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. Bernadette Veeger
Consulting Doctor
Born in Uganda Dr Veeger was trained in Holland and Belgium where she qualified and worked as a family doctor before relocating to Spain in 2003.
She has worked as a GP here for over 15 years and has established her own practice in Andalucia.
Along the way she has had many diverse experiences working in various corners of the world such as India, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
She speaks English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch and brings a cultural awareness and holistic approach to the team.
Away from the Clinic she enjoys exploring the stunning Andalucian landscape, playing tennis or just enjoying time with family and friends.
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, CADC (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 MA, CADC (IC&RC)
Lead Clinical Counsellor
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.
Araceli Guiote PhD
Art Therapist
Araceli joined the Camino Family in 2022 and brings with her a wealth of knowledge gained throughout her many travels and extensive education in the field of Art Therapy.
Born in Granada in 1982 she has always had a passion for Art and was trained as an Art therapist at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Murcia. She has a PHD and worked collaboratively in the field at Goldsmiths of London and the University of Haifa in Israel. Her passion for Art history has taken her far afield including Cork in Ireland and Barcelona where she learned about art as a means of communication and its power in teaching to individuals.
She has worked as An Art Therapist for over ten years and brings a diverse skillset to the varied team at Camino.
Janet Floyer MA
Creative Writing Therapist
Janet has a passion for writing and obtained her formal qualifications at the University of Glasgow where she obtained a masters in Creative Writing.
Since relocating to Spain she facilitates writing workshops for people in residential addiction and trauma treatment as well as creative writers in the community who are searching for inspiration.
Away from Camino Janet relaxes by walking her dogs in the mountains, cooking, spending time with family and sailing with her husband.
For more information on creative writing read the blog post: Creative Writing at Camino Recovery.
SUPPORT TEAM
Loren Eden BSc
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.
Yvonne Lewis
Clinical Aid/Chef
Originally from Birmingham in the UK Yvonne has spent many years in Andalusia where she lives with her beloved three legged dog Buddy taking advantage of the Campo (Countryside) around her.
Her professional training and experiences are diverse having originally trained as Chef in Manchester. Something she continues with both on a professional basis here at Camino but also in her leisure time at home. She has also spent 11 years working in the care Industry dealing with vulnerable adults in the UK before returning to Spain this year.
Outside of Camino she loves kayaking and enjoys the outdoor pursuits the the weather in Andalusia encourages
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 BA
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.
Nicki Bracey
Clinical Aid
Nicki has a vast array of practical experience having spent 15 years working in the community and helping those suffering from addiction. It was clear that her passion lay in this area and she progressed to become a Recovery Practitioner and developed new alcohol treatment services in the UK before relocating to Southern Spain.
She has many strings to her bow and was an Army Reserve. This took her on many overseas exercises and ultimately to an operational tour in Afghanistan.
Away from her profession Nicki enjoys swimming and football. She is often found exploring the Andalucian landscape with her two dogs.
Til Runge
Landscape Gardener
Til was born and brought up in Gütersloh in Germany and moved to Velez Malaga in 2000.
His passion has always been in the Garden and completed 4 years of studies in Environmental Science before embarking in vocational training as a Landscape Gardener.
He has been responsible for maintaining the stunning grounds at Camino for nearly 15 years and has been with Camino in Velez since its inception. The beautiful gardens that catch everyones, attention are down to Tils´ hard work.
Away from the Garden Til is a family man and spends time with his daughter Iciar and wife Reme. They enjoy visiting other cities and countries together.
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.
Away from Camino she spends time with husband Emilio and there two daughters exploring all that Andalucia has to offer.
Her incredible work ethic and insatiable desire to expand her culinary skills make her a valued member of the Camino family.
Salome Bejar Elias
International Chef
Salome was born and brought up in Torre Del Mar although she has travelled extensively throughout her career as a fully trained Chef. Her professional highlights include providing nutritional cuisine for the UK Olympic Rowing team and working as a chef Michelin Star Restaurant.
Together with Mari they create, tailor and develop a bespoke, nutritious and sophisticated menu that caters for the needs of our clientele.
Away from Camino Salome is an animal lover and avid reader.
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.
Alex Fenn
Massage Therapist
Alex is a massage therapist and reiki practitioner, she specialises in deep tissue and relaxing Swedish massage. She trained in London and ran her own wellness practice with her husband before relocating to Spain in 2020. She believes that massage and reiki both assist the recipient with internal balance leading to a healthier external perspective.
Away from Camino Alex loves to travel and experience new cultures, food and people.
Joanna Lissel
Massage and Personal Training
Polish by origin Joanna was brought up in Sweden before relocating to Spain in 2018 looking to fulfil her dream of creating a serene and content life.
Originally an assistant nurse and teacher Jo’s career has always been driven by the need to assist in the physical and mental well being of others. She is qualified in life coaching including CBT life coaching and REBT mindset.
Joannas career is her passion and she loves to dance, go hiking and enjoy the wonderful countryside that surrounds us in Anadalucia. She regularly practices Yoga and Pilates.