Neurish leadership

At Neurish Wellness, we are a dedicated team of behavioral health experts committed to providing ethical, professional, and innovative care. Our mission is to transform lives by addressing mental health challenges at one of the leading luxury mental health facilities California has to offer.

Neurish fills gaps in mental health care by offering tailored, comprehensive treatment that addresses clients’ physical, emotional, and social needs. Our experienced team works closely with each client to help them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

Meet Our Team

  • Cole Dyar
    Cole Dyar
    Executive Director
  • Amber Ontiveros
    Amber Ontiveros
    Program Director
  • Dr. Araz Tawfique, MD
    Dr. Araz Tawfique, MD
    Medical Director
  • Mary Lawrence, LCSW
    Mary Lawrence, LCSW
    Clinical Director
  • Bisharo Rashid, PMHNP-BC
    Bisharo Rashid, PMHNP-BC
    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Corey Cabulagan, PMHNP-BC
    Corey Cabulagan, PMHNP-BC
    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Jillian McCarney
    Jillian McCarney
    COO
  • Erick Rocca, CPA
    Erick Rocca, CPA
    CFO
  • Paul Alexander
    Paul Alexander
    CEO
  • Alexa Pelech
    Alexa Pelech
    CMO

Leadership Team: A Vision for Change

Paul Alexander, CEO of Northbound Treatment Network, observed that clients often faced misdiagnoses or untreated co-occurring mental health issues. Similarly, Cole Dyar, a doctoral candidate and clinician, focused on treating mental health disorders driving addiction, prioritizing mental illness as the primary concern.

A Solution for a Broken System

Both noticed a troubling trend: facilities falsely advertising mental health care while using unsuitable methods meant for substance use treatment only. This created mistrust and risked client safety. United by their vision, Paul and Cole created Neurish Wellness to bridge this dangerous gap and ensure proper care for those in need.

Collaborating to Restore a Failing System

Where the system is meant to protect, it continuously causes harm to patients who, at the very least, deserve the appropriate level of care and consideration. Neurish Wellness was born from a need to address this dangerous gap in the system that has consistently failed those it is meant to help.

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We work with these insurance plans:

Aetna
UMR
Cigna
GEHA
Meridian Health
Cole Dyar
Executive Director

Cole Dyar is the Executive Director & co-founder of Neurish Wellness. He has been working in the behavioral health field in operational, clinical, organizational, and managerial capacities for thirteen years. He holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology including: Organizational Leadership and Design, a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a doctoral candidate in MFT with an emphasis in Systemic Administration & Entrepreneurship.

Amber Ontiveros
Program Director

Amber Ontiveros has dedicated over nine years to working in behavioral health, specializing in addiction and mental health. Her career began with a strong desire to assist her family in their recovery, which grew into a deep passion and understanding for the field. Throughout her career, Amber has primarily worked in residential, outpatient, and crisis levels of care with individuals dealing with co-occurring disorders. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC-III). Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership.

Dr. Araz Tawfique, MD
Medical Director

Dr. Araz Tawfique is an award-winning, Board Certified psychiatrist in La Jolla, CA with over ten years of experience working with people of diverse needs. He pursued his true passion for psychiatry and completed his psychiatric residency training at the University of Reno, Las Vegas. A San Diego native, he returned to Southern California to receive additional training in mental health, and start his private practice. His specialties are psychiatry and psychotherapy, which are techniques that facilitate a better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and motivations. His approach explores the interplay of biology, psychology, and sociology in shaping individuals and their relationships. Dr. Tawfique’s experience includes delivering comprehensive addiction treatment at substance abuse centers in San Diego.

Mary Lawrence, LCSW
Clinical Director

Mary Lawrence is a dedicated Behavioral Health Clinical Director with over 18 years of experience leading professional teams and fostering collaboration to manage complex and diverse mental health programs. She is a team-oriented, recovery-focused clinician with a passion for empowering individuals with severe mental illness to achieve independence, find purpose, and experience joy.

Mary brings a diverse skill set and a strong work ethic to her role, driving meaningful change, promoting advocacy, and encouraging innovative approaches in the behavioral health field. She has successfully directed the comprehensive care of over 200 adults with severe mental illness in inpatient settings and has ensured ongoing compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements at the county, state, and federal levels.

Mary is highly skilled in designing and implementing behavioral health programs, utilizing an interdisciplinary and recovery-based approach to deliver effective and compassionate care. Her leadership and commitment to excellence continue to inspire progress and positive outcomes in the field of mental health.

Bisharo Rashid, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Bisharo Rashid is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Combining advanced clinical skills, therapeutic interventions, and medication management, she provides client-centered, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs.

