Miramar Health - Hesperian

Bios

• 

  Basharat Khan

  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  As Clinical Director at Miramar Health, Basharat’s aim has been to increase awareness and empathy toward helping veterans that suffer from substance abuse. His role and experiences have granted him gratitude, as he passionately works toward operating and building a program that intends to launch struggling veterans into life by means of helping them accomplish their physical, safety, belongingness, and esteem needs. He is dedicated to fostering a safe environment that is intended to improve a veteran’s chances of breaking the cycle and developing a healthy lifestyle.

  Link: Basharat Khan

• 

  Dr. Joseph DeSanto

  MEDICAL DIRECTOR

  Dr. DeSanto has over 25 years of experience in Addiction Medicine and joined Miramar as the Medical Director in 2021. He oversees our medical staff and develops detox protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of patients. Dr. DeSanto received his Undergraduate degree from Lafayette College in Easton PA and obtained his MD from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn NY. He completed his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles CA. Dr. DeSanto is board certified in Internal Medicine and has practiced Addiction Medicine for over 15 years. He specializes in detox and has worked with several Drug and Alcohol treatment centers, holding various titles and treating thousands of patients in residential and acute levels of care. He has also worked in private practice since 2012. Dr. DeSanto’s recovery journey and the doctors caring for him in treatment led him to this work. He saw an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives who need a unique type of physician and treatment in the relatively new specialty of addiction medicine. The gratitude of his patients and knowing that their recovery helps the whole family begin healing from the disease of addiction is what he finds most rewarding about this work. In his free time, Dr. DeSanto enjoys traveling, spending time with family, hiking, golfing, biking, and practicing yoga and Transcendental Meditation. Sobriety is at the core of his life, and he protects it above all else. Dr. DeSanto is active in his 12-step community, sponsors other members, and attends meetings several times a week.

  Link: Dr. Joseph DeSanto

• 

  Landon Sharp

  CLINICAL DIRECTOR

  As the Clinical Director of Miramar Health, Landon Sharp provides oversight and support to both certified drug and alcohol counselors and the therapist team. Landon comes with a vast amount of experience within the substance use and mental health industry. He has been working in 24/7, residential dual diagnosis facilities for the past 12+ years. Landon received his MS in Clinical Psychology and has operated as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2014. He specializes in working with individuals who struggle with substance use, PTSD, mental health issues, and the interactive nature they have on one another. Landon’s goals and intentions are to free the veteran population from the negative cycle of addiction and mental health crises that impact the opportunity to be surrounded by loved ones and impair the ability to live a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

  Link: Landon Sharp

• 

  Robin Dorsey

  DIRECTOR OF HR

  Robin is the Director of Human Resources for the organization. With over 14 years of experience in management and human resources, she is a dedicated leader who values measurable results and a healthy culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and grow. Her core competencies include developing high-level HR strategies, expanding and diversifying the workforce, and working as a strategic business partner across teams to drive results. Her passions are focused on development and succession planning, building stronger teams and leaders. With this passion, she can keep the “human” element of human resources at the forefront and promote a successful business through people-centric approaches. Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Psychology, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and multiple certifications in various HR focus areas.

  Link: Robin Dorsey

• 

  Elizabeth Hagen

  PROGRAM MANAGER

  Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hagen is the Program Manager at Miramar. She started in October 2021 as a Behavioral Health Technician, working her way up to Shift Lead, and then Facility Manager. Hard work, teamwork, and dedication landed her in her current role among leadership in the program department. Lizzie brings a wealth of experience and education in coaching and management, holding a master’s degree in coaching sciences from the University of the Pacific. She is driven by her passion for serving the veteran community to assist with giving Miramar’s clients the best possible resources and tools for healing in all areas of their lives. Lizzie is self-described as a human glue stick building and strengthening relationships and team cohesion around her. While she holds high expectations for excellence, she aspires to bring joy, smiles, and laughter to all those she encounters throughout each day, always leading with love.

  Link: Elizabeth Hagen

• 

  David Pham

  NURSING SUPERVISOR

  David brings five years of medical experience to Miramar Health. David has a strong work ethic and always strives to enhance the value and quality of patient care by working with integrity, honesty, and respect. He began his careers as a medical assistant but wanted to do more good for his patients and provide more comprehensive and client-focused care. David went back to school to become a nurse and has since poured his dedication to treatment and care into helping each of our patients take their first steps toward their new lives.

  Link: David Pham

• 

  Jerry Bustos

  HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

  Jerry currently serves as Miramar Health’s Human Resources Manager. His passion and dedication for serving others led him to pursue a careers in human resources. Jerry brings to the table a wealth of experience in Human Resources and strong business acumen. Prior to his role at Miramar, Jerry acquired his Bachelor’s degree in English and worked in the global workforce mobilization industry. Jerry hopes to cultivate a positive and impactful work culture at Miramar that allows its staff members to positively impact the lives of the veterans Miramar serves.

  Link: Jerry Bustos

• 

  Andrea Dressler

  DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

  Andrea Dressler is Director of Community Relations leading the admission, outreach and alumni team to ensure Veteran care begins prior to admission and extends after formal treatment services end. She has been in the healthcare field since 1996 and has her master’s in nursing as well as a PhD in Abnormal Psychology. She has both clinical and administrative experience in behavioral health and has a passion for ensuring compassionate and competent care is delivered to all Miramar Health Veterans.

