About Our Dedicated Staff in Yorba Linda
Learn who we are, what we believe in, and how our approach to healing helps clients reclaim their lives.
Learn who we are, what we believe in, and how our approach to healing helps clients reclaim their lives.
When seeking help for a complex condition, the quality of care is determined not by the amenities of a building, but by the expertise and compassion of the people inside it. Recovery from a mental health crisis or an eating disorder is an intensely personal journey that requires a high degree of trust between the client and their care providers. It involves placing your physical safety and emotional vulnerability in the hands of others, a step that requires knowing exactly who is guiding the process.
A truly effective mental health treatment environment relies on a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together professionals from various medical and clinical backgrounds to treat the whole person. This collaborative effort ensures that every aspect of an individual’s well-being—from their biological stability to their psychological resilience—is addressed simultaneously. By understanding the roles and qualifications of the staff members involved, families can feel more confident that their loved ones are receiving comprehensive and safe care.
At We Conquer Together, our team is composed of passionate professionals who are dedicated to guiding clients toward lasting wellness. We have assembled a group of licensed practitioners who bring diverse expertise to the treatment of eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Medical Director
After completing medical school and residency training to earn her MD, Dr. Venice Sanchez focuses her extensive expertise on managing the severe physical complications and medication needs of highly complex cases.
Clinical Director
Holding a doctoral-level Psy.D degree with advanced academic training in psychological science, Dr. Kelly Gonderman specializes in diagnosing complex mental illnesses and administering thorough psychological assessments.
Registered Dietitian
Having met strict academic and professional requirements to become a Registered Dietitian, Lynette Broom brings over a decade of specialized experience in treating eating disorders.
Primary Therapist
Backed by this intensive education and over 8 years of research in the autism community, her clinical focus utilizes a human-centered, holistic approach to treat binge eating, bulimia, and comorbid conditions like anxiety and borderline personality disorder.
Business Development & Addiction Specialist
Equipped with highly specialized certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II and a Certified Intervention Professional, Sasha Antoun focuses her expertise heavily on the intersection of addiction and mental wellness.
Founder
Building upon his foundational background and training as a first responder, Albert Mendez brings years of dedicated behavioral health experience to our leadership team.
Navigating the alphabet soup of medical and clinical credentials can be confusing for families entering the world of healthcare. Understanding what these titles mean and how they apply to a treatment program is essential for recognizing the level of care being provided. Each license represents a specific scope of practice that contributes to a comprehensive recovery plan.
An MD, or Medical Doctor, is a physician who has completed medical school and residency training. In the context of our program, the Medical Director, Dr. Venice Sanchez, plays a pivotal role in ensuring physical safety. Eating disorder treatment often involves managing serious physical complications, such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and refeeding syndrome.
The MD oversees all medical aspects of care, including medication management for co-occurring conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. They bridge the gap between physical health and mental psychiatry, ensuring that the body is strong enough to engage in the therapeutic work necessary for recovery.
A Psy.D is a doctoral-level degree focused heavily on clinical practice and the application of psychological science. A clinician with this designation, such as Dr. Kelly Gonderman, possesses advanced training in diagnosing complex mental illnesses and administering psychological assessments.
In a treatment setting, a Psy.D often oversees the clinical programming and supervises the therapeutic team. They ensure that evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are applied correctly to address deep-seated trauma and personality disorders. Their depth of training allows them to navigate the most resistant and complex psychological barriers to healing.
A Registered Dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met strict academic and professional requirements. In our program, Lynette Broom, RD, is not simply a meal planner; she is a vital clinician who helps clients repair their physiological and psychological relationship with food.
Nutrition in recovery goes beyond calories. The RD provides nutrition counseling to help clients relearn hunger and fullness cues, challenge food fears, and correct nutritional deficiencies. They work closely with the medical team to ensure that weight restoration or stabilization occurs safely, preventing complications while normalizing eating behaviors.
An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), like Ashley Griffith, specializes in the interpersonal dynamics that influence mental health. Family therapy is a cornerstone of our approach, as recovery often requires healing the family system, improving communication, and establishing healthy boundaries. Ashley’s guiding principle is helping individuals feel heard, understood, and appreciated to ensure the entire family unit can thrive.
Ashley earned her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and trained extensively at the UCSD Center for Health Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR). Her highly specialized background focuses on a human-centered, holistic approach that incorporates cultural competence and inclusivity. S
Specialists with certifications like a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II (CADC II) and Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), such as Sasha Antoun, bring critical expertise in treating dual diagnosis cases. Since substance use often co-occurs with mental health struggles, having dedicated staff trained in addiction protocols ensures that all coping mechanisms are addressed holistically rather than in isolation.
