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Our Team

Our team is guided by an unrelenting desire to help every client experience the highest possible quality of life. We meet our clients where they are, help them identify realistic short- and long-term goals, and then provide the services and support that will help them realize their greatest potential.

Meet Our Clinical Team

Our staff members are chosen for their ability to provide you with the most advanced care possible and their dedication to delivering an extraordinary treatment experience. When you arrive at Crownview Psychiatric Institute, you will know that you are in a safe place—one of kindness, expertise, and genuine compassion for the healing process.

  • Rebecca McKnight, PsyD
    Rebecca McKnight, PsyD
    Psychologist
  • Johanna Brubaker, AMFT
    Johanna Brubaker, AMFT
    Program Therapist
  • Jennifer Rosewall, AMFT
    Jennifer Rosewall, AMFT
    Program Therapist
  • Nicholas Angelo, LMFT
    Nicholas Angelo, LMFT
    Therapist
  • Christena Khattar, LPA
    Christena Khattar, LPA
    Therapist
  • Leo Preuss, CADC-II
    Leo Preuss, CADC-II
    AODS Counselor
  • Devyn Rodriguez
    Devyn Rodriguez
    Therapist Intern

Meet Our Administrative Support Staff

Our support staff is comprised of a closely interwoven team of professionals. They manage the institute’s operational needs, coordinating seamlessly with the therapists to provide the highest quality service to our clients. The spirit of compassion and individual care permeates the entire Crownview staff.

  • Michelle Ertel, CADC-II
    Michelle Ertel, CADC-II
    Program Director
  • Ryan Palmer
    Ryan Palmer
    Admissions Coordinator
  • Aaron Priddy, RADT
    Aaron Priddy, RADT
    Director of Admissions at CPI
  • Nikki Miller, CADC-II
    Nikki Miller, CADC-II
    Director of Operations
  • Kimberly Gilkey, RADT-1
    Kimberly Gilkey, RADT-1
    Director of Office Administration
  • Jennifer Vargas, SUDRC
    Jennifer Vargas, SUDRC
    Program Administrator
  • Melissa Martinez
    Melissa Martinez

The path to a healthier tomorrow starts here.

Contact Crownview today.

Call  844-719-1315 Verify Benefits

Why Choose Crownview Psychiatric Institute?

Stress-Free Admissions

You don’t have to navigate a maze of paperwork or endure extensive delays. Our streamlined admissions process is designed to quickly connect new clients with the care they need.

Clinical Excellence

Every Crownview client receives a customized treatment plan that includes a carefully selected variety of evidence-based, research-supported therapies and beneficial adjunct services.

Wraparound Support

We provide each client with a dynamic array of wraparound support services, including life skills practice, nutritional education, vocational instruction, and case management.

Safety & Community

We work diligently to ensure that every Crownview client feels safe, welcomed, and valued. Our center is a vibrant community where each person can experience a sense of true belonging.

A Safe & Welcoming Environment

Crownview Psychiatric Institute's supportive local setting
Crownview Psychiatric Institute's supportive local setting
Crownview Psychiatric Institute's supportive local setting

When a severe mental health disorder disrupts your ability to participate in the basic activities of daily life, you may need to spend time away from your typical daily environment and the factors that exacerbate the symptoms of your disorder. Our residential treatment program gives you the time and space you need to get the individualized, targeted care that can help you work toward a full, fulfilling, and independent life.

Time spent in immersive residential treatment – where your only goal is to learn, heal, and grow – can make all the difference. We specialize in supporting patients with challenging disorders, patients who have not experienced success in other programs, and patients who need the expert guidance of skilled treatment professionals who specialize in complex mental health disorders.

Certified by the State Department of Healthcare Services; license number 370151CP exp: 5/21/2025
Rebecca McKnight, PsyD
Psychologist

Dr. McKnight earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at UCLA and received her Doctorate of Psychology in 2009 from Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, California. She has been licensed since 2010 and has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field at various locations and with different populations.

Some of her work and training experiences include individual therapy, couples therapy, inpatient and partial hospitalization treatment, correctional (prison) psychology, PTSD study for the VA and long-term therapy and psychological evaluations with adolescents and adults. Dr. McKnight is a trauma specialist and is trained in Prolonged Exposure therapy.

Most recently she worked with active duty military personnel at the Mental Health Clinic at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton from 2012-2014. She has maintained her own private practice since 2009 because she is passionate about therapy and psychological testing.

