Sue Shepard

Our Team

Learn more about our expert team and how we provide the best care in Newport Beach, CA

Payroll Specialist

Sue Shepard

Sue has a Bachelors Degree In Business Administration and Management from Redlands University and over three decades of experience in the business world. Sue brings her exceptional organizational and communication skills to the complex world of recovery. She has a driven attitude in work ethics and her experience shows it well. Her area of expertise includes administration, bookkeeping, and payroll. Her professional manner and personal experience make her an invaluable asset to our team. In her spare time, you will find Sue out walking with her dog Izzi or at the beach.

Mary Amann

Human Resources Specialist

Mary Amann

Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Operations and Supply Chain Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since moving to California in 2014 she has worked in the behavioral healthcare field, wearing a large variety of hats. Mary’s education coupled with personal experience in recovery makes her a wonderful ally for anyone seeking a better way of life. She always lends an ear to someone going through a struggle or in need of advice. Her team mentality, caring nature, and attention to detail fit right in at Newport Beach Recovery Center (NBRC). When Mary’s not working at NBRC she spends time working at a sober living she started with her husband in 2017. Mary likes long walks in the woods, volunteering, yoga, and most importantly all of her pets.

Karen Hart, RADT

Recovery Technician

Karen Hart, RADT

Newport Beach Recovery Center has the privilege to call Karen an employee since 2015. She completed her Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician Certification with CCAAP. Karen can personally relate to the recovery process and constantly expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to give back and support women in their journey to recover from drugs and alcohol. She attributes her success to her ability to take direction from the women she surrounds herself with in Alcoholics Anonymous and working the program of AA. Karen enjoys volunteering, sponsoring women, and spending quality time with her children – ‘Gifts’ she claims, as a result of her sobriety.

Alisa Feinmann, CADC-II

Program Supervisor

Alisa Feinmann, CADC-II

Alisa brings a high level of dedication and compassion to her work as the Program Supervisor. She joined the NBRC team in December of 2014 after receiving her CADC certification. Alisa has a passion for both helping others in recovery and guiding women through the process of rebuilding a valued life and increasing their self-worth. She embraces her strengths of empathy and patience to help others develop upon their inherent set of skills and seek purpose based on their own abilities. Currently, Alisa is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with hopes of becoming a social worker. When not at work or school, Alisa enjoys fitness, watching the Boston Red Sox, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Colleen Young, LMFT

Clinical Director

Colleen Young, LMFT

Colleen Young is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has served as the Clinical Director of Newport Beach Recovery Center since 2017. In addition, Colleen also maintains a private practice in Laguna Hills, California where she has provided professional counseling to individuals, couples, and families for over 17 years. Colleen attended California Baptist University in Riverside, California where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2001 and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2004.

Colleen is passionate about serving in the field of addiction working in the field of addiction and considers it an honor to be a part of a treatment team who believes the client’s care is the first priority.

Colleen enjoys the outdoors, live music, and all things “dogs.”

As a clinician, Colleen goes beyond just talking about problems. She believes in a Holistic approach where she addresses the body, mind, and spirit connection in a compassionate, non-judgmental, warm and empathetic style to help those she serves to gain the insight necessary for change to do their best work and live their best lives.

Dr. Rafael Penunuri, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Rafael Penunuri, MD

Dr. Rafael Penunuri is Newport Beach Recovery Center’s Medical Director and has over 20 years of extensive experience in detoxification and general family practice. He has been a trusted doctor in the Southern California medical community since 1985, and is board certified with the American Board of Addiction Medicine since December 2010 and the American Board of Family Practice since July 1985. Dr. Penunuri is a graduate of UCLA School of Medicine. He is also a member of the American Academy of Family Practice and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Penuniri believes the disease of addiction is monumental and complex, and that there is always more to be done and more individuals to be helped. He is proud to be part of what he feels is a great and honorable mission. His hobbies include skiing, racquetball and soccer.

Tiffany Monterroso

Director of Operations

Tiffany Monterroso CADC, CAS

Tiffany has been a dedicated employee for Newport Beach Recovery Center since 2013. Her amazing work ethic has helped her grow professionally, beginning as a Recovery Technician and is now NBRC’s Director of Operations. She is obviously passionate about helping women overcome their addiction. Tiffany is a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor and Licensed Vocational Nurse who has dreams of becoming a Registered Nurse. On her free time Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family and snuggling with her French bulldog ‘Chico’.

Frank Hiner

Chief Executive Officer

Frank Hiner

Frank has been the Executive Director of Newport Beach Recovery Center (NBRC) since 2013 and brings over of decade of management experience to NBRC. Originally from New York, his strong work ethic is complimented by a commitment of providing help to those who need it. His dedication and passion for those in recovery is obvious by his willingness to help someone get where they need to be, both physically and metaphorically. Frank often proves that having fun in recovery is possible by putting together events for the women in the program. He enjoys spending time with his Weimaraner named Ryder.