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Our Team
Experienced clinicians.
Accountable leadership.
The people who lead Bliss Recovery have spent their careers inside addiction medicine. They set the clinical standards, maintain them personally, and are accountable for every outcome.
Our teamAbout / Our Team
Our Full Team
Bliss Recovery is built around a small, expert team — leaders who set the vision, licensed clinicians who do the therapeutic work, and board-certified physicians who ensure safe, medically rigorous care. Every person listed here works across both residences as part of the same unified program.
Leadership
Gary Papazian
CEO · Chief Executive OfficerA passionate and dedicated leader with a commitment to helping individuals on their journey to sobriety. As CEO, he brings deep compassion, empathy, and a genuine drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by substance use. His leadership is grounded in authenticity, integrity, and a profound belief in every person's ability to heal and thrive.
Clinical Staff
Licensed therapists, counselors, and clinical leadership who provide the direct therapeutic work — individual therapy, group sessions, family programming, and ongoing clinical oversight.
Dr. Ani Datastanyan
PsyD, LMFT · Clinical DirectorDr. Ani Datastanyan is an LMFT with a doctorate in Marital and Family Therapy, licensed in multiple states and trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. She is known for her compassionate, dedicated care and her commitment to helping individuals move beyond the shame and stigma of substance use and mental health challenges.
Nicole Scarola
RN · Registered NurseNicole Scarola is a registered nurse licensed in both California and Nevada. Nicole has experience working in psychiatric hospitals and her passion is to spread a positive message of hope and recovery. She guides her patients along their journey so they can be successful and happy in their recovery.
Timothy Brown
LPCC · Chief of StaffTimothy Brown is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor whose leadership as Chief of Staff helps ensure both staff and clients work in alignment toward long-term sobriety. Known for his compassion and steady support, Tim meets clients where they are, guiding them through each stage of their recovery with dedication.
Roxanne Sarlak
LMFT · TherapistRoxanne Sarlak is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with deep expertise in addiction, recovery, and co-occurring mental health conditions. She specializes in evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, helping clients identify the patterns and underlying factors that drive substance use. Her therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that lasting recovery begins with feeling genuinely seen and understood. She creates a safe space where clients can explore their history, build practical coping skills, and develop the resilience needed for sustained sobriety.
Andre Mitchell
RADT · Program DirectorAndre Mitchell serves as a Program Director with a calm, confident presence that immediately puts clients at ease. As a certified RADT, Andre approaches recovery work with professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to ethical care. Known for his steady leadership and genuine warmth, he creates a supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout every step of their healing journey.
Pierre Porter
RADT · Program DirectorPierre Porter serves as a Program Director in the recovery field, bringing steady leadership and a genuine dedication to helping people rebuild their lives. As a certified RADT, Pierre upholds the highest standards of professional care, ensuring clients receive compassionate, ethical, and consistent support. Known for his empathy and grounded presence, he is committed to creating an environment where individuals feel encouraged, respected, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.
Susan Abdel-Haq
LMFT · TherapistSusan Abdel-Haq is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals in recovery.
Medical & Psychiatric Team
Board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners who provide medical oversight, medication management, psychiatric assessment, and ensure safe detox and comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment.
Dr. Jayson A. Hymes
MD, MPH, DFACPM, DFASAM, QME · Medical DirectorDr. Jayson Hymes brings deep clinical insight and steady leadership to our treatment programs. With over three decades in addiction medicine, he is board-certified and holds MD, MPH, and DFASAM credentials — a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He leads with integrity and upholds the highest standards of clinical excellence and long-term healing.
Dr. Litos Mallare
MD · PsychiatristDr. Litos Mallare is a board-certified psychiatrist and licensed California physician who provides personalized mental health care across inpatient, outpatient, detox, forensic, and eating-disorder settings. He holds DEA authorization and a buprenorphine waiver for opioid-dependence treatment when appropriate.
Karen Francisco
FNP-C · Family Nurse PractitionerKaren Francisco is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in addiction treatment and medication-assisted care. With experience in MAT programs, urgent care, and surgical nursing, she blends strong clinical skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach that supports individuals through detox and recovery.
Justin Amador
FNP-C · Family Nurse PractitionerJustin Amador, FNP-C, is a nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in addiction medicine, primary care, HIV care, hepatitis treatment, and medication-assisted treatment. He delivers precise, compassionate, and individualized care throughout recovery.
Meet the people behind the care.