Dr. McKnight treats adolescents and adults and provides individual and couples therapy as well as psychological evaluations. In her practice, Dr. McKnight focuses on a whole-person approach and incorporates CBT and mindfulness into her practice. Currently, she has dedicated her career to full-time private practice with clients at Crownview Medical Group and Crownview Psychiatric Institute.

Johanna Brubaker, AMFT
Program Therapist

Johanna graduated from National University with her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and is soon to be a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has experience working in crisis houses, non-profit organizations as well as private practice settings. She provided support to clinicians as a program supervisor while working at Mental Health Systems. She weaves in playful and creative strategies when working with clients alongside other evidence-based treatments such as Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-focused therapy as well as Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Her warm and compassionate approach is always well-received by clients, families and colleagues.

Jennifer Rosewall, AMFT
Program Therapist

Welcome! I’m Jennifer, a compassionate therapist with a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Professional Clinical Counselor from Letourneau University. My journey started with a Bachelor’s in Crisis Counseling, guiding me to work with diverse populations, including homelessness, veterans, children, teens, families, substance abuse recovery, severe mental health, terminally ill, and co-morbidity cases. My approach is tailored to each individual’s unique needs, meeting clients where they are. I integrate various therapeutic modalities, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) playing a significant role. I enjoy being creative in the therapeutic approach to achieve the best outcome for my clients. I specialize in treating an array of concerns, from depression, anxiety, PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, grief, loss, substance abuse, and terminal illness to life adjustments and family issues to name a few. Let’s work together on your journey toward healing and growth.

Outside of practice, I cherish time outdoors on my acreage, tending to my farm animals, and enjoying moments with my two teenagers. I find solace in hiking, expressing through watercolor, and diving into the worlds created within the pages of a good book.

Nicholas Angelo, LMFT
Therapist

Nico is a marriage and family therapist with a passion for working with individuals who require some guidance to aid them on their path to reaching their full potential. Nico has been a teacher for nearly 20 years and has extensive experience working in education with teens and young adults as well as the elderly. Additionally, he has been a professional musician and artist for nearly 30 years and he utilizes these skills including music, art, poetry, sculpture, philosophy and meditation among other activities as a catalyst in his work when appropriate. Additionally, Nico utilizes a myriad of modalities including: DBT, CBT, ACT, IFS and solution-focused therapy in his work with individuals and has the ability to meet almost anyone where they are on an social and emotional level from a validating and strength based perspective. Nico is certainly adept in aiding our population to manage stress, and resulting issues that arise from family obstacles, relational issues, substance use issues, and mental health issues from a holistic perspective approach. Nico has and continues to serve the county of San Diego as a therapist in various capacities across San Diego County working in several settings both inpatient and outpatient.

Christena Khattar, LPA
Therapist

Christena Khattar is a PhD candidate as well as a licensed psychological associate. After discovering a love for psychology while studying philosophy in her undergraduate program, she received a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Media Psychology from Touro University. Currently, she is working on her dissertation to fulfill the requirements for her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University, known for its multicultural and humanistic affiliations. Attending to clients from a person-centered and holistic stance, she draws from multiple modalities, including existential-humanistic, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based/contemplative, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and positive psychology. Christena believes in a collaborative approach, forming and maintaining a strong bond with the client, and creating a sense of hope and meaning. Her interests and specialties include PE trauma therapy, addiction, adults with ADHD, and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT).

Leo Preuss, CADC-II
AODS Counselor

Leo Preuss was born in Los Angeles and moved to San Diego in 1987. He is certified as CADC-II AODS counselor through the California Consortium for Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Leo has worked in the substance use disorder field for the past 15 years. He has extensive experience conducting group therapy, individual counseling, crisis intervention and case management.

Leo is also Native American and enjoys sharing Native American Spirituality with those who are interested. “I am passionate about what I do and believe that everyone deserves a chance to make positive change in their lives, I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing team!”

Devyn Rodriguez
Therapist Intern

Devyn is a therapy intern working towards her Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) license. She is currently completing her Master of Science in Mental Clinical Health Counseling through Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Throughout her undergrad and graduate education, Devyn has completed ALLY and multicultural competency training to better create a welcoming and more inclusive environment for all future clients. Her future interests and goals include working with depression, anxiety, and acute mental health disorders with special emphasis on the maternal mental health field.

Rebecca McKnight, PsyD
Psychologist

Dr. McKnight earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at UCLA and received her Doctorate of Psychology in 2009 from Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, California. She has been licensed since 2010 and has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field at various locations and with different populations.