Sasha plays a crucial role in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of treatment options with clarity and care. Her deep experience across various levels of care allows her to effectively intervene and connect clients to the exact right support from their very first step.
We believe that recovery should not require an individual to detach from their cultural identity. Food is often a profound expression of culture, family history, and love. A “one-size-fits-all” approach to meal planning can feel alienating to clients from diverse backgrounds, potentially hindering their progress.
Our Registered Dietitian focuses on building menus and exposure challenges that are reflective of the cultural backgrounds of the clients in the house. Rather than enforcing a rigid Westernized view of “healthy eating,” we integrate culturally significant foods into the recovery process. This approach validates the client’s identity and proves that a healthy relationship with food can exist within the context of their own heritage and family traditions.
One of the most significant factors in the success of inpatient or residential treatment is the ratio of staff to clients. In large hospital settings, individuals can sometimes feel like a number, with subtle changes in mood or behavior going unnoticed by overworked staff.
We maintain a small client-to-staff ratio to ensure that every individual receives personalized attention and immediate support. This intimacy allows our team to catch warning signs early, provide in-the-moment coaching during difficult meals, and build the deep therapeutic alliances that foster true transformation. It creates a container of safety where clients feel truly seen and heard.
Families often have specific logistical questions about who will be caring for their loved one. Below are answers to common questions regarding our staffing structure and protocols.
Your loved one will interact with a multidisciplinary team daily. This typically includes check-ins with nursing staff, therapy sessions with licensed clinicians, and meal support with dietitians or trained behavioral health technicians. The MD and Psy.D oversee the case and meet with clients regularly to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans.
Mental health crises do not adhere to business hours, and neither does our care. We provide 24/7 supervision and support. Even on nights and weekends, trained staff are present to monitor safety, provide emotional support during tough moments, and manage any immediate needs that arise outside of standard clinical hours.
Safety is our absolute priority. Our staff is trained in risk assessment and de-escalation techniques to manage self-harm risk, suicidal ideation, and medical instability. We utilize continuous monitoring and individualized safety plans to ensure that clients remain safe while they develop the skills to regulate their emotions.
Our team undergoes rigorous training in evidence-based modalities specifically for eating disorders and complex mental health needs. This includes expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and medical protocols for refeeding. We prioritize ongoing education to ensure our methods reflect the latest clinical research.
Yes, our clinical and medical staff hold current licenses in their respective fields (MD, Psy.D, RD, LMFT/AMFT, etc.). We conduct thorough background checks and credential verification processes for all team members before they join our program, ensuring they meet the high standards required by state and national accrediting bodies.
When you choose We Conquer Together, you are choosing a team that combines clinical excellence with genuine human connection. Located on the border of Orange and Riverside counties, our Yorba Linda treatment facility is designed to be a haven for those seeking mental health and eating disorder recovery. We specialize in treating the full spectrum of conditions, including anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, and complex mood disorders, within a supportive residential setting.
Our staff is the heartbeat of our program, working collaboratively to craft personalized treatment plans that honor the unique story of each client. From our medical director to our dietitians and therapists, every member of our team is united by a single goal: to empower you or your family member to reclaim a life of health and purpose. You do not have to face these challenges alone; reach out to us today to verify insurance and meet the dedicated professionals ready to walk this journey with you.
Medical Director
Venice Sanchez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist. At her practice in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Sanchez takes a holistic approach to care that emphasizes not only medication management and traditional medicine, but also the incorporation of therapy, spirituality, healthy eating and exercise, and social factors. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Sanchez received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She continued her training at the University of California, Irvine Psychiatry Residency Program where she was recognized by faculty with the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award as an acknowledgment for her dedicated efforts in education, the clinics, and her work with her patients.
Dr. Sanchez has had extensive training at multiple facilities under the supervision of experts in her field, which allowed her to gain comprehensive knowledge and experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders. Her work at the Long Beach VA, various addiction rehabilitation centers, and San Diego Detention facilities allowed her to gain expertise in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, and mood and thought disorders underlying substance use.
Dr. Sanchez realizes the significant need in women’s health, especially in treating pregnant and postpartum patients who are struggling with mental illness. She not only trained with a specialist at the Maternal and Fetal clinic at UCI Medical Center, but she was also at the forefront in opening up the first Women’s Mental Health Medication Management Clinic at Long Beach VA Veteran’s Hospital. Her passion for her field allowed her to diligently pursue the much-needed training and experience in treating patients who have a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. She also specializes in treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders.
Clinical Director
Dr. Kelly Gonderman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, supervision, and program administration. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology and has developed broad clinical expertise in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, co-occurring substance use, and personality-related concerns.