  Link: Andrea Dressler

• 

  Jordan Allen

  VETERAN OUTREACH SPECIALIST

  Jordan has been with Miramar since October of 2021 and started his journey working in the transportation department. While in this role, he learned a great deal about the healthcare industry and how vital a part he can play in someone’s journey towards recovery. He is a strong supporter of Miramar’s mission and the importance placed on serving and treating Veterans with the highest quality care possible, as these men and women have sacrificed so much for their country. He is honored and humbled to be working with such a phenomenal team of professionals in a highly focused, mission-driven organization.

  Link: Jordan Allen

• 

  Christopher Mac

  IT SPECIALIST

  With a track record spanning 10+ years in the IT field in various client-facing roles, Chris possesses a history of exercising sound judgment and delivering cost-effective, high-impact technology solutions for small to large-sized companies. Among his many talents, he can create network designs and stable application systems based on complex business requirements and functional specifications. Develop technical processes, procedures, and initiatives that drive cross-functional transformation, improving capabilities and efficiencies. Enforce security best practices and implement host intrusion prevention software to boost awareness and enhance multilayer workstation protection. Execute periodic audits to achieve maximum efficiency of equipment investments and data security.

  Link: Christopher Mac

• 

  Jeff Clay

  PROGRAM COORDINATOR

  Jeff Clay has been working in the field of mental health and substance abuse for 13 years. He also has 13 years of sobriety, which allows him to meet clients where they are and connect on a personal level. Jeff is especially passionate about serving veterans, honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

  Link: Jeff Clay

• 

  Kristal Gage

  CASE MANAGER SUPERVISOR

  Kristal Gage is a seasoned expert in the substance abuse and mental health field with 7+ years of experience, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She began her careers as a Behavioral Health Technician and excelled in this role, resulting in a promotion as case manager. She demonstrated the highest quality of care for our Veterans and leadership qualities within the case management team. Currently, she is a case manager supervisor, overseeing all case managers within the company. Kristal’s approach is marked by empathy and deep understanding of her clients’ challenges, making her a beacon of hope for those seeking a path to wellness.

  Link: Kristal Gage

• 

  Tim Mayo

  DIRECTOR OF IT & SYSTEMS

  Tim Mayo, Information Technology Manager, has been with Miramar since November 2021 and brings 26 years of IT experience to the organization. Tim holds multiple certifications with effuses in Networking, Administration, and Project Management. Born and raised in Southern California, he is married with two adult children and enjoys camping and dirt bike riding.

  Link: Tim Mayo

• 

  Tom Sauer

  CEO AND FOUNDER

  A graduate of the US Naval Academy and an 18-year Navy and Marine Corps Veteran, behavioral health became a deep passion of Tom’s following the loss of his father to a meth overdose after decades of struggle with mental illness and addiction, just like so many millions of Americans suffering from our country’s disastrous mental health and addiction crisis. During his time as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer, Tom trained and readied his team of Special Operations EOD Operators to locate and deal with terrorist nuclear weapons. He and his team deployed as the Western Pacific’s Crisis Response Force, in concert with US Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Joint Special Operations Command, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. His team worked directly with the highest levels of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, The White House, and several “other” government organizations. As a former Navy Lieutenant Commander from one of the most selective, demanding, and dangerous careers fields on earth, Tom’s passion shifted to an even more deadly threat to America’s Veterans: Our mental health, addiction, and suicide crisis. Today, Miramar Health’s incredible team saves lives and relieves human suffering on a daily basis, and there’s no better group of Americans needing it more than our own Veterans. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Naval Academy, and graduate degrees from UCLA and the National University of Singapore.

  Link: Tom Sauer

• 

  Colin Myers

  PRESIDENT

  Colin Myers serves as CFO for MacArthur Group and Miramar Health. Colin is a Navy veteran, having served as a submarine officer and US Navy nuclear engineer. During his 9 years in the Navy, Colin served in demanding roles supervising the operations of a nuclear power plant and nuclear weapons security. In these roles, Colin experienced firsthand the impact of stressful working conditions on the mental health of service members, including depression and suicide. In his civilian roles, Colin is committed to helping foster environments where staff and clients receive the help, healing, and restoration they need to thrive. Prior to joining Miramar, Colin gained experience in multiple industries including serving as President of Anthem Wealth Management, VP of Department of Defense Sales for Comtech Systems, Inc., and Senior Financial Analyst for Darden Restaurants. Colin has a passion for helping others best steward their resources. He lives in Clermont, FL with his wife and three children and enjoys studying theology, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, table tennis, and nano-aquaculture. Colin received his undergraduate degree from the United States Naval Academy and his MBA from Rollins College.

  Link: Colin Myers

• 

  Dennis Hough

  COO

  Dennis has 25+ years of experience in a multitude of multidisciplinary companies in roles of executive leadership, operations management, and growth strategy. Dennis is a results-oriented leader who has successfully guided a multitude of organizations & leadership teams through strategic growth and expansion. Besides strong leadership skills, his strategic systems approach, extensive industry experience and passion for building high-performing teams have attributed to his success in growing domestic and international businesses in both service-based sectors and manufactured products. Dennis also has a strong background in systems engineering, quality systems, and continuous improvement including ISO 9000, NQA-1, EOS, Lean Principles, and as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

  Link: Dennis Hough