Vito Tassone, Co-Founder/ CEO
Vito graduated from ITT Technical College in 1993 with BA and AA in Electronics Engineering. He worked as an A+ PC repair instructor and was voted BEST instructor 1999. Since graduating, he has worked in Technical Sales. He has been considered a top performer at every company he has worked for. He has been working in customer service for over 25 years.
“I would say that my strongest characteristic is my compassion with potential clients that call. I LOVE what I do, and have dedicated my life to trying to help the people that call us, to follow thru and get help.” He believes sobriety is a commitment to oneself. “Once you can commit to yourself, then you commit yourself to the people in your life.” Vito has been very committed to the people in his own life. He has 2 kids, one dog and a “beautiful, compassionate, considerate, and understanding wife.
Catherine Tassone, Chief Financial Officer, Co-Founder
Catherine received her Bachelor’s Degree from McGill University in Education. As an instructor of cosmetology and business owner she has always exceeded expectations and sold her business at the height of its success. She worked for Airgas safety an executive account manager and has been honored as the top national sales person several times. While always excelling in her professional endeavors, she has also owned and managed several properties around the world for the past 50 years. Her high level of integrity and honesty has always made her a property owner that tenants appreciate. Having a loved one in recovery, and going through the trials and tribulations that are associated with it, she has a passion to help residents receive a high level of care, in a living environment that promotes happiness, love and safety.
Andrew Maloof, Chief Marketing Officer
Andrew Maloof’s life experiences led him to the recovery industry in 2014 where he began his career providing direct client care as a drug and alcohol counselor. He is a proud graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management.
Andrew’s career path has taken him through multiple departments to enhance and further expand his knowledge in the behavioral health industry. He found his true calling as Director of Business Development, working directly with the teams who assist clients in their greatest time of need. Andrew has a true passion for recovery and is grateful to be a member of the 449 Recovery team.
Directors
Barek Sharif, Clinical Director
Dr. Barek Sharif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and joined the 449 Recovery family in 2020 as the acting Clinical Director. He began his academic journey at Vanguard University earning his B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Clinical Psychology, and completed his education at Alliant International University with his Doctor of Psychology.
For over a decade Dr. Sharif has been dedicated to the field of co-occurring disorders helping individuals, couples, and families heal from their mental health, relational, and substance use difficulties. He has also facilitated several workshops ranging in topics from: working with families, attachment injuries, role of spirituality in sobriety, and the role of trauma in relationship development. Dr. Sharif has also taught courses in Law and Ethics, MFT Theories, and practicum as an Assistant Professor and Adjunct Professor. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and California board approved supervisor, he utilizes a Developmental Narrative Model for the supervision process.
Throughout Dr. Sharif’s experiences as a clinician and educator he believes that relationships are at the core of a person’s search for purpose and meaning which serves as the foundation of his personal and professional life. The importance of developing and maintaining authentic relational interactions with others is what drives his passion to provide support to individuals who seek it. One of Dr. Sharif’s favorite quotes that encapsulates his clinical and leadership style comes from the humanistic theorist Carl Rogers – “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Sharif enjoys spending time with his loving wife and embracing chaos with his 2 children. In his spare time he also enjoys adventuring the great outdoors, reading spy novels, watching and quoting movies, listening to rock, and playing video games.
Jacquelyn Gurrieri, Therapist/Assistant Clinical Director
Jacquelyn earned her B.A. in Communication Journalism from the University of Hartford and also possesses an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy with a concentration in Substance Abuse Treatment Therapy from Alliant International University. Jacquelyn has been working in the field of addiction for over 10 years in various roles such as support staff, case management, addiction counseling group facilitator, and alumni coordinator.
As a therapist Jacquelyn uses a client centered approach addressing each clients’ individual needs for therapy. Jacquelyn specialized in experiential therapy, solution
focused therapy and DBT . She specializes in eating disorder education through and intuitive eating approach and HAES, trauma education and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Jacquelyn has always been passionate about helping individuals with their mental health concerns, family system issues and other various areas for personal growth.
