The Cornerstone Family
Cornerstone's vision is:
Our staff is composed of a dedicated team of diverse professionals with experience and training in treating chemical dependency and related addictions. Many of our staff are in recovery, have credentials of the heart, and through personal experience, understand the recovery process. We are proud of our 90 employees and affiliates.
Over the years Cornerstone has been able to attract many of the senior Orange County medical and psychological experts in the field of addiction, as independent affiliates, to see our clients as needed for detox issues as well as medical and psychiatric problems.
- Administrative Staff
- Admissions Staff
- Alternative Sentencing Staff
- Clinical Staff
- Independent Affiliates
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Michael Stone, M.D., FAAFP, Board Certified in Addiction Medicine Founder and Clinical Director, President |
Dr. Stone founded Cornerstone of Southern California in 1984, when he recognized that many addicts, who needed help, could not afford hospital stays. He believes that not all addicts need to be in a hospital to get well. They can live in home-like settings and have time for social interaction and daily living skills, in addition to lectures and therapy.
Dr. Stone has treated over 60,000 addicts and their families' since 1969. He is well known and respected in the professional community. He has treated clients from all walks of life as well as celebrities and prominent business professionals from all over the world.
He graduated from Sheffield University Medical School, England in 1967. In 1969 he opened and directed the first hospital-based treatment center in Canada. He was Medical Director of Care Unit Hospital, Orange, a famous psychiatric hospital, at a time when alcoholism and drug treatment was coming out of the closet and becoming more acceptable. He and his team were asked to train the first medical director and family program director at the Betty Ford Center.
Dr. Stone is a caring professional who has committed himself to helping people with addictive diseases. Many of his patients have dual diagnoses and co-occurring disorders in addition to their addictive disease. Dr. Stone has been married for over 42 years. He is extremely proud of his 3 adult children who work full-time at Cornerstone. He enjoys the beach, loves dogs, and reads science fiction novels in his free time. His special loves are his 6 grandchildren with whom he enjoys spending time.
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Cornerstone Administrative Staff
Jessica Stone
Executive Assistant
Jessica Stone has been a quiet but integral part of Cornerstone since 1984. She has helped in many areas of the company. She was born in India, but grew up in England, where she met and married Dr. Stone in 1967.
Jessica is extremely proud of her 3 children, Simon, Samantha and Tim who work every day at Cornerstone. Mrs. Stone loves the beach especially in Hawaii where she has become a proficient body boarder. Jessica's special love is to spend time with her 6 grandchildren, attending their dance performances and music recitals. Even though Cornerstone is a huge part of her life, she has many other interests.
Senior Vice President
Director of Operations
Certified Addiction Specialist
James has been with Cornerstone since 1998. He started on the graveyard shift and soon began working in the office. When the clients started to ask for him as their counselor James was given an opportunity to be a case manager. He has worked in all areas of Cornerstone, Outpatient and Alternative Sentencing. He has been Outpatient Manager, and about 2 years ago learned that Cornerstone had bigger things in store for him. He now runs the day to day (and night) operations of all Cornerstone facilities. James started work in the field in 1993, as a resident manager and program coordinator for a program treating veterans in San Bernardino California. James served in the US Marine Corps. He relaxes by running distances of 8-20 miles every morning. He gets up at 4:00 AM and starts his workout routine before most people open their eyes on the new day. He ran in the Boston Marathon in 2007, 2008 and will once again in 2010. He loves fishing and camping. He is married to Sandy Neumann, has 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren that he adores.
Lynda Klinger, CADC II
Assistant to the President
Lynda has been instrumental in helping to make Cornerstone what it is today. Since joining the company in 1987, she has held many positions including Chemical Dependency Counselor, Program Director, Director of Business Development, Director of Operations and Administrator.
Since Cornerstone has grown so large, Lynda spends her time working in the Human Resources Dept., working on employment laws, staff development, risk management, compliance for State and Joint Commission standards, Marketing, Business Development and special projects like this website and getting Cornerstone computerized.
