Our Staff

Dr. Nathan Lavid is a clinical and forensic psychiatrist in private practice in Southern California. Dr. Lavid works with our clients in the areas of addiction, mood disorders and eating disorders.  He received his bachelor of arts in microbiology and subsequently his medical degree from the University of Kansas. He completed his internship and psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine. He is a former faculty member at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the Institute of Psychiatry and Law. Dr. Lavid serves children, adolescents, and adults in the Long Beach area and also testifies as an expert witness psychiatrist.  For more information visit Dr. Lavid’s website at www.nathanlavidmd.com.

Dr. Michael Z. Kurtz, Medical Director of Valley View Wellness Medical Center, is Board Certified in Family Medicine and has been in private practice for over 30 years. He graduated from University Of Osteopathic Medicine and The Health Sciences in 1979 and specializes in osteopathic manipulative therapy and family medicine. He is dedicated to discovering the cause of illness, not just treating the symptoms in his patients. Dr. Kurtz prides himself on his unique ability to develop personal relationships with the patients he cares for. In fact, Dr. Kurtz has treated many patients and their families for generations.  Dr. Michael Z Kurtz affiliates with many hospitals including Los Alamitos Medical Center, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, and cooperates with other doctors and specialists without joining any medical groups. Dr. Kurtz has been consulting and treating clients at New Found Life for more than 24 years.

Dr. Stephen Severance received both a B.A. in English and his Medical Degree from Cornell University in New York State.  He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, followed by a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the combined University of California, Irvine-Long Beach V.A. Hospital program. He entered private practice in Long Beach in 1977, and formed Long Beach Gastroenterology Associates in 1983.  Early in his career Dr. Severance had sufficient time to author a handful of journal articles and three chapters in medical books. His focus in later years has been on practicing, studying and teaching his specialty, which in recent years focuses increasingly on liver disease (Hepatology). Dating back to the November 2006 issue of Los Angeles Magazine, his name has appeared frequently on the various internet or print directories for “Best MDs” including “Best Doctors“, “Top Doctors” and “Super Doctors“.  His greatest satisfaction continues to be teaching, and he remains Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at University of California, Irvine. Dr. Severance has been helping individuals with substance abuse disorders for more than 40 years and treating clients of New Found Life for more than 10 years. He consults and speaks at our education seminars.

Dr. Temple has over 14 years of experience in the field of chemical dependency and is licensed as a clinical psychologist in both New York and California. She received her doctorate in clinical/forensic psychology from the California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University. While in graduate school, Dr. Temple obtained practicum experience at the Youth Guidance Center of Orange County, working with adolescents who were incarcerated for crimes committed due to drugs and alcohol. During this time, Dr. Temple was also a member of the PMRT mobile crisis unit with the Department of Mental Health in Los Angeles County. Dr. Temple completed her pre-doctoral internship at Linn County Mental Health in Albany, Oregon, and her post-doctorate residency at the Allendale Association in Lake Villa, Illinois. She has extensive training and experience in treating co-morbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and trauma. Dr. Temple is currently working at New Found Life, as the Director of Clinical Services.

Leo Booth is an internationally acclaimed author, lecturer, and trainer on all aspects of spirituality and recovery from depression, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and low self-esteem. He is a Unity minister, holds a master’s degree in theology from King’s College and is a certified addictions counselor and spiritual consultant to several treatment centers.  Leo’s passion to help other recovering alcoholics and drug addicts compelled him to write his first book, Say Yes to Life, a book that has helped thousands of people over the years.

Ed Storti, lecturer, author, and international Intervention Specialist developed and refined his special method of addictive disease intervention 30 years ago. He has performed over 3,000 family interventions throughout the United States and abroad. He has been included in Town & Country, Woman’s World, L.A. Steps, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and various other magazine and newspaper articles

Sydelle Tabrizy, licensed marriage and family therapist, has been treating children, couples, and individuals for 20 years. She completed her undergraduate studies at U.C.L.A., U.C. Berkley focusing on psychoanalytic training and research. She received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and family therapy at CSUDH where she trained in child therapy, play therapy and specialized in treating young children who had been molested.  In 2013 Sydelle and her husband and colleague Siavash Tabrizy co-founded TLC whole health center.  The TLC Whole Health Center provides expanded treatment and counseling services for the entire family, men, women, and children.

Linda Peña is a marriage and family therapist.  Additionally, she works as a health educator/counselor at California State University-Long Beach (CSULB).  At both New Found Life and the University, Linda serves adolescents and adults struggling with chemical dependency, trauma, childhood abuse, interpersonal relationships, and grief.  With the medical division (Student Health Services) at CSULB, she has a primary focus on alcohol and other drug issues and specializes in sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence.  With the support of the University, she developed the Sexual Assault Facts and Empowerment (SAFE) counseling program for students.

Joanna Rogers is the Womens Program Administrator at New Found Life, and works with both men and women for individual psychotherapy.  Joanna received a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco.  Shortly after earning her Masters Degree she completed an Integrative Medicine Education program, with specialization in Guided Imagery and Expressive Arts Therapy, at the Institute for Health and Healing in San Francisco.  She also has earned a Bachelors Degree in both Cultural Anthropology and Art History from the University of California at Santa Barbara.  Joanna began her career in the acute care setting at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, where she worked with both individuals and families.  She is also currently on staff at Jewish Community Center in Long Beach, where she works with couples and children in Family and Children Services.

Jacqueline Provencher received her Master’s in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix, as well as her undergraduate in Business Administration and Labor Relations. Jacqueline is a licensed MFT Intern, certified by the Board of Behavioral Science. Jacqueline has worked with the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Santa Fe Springs, California.

Kellie S. Lockwood-Rios has worked with the organization since 2012.  Having worked in the field of addictions treatment for more than a decade, Mrs. Lockwood-Rios has dedicated her life to working with others and aiding them on their path to recovery. Kellie is an Associate Marital and Family Therapist, and recently graduated California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Masters in marital and family therapy.

Josh Alexander is a Drug and Counselor in the Men’s Program and also serves as a Case Manager. He has been with New Found Life since 2015.  Before that, Josh was a sober living manager in Long Beach, CA where he managed all day to day tasks. He earned his certification as an addiction specialist at Long Beach City College.