In her spare time, Jacquelyn enjoys dancing, musical theater, starting rock bands, creating improv comedy shows, attending Disneyland, playing and watching sports and learning about the simple things in life from her Husband. Jacquelyn is very enthusiastic to be a part of the 449 family and hopes to her continuing work in the addiction field for many years to come.
Sedona Lazaro, Director of Admissions
Sedona has been working in the treatment industry for the past 4 years. Sedona started her career as a Support Staff, providing direct client care and gaining her foothold in the treatment field. Sedona has held numerous positions including Lead Tech, Facility Supervisor and Marketing Representative, all which led her to her current role as Director of Admissions. Her passion for helping addicts comes from her own personal recovery and relationships with family who struggle with addiction. Her fierce devotion to reaching people who need help and strong faith in God allow her to touch the lives of so many to help them find their path to healing and recovery.
Cynthia Tassone, Compliance Officer
Cynthia has been a key member of the 449 Team since its inception. As a founding partner and person who has been personally touched by addiction, she has passion for her work which, continues to fuel her desire to help every client have the best experience possible at 449 Recovery.
It is this passion that drives and motivates her as our Compliance Officer. Working closely with CARF International since 449 was accredited in 2015, she works tirelessly to ensure that 449 provides the best possible client centered care that CARF requires. Through her efforts, 449 has changed and implemented countless policies and procedures that directly impact every client that arrives and stays at 449 Recovery, while holding the entire organization to rigorous standards in order to comply and exceed every regulation required.
Staff
Ravikash Autar, CADC-I
Ravikash Autar received his certificate of completion from Saddleback College’s Human Services program for Alcohol and Drug Studies. He also continued his education and received his Associate of Science in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Saddleback College. Ravikash is also pursuing his CADC-I certification from The CCAPP Academy. Ravikash is continuing his pursuit of higher education to help those who struggle with mental health and addiction. He advocates for change and is also an active member of our recovery community in Orange County.
Ravikash started as a house manager and is now a case manager for 449 Recovery. Ravikash specializes in strategies such as motivational interviewing, crisis management, behavioral modification, relapse prevention, and aftercare planning. He firmly believes that change comes from navigating an individual’s emotional, mental, and spiritual recovery.
Jamie Davis, Primary Counselor
Jamie is working on his AA and Alcohol Counseling certification from The CCAPP Academy. Jamie has been working in the field for 1 ½ years, starting as a house manager, and also worked as a crisis interventionist for approximately a year. Jamie is currently in case management and addiction counseling. Jamie specializes in experiential counseling, crisis management, and life skills. Jamie knew he would be working in recovery when he first got sober and wanted to help men and women on their road to recovery while following his own path of recovery.
Jamie is proud to be a part of the close-knit 449 Family and hopes to continue his path in the field of addiction for many years to come.
Ashley Herbinger, AMFT
Ashley is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, joining 449 Recovery as a primary therapist for clients. Ashley received her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. She has experience working with vulnerable populations, including pediatric patients and their families struggling with medical diagnoses of varying severity and their associated trauma and mental health struggles. Ashley’s client-centered therapeutic approach is grounded in Rogerian humanistic principles and informed by a strengths-based lens. She strives to exercise cultural humility and curiosity in her work while working collaboratively with clients to find techniques that suit them best for their personal journeys of healing and growth.
Ashley draws on a variety of techniques, largely from Narrative Therapy, Bowen Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while simultaneously integrating arts-based interventions. Her creative expression through art transcends the boundaries of language to elicit expression of thoughts and feelings when words are difficult to find.
Ashley spends her free time reading, crafting and art-making in a variety of mediums, attending musical theater productions, and listening to music and stand-up comedy. Ashley is ecstatic to be a part of the 449 Recovery team and looks forward to contributing to its vision of helping clients heal, grow, and thrive.