Lynda attends National Conferences to represent Cornerstone. She is well respected in the addiction treatment field.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II
Lynda lives in a small cabin heated by a pot belly stove, near a running creek in the Cleveland National Forest. She grew up in The Bronx and Florida where she met her husband, Richard. Lynda and he have been married for 40 years. Richard also helps Cornerstone as a community liason; you will see them together at the conferences. She has 1 grown son who is a massage therapist, specializing in Sports Massage. Lynda loves to scuba dive, especially in Tahiti.
Timothy Stone, BA
Vice President of Recovery Homes
Tim Stone has been with Cornerstone since 1999, but he has been involved much longer since he is the youngest son of Dr. Stone. He has essentially grown up with Cornerstone. He helped initially with cleaning the pools and helping with maintenance around the houses. He now runs and cares for over 20 Recovery Homes which must be in compliance with the California Department of Alcohol and Drug program regulations at all times.
Tim graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in English.
He loves music and has been the lead singer and songwriter for a band called "The Goodkind" since 1996. He has produced many CD's of his own, and has set up a recording studio in his home where he continues to record new music. He has won song contests on Broadjam.com, has music available for download on iTunes and still plays live shows at venues like The Coach House and Galaxy Theater. He loves to surf and read science fiction/fantasy novels. He enjoys running and maybe he will go to Boston one day.
Tami K. Campbell, CAS
Residential Administrative Coordinator
Tami Campbell has been with Cornerstone since 2007. She started as a support staff for the graveyard shift. We soon knew we had a gem of a person who was capable of much more. We knew she would be a dedicated and talented Cornerstone employee, the kind of person we say "She's got 'it'."
Tami now runs the administrative part of a very busy 24 bed Detox and Primary care program. She oversees the many staff that support Cornerstone. A well run program is part of what makes us one of the best centers that treat addiction. Cornerstone has over 90 employees, most work in our Residential 24 hour program. We believe in a team approach and the important role all of our staff have on a successful outcome of treatment.
Tami's prior career must have seen the same 'it' as she started as a file clerk and soon became the Office Manager of a large Orthopedic Surgery office for 7 years. Tami was fortunate to get to be a stay at home mom for 3 years. She heard about Cornerstone from a friend she sponsors that had successfully completed the program.
Tami says: "I have been with Cornerstone of Southern California for 2 years and am honored to be part of such a wonderful company. I look forward to work each day and the new challenges that arise."
When she has time she loves to read as much as possible. She also knits scarves for her family and friends.
Tami is an active member of AIR, (Alumni in Recovery) for over 20 years. They have monthly potlucks and activities for families in recovery. She is also the Pack Committee Chairman for her son's Cub Scout pack for the last 4 years. She has 3 sons. One of them works as support staff in our outpatient program. We really are like a family.
Tami has a pet turtle named Tommy. "Tommy the Turtle."
Tami says: "I believe I have been given the opportunity to see miracles happen in the lives of others. I have been in recovery for over 21 years." Cornerstone is fortunate that Tami joined our family-style team. Lori Thomas
Outpatient Admissions Coordinator
Lori has been with Cornerstone since 2000. She has taken classes to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. Lori has been with Cornerstone almost 10 years, and has been the Admissions Office Manager of our Detox / Inpatient / Primary treatment program and now is Outpatient Admissions Coordinator.
Lori says: "Through my own personal experience I feel I can help others with the disease of alcoholism and addiction. I love being a part of Cornerstone for so very many reasons. This is a family owned business and the Stone family has a way of making all of us feel we are part of their family."
Lori's first true passion is the art of ballet. She started dancing as a child and studied under an instructor of the New York City Ballet company. She danced professionally for a short period of her life. Her second passion is playing with her mini-dapple dachshund (Dappy). Lori has 2 grown children and 2 grandsons that she loves dearly. Prior to her work here she obtained a Certification for an oral surgery assistant and a registered dental assistant.
