about us

about us

OUR CULTURE

For every person who seeks treatment at The Grove, we hold a vision for their freedom from addiction and sustained long-term recovery. To lessen the risk of relapse, we integrate the latest advances in addiction and behavioral science and evidence-based methodologies of care in all aspects of our care.

We are one of the few addiction treatment centers nationwide who have embraced the proven science of Medication Assisted Treatment to treat defeat opioid, substance, and alcohol use disorders.

We view each person who seeks treatment as a singular, one of a kind individual with a unique history defined by genetics, heredity, nature and life experiences. Thus, rather than “one size fits all” “cookie cutter” treatment modules, our clinicians create a customized, individualized, best practice treatment plan for each patient, acutely sensitive to his/her unique needs.

Our goal is for each patients to condole and defeat your addiction, reclaim your sobriety, flourish in recovery, and thrive in your future.

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OUR FACILITY

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OUR STAFF

Our team of experienced and caring clinicians are what make The Grove such a unique force when it comes to helping people overcome their addiction. Click on a picture to find our more below.

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Medical Director

Ashley Gerken

Clinical Director

Kristen Zampa

Program Director

Joshua Hamburg

Chief Executive Officer

Jason Rumao

Chief Marketing Officer

Alex Hall

Chief Operating Officer

Tracey
Wilson-March

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Gina Gardea

Primary Therapist

Jonathan Agajanian

Lead Case Manager

Rehab In a Home-Like Environment - (657) 201-4143

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS STRUGGLING, REACH OUT TODAY.

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Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Medical Director

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, where fifty percent of his rotations were at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. After his residency he worked at Ventura County Medical Centers in an adult out-patient setting and now lives in Orange County, California. Dr. Thankachen is currently working with Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in an out-patient practice, as well as working at multiple in-patient psychiatric and medical units bringing his patients the most advanced health care treatment in psychiatry. Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems. Dr. Thankachen is also involved in professional organizations and societies in good standing including the American Psychiatric Association, Indian Medical Association, and the Karnataka Medical Association.

Ashley Gerken

Clinical Director

Ashley has worked in Behavioral Health treatment since 2013. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology at Urbana University after obtaining a lacrosse and academic scholarship. She completed her Master’s in Forensic Psychology and has obtained full licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She is currently completing a doctorate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Ashley has worked as a Primary Therapist since 2015, with a concentration on treatment of substance abuse, mental health, and trauma. She is trained in somatic trauma approaches, EMDR, and is always open and seeking additional training to best provide an individualized treatment for each client that she works with. She is passionate about working with those suffering with addiction as well as volunteering with veterans as well as LGBT+ community.

Kristen Zampa

Program Director

With more than 12 years of sobriety and work experience in the mental health and substance abuse industry, Kristen brings passion and dedication to her work. She is on the board of directors for a local women’s homeless shelter and is passionate about ending the stigma of mental health and substance abuse disorder. Kristen has a vision to end homelessness through the work of local resources and philanthropy groups by sharing her own story of homelessness. Another one of her passions is training and developing new people in the field. As a Program Director, Kristen uses her personal experience and compassionate approach to ensure a positive client experience from the first day. She has a passion for providing the highest level of care to every client she comes in contact with and continues to walk alongside them when they don’t believe they have the strength to do it on their own.

Joshua Hamburg

Chief Executive Officer

Josh completed his Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling from the University of California, San Diego Extension in 2015, followed by an Associates of Arts in Psychology from Saddleback College in 2016. He attained his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 2020. Josh holds certifications as a Certified Addiction and Dependence Counselor – Clinical Supervisor (CADC-CS) and Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor (ICCS).

Since 2013, Josh has been actively engaged in the field of recovery, assuming various roles within drug and alcohol treatment programs. These include Resident Assistant, House Manager, Detox Resident Assistant, Court Liaison, Intake Assistant, Operations Supervisor, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Case Manager, Director of Business Development, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, and Program Director. He also provides consultancy services to behavioral health organizations, offering expertise in Start-Up, Licensing and Accreditation, Staffing, and general Program Development.