Brenton Love, MFT Trainee
Brenton joined 449 Recovery as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. Spending much of his professional life in the service industry showed how much connecting and helping others was a passion of his. The desire to become a therapist was sparked by his own therapy journey. He now desires to share the hope and meaning he found personally with clients and beyond.
I believe healing begins with our connection as human beings. I strive to connect with my clients as a person first and foremost. Safety and normalizing thoughts and feelings are my primary concerns before the “work” in therapy begins. I believe that most people strive to be good humans and behave the way they do for good reason. My focus is understanding why people behave the way they do and why maladaptive self-harmful behaviors seem to be their best option. Pairing this with uncovering meaning and purpose are the core of unlocking self-agency and the core of my clinical work.
The family members, mentors, and people I know in recovery are some of the strongest most resilient people I have met. It’s a privilege to work with and alongside them.
Kelly MacDavid, MFT Trainee
Kelly is an MFT Trainee with 449 Recovery. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Cal State Dominguez Hills and is currently enrolled at Alliant International University’s M.A. in Marital. Kelly gravitates towards a humanistic therapy approach to help her clients explore their emotions, identify their strengths, and work towards achieving their personal goals.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries, and baking.
Joe Hunn, Lead Technician
Joe was born and raised in Orange County. His Native American Heritage is deeply rooted in his ethical standards. With 25 years of sobriety, Joe feels blessed for the opportunity to serve and give back. Joe is passionate about helping restore hope, strength and dignity to those in need.
Adelle Mutum, Strategic Account Manager
Adelle Mutum is a seasoned business development leader and marketing strategist with close to a decade of experience. Currently, she serves as the Strategic Accounts Manager for 449 Recovery, where she plays a vital role in cultivating strategic partnerships, fostering alumni engagement, and nurturing community relations. Her expertise in business development and marketing enables her to drive growth and maximize results in these areas.
Previously, Adelle held senior management positions where she excelled in developing and implementing effective marketing strategies, overseeing sales teams, and driving revenue growth. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for driving success and achieving outstanding results. Her contributions have led to significant funding achievements and the establishment of new revenue streams.
Adelle’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has been actively involved with Wounded Warriors since her youth and dedicated six months of her life to teaching English as a volunteer in Nepal. Adelle’s dedication to raising awareness through her own journey in sobriety led her to become a national speaker for the Walgreens-sponsored opiate awareness campaign, collaborating with the WE Day movement, where she delivered impactful presentations to thousands of teenagers and conducted interviews with local and national news outlets.
With her strong leadership, project management skills, and exceptional communication abilities, Adelle excels in building strategic relationships and achieving collective success. She possesses a keen eye for identifying opportunities, fostering collaboration, and driving results. Her dedication to giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others is a testament to her character.
Adelle lives in Orange County with her husband, two children, and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys running, boxing, and attending cars and coffee events. With her unwavering commitment to growth, excellence, and creating meaningful connections, Adelle Mutum is poised to make a lasting impact in her role as the Strategic Accounts Manager at 449 Recovery and in all her future endeavors.
Na’Imah Fed, Case Manager
Admitting & Attending
Dr Yoon, MD
Dr. Jiseung Yoon was born in South Korea and raised in the vibrant heart of Canada (Winnipeg, aka Winterpeg). His journey in medicine began at Loma Linda University, where he embraced the ethos of whole-person care. Dr. yoon has had the privilege of serving patients battling substance use disorders, guiding them compassionately at every step of their recovery. As the medical director for 449 Recovery, he has dedicated his expertise to creating environments where healing can flourish.
Dr. Yoon maintains the belief in meeting patients exactly where they are in their journey. Recovery is deeply personal, and so should be the care they are offered. His approach centers around partnering with patients, understanding their unique stories, and crafting treatment plans that align with their individual goals.