Lori says: "I have a good sense of humor and I love to laugh and live out loud. I am also sensitive to others and love life. My husband and I are very involved in the AA community. He rides a Harley, and I ride on the back. From a tu-tu to leather what a life. It's the BEST!"
Lori says: "We are a team oriented company that work harmoniously together. We all have a deep caring compassion for our clients, their families and each other. I am truly grateful to be here at Cornerstone."
Cornerstone Admissions Staff
Samantha Stone, BS, BA.Vice President of Admissions/Finance
Samantha graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has been with Cornerstone since the beginning, in 1984. Samantha helps in all areas of running her family business, mainly working with Intake, Admissions, patient insurance verification and coordinating patient accounts. If you need help or need assistance regarding your insurance benefits, do not hesitate to give Sam a call.Sam, like her mom, loves all animals and currently has a cute little pug dog named Buster. She loves sushi, spin class at the gym, going to the movies, and traveling. Sam always roots for the underdog Crystal Ornelas BS, CADCA, NAADAC Member
Intake Specialist
Crystal has been actively involved in the substance abuse treatment field since 1996. 6 of those years have been spent in the area of clinical supervision. Her emphasis has been working with involuntary clients (court or penal system mandated.) She has extensive experience working with high functioning outpatient clientele and their families. Crystal began working at Cornerstone as a case manager in 2000 before she went to work for the penal system. She returned to Cornerstone in 2007 and has been "honored" to work for in the Intake/Admissions department.
Crystal says, "I stand strong in the belief that addiction is a family disease and that one does not have to want help to get help."
"I am a proud USAF Veteran. I enjoy living part time with my mother where I have had the opportunity to embrace life's bittersweet moments of clarity with an attentive heart. I enjoy crocheting (it's a great tension tamer), travel, gardening and playing with my two Bassett Hounds who allow me to maintain pure vulnerability. "
Rebecca
Intake Specialist
Rebecca has been with Cornerstone since 2006. She says:"working with the Cornerstone Team has been a very life rewarding experience."
Rebecca says: "I enjoy being the 'Cruise Director' in the Intake department. It is my pleasure being a liaison between Cornerstone and other professionals and provider programs." She also assists Dr. Stone and staff working with patients, their loved ones and family members.
Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her 2 dogs, a yellow lab named Hunter and a German Shepherd named Roscoe. Rebecca says: "The pride and joy of my life is being a mother and caring for my four children and grand-daughter."
Susie Schultz, CADCII
Senior Case Manager and Intake Counselor
Susie has over 15 years experience working in Acute and Sub-acute, Outpatient settings. She has worked with both adolescents and adults. Susie has worked as an interventionist, sexual assault crisis advocate and has done domestic violence counseling.
Susie says: "I enjoy working to help the families come together and heal. When my patient's understand how to fight the "enemy of addiction" by learning to see and share how they have been affected by the disease, it brings me great joy. When the family comes out of their denial and makes a breakthrough it is very exciting. I love to see hearts open and defenses drop when the young children of the addicts/alcoholics are able to express themselves in the multi-family group where truth is revealed. When the children get the opportunity to "talk" I am hopeful that they won't repeat the addiction cycle in the family." Louise Grasso, CAS
Intake Specialist
Louise joined the Cornerstone team in 2007. She has over 26 years experience in the field of addiction treatment; including intake, group process, client screening, crisis intervention and support to families. She is currently enrolled in school to complete her CAS, a professional Counselor Certification. She graduated Lumbleau Real Estate School in 1980.
Louise loves people and she says: "I care about people and love helping them. It's amazing to watch the recovery process." Louise also volunteers at Mary's Kitchen helping to feed the homeless.
When she is not working or volunteering, Louise enjoys, reading, snow skiing, walking, yoga and good food. She considers her work in Real Estate to be FUN!
Louise loves animals and has 3 dogs, 2 Chihuahua's, Rocco, Guido and her "rescue dog", Schnoodle.