Bisharo’s empathetic approach fosters trust and open communication, empowering patients on their journey to wellness. Dedicated to continuous learning, she stays informed about the latest advancements in mental health care to deliver effective and innovative interventions.

Outside of work, Bisharo enjoys mindfulness practices, hiking, gardening, and community outreach to promote mental health awareness. Her holistic approach and commitment to collaboration ensure respectful and comprehensive care that supports her clients’ overall well-being.

Corey Cabulagan, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Corey Cabulagan brings a diverse and well-rounded background to his role as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, shaped by over a decade of experience in mental health care and a commitment to serving individuals from all walks of life.

Corey’s journey began in public health education, working with middle school students in alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) counseling groups while completing his first undergraduate degree. Transitioning to nursing, he gained valuable experience through a forensic nursing externship, working in a medical-surgical unit treating county and state inmates.

He holds a graduate degree in bioethics and completed his psychiatric nurse practitioner education at the prestigious University of California, San Francisco, where his capstone project focused on “Biomarkers in Traumatic Brain Injury.” Corey has also served as a medical officer in the United States Army Reserves since 2018, further enriching his perspective and dedication to healthcare.

With experience spanning inpatient psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization units, residential rehabilitation for co-occurring substance use disorders, and outpatient care, Corey tailors his approach to each individual, combining psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to meet unique needs. His comprehensive, patient-centered care reflects his dedication to fostering connection, understanding, and recovery.

Jillian McCarney
COO

Jillian McCarney has devoted her career to helping individuals heal from substance use and mental health disorders. As a co-owner of Northbound Treatment Network, a leading behavioral health provider in California, her leadership has played a key role in guiding clinical teams to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care.

With a diverse background in medical sales and behavioral health, Jillian brings a unique, macro-level perspective to the healthcare industry. Her experience as a consultant and brand developer has allowed her to collaborate with some of the most forward-thinking professionals in the field, blending innovation with compassion.

Previously serving as a District Manager for Foundations Recovery Network, Jillian thrived in roles focused on team development, training, and coaching. She is committed to lifelong learning, continuously expanding her knowledge through certifications, trainings, and international conferences.

Jillian’s passion, professionalism, and curiosity continue to drive her impact in the recovery space—both as a business leader and an advocate for integrated, high-quality treatment.

Erick Rocca, CPA
CFO

Erick Rocca is a seasoned financial leader known for his ability to blend strategic business insight with deep financial expertise. As Chief Financial Officer at Northbound Treatment Services since 2019, Erick brings a collaborative approach—partnering with department leaders and mentoring finance teams to ensure that every business decision is both informed and impactful.

Erick’s career began at Ernst & Young as a Senior Auditor, where he honed his technical foundation. He later spent over a decade at The Irvine Company in senior finance roles, culminating as Senior Director of Accounting and Finance. Since joining Northbound in 2017, first as Vice President of Finance and Accounting, Erick has played a key role in scaling operations and supporting sustainable growth.

A Certified Public Accountant, Erick earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from California State University San Marcos. He is recognized for his strategic mindset, steady leadership, and commitment to building financially sound, mission-driven organizations.

Paul Alexander
CEO

Paul Alexander is the CEO, President, and Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. With over 27 years in behavioral healthcare, Paul brings deep expertise in integrated treatment for substance use and mental health disorders, along with a passion for organizational health and transformational leadership.

A pioneer in collegiate-based residential treatment, Paul authored a research study at the University of California validating this innovative model. His experience spans clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing, and financial planning—making him a respected leader in both care delivery and organizational growth.

Paul holds a BA in Criminology, Law, and Society from UC Irvine (Summa Cum Laude), a JD from Loyola Law School, and a Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist designation from Saddleback College, where he was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Service Award. He currently serves on the board of NAATP, as well as The Family Recovery Foundation and CarePossible, both of which support treatment access for military families.

In long-term recovery himself, Paul is known for his integrity, vision, and personal commitment to the work. He lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and their sons, Noah and Dean.

Alexa Pelech
CMO

Alexa Pelech is the Chief Marketing Officer at Northbound Treatment Services, where she combines her passion for helping others with a strong track record in addiction treatment marketing and outreach. Since joining Northbound in 2019, Alexa has held several key roles—including Referral Relations Manager and Director of Business Development—before stepping into her current leadership position in March 2023.

Alexa began her career in behavioral healthcare as an Outreach Coordinator with American Addiction Centers, where she quickly developed a reputation for her compassionate approach and results-driven mindset. Today, she leads Northbound’s marketing strategy with the same energy and heart, driving growth while staying true to the mission of recovery.

Alexa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from San Francisco State University and later studied Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling at Los Angeles Pierce College. Her creative background and commitment to service continue to shape her authentic, human-centered leadership style.

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