Rebecca J. Flood, MHS, CCDC, BRI II, NCACII
Executive Director / CEO

In her more than 30 years of experience in the health care industry, Becky Flood has demonstrated expertise in program development, implementation, and evaluation. As Vice President of Treatment Services for Seabrook House in Seabrook, New Jersey, she oversaw the organization’s residential treatment programs and the planning of specialized treatment for women, adolescents, and individuals with co-occurring disorders. Now, as Executive Director/CEO of New Directions for Women since 2004, she turns her expertise exclusively to issues relating to women and women with dependent children suffering from alcohol or drug dependencies. Ms. Flood is currently assisting Morningside Recovery by providing them with administrative leadership and ensuring the quality of service for their co-occurring and academic population. Ms Flood earned her Masters degree in Human Services from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, is a Nationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (NCAC II), and is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC).

Dr. Maurice Wilson, Sr., Ph.D.
Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Wilson earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD. An ordained minister and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Dr. Wilson is a behavioral health surveyor for the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and founding partner of BMW and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in assisting behavioral health programs prepare for accreditation. Previously he served as Senior Research Associate at ACS Federal Healthcare, Inc., Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coppin State University in Baltimore MD and Senior Minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Virginia Mendiola
Executive Administrative Officer

Virginia Mendiola joined NDFW in September 2005. She earned an AA in Office Technology from Santa Ana College. Virginia has been an Executive Assistant for more than 20 years for attorneys, Vice Presidents and now the Executive Director/CEO of NDFW. She strives to “make her supervisor look good”.

Sandra L. Peffer
Development Director

Previously the Development Director at Mariners Christian School raising over $1,000,000 during her 2 years there.

Sandy Peffer is the Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Pretend City, The Children’s Museum of Orange County, Inc. a hands on child sized city planned to open in the Irvine Spectrum. She is also serving as Board President of the Northwood High School Choral Music Boosters.

Her prior work experience includes Vice President of National Video Productions, and corporate positions with Rusty Pelican and El Torito Restaurants. Ms. Peffer’s entrepreneurial experience includes starting and successfully operating Desktop Designs Unlimited and assisting her husband in founding Colorbus, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. She and her husband have three sons and live in Irvine.

Laurie Kreis
Admissions Manager

Laurie began working at New Directions For Women in March 2007 as a care coordinator, and now serves as admissions lead for NDFW. Her previous career was spent as a tradeshow display consultant to the local marketing and advertising community. Laurie’s passion for helping women and their families has led her to this fulfilling new role assisting those seeking recovery at New Directions For Women.

Kim Cartwright, MBA
Marketing Manager

Kim Cartwright is a marketing professional with twenty years experience in marketing and business development and has been involved in recovery for more than 24 years. Prior to joining the New Directions staff, Kim served on our Foundation Board of Directors, assisting in fundraising events. Kim has previously served on the Board of Directors for social model recovery facilities and on the Orange County Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services. Kim worked as a Substance Abuse Technician at New Beginnings, an inpatient adolescent treatment program for three years when she was studying for her undergraduate degree. As the marketing manager, Kim in responsible for community outreach, marketing events and promotional programs. Kim earned her B.A. in Business Administration from California State University at Fullerton and her Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

Eyal Avidror
Executive Chef

Eyal Avidror is the Executive Chef here at New Directions For Women. He earned his Grand Diploma from the French Culinary Institute in 1986 and worked at an upscale New York restaurant under the direction of David Burke before relocating to Orange County, California in 2002. Eyal previously taught cooking classes at the Chabad Jewish Center in Mission Viejo and opened his own catering business, then joined the New Directions team in Fall of 2004. Prior to beginning his education in New York, Eyal served three years in the Israel Defense Forces and worked as a prep kitchen worker in Israel.

Theodore G. Williams, MD, Diplomat, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Medical Director

Dr. Williams has been in private psychiatric practice in Orange County, California for 20 years. He had a previous career as a U.S. Navy psychiatrist sub specializing in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. After his navy retirement, her served as Medical Director for several private psychiatric hospitals prior to joining the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Ca where he currently serves as Medical Director of Addiction Treatment Services and Eating Disorders. He specializes in the treatment of patients with dual diagnoses of a psychiatric disorder coupled with a drug and/or alcohol dependency. He has served as Medical Director of New Directions for Women for several years and is a strong supporter of all Twelve-Step programs.

Jill Shelton
FNP Nurse Practitioner

Jill Shelton is an independent contractor as the Nurse Practitioner for New Directions For Women. She graduated with High Honors from Long Beach State University with her Masters of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner. She is licensed to see patients of all ages, and has extensive experience working with low-income and minority children and their families. Jill has worked in the field of Chemical Dependency for 6 years. In her spare time, Jill enjoys spending time with her husband and infant son.

Terrence Kelleman, MS, CCS, CADCII
Clinical Outreach Representative

Terrence Kelleman is a State Board and internationally certified Chemical Dependency Counselor with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, is a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADCII). He has over 20 years of experience in chemical dependency treatment, including personal knowledge of chemical dependency as an illness and firsthand experience in recovery. Terrence developed an innovative treatment program in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the President/Owner of Terrence Kelleman Counseling-Turning Point. He is a public speaker and consultant for several treatment centers in Southern California, as well as developing a private chemical dependency practice in Laguna Beach, California.

Christy Demetriades, MFTI
Primary Therapist

Christy Demetriades is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. Christy started working at New Directions for Women in March 2007 as a Primary Therapist for residential and aftercare services. She has her Bachelor’s degree is Exercise/Sports Science with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy/Athletic Training from Vanguard University. She has her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and is currently finishing her PhD at the California Graduate Institute.

Laura Bailey, MFTI
Primary Therapist

Laura Bailey is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and has been at New Directions for Women since the end of August 2006. Laura started working at New Directions for Women as a Care coordinator. Upon completion of her Master’s Degree from Chapman University, she became a Primary Therapist for both residential and outpatient services. Laura also has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University. At New Directions for Women, Laura teaches grief group, communication group and facilitates the experiential therapy programs of rock climbing to challenge personal limits. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends and exercising.

Jennifer Rowe
Primary Therapist

Jennifer Rowe is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and has been at New Directions for Women since August 2007. Jennifer started working at New Directions for Women while still enrolled in her Masters Program at Webster Universtiy. Upon completion of her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Webster University, she became a Primary Therapist for our residential services. Jennifer also has her Bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. At New Directions for Women, Jennifer teaches parenting education. Jennifer has been married for twenty one years and has two teenagers. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends and feels passionate about parenting and family systems.

Sulabha (Su) Abhyankar
LCSW Psychodramatist

Su is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist in private practice. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Bombay University, India. She is also a trained EMDR therapist. Su conducts process groups here at NDFW utilizing psychodrama techniques to address trauma, addictions/recovery and other life changing issues.

Nellie and Naomi
Energy Meditation Facilitators

Nellie and Naomi are with the World Divine Organization, an international non-profit organization whose facilitators perform energy balancing of spirit, mind and body based on spiritual teachings that originated in Japan. Nellie and Naomi are both trained in the practice of the Divine Art of Spiritual Purification and volunteer their time here at NDFW to conduct energy mediation and healing groups.