The Grove Recovery | whitelogo
about us
The Grove Recovery | whitelogo

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.

The Grove Recovery | Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Medical Director

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Kristen Zampa

Program Director

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Ashley Gerken

Executive Clinical Director

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Danny Midbon

Director of Group Facilitation

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Adam Collier

Behavioral Health Technician

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Ronald Raymond

Behavioral Health Technician

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Gina Gardea

Primary Therapist

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Kristina King

Primary Therapist

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Leslie Fernandez

Primary Therapist

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Adam Allen

Counselor

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Kim Kaiser

Case Manager

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Renee Balenti

Case Manager

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Josh Hamburg

CEO

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Alex Hall

COO

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Jason Rumao

Chief Marketing Officer

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David Christian (DJ)

Admissions Director

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

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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.

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.

Ashley Gerken

Executive 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.

Danny Midbon

Director of Group Facilitation

Danny Midbon is the Director of Group Facilitation for The Grove.  He has spent the past two years leading group facilitation at various programs throughout Orange County. He spent five years traveling throughout the country, teaching emotional and social learning to middle school and high school students. Danny has a strong passion for helping others, particularly those recovering from addiction. He has a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives during a challenging time having once been in their position. Always remembering where he came from and what it was like. His top priority is being the person he needed when he had no one else to turn to.

Adam Collier

Behavioral Health Technician

Driven by personal experiences with addiction, Adam chose to work in treatment to help others navigate their own journeys to recovery. Having overcome significant challenges, Adam understands firsthand the complexities of the process and believes that with the right tools—and a bit of humor—recovery becomes more manageable. With a deep commitment to providing support, compassion, and encouragement, Adam strives to show others that while the road to recovery may not always be smooth, it is one worth traveling. Every victory, no matter how small, is worth celebrating, as each step forward is a testament to resilience and strength.

Ronald Raymond

Behavioral Health Technician

Ron is deeply committed to the field of addiction recovery, driven by personal experiences that have shaped a profound understanding of the journey to sobriety. Having faced significant challenges, including a childhood in the foster care system, periods of homelessness, and the loss of loved ones, Ron understands the struggles many individuals face. After years of battling addiction and multiple attempts at rehabilitation, Ron found recovery through the twelve steps. Today, Ron is dedicated to guiding others toward a path of hope and transformation. Passionate about showing that recovery is possible, Ron strives to be a source of encouragement, demonstrating that with vulnerability, honesty, and integrity, a fulfilling life is within reach. By sharing personal experiences, Ron fosters connection and reminds others that they are not alone. Committed to giving back to the program that saved their life, Ron finds purpose in helping others discover their own sense of freedom and a life worth living.

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.

Kristina King

Primary Therapist

As an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at The Grove Recovery Community, Kristina’s passion is helping her clients build meaningful relationships with themselves, their loved ones, and their environment. Using a collaborative approach, she works with her clients in early recovery to identify their hidden strengths and potential, establish short- and long-term sobriety goals, and cultivate sustainable behaviors, habits, and beliefs. Using her training in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Postmodern therapies and her extensive background experiences in the international Fine Arts community, she provides relevant and creative insights. She fosters clients’ curiosity to support new opportunities and start fresh recovery experiences throughout their journey. Kristina graduated from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, received a BFA in Fine Art Media from Art Center, College of Design in Pasadena, and an MFA in Art, Space, and Nature from the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

Leslie Fernandez

Primary Therapist

Leslie is a primary associate therapist who offers clients a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to therapy, integrating mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and indigenous healing practices. Her work focuses on the impact of generational trauma, recognizing how family history and cultural context shape mental health and substance use. Ms. Fernandez takes a gentle, holistic approach that honors each client’s unique journey, emphasizing self-discovery and healing through culturally competent, evidence-based techniques. With a strong foundation in working with diverse populations, Leslie offers treatment as a bilingual therapist,  helping clients reclaim their authenticity and connect with their inner wisdom to foster lasting recovery. 

Adam Allen

Counselor

Adam is a dedicated substance use counselor who brings a unique and empathetic perspective to his practice, drawing from his own journey of overcoming alcoholism and addiction. His personal experience in achieving sobriety fuels his passion for guiding others through the challenges of recovery. Committed to helping individuals find the same freedom he has achieved, Adam combines evidence-based practices with personal insights to provide compassionate and effective support. He strives to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can navigate their recovery journey with confidence. Through his work, Adam offers hope, guidance, and a pathway to lasting change for those seeking a better future.

Kim Kaiser

Case Manager

Kim Kaiser has been working in the recovery industry since 2018, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to her role. With over 22 years in recovery, she understands firsthand the challenges and transformative power of the recovery journey. Having gone through a treatment program herself, Kim has dedicated her career to helping others heal and grow, just as she has. Beyond her work, Kim finds joy in spending time with her two adult children and five grandchildren, cherishing the relationships that sobriety has allowed her to rebuild. In her free time, she enjoys attending hockey games, reading crime novels, studying the Bible, and making memories with her family—just a few of the many gifts that recovery and faith have brought into her life. Passionate about guiding others toward a life of fulfillment and purpose, Kim remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those seeking lasting sobriety.

Renee Balenti

Case Manager

Renee is a dedicated CADCII drug and alcohol counselor with 16 years of unwavering sobriety. Having personally overcome addiction and alcoholism, Renee has transformed lived experience into a driving force for helping others navigate the path to recovery. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those struggling with substance use, Renee is committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their lives through self-awareness, healing, and sustainable recovery. Renee believes that while the road to sobriety can be difficult, it becomes more manageable with the right tools, support, and even a sense of humor. By sharing personal experiences and fostering an open, compassionate environment, Renee encourages others to embrace vulnerability, honesty, and resilience. Passionate about guiding individuals toward a fulfilling, purpose-driven life, Renee is dedicated to celebrating every victory—no matter how small.

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.

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. 

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. 

David Christian (DJ)

Admissions Director

Bio Coming Soon.