expertise, education, and compassion in a non-judgmental space. I incorporate prescription medications, plant-based diet changes, lifestyle changes, and elements of mind-body medicine into a complete treatment plan to help you reach your goals. I also provide education about treatment, diagnosis, and medications to my patients at every step to help guide treatment decisions and to maximize the benefits of our work together.
Dr. Golzar Kouklan, PSYD
Psychologist
Dr. Golzar Kouklan, PSYD
Psychologist
Dr. Golzar Kouklan is a clinical psychologist with 10 years of experience in the field. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University and went on to earn her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Midwestern University.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kouklan has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and private practice. Dr. Kouklan’s clinical work also includes conducting a variety of neuropsychological assessments encompassing neurocognitive decline, competency, ADHD, psychodiagnostic, and psychoeducational evaluations.
She has a particular interest in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma, and has extensive training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance-commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
Outside of work, Dr. Kouklan enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, bike riding and traveling to different countries. She is deeply committed to helping her patients lead happier, healthier lives and is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Andrew Schneider, DO
Psychiatrist
Andrew Schneider, DO
Psychiatrist
Dr. Andrew Schneider is a licensed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatrist. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, after completing his General Psychiatry Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. To supplement his Western medical training, he also studied Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Phoenix Arizona. Dr. Schneider also holds a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign and enjoys working with athletes of all ages.
Practice Philosophy
I take a holistic approach to practicing psychiatry. I am a strong believer in the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions as well as the benefits of psychopharmacology.
Medication Management
I use psychotropic medications in the safest possible manner‐‐the optimal dose for each patient with close monitoring.
Psychotherapy
Psycho‐therapy is encouraged in my practice, whether as the primary form of treatment or in conjunction with medication. My approach is eclectic and individually tailored to each patient. I have received training in the areas of cognitive‐behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, behavior modification, and play therapy (for children). I emphasize the importance of a strong
therapeutic alliance with patients.
Alternative Medicine
I received formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine with an emphasis in Chinese herbal medicine. I also keep abreast of the latest research in complementary and alternative treatments (CAM). I offer these treatment options to my patients, particularly those who may want to try CAM treatments as an alternative to Western psychotropic medication.
Jordan Spektor, MBA
Co-Founder
Jordan Spektor, MBA
Co-Founder
Jordan is a native of Seattle, Washington. In 2007, He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business. While in college, Jordan began an 8 year battle with alcoholism and addiction that affected every aspect of his life. After getting sober in 2011, Jordan discovered a passion for helping people. He has over 11 years of experience working in the behavioral health field. In 2020, Jordan graduated from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver with a Master of Business Administration, majoring in Healthcare Administration. He attributes his recovery as the number one reason he was able to achieve his lifelong goal of obtaining an MBA. Jordan loves watching the Seahawks, Mariners, Kraken and Trojans, playing golf and spending time with his wife Brittany, son Jayden and their golden retriever Jagger.
Lenny Segal MSW, MBA
Co-Founder
Lenny Segal MSW, MBA
Co-Founder
Lenny holds a double Masters Degree in both Clinical Social Work and Business Administration. With over 22 years experience in the mental health and substance use disorder field, Lenny has dedicated himself to helping people overcome obstacles that prevent them from living fulfilling lives. He has been involved in several successful treatment programs throughout the country. Lenny’s attention to detail helps elevate his programs for maximum outcomes for the Clients. For several years, Lenny has been actively involved in community service projects. He is a public speaker, and has been an expert on the Dr. Phil show. Lenny brings a unique blend of clinical and personal experience to The Forum. Lenny is able to empathize with the challenges his Clients are experiencing. At the age of 19, he received an intervention immediately followed by treatment. It was this defining moment that cemented his direction both personally and professionally. From that moment on, Lenny has dedicated himself to the helping field. When he is not working, you can find him spending time with his wonderful Wife and two beautiful children.
Lenny believes that recovery is challenging at any age, but there are specific barriers a person encounters as a young adult. Through his experience and sound clinical practice, Lenny assists his Clients in developing strategies to better navigate themselves through the journey of recovery. Lenny’s expertise is in the treatment of individuals who suffer from co-occurring / dual diagnosis issues.
