Staff

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

In her more than 31 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 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 Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC).

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” and is a trusted and valued member of the New Directions for Women family.

Tania Bhattacharyya, Major Gifts Officer

Tania is responsible for the management of fundraising activities, including grants, fundraising events, social enterprises including Repeat Boutique, and our capital campaign. She has been with New Directions for Women since 2009, serving a variety of functions including coordination of all special events, marketing, and alumnae relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California – Irvine.

Treatment Team

Lynn Blanchard , MTS, NCAC, CSC Clinical Director

As the Clinical Director, Lynn is responsible for overseeing clinical operations, individual and group counseling and case management. Lynn has been a Certified Addiction Specialist since 2003 and she has been in the human services field for over 20 years and worked with co-occurring disorders for 15 years. Her experience includes counseling and case management with dually diagnosed adults and adolescents, working for American Social Health Association – Centers for Disease Control, teaching life skills to autistic adults, grief counseling, and crisis counseling with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She has been the Program Director of a methadone clinic and a DUI program. She is an active member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Lynn has a master’s degree in Theology and Counseling from Duke University. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Psychology, from Virginia Wesleyan College. Lynn is a certified clinical supervisor. She is very active in her own recovery, and passionate about the work she does.

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, he served as Medical Director for several private psychiatric hospitals prior to joining the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA where he recently retired 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.

Care Partners

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.

Ethan Hedayat Certified Personal Trainer

Ethan has studied a variety of martial arts as well as acupuncture, acupressure, holistic herbs, body meridians and chakras. He is a certified personal trainer, “Johnny G” spin instructor, and certified in the YMCA’s “Get Real” weight management and nutrition program. He also has an intimate knowledge of recovery. Ethan is a firm believer in whole foods, a natural approach to healing and a universal balance of mind, body, and soul. He practices these philosophies within his own life and utilizes them in his training sessions.

Cynthia Bell Niermann Drum Circle Facilitator

Cynthia is a Remo trained Health Rhythms Drum Circle Facilitator.  Neuroscience based brain games, group dances and concentration/meditation techniques are woven into the process. Research into the benefits of drumming have proven it to effectively reduce stress, foster positive team work, encourage listening skills and to encourage relaxation and play. Drumming is an “in the moment” experience. The combination of this body-sensory-mind experience supports the dynamic growth and change of New Directions programs.