CLINICAL TEAM
Dr. José Manuel Sánchez
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr José completed his medical degree at Spain’s University of Cádiz before specialising in Psychiatry in London, England.
He has completed an additional specialism in Forensic Psychiatry and holds a master’s degree in Addictions from the University of Valencia. He has practised as a Psychiatrist for more than 15 years and has been a part of the Camino team since 2013.
Over the years he has participated in a number of studies and publications as well as appearing on television and radio shows.
He has a special interest in anxiety disorders, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), addictions and dual diagnosis.
Dr. Paula Antony
Consulting Doctor
Clinica Sta. Cecilia’s international team of American and European doctors and nurses offer personalised, professional medical care.
The team speak English, Spanish, German, and other languages. Led by director, Dr Paula Anthony, the clinic focuses on a holistic view of wellness including recent scientific developments in the clinical influence of nutrition on health.
Utilising clinical diagnostic tools including ultrasound, Doppler, laboratory testing (blood, tissue, microbiologic, genetic), ECG, spirometry, intravenous therapy, oxygen and inhalation therapy, the team works to offer its patients an exceptional level of evidence-based medicine.
Don Lavender, BA, MDiv
Programme Director
Don is an American psychotherapist with nearly 40 years of experience in clinical management and consultative positions.
He has worked in some of the most effective and best-known treatment centres in the world, including the Priory hospitals in the UK and Sierra Tucson in Arizona, USA.
At Sierra Tucson he was Director of its family programme and also established a new 70-bed eating disorder facility. Don is perhaps best known for his pioneering work in EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy), which he helped develop in US treatment centres 25 years ago.
EAP is now widely used in the treatment of trauma, not only in addiction services but also to help former soldiers suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Don also specialises in EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), an intensive treatment with proven success in dealing with trauma.
Read more about Don Lavender
Ameet Braich, BEng, MA, LADC (IC&RC)
Clinical Director
Ameet graduated from Hazelden (Minnesota, USA) with an MA in Addiction Counselling and has more than a decade of experience working with individuals and families affected by substance dependence, process addictions (such as gambling, overeating and internet addiction) and self-defeating patterns of thought and behaviour.
He is a specialist in addiction and trauma resolution and holds a firm belief in a holistic approach to therapy. Ameet also has a BEng in Engineering (Biochemical) from University College London and has completed training in EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy), non-violent crisis intervention, adolescent behaviour, gambling treatment, multicultural issues, and family interventions.
He believes that a family programme and trauma resolution are paramount for recovery along with relapse prevention and long-term follow-up.
Read more about Ameet Braich.
Meena Lavender
Family Therapist & EMDR Practitioner
Meena trained in bilingual counselling and is qualified in addictions counselling from London’s University of Greenwich.
She has a wealth of experience working in the field of chemical dependency, with a particular interest in family dynamics having taken part in the Family Programme at the Hazelden centre in Minnesota, USA.
For the past two decades Meena has used a multi-disciplinary approach to healing – including art therapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) and EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy). She specialises in family and trauma resolution.
Read more about Meena Lavender.
Ryan Napolitano
Lead Clinical Councillor
Ryan graduated from Marymount University (Virginia, USA) with a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a licensed professional counsellor as well as a certified addictions counsellor.
He has extensive experience in the mental health and addictions field having worked as a psychotherapist and addictions specialist in both individual and group environments. His practical experience in this field together with his progressive and experiential style makes him an ideal complement to the existing clinical staff.
His mindfulness-based approach to self-awareness and discovery overlay atop the fundamentals of successful recovery.
Having worked extensively in outpatient addiction treatment he understands the clinical needs required for sustainable recovery.
Read more about Ryan Napolitano.
Veronique De Buck
Evolutionary Art Therapist
Originally from Belgium Veronique has been living in Spain since 2011.Having spent 20 years working in an office environment where she managed a team specializing in providing bespoke and tailor made travel options for their clients she decided on a career change.
Motivated by her own personal experiences and drawing on her artistic talents she relocated to France where she studied and practiced Evolutionary Art therapy.
Drawing on her own experiences, the stunning Andalucian landscapes and the wider world around her she makes the art therapy classes informative, therapeutic and fun. She finds joy in watching the process enhance our clients individual journey to recovery.
Louise Phiquepal
Evolutionary Art Therapist
Louise joined the Camino team in 2019 and works closely with Veronique in providing a diverse and stimulating therapeutic process at Camino.
She graduated from the University of Strasbourg in Fine Arts before spending 15 years in French Guiana as a teacher.
