Our Leadership Team
Samuel Jaekels
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Samuel Jaekels
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Sam has dedicated the past 8 years to UHS, where he started as an MSW intern in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he has worn many hats and developed a broad range of experience, serving in roles from Adolescent Therapist to Utilization Management Director. His work has spanned both Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona, and he is currently enrolled in the COO in-training program, further building on his leadership development. When he is not working, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and going for bike rides.
Mark Bresette, CADC III
Director of Recovery Services
Mark Bresette, CADC III
Director of Recovery Services
Mark Bresette, CADC III, holds a Master of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. With over a decade of experience in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, Mark has worked across a range of settings including several local treatment centers and the California Department of Corrections. His clinical expertise, combined with a strong academic foundation, reflects a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their path to recovery and advancing the field of behavioral health through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Valerie Proctor
Director of Business Development
Valerie Proctor
Director of Business Development
With over twenty years of experience in business development, Valerie Proctor has established a strong presence in the behavioral health sector, specializing in substance use disorder treatment. She is a licensed chemical dependency counselor intern and an active listener, further enhancing her qualifications in this vital field. Additionally, she has been a member of the Lonestar EAPA board since January 2014, contributing her expertise to the organization. Currently serving as the Director of Business Development, Valerie Proctor employs a strategic and growth-oriented approach to drive success within the organization. Passionate about fostering talent, she also engages in mentorship, helping to develop the next generation of leaders in the field.
In her personal life, Valerie Proctor enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new destinations, and immersing herself in books. As a life-long learner, she is committed to continuous personal and professional growth.
Kortney Seever, RN
Director of Nursing
Kortney Seever, RN
Director of Nursing
Kortney Seever serves as our Director of Nursing. A lifelong Palm Springs resident, she brings extensive clinical expertise along with a deep personal connection to the community she proudly serves. Her roots in the Coachella Valley inspire her commitment to elevating care standards and ensuring that patients and families receive the highest-quality care—compassionate, dignified, and centered on their comfort and well being.
Throughout her career, Kortney has dedicated herself to empowering nursing teams, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and implementing evidence-based practices that enhance patient safety, quality outcomes, and staff satisfaction. She is highly skilled in regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and leading high-performing teams in dynamic healthcare environments.
Known for her hands-on leadership and commitment to mentorship, Kortney is passionate about fostering a culture where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered to deliver care with empathy, excellence, and integrity.
Yaifeh Chafeh, MSN PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Yaifeh Chafeh, MSN PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Yaifeh Chafeh, MSN, RN, PMHNP, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience, specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders. She has been a nurse for 13 years and has a diverse clinical background that includes neuro ICU, interventional radiology, adolescent psychiatric nursing, stroke care, and home-based care. Her practice is grounded in a strong foundation in neuroscience and acute care, with an emphasis on evidence-based and standardized approaches to psychiatric assessment and treatment. She is particularly interested in patient-centered care for complex psychiatric and substance use presentations and remains committed to continuous learning and professional growth in an evolving field.
Jasmine De La Rosa
Utilization Review Manager
Jasmine De La Rosa
Utilization Review Manager
Jasmine De La Rosa is a CADC II with extensive experience in substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health. As Utilization Manager at Michael's House, she provides clinical leadership and documentation oversight, supporting multidisciplinary teams in delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Working in the field since 2018, Jasmine is deeply committed to recovery advocacy, inclusiveness, and amplifying the voices of individuals impacted by addiction.
Jorge Guttierrez
Facilities Manager
Catherine McLeod
Business Office Manager
Catherine McLeod
Business Office Manager
Catherine McLeod is a seasoned Financial Services professional with extensive experience in organizational development, specializing in Patient Account Services. She has been a dedicated member of the Michael's House team for more than 10 years, where she oversees the facility’s business operations and serves as the Patient Advocate.
Catherine is deeply committed to ensuring that each patient receives appropriate and compassionate advocacy. She prioritizes exceptional customer service while maintaining strong, efficient business practices that support the overall success of the organization.
With over 40 years of experience in the field, Catherine is also a long time Coachella Valley resident who brings both professional expertise and community-centered perspective to her work.
Agustin Olivera
Admissions Manager
Agustin Olivera
Admissions Manager
Agustin J. Olivera serves as the Admissions Manager at Michael's House, where he oversees all aspects of the admissions process with a focus on operational excellence, strategic coordination, and compassionate care. A proud alumnus of Michael's House, Agustin brings a unique blend of lived experience and leadership to his role.
He is deeply passionate about recovery and committed to helping individuals and families navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. His leadership reflects the belief that effective admissions is not just about process—it’s about people, and it must always be ethical, patient-focused, and grounded in purpose.
Oana Stoian, MHROD, PHR, SHRM-CP
HR Manager
Oana Stoian, MHROD, PHR, SHRM-CP
HR Manager
Oana Stoian is an innovative and forward-thinking servant leader who is energized by challenges and inspired by opportunities to make meaningful impact.
With over twenty years of experience, she seeks opportunities to deliver meaningful results, create innovative solutions and develop strategies that strengthen organizations while empowering employees to reach their full potential. Guided by curiosity and passion for continuous improvement, she adapts to the evolving needs of organizations by fostering collaboration, developing talent, and building sustainable processes that support long-term success.
Oana holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology and a master’s degree in human resources and organizational development. She is dual certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
In her personal life, Oana enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, discovering great coffee and reading. She believes that personal growth is a lifelong journey and approaches each day with optimism, humility and a positive attitude. She is committed to fostering an exceptional workforce where employees are empowered to thrive, enabling them to deliver the highest quality of compassionate, patient-centered care, that creates meaningful, lasting change in Michael's House patients and the families we serve.
Thomas Brewer
Patient Care Coordinator
Thomas Brewer
Patient Care Coordinator
Thomas Brewer is the inpatient Patient Care Coordinator at Michael’s House and a certified SUDCC II with over a decade of experience in substance use disorder treatment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences and brings both professional expertise and lived community involvement to his role.
As an active member of the local sober community, Thomas is deeply committed to supporting individuals in early recovery. He understands the practical and emotional challenges patients face when entering treatment and works closely with them to navigate employment-related concerns and other stressors. Thomas finds his work most rewarding when he can ease these pressures, allowing patients to focus fully on their recovery and healing.
Melissa Smith
Clinical Outreach Liason
Melissa Smith
Clinical Outreach Liason
Melissa “Mel” Smith is a dedicated healthcare professional with 14 years of experience at Michaels House. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science and administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and spent 10 years as an LVN in the nursing department before transitioning to Business Development as a Clinical Outreach Liaison.
Today, Mel focuses on building meaningful relationships with healthcare and community partners while helping connect individuals and families with the support they need.
Mel’s passion is simple: bringing hope to others. She approaches every relationship with compassion, authenticity, and a genuine desire to help.
John Wiebalck
Controller
John Wiebalck
Controller
John Wiebalck joined Michael's House as the controller in 2024 after his move from South Florida to the Coachella Valley. He has over 23 years of experience in the behavioral health finance and accounting and over 35 years’ experience in healthcare finance and accounting.
Prior to joining Michael's House held a position of Divisional Controller for Catholic Health Services, Inc. located in South Florida and was Controller for Seafield Center, Inc a 100-bed inpatient alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility located in Westhampton, New York, and Seafield Services, Inc. alcohol and drug rehabilitation outpatient clinics located throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County , New York.
Ready to Begin Healing?
You’ll find Michael's House’s peaceful, secluded campus an ideal setting for reflection, growth, and lasting change.