When asked if there was anything she would like you to know, Louise says: "I am comforted by nature and silent meditation. I am a wife, a mother and loyal friend." In 1995 she held the position of President of the Women's Counsel of Realtors. In 1997 she was the public relations chair for the Gough Van Orange, a Fine Arts and Music Festival.
Cornerstone is proud to have another professional team member in the Intake department. Louise will do everything she can to help the patient and their family, whether they are in the office or on the phone.
Cornerstone Alternative Sentencing Staff
Bonnie McClainAlternative Sentencing Manager
Bonnie joined Cornerstone in 1997. She has been working with people who have chemical dependency related legal issues since 1994. She has assisted drug and alcohol offenders by placing them into treatment centers through an Alternative Sentencing opportunity. She coordinates with the court, the judge, the attorney and the client for the most effective option for treatment. Bonnie is a dedicated, compassionate person who believes in what she is doing and will go all out to help.She has been trained as a paralegal, a medical assistant and has an educational background in Business Law and Communications.
Bonnie is a dog person and has 2 adorable little Yorkshire Terriers, who sometimes come to work with her.
Simon A. Stone J.D.
Vice President of Safety, Facilities and Court Liaison
Simon Stone has been working for Cornerstone since 1984 and has worn just about every hat Cornerstone has to offer. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Long Beach State University and Juris Doctorate Degree from Western State University College of Law. He is a father of four, husband, and avid outdoor enthusiast. From surfing around the globe to trekking the single track trails of the local mountains by full suspension mountain bike, he finds time to maintain balance between a busy court schedule, the demands of the Company, and his family.Simon's primary job at Cornerstone is Safety Officer and is Vice President of the Environment of Care. He ensures Quality Management which includes decorating, renovating, improving and making sure our facilities are always safe for our clients and staff. Simon also assists in our Alternative Sentencing department.
Cornerstone Clinical Staff
Mary Fritz, CAS IISenior Case Manager
Mary has been working at Cornerstone for about 10 years, since 1999. She has held positions in all of our programs as a Case Manager in our Detox / Inpatient / Residential and Outpatient programs.
She has over 20 years experience having worked in the field of addiction since 1989. Mary began her career as a therapist in private practice in New Zealand. She says that most, if not all, of her clients had chemical dependency problems. She then began training and educating herself specifically for addiction.
Mary says: "I enjoy watching and being a part of the positive changes in people's lives."
Mary enjoys scuba diving, yoga, kite flying, painting, competitive dance, international travel and knitting. Mary is a Dive Master, yoga teacher and ham radio operator.
Mary's enjoys feeding wild birds.
Carla Denso, CADCA
Case Manager
Carla has been working for Cornerstone of Southern California since 2004. She graduated college in 2003 where she specialized in alcohol and drug counseling. She is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate.
Carla says: "I am so proud to be part of this organization as we are client centered and ethics are always a top priority. I am constantly growing and maturing as an individual and as a counselor. It is satisfying to be a part of the restoration of so many lives that only recently were filled with hopelessness and despair. Because I love what I do, I am able to express enthusiasm, passion and dedication in all that I do."
Carla has many other interests and hobbies. She loves to read mostly self help and spiritually based books. She is extremely athletic and exercises daily. She loves to run, spin (cycle) row, and practice yoga. Carla snowboards and loves to relax in the mountains for short getaways. She says she is always up for a night at the movies.
Carla has been a great asset to our clinical team at Cornerstone, where she works mostly in the women's program. Hers is the office with lots of cute stuffed animal pigs.
Kathryn Anderson CADCA
Case Manager
Kathyrn is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate.
Kathryn is a Case Manager and joined Cornerstone in 2007.
Prior to coming to Cornerstone, she worked for the YMCA Born Free program, a peri-natal facility.
For fun, Kathryn enjoys attending community outreach functions and spending time with her family.
Kathryn says: "I love to work with people and this job allows me to work with people from all walks of life. I love it!""