In wanting to be true to herself and to explore her passion further she returned to France where she spent three years being formally trained in Evolutionary Art Therapy. She has since spent time in India and St Martin where she carried out humanitarian work with visually impaired children and suffering women’s groups.
Her career is also her passion and she is a keen artist away from the Art therapy she performs at Camino Recovery.
SUPPORT TEAM
Loren Eden
Intake coordinator, Administration and Finance
A Psychology graduate with first-class honours, Loren worked as an Assistant Psychologist within an international school network.
Working under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist she helped develop and monitor a successful special needs initiative.
David Scourfield
Marketing Coordinator
David spent 20 years of his professional life in the sales and marketing industry predominantly concerned with property in the UK and South Africa.
His own personal journey led to a career change and he began working in the addictions field in 2009 providing peer support to those in the early stages of recovery.
With a passion for sport, David has developed and facilitated successful exercise and nutrition programmes that he sees as a vital part of recovery.
Read more about David Scourfield.
Lionel Billingy
Clinical Aid/Spiritual Advisor
Lionel has worked in health, recovery and spirituality for nearly 30 years. Of Swiss/American nationality he was born and raised in The Bronx of New York City.
He spent four years at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before starting his career as a professional basketball player. He has since lived and worked in numerous countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Portugal.
Katie Scully
Clinical Aid
Katie is originally from Dublin where she graduated with an honours degree in Social Care. Prior to moving to Spain she has worked in a range of different care settings with a variety of clients with different needs.
She brings a diverse and valued set of skills developed over many years and believes passionately in Trauma Informed Therapy having seen its effects to clients.
Away from Camino Katie loves travelling and will jump on a plane at the first opportunity she gets. In particular she loves to visit the Far East and loves Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Her infectous enthusiasm and a wealth of empathy is valued by staff and clients alike.
Laura Terry
Intake Coordinator
Laura joined the team in 2019 having relocated from the UK to Andalucia.
She is often the first voice you will hear when contacting Camino and her warm nature and desire to help immediately puts all at ease.
Her professional qualifications are equally impressive with a Masters in Employment Law, PG (Dip) in Personnel and development and BA Hons in Business Studies.
Away from Camino she explores the region with her husband and two rescue dogs.
Mari Carmen Silva Aparicio
Chef
Mari was born and raised in Velez Malaga and her passion for all things culinary was nurtured early in life.
Her particular passion is in traditional spanish food and she insists upon all produce being local and fresh. Her paella has proved a firm favourite amongst our clients.
Peter Johansson
International Chef
Originally from Sweden Peter moved to Andalucia earlier this year and has quickly settled into life and work in Velez Malaga.
He has a passion and desire to create a diverse and nutritious menu. Whilst he has a wealth of culinary qualifications and experiences (trained at chef School in 1999) it is his imagination and understanding of many cultures and cuisines that make his food stand out from the crowd.
He is always happy to provide a brief education to the client on the dish he is serving if asked.
He has worked as chef and head chef for 13 years before being appointed a head chef in a prestigious 230 Room hotel in Gothenburg. During this time, he was given various educations pertaining to diverse tastes including health, Vegan and pastry. He also received formal training in food safety and leadership.
Away from the kitchen he has main interest is dog breeding which he has done for 12 years.
WELLNESS
Tanya Boucher
Yoga Instructor
Practising yoga since 2005, Tanya gained her teacher training diploma in 2008 and qualified in Yoga Therapy in 2013 at Yoga Vidya Gurukul Ashram in Nashik, India.
Tanya constantly looks to expand her knowledge and last year returned to India where she gained a diploma in Meditation training.
With focus on breath and body awareness, she teaches yoga so that it benefits not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well.
Sue Stevens
Acupuncture Practitioner
Born in Britain, Sue has lived in Spain for more than 20 years. She has training and experience in the practice of Acupuncture and Tui Na in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is also gaining experience in qigong, an effective form of gentle exercise, breathing and meditation for positive health.
Marie Delpeyrat Ferey
Massage Therapist
Marie is a Massage Therapist who has also studied naturopathy and has been a natural practitioner for 30 years. She specialises in deep tissue massage, energetic work and the metamorphic technique. Her passion is the human body and its anatomy.
Marie believes massage and energy work opens the door to healing and personal well-being.
Sally Harland
Mindfulness Practitioner
Originally Sally has worked in the field of support for over 12 years both in the UK and Spain.She has worked collaboratively with clients around a range of needs including addiction, depression, anxiety and trauma.
She has a masters degree in Youth and community work specialising in mental health, a counselling qualification, is trained in mindfulness based stress reduction and is a qualified yoga therapist.
She teaches mindfulness techniques to help develop healthy responses to stress and craving and to improve self care.