Some of her work and training experiences include individual therapy, couples therapy, inpatient and partial hospitalization treatment, correctional (prison) psychology, PTSD study for the VA and long-term therapy and psychological evaluations with adolescents and adults. Dr. McKnight is a trauma specialist and is trained in Prolonged Exposure therapy.

Most recently she worked with active duty military personnel at the Mental Health Clinic at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton from 2012-2014. She has maintained her own private practice since 2009 because she is passionate about therapy and psychological testing.

Dr. McKnight treats adolescents and adults and provides individual and couples therapy as well as psychological evaluations. In her practice, Dr. McKnight focuses on a whole-person approach and incorporates CBT and mindfulness into her practice. Currently, she has dedicated her career to full-time private practice with clients at Crownview Medical Group and Crownview Psychiatric Institute.

Johanna Brubaker, AMFT
Program Therapist

Johanna graduated from National University with her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and is soon to be a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has experience working in crisis houses, non-profit organizations as well as private practice settings. She provided support to clinicians as a program supervisor while working at Mental Health Systems. She weaves in playful and creative strategies when working with clients alongside other evidence-based treatments such as Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-focused therapy as well as Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Her warm and compassionate approach is always well-received by clients, families and colleagues.

Jennifer Rosewall, AMFT
Program Therapist

Welcome! I’m Jennifer, a compassionate therapist with a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Professional Clinical Counselor from Letourneau University. My journey started with a Bachelor’s in Crisis Counseling, guiding me to work with diverse populations, including homelessness, veterans, children, teens, families, substance abuse recovery, severe mental health, terminally ill, and co-morbidity cases. My approach is tailored to each individual’s unique needs, meeting clients where they are. I integrate various therapeutic modalities, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) playing a significant role. I enjoy being creative in the therapeutic approach to achieve the best outcome for my clients. I specialize in treating an array of concerns, from depression, anxiety, PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, grief, loss, substance abuse, and terminal illness to life adjustments and family issues to name a few. Let’s work together on your journey toward healing and growth.

Outside of practice, I cherish time outdoors on my acreage, tending to my farm animals, and enjoying moments with my two teenagers. I find solace in hiking, expressing through watercolor, and diving into the worlds created within the pages of a good book.

Nicholas Angelo, LMFT
Therapist

Nico is a marriage and family therapist with a passion for working with individuals who require some guidance to aid them on their path to reaching their full potential. Nico has been a teacher for nearly 20 years and has extensive experience working in education with teens and young adults as well as the elderly. Additionally, he has been a professional musician and artist for nearly 30 years and he utilizes these skills including music, art, poetry, sculpture, philosophy and meditation among other activities as a catalyst in his work when appropriate. Additionally, Nico utilizes a myriad of modalities including: DBT, CBT, ACT, IFS and solution-focused therapy in his work with individuals and has the ability to meet almost anyone where they are on an social and emotional level from a validating and strength based perspective. Nico is certainly adept in aiding our population to manage stress, and resulting issues that arise from family obstacles, relational issues, substance use issues, and mental health issues from a holistic perspective approach. Nico has and continues to serve the county of San Diego as a therapist in various capacities across San Diego County working in several settings both inpatient and outpatient.

Christena Khattar, LPA
Therapist

Christena Khattar is a PhD candidate as well as a licensed psychological associate. After discovering a love for psychology while studying philosophy in her undergraduate program, she received a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Media Psychology from Touro University. Currently, she is working on her dissertation to fulfill the requirements for her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University, known for its multicultural and humanistic affiliations. Attending to clients from a person-centered and holistic stance, she draws from multiple modalities, including existential-humanistic, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based/contemplative, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and positive psychology. Christena believes in a collaborative approach, forming and maintaining a strong bond with the client, and creating a sense of hope and meaning. Her interests and specialties include PE trauma therapy, addiction, adults with ADHD, and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT).

Leo Preuss, CADC-II
AODS Counselor

Leo Preuss was born in Los Angeles and moved to San Diego in 1987. He is certified as CADC-II AODS counselor through the California Consortium for Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Leo has worked in the substance use disorder field for the past 15 years. He has extensive experience conducting group therapy, individual counseling, crisis intervention and case management.

Leo is also Native American and enjoys sharing Native American Spirituality with those who are interested. “I am passionate about what I do and believe that everyone deserves a chance to make positive change in their lives, I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing team!”