Vaughn Callison, RAS,
Case Manager
Vaughn is a Registered Addiction Specialist with 31 years of experience in the field of addiction recovery. He is also a retired Navy man who is very proud of his service to the country.
Vaughn is a Case Manager for our Sober Lodger Program.
He joined the Cornerstone team in 2003 and his duties include facilitating our Tuesday night Family Groups, dealing with Insurance inquiries and Authorizations, lecturing, facilitating Sober Lodger Groups and overseeing our Aftercare Program.
Vaughn loves his work and it shows.
Diane Shaw CADCA
Case Manager
Diane is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate. She has worked in the field of chemical dependency since 2006. Most of her experience has been working with the adolescent population.
We are glad Diane continued in the field after working with a very complex and difficult population. Her experience and training has been very useful working with Cornerstone's Adult population. In the exit interviews our patients always have great things to say about Diane and her groups. Prior coming to work in the field of Chemical Dependency, Diane was employed at Verizon for 24 years.
Diane says: "I chose this work to teach and hopefully give others a way to embrace the freedom and joy a clean and sober life has to offer."
Diane enjoys being outside playing with her grandchildren and reading.
Diane loves animals and has a Labrador named Megatron.
Diane wants you to know, that she enjoys learning and since there is so much to learn in the recovery field, she truly enjoys everyday. Cornerstone and our patients are glad to have her and no matter how long we have been doing this work, there is always something new to learn.
Nell Fritz BS, MS, CADC Associate
Extended Care Supervisor
Nell has been with Cornerstone since 2006. For most of the time Nell has been the lead daytime Outpatient Case Manager. She is currently supervising our Extended Care Program. She has achieved her Bachelor of Arts as well as a Masters in Science degrees. Nell is also a California Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate. (CADCA)Nell has 28 years experience working in Chemical Dependency Treatment. She has worked as a counselor and manager at 5 premier facilities in Southern California. She has conducted groups, worked as a consultant in drug addiction recovery, family/marriage counseling, co-dependency, eating disorders, communication skills, 12 Step workshops and relapse prevention education and group.
In addition to all her many talents and achievements, Nell wrote a 12-Step workbook that is being used by many recovery programs in the U.S, Journey Into Me - The 12 Step Workbook. She also created a series of 8 training videos for treatment programs. She has also written 3 psychological thriller novels.
Nell has hiked up and down Mt. Whitney, Half Dome, the Grand Canyon and Mammoth Mt. (via Mountain Bike). She also enjoys traveling, biking, kayaking, backpacking, RVing and "anything else that gets me outside and active."
Our patient testimonials really say it well. "Nell. Nell. Nell. She is an AWESOME instructor! She delivers content that is relative and interesting. She also manages and leads the class in a way that keeps us on track and lets us learn. Last but not least, she genuinely cares for each and every one of us."" Jeannine M.
When asked why she does this work, Nell says: "I enjoy watching the light come on in the eyes of people suffering from addiction. There is such a glow when they realize that they can really live a joyous and productive life in recovery. The most rewarding feeling is when I run into them years later and they tell me about their journey and their new and wonderful lives. Chris Boyd CAS
Case Manager
Chris is a Certified Addiction Specialist in our Intensive Outpatient Program. He entered the addiction/recovery field in 1989. He has worked in long-term residential programs, adult and adolescent programs, dual diagnosis and hospital settings throughout Southern California. Having experience with many different treatment styles and approaches, he brings flexibility and skills to best assist his clients in achieving their recovery goals.Chris says: "I think I have known since I was a teenager that I was going to be a counselor when I grew up. I have long been drawn to helping others to improve the quality of their lives. Through my own process of recovery, I found meaning and purpose in my life that allows me the honor and privilege to serve those who still suffer in their addiction.
Chris enjoys travel, sightseeing, hiking and spending time with his wife.