Her professional background includes providing direct clinical care in a variety of settings, including college counseling centers, community clinics, and residential treatment programs. These diverse experiences inform her comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treatment and her ability to address the unique needs of individuals across various stages of recovery.
As Clinical Director at We Conquer Together, Dr. Gonderman specializes in fostering supportive and structured therapeutic environments where clients can heal, build resilience, and develop lasting skills for long-term well-being. In addition to her direct clinical work, she is dedicated to empowering and mentoring staff, cultivating a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in care.
Registered Dietitian
Lynette holds two degrees from California State University of Long Beach: a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Administration. After completing her Didactic Program in Dietetics, she completed her Dietetic Internship through CSULB. Lynette has been working with individuals who suffer from eating disorders since 2012, beginning her work at an eating disorder facility. She has helped her clients see the value in balanced eating and living through exposure therapy, nutrition counseling and personalized meal planning. She promotes Intuitive Eating (IE) and Health at Every Size (HAES) while seeking to dismantle weight stigma.
Lynette also applies her clinical knowledge and expertise in meeting with clients. By having experience in a hospital setting, Lynette is able to apply biochemical data and research based knowledge to her clients individual needs. She actively seeks to bridge the gap between Medical Nutrition Therapy and the principles of IE and HAES. In her free time, Lynette spends time with her husband, three beautiful daughters and fellow foodie friends. She has experienced different cultures and food across the globe, having traveled to eastern Africa, central Mexico, the Caribbean and Spain. From her travels Lynette has learned the power food has to bind people and bring them together. Lynette believes the value of food transcends nutrition and strives to bring that love and passion to her clients.
Primary Therapist
Ashley Griffith is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT152510) under the clinical supervision of Kelly Gonderman (#PSY31284). She earned her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego (USD) in 2024. Ashley’s therapeutic methods maintain a focused effort on a holistic approach with cultural competence, inclusivity, and evidence-based treatments. Her clinical training at the UCSD Center for Health Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) focused on treating individuals with Binge-eating disorder (BED) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) with comorbid disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Body Image Challenges. This experience helped Ashley specialize in working with children, adolescents, elder adults (65+), couples, and families using a multitude of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Enhanced CBT (CBT-E), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent Management Training (PMT), Mindfulness, Regulation of Cues (ROC), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). In her personal life, Ashley is actively involved in the disability and autism communities by engaging in 12+ years of volunteer work, 8+ years of research, and 3 years as a Respite Healthcare Provider. Ashley firmly believes in being a part of the communities she works to aid in providing a holistic approach of therapy and a human understanding of the individual and familial experience. The guiding principle in Ashley’s therapeutic career and journey is helping individuals feel heard, understood, and appreciated. Through therapy, healing can occur and each individual and family unit can thrive.
Business Development
Sasha holds over six years of experience in the behavioral health treatment landscape. With a comprehensive background spanning various facets of the field, she brings a wealth of expertise to our team offering a great understanding of every available level of care.
As an internationally certified counselor, Sasha’s commitment to professional growth remains unwavering. She continually pursues advanced training and education under the guidance of leading figures in the intervention space, with a particular focus on addressing complex mental health issues and process addictions. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of community involvement is exemplified by her active participation as a candidate member of the Association of Intervention Specialists and her role as a committee member within the LGBTQIA+ Association of Addiction and Mental Health Professionals.
Sasha’s professional areas of focus primarily center around admissions work and community outreach. Over the past four years, she has immersed herself in understanding the vast landscape of local and national resources available to individuals seeking support for their behavioral health concerns. Her passion lies in creating a sense of safety and trust for those in distress, and she approaches every interaction with a deep commitment to learning and empathizing with those on the other side of the phone. Sasha recognizes that these initial moments often mark the beginning of an individual’s transformative journey toward recovery.
Sasha’s dedication to her work reflects her commitment to providing the highest level of care and support to those in need, embodying our organization’s mission of compassionate healing and holistic recovery.
Founder
With over ten years of hands on experience with the intricacies of behavioral health operations, our founder possesses an intimate understanding of the challenges and complexities facilities face on their journey to optimizing the quality of organizational performance. His extensive experience is highlighted in his involvement with program development, safety protocol implementation, and crisis intervention.
Prior to venturing into behavioral health, our founder served as a first responder. This experience equipped him with invaluable insights into safety protocols, crisis management, and the importance of a structured, secure environment. His background allowed him to witness what can happen when mental health, trauma, and pain are left untreated which instilled a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual under our care.
Instilling hope and inspiring transformation is what he has been guided to do and he understands what an honor it is to take part in that process with individuals seeking care. The same is true for the staff he shepherds by reflecting and instilling our values with a Servant Leadership approach.