The 449 Recovery Team

Vito Tassone, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

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.

Dr. Barek Sharif, Clinical Director

Dr. Sharif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who joined 449 Recovery in 2020 as Clinical Director. He earned his B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and completed his Doctor of Psychology at Alliant International University.

Since 2011, Dr. Sharif has been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal from co-occurring disorders, including mental health, relational, and substance use challenges. He has led workshops on family dynamics, attachment injuries, spirituality in sobriety, and the impact of trauma on relationships.

As an Assistant and Adjunct Professor, Dr. Sharif has taught courses in Law and Ethics, MFT Theories, and Practicum. He is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and California board-approved supervisor, utilizing a Developmental Narrative Model in his supervision work.

At the core of Dr. Sharif’s clinical and educational philosophy is the belief that relationships are central to a person’s search for meaning and purpose. His passion lies in supporting others through authentic connection. A quote by Carl Rogers reflects his approach: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Jacquelyn Gurrieri, Assistant Clinical Director

Jacquelyn earned her B.A. in Communication Journalism from the University of Hartford and holds an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy with a concentration in Substance Abuse Treatment from Alliant International University. She has worked in the addiction field for over a decade in roles including support staff, case manager, group facilitator, and alumni coordinator.

As a therapist, Jacquelyn takes a client-centered approach, tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs. She integrates experiential therapy, solution-focused therapy, and DBT into her work. Her specialties include eating disorder education using an intuitive eating and HAES (Health at Every Size) approach, trauma-informed care, and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy. Her passion lies in supporting individuals through challenges related to mental health, family systems, and personal growth.

Outside of her clinical work, Jacquelyn enjoys dancing, building lego, musical theater, starting rock bands, creating improv comedy shows, watching and playing sports, visiting Disneyland, and learning from life’s simple joys from her Dog Albus. She is proud to be part of the 449 Recovery family and looks forward to continuing her work in the field of mental health for years to come.

Sedona Hardy, Director of Admissions

With over 10 years of experience in the treatment industry, Sedona brings a deep, working knowledge of both mental health and substance use care. Her career has spanned various roles across the continuum of treatment, equipping her with a broad operational understanding and a nuanced perspective on client needs. Now serving as Director of Admissions, Sedona blends her clinical insight with compassionate leadership to guide individuals and families through what is often one of the most vulnerable and pivotal moments of their recovery journey.

Sedona is known for her calm, steady presence and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She believes that the admissions process sets the tone for the healing experience and is committed to creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and hopeful. Her dedication to accessible, high-quality care reflects her passion for breaking down barriers to treatment and supporting clients as they take their first courageous steps toward lasting change.

Whether working directly with clients or collaborating with teams behind the scenes, Sedona’s focus remains rooted in empathy, ethics, and a genuine belief in every individual’s capacity for recovery.

Cynthia Tassone, Chief 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.

Ashley Herbinger, AMFT Therapist

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.

Kelly MacDavid, MFT Therapist

Kelly is a dedicated therapist at 449 Recovery, currently completing her M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy at Alliant International University. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care.

Kelly takes a collaborative and solution-focused approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify their strengths, clarify their goals, and foster meaningful progress in areas such as mental health, personal development, and sobriety. She is passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their healing journey.

With a deep appreciation for the unique experiences each client brings, Kelly strives to build authentic therapeutic relationships rooted in trust and empowerment. Her work is informed by a belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of intentional change.

Outside of her clinical work, Kelly enjoys listening to EDM music, watching thought-provoking documentaries, and baking as a creative and grounding outlet. She brings warmth, curiosity, and a genuine passion for helping others to every session she facilitates.

Charles McPhail, Therapist

Charles (AKA. “Chuck”) is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who joined 449 Recovery as a therapist for 449 Recovery’s evening IOP program. Chuck received his B.A. in Psychology from Oakland University located in Michigan. Chuck continued his education at The University of Southern California and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Adult Mental Health and Wellness. He has extensive experience working with mental health and substance abuse populations, with both adults and adolescent populations. Chuck utilizes therapeutic approaches such as CBT, ACT, and DBT.

In his free time, Chuck enjoys spending time with his fiance and their dog, watching sports, playing video games, and building computers.

Joe Hunn, Lead Behavioral Technician

Joe was born and raised in Orange County. His Native American Heritage is deeply rooted in his ethical standards. With decades 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.

Joshua Smith, Behavioral Technician

Joshua is a self-starting, and motivated young man with a passion to help others. With a close family that has been directly affected by substance abuse and mental health issues, Joshua has taken a personal approach to helping each individual where they are at, making them comfortable and welcome. Joshua has a bright future in this industry and hopes to continue to grow and develop into a true advocate for clients 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.

Cierra Jones, Group Facilitator

Cierra is a group facilitator for 449 Recovery’s evening IOP program, and brings over a decade of experience in hospitality, client advocacy, and leadership to her role at 449 Recovery. Her professional background includes serving as a hospitality manager, where she oversaw operations for private events, as well as holding leadership roles in corporate settings, including as a process assistant at Amazon. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping others—whether by supporting clients in accessing treatment resources, coordinating services, or facilitating empowering recovery groups.

Originally from the South, Cierra recently relocated to California with her husband and their two dogs to begin a new chapter surrounded by nature and purpose. She is currently furthering her education with plans to complete a degree in psychology and pursue a master’s degree to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Cierra is deeply passionate about mental health and substance abuse recovery. She considers it a privilege to support individuals on their healing journeys and is honored to be part of the 449 Recovery team, where she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Katherine Sousa, Case Manager

Katherine (AKA. “Katie”) is currently completing her Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies through Saddleback College’s Human Services program and is pursuing her CADC-I certification through The CCAPP Academy. Driven by a passion for helping others, she is dedicated to supporting individuals navigating mental health and addiction challenges.

Katherine began her work in recovery as a house manager in a sober living environment and now serves as a case manager at 449 Recovery. She is an active member of the Orange County recovery community and a strong advocate for positive change.

With training in motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), crisis management, behavioral modification, relapse prevention, and aftercare planning, Katherine takes a compassionate and comprehensive approach to care. She believes true transformation comes from healing and modifying the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery.

Sashlyn Hedrick, Case Manager

Sashlyn is a dedicated Case Manager with over five years of experience specializing in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Health treatment. She is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery by providing client-centered care, coordinating services, developing personalized treatment plans, and advocating for those facing complex behavioral health challenges. Her mission is to empower clients with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve for lasting stability, greater independence, and an improved quality of life.

Outside of her professional life, Sashlyn is an artist who uses music as a powerful form of self-expression. Creating music helps her stay grounded and connected, and values the role that creativity can play in healing and personal growth.

Richard Jagemann, Case Manager

Richard (AKA. “Richie”) is a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager with a deep commitment to supporting individuals navigating the challenges of mental health and substance use recovery. With a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and individualized treatment planning, he strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their goals, overcome barriers, and reclaim control of their lives.

Richie’s work is grounded in the belief that recovery is possible for everyone when met with empathy, structure, and the right support. He specializes in building collaborative relationships with clients, connecting them with essential services, and advocating for their needs within the treatment team and broader community. Whether facilitating group discussions, supporting crisis stabilization, or helping someone transition back into independent living, Richie brings both professional insight and lived empathy to every interaction.

Outside of work, Richie is passionate about personal growth, faith, and family. These values fuel his commitment to helping others rediscover their purpose and resilience – especially during difficult seasons.

Dr. Jiseung Yoon, Medical Director

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.