Devyn Rodriguez
Therapist Intern

Devyn is a therapy intern working towards her Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) license. She is currently completing her Master of Science in Mental Clinical Health Counseling through Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Throughout her undergrad and graduate education, Devyn has completed ALLY and multicultural competency training to better create a welcoming and more inclusive environment for all future clients. Her future interests and goals include working with depression, anxiety, and acute mental health disorders with special emphasis on the maternal mental health field.

Michelle Ertel, CADC-II
Program Director

Program Manager, and Program Director. Michelle was recruited to the Crownview team in February 2017. She initially joined the team as a Case Manager and was promoted to Director of Crownview’s Case Management Services shortly after. Through her compassionate leadership style as Program Director, Michelle exemplifies the heart and soul of the organization. She has had a tremendous impact on the Crownview culture and continues to remain dedicated to the organization’s mission.

Ryan Palmer
Admissions Coordinator

Ryan was born and raised in California. He originally started working in the substance abuse field in 2017 and transitioned into the mental health field in 2019. Many people close to him have suffered from mental health and/or addiction. “I wanted to help and make a difference for those suffering from the same problems”. “Working at Crownview has helped make a difference with those in need”.

Aaron Priddy, RADT
Director of Admissions at CPI

Aaron Priddy is the Discharge Coordinator at Crownview Psychiatric Disorders Institute. He began his career working for non-profit organizations specifically in the area of Probation and Parole Recovery first as a Mentor then as an Operations Coordinator. In this field he highlighted his personal journey through recovery and helped others navigate their own journey. He eventually gained a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician credential from CCAPP and began utilizing his credential for group facilitation. Once this proverbial door opened his old friend and colleague reached out to him about an open Support Staff position at Crownview. He jumped at the chance to work in the Co-occurring Recovery field. He has taken on various roles at Crownview which have included Lead Support Staff, Case Manager, Family Liaison and now in his current role as a Discharge Planner. Aaron ensures the continuity of care from our facility to the next phase of the client’s life. This involves listening to the client and understanding what the future may look like after treatment. He is with the client and family at every step and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Crownview has fostered my growth as well as the clients we serve. I am proud to be a part of this team”.

Nikki Miller, CADC-II
Director of Operations

Nikki Miller joined the Crownview team in 2017 and as her career progressed, she emerged as an exceptional leader with a natural talent for operations and analytical problem-solving. She manages vital components directly related to the success of the organization, including overseeing Crownview’s staff-training program, hiring, and supervising its case management team. Nikki has been instrumental in improving communication and utilizes a bottom-up management approach.

Nikki Miller was born and raised in Oceanside, CA, and is pursuing her B.A. in Sociology at CSUSM. She holds the certification of CADC-II with the California Consortium for Addiction Programs and Professionals and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa’s honor society. She has since held various positions including manager, supervisor, and director.

Kimberly Gilkey, RADT-1
Director of Office Administration

Kim was born and raised in Riverside County, however in 2013, decided to call San Diego her home. Kim started her career journey after graduating from Mueller College with her certification in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Kim has worked with homeless veterans, in a dual diagnosis detox, and was on staff as Office Manager for a small, psychotherapy private practice. Kim joined the CCI team in 2018 as a Case Manager for the female clients, and stepped into the administrative department in 2020. Kim is currently working on her Bachelors of Healthcare Administration at Western Governors University.

When not at work, Kim enjoys spending time with her spouse and dog, going to the hot yoga studio, and watching Dodgers baseball.

Jennifer Vargas, SUDRC
Program Administrator

Jennifer “JV” Vargas was born in Los Angeles, Ca, and raised in Palm Springs, CA. Psychology came as an accident for her as she was inspired by her high school AVID teacher who taught this subject as an elective. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development at California State University, San Bernardino. After graduating, Jennifer began working with children in group homes, where she worked closely with Child Protective Services/Social Services for two years. She relocated to Vista, Ca in 2018 and started working for Crownview Psychiatric Institute. She has worked through many titles and roles from assisting our clients with daily living skills to training and supervising staff to running Crownview’s sister company, a residential mental health facility, in Carlsbad, Ca. Her dedication to her work motivated her to pursue and complete her Master of Arts in Psychology at Pepperdine University in December 2021. She continually strives for opportunities for growth as she becomes the jack of all trades, including becoming a certified Zumba Instructor outside the office.