Currently serving as our Chief Executive Officer, Josh balances his professional commitments with a fulfilling personal life. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, watching sports, playing poker, and attending music festivals and concerts. Josh estimates he has attended between 1500 and 2000 live concerts.

Jason Rumao

Chief Marketing Officer

Jason has been working in the treatment field for the last 9 years. After his own battles with addiction, he decided to dedicate his life to helping others regain control of their lives. He realized that beating addiction was possible with the support and guidance of those who have been in his shoes. As the “addiction epidemic” gets worse every year, we see the value in quality treatment. He personally credits his treatment experience for giving him back his relationship with family and friends. He personally believes in being available to help any and everyone struggling with addiction 24/7. 

Alex Hall

Chief Operating Officer

Alex is a passionate and driven leader in the behavioral healthcare field, with a history of clinical work and a litany of experience through every role that exists in the world of treatment work. Alex has honed his skills over 7 years by working as a house manager, operations manager, drug and alcohol counselor, Director of utilization review, Admissions director, Business development director, executive director, and eventually arriving at the position of Chief operating Officer through years of dedication and strong work ethics for The Grove Recovery Community. Alex is an Internationally certified Drug and alcohol counselor 2 ( ICADC-II) and has spent years honing his clinical skill set. Alex is proud to represent The Grove Recovery Community and dedicates a large amount of energy to ensuring the Quality of care and company culture remains at the highest of standards. In his free time Alex spends the weekends traveling to ride downhill mountain bikes and ski, and is currently in education to be certified as an open water Rescue Scuba Diver. He maintains his motivation for work through providing a good life for his partner and his blue nose Pitbull named Benny. 

Tracey
Wilson-March

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Tracey was born and raised in San Juan Capistrano and has been working in the medical field since 2014. After obtaining her LVN license she decided to pursue a career in addiction and substance abuse disorders. Tracey has a working knowledge of 12 step programs and is passionate towards a life of sobriety and helping others.  Working in the field of Addiction and alcoholism truly is her passion and lives by the principles daily. Tracey is a graduate of Orange County Drug court program and still volunteers time giving back as much as she can. At The Grove Recovery Community she is not only an on-site nurse, but also as a medical liaison, she’s constantly making sure clients get personalized care and also the long term care they need as well. The work doesn’t stop after 30 days. In Tracey’s free time she loves a good true crime podcast, riding her Peloton, and of course loving her fur baby Loki. 

Gina Gardea

Primary Therapist

Gina Gardea brings The Grove Recovery Community a wealth of experience in the treatment industry. She not only holds a bachelor’s in psychology & Human Development, CADC III drug and alcohol studies, but also a Master’s in Clinical Psychology where she focused her studies on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, violence, abuse/trauma, addictive behaviors and Psychotherapy for families and couples. Gina is currently a registered associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and associate Professional Clinical Counselor, she has completed her clinical hours towards licensure. With her M.S. in Clinical Psychology, 17 years of experience in the industry, and her own personal recovery, Gina is able to help clients learn the coping mechanisms they need to maintain recovery and stability in their lives. Gina currently lives in Orange County and has her own personal recovery that is grounded on Faith and her relationship with God. She carries a passion to help others who struggle with addiction, mental health, and trauma. Gina emphasizes compassion and empathy to serve those who are less fortunate. Gina is also a professor who teaches drug and alcohol studies at an online University. In her free time, she loves to roller skate, she played roller derby for 12 years, and now enjoys street, beach, and skate park roller skating.

Jonathan Agajanian

Lead Case Manager

Jonny has been working in treatment for 5 years. He brings with him a variety of skills that help him work with individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. Jonny has an educational background in human services and addiction studies. He received his CATC 1 credential and is in recovery himself. His own experiences with addiction and alcoholism allow him to bring compassion, empathy, and a relatable approach to his work. His own recovery gave him the opportunity to grow his family and become a leader in the clinical community. Jonny has a passion to help others struggling to gain control over their lives again as well as inspire themselves to meet their goals.