Chris has worked for Cornerstone as the Primary Evening Case Manager since 2004. We are fortunate to have Chris and his eclectic training and experiences to work with our clients. Many of our clients have been to numerous treatment centers in the past and have praised Chris for finally being able to "reach" them. They said he opened a doorway for them to enter and find their own path to recovery.
Alanya Potapov CADCA
Case Manager
Alanya is a Registered Recovery Worker (RRW. She works as a Case Manager in Cornerstone's Alternative Sentencing program.Alanya has 3 years experience working in this field and has worked at some prominent treatment programs in Southern California.
Alanya enjoys biking, camping, and BBQ's with her family and friends. She was valedictorian in college.
Alanya has 1 dog, a Maltese, named Chantel.
Robert Strouse, CCBCDC
Case Manager
Robert joined Cornerstone in 2009.He has a BA in Spanish, that he earned while studying at the University of Madrid.
For fun, Robert likes to spend his time with his wife or exercising. He enjoys reading and continuing his academic career.
Robert says "I am an alumnus of Cornerstone and have always wanted an opportunity to help others achieve and appreciate the joys of recovery and sobriety."
INDEPENDENT AFFILIATES
William (Bill) Fritz, M.D.Independent Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dr. Fritz, has over 35 years experience helping chemically dependent people recover from addictive disease.Dr. Fritz was certified, in Addiction Medicine, by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, (ASAM) in 1987
He began his practice in addiction medicine, at the Beverly Manor in Orange, California in 1974.
He worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Family Recovery Services, an inpatient chemical dependency treatment center for 13 years, from 1981- 1994.
He has been assisting patients at Cornerstone since 1995.
He has special training in Pain Management.
Dr. Fritz was trained in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at the University of Nebraska, College of Medicine and Hospitals.
Dr. Fritz's office is located in Santa Ana, Orange County, California.
Dr. Fritz enjoys the sport of Scuba Diving whenever he can. He has been traveling the world to experience life under the sea. He also enjoys racquetball, go-cart racing and team rowing.
Inna Lamport, M.D.
Internal and Addiction Medicine.
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
Certified by American Society of Addiction Medicine
Diplomate, American Board of Addiction Medicine Marilyn Sosna, M.D.
Psychiatrist - Specialty: Alcohol, Drugs and other Addictions.
Psychiatric evaluations
Affective disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Crisis, Family,
Medication Management
Sexual Addiction
Her office is located in Tustin, Orange County, California.
Marilyn enjoys spending time in nature and hiking. Jenifer Jiang, C.A. PhD.
Board Certified Acupuncturist, Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Dr. Jiang has been treating patients for over 27 years; her patients include many celebrities and prominent professionals in our community.
M.D. from Beijing University Medical School in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine.
PhD in Oriental Medicine
Head physician at Beijing Friendship and Chao Yang Hospitals, two of Beijing's largest health care facilities.
Professor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture at California University of Oriental Medicine
Published several research articles on herbal medicine.
www.PacAcupuncture.com Bonita Sheibe, RN, MFT, PhD
Marriage and Family Therapist
Her specialties include hypnosis, rapid eye movement and traditional psychotherapy.
Bonnie enjoys meditation and spirituality. AmyLynn Dimaano, MT-BC
Alternative Destinations Music Therapy Services
AmyLynn Dimaano, MT-BC, holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music and the Music Therapy Degree Equivalency from California State University, Northridge. She is Board Certified and is a trained REMO HealthRhythms Drumming Empowerment Facilitator.AmyLynn specializes in treating populations facing the challenges of addictions, abuse, grief, physical illness, and psychological disorders promoting Transformation through Empowerment; Inviting all participants to discover solutions and insights for themselves through the healing power of music. AmyLynn believes that the most effective therapy is interactive, client centered and designed to effect change "outside" of the session room.
" Leading individuals who have 'lost their personal sense of power' towards taking responsibility for and manifesting positive change in their own lives has become my life's work. It is how I am of service, paying forward what worked for me by helping people learn how to help themselves."