Her continuous growth, currently, includes assisting our clients in establishing the appropriate aftercare treatment as they integrate back into their lives. Her expertise in networking and collaborating with outside providers, such as therapists and psychiatrists, from around the nation, provides a solid continuity of care after completing our program.

Melissa Martinez
Michelle Ertel, CADC-II
Program Director

Program Manager, and Program Director. Michelle was recruited to the Crownview team in February 2017. She initially joined the team as a Case Manager and was promoted to Director of Crownview’s Case Management Services shortly after. Through her compassionate leadership style as Program Director, Michelle exemplifies the heart and soul of the organization. She has had a tremendous impact on the Crownview culture and continues to remain dedicated to the organization’s mission.

Ryan Palmer
Admissions Coordinator

Ryan was born and raised in California. He originally started working in the substance abuse field in 2017 and transitioned into the mental health field in 2019. Many people close to him have suffered from mental health and/or addiction. “I wanted to help and make a difference for those suffering from the same problems”. “Working at Crownview has helped make a difference with those in need”.

Aaron Priddy, RADT
Director of Admissions at CPI

Aaron Priddy is the Discharge Coordinator at Crownview Psychiatric Disorders Institute. He began his career working for non-profit organizations specifically in the area of Probation and Parole Recovery first as a Mentor then as an Operations Coordinator. In this field he highlighted his personal journey through recovery and helped others navigate their own journey. He eventually gained a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician credential from CCAPP and began utilizing his credential for group facilitation. Once this proverbial door opened his old friend and colleague reached out to him about an open Support Staff position at Crownview. He jumped at the chance to work in the Co-occurring Recovery field. He has taken on various roles at Crownview which have included Lead Support Staff, Case Manager, Family Liaison and now in his current role as a Discharge Planner. Aaron ensures the continuity of care from our facility to the next phase of the client’s life. This involves listening to the client and understanding what the future may look like after treatment. He is with the client and family at every step and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Crownview has fostered my growth as well as the clients we serve. I am proud to be a part of this team”.

Nikki Miller, CADC-II
Director of Operations

Nikki Miller joined the Crownview team in 2017 and as her career progressed, she emerged as an exceptional leader with a natural talent for operations and analytical problem-solving. She manages vital components directly related to the success of the organization, including overseeing Crownview’s staff-training program, hiring, and supervising its case management team. Nikki has been instrumental in improving communication and utilizes a bottom-up management approach.

Nikki Miller was born and raised in Oceanside, CA, and is pursuing her B.A. in Sociology at CSUSM. She holds the certification of CADC-II with the California Consortium for Addiction Programs and Professionals and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa’s honor society. She has since held various positions including manager, supervisor, and director.

Kimberly Gilkey, RADT-1
Director of Office Administration

Kim was born and raised in Riverside County, however in 2013, decided to call San Diego her home. Kim started her career journey after graduating from Mueller College with her certification in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Kim has worked with homeless veterans, in a dual diagnosis detox, and was on staff as Office Manager for a small, psychotherapy private practice. Kim joined the CCI team in 2018 as a Case Manager for the female clients, and stepped into the administrative department in 2020. Kim is currently working on her Bachelors of Healthcare Administration at Western Governors University.

When not at work, Kim enjoys spending time with her spouse and dog, going to the hot yoga studio, and watching Dodgers baseball.

Jennifer Vargas, SUDRC
Program Administrator

Jennifer “JV” Vargas was born in Los Angeles, Ca, and raised in Palm Springs, CA. Psychology came as an accident for her as she was inspired by her high school AVID teacher who taught this subject as an elective. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development at California State University, San Bernardino. After graduating, Jennifer began working with children in group homes, where she worked closely with Child Protective Services/Social Services for two years. She relocated to Vista, Ca in 2018 and started working for Crownview Psychiatric Institute. She has worked through many titles and roles from assisting our clients with daily living skills to training and supervising staff to running Crownview’s sister company, a residential mental health facility, in Carlsbad, Ca. Her dedication to her work motivated her to pursue and complete her Master of Arts in Psychology at Pepperdine University in December 2021. She continually strives for opportunities for growth as she becomes the jack of all trades, including becoming a certified Zumba Instructor outside the office.

Her continuous growth, currently, includes assisting our clients in establishing the appropriate aftercare treatment as they integrate back into their lives. Her expertise in networking and collaborating with outside providers, such as therapists and psychiatrists, from around the nation, provides a solid continuity of care after completing our program.

Melissa Martinez