Leadership
Our Addiction Specialists
Penny Carlsen
Chief Executive Officer
Penny Carlsen
Chief Executive Officer
Penny Carlsen is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Nursing. After graduation she spent the next few years working at Loma Linda University Medical Center on the Neurosurgery, Neurology and Rehabilitation Units. She later served as the business manager for Medical Imaging Specialists, Inc. She has an extensive background in both clinical and administration. She is a warm and loving person and is considered by the clients to be the "resident mom".
Candy Carlsen, RN
Chief Operating Officer
Penny Carlsen
Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Puma
Vice President of Finance
Kelly Puma
Vice President of Finance
Cyndie Dunkerson, CADCII CA, CCS
Vice President of Program Services
Cyndie Dunkerson, CADCII CA, CCS
Vice President of Program Services
Valeh Karimkhani, D.O.
Psychiatrist
Valeh Karimkhani, D.O.
Psychiatrist
Dr. Valeh Karimkhani, D.O. is an adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She is board certified in Psychiatry as well as Addiction Medicine. She is the founder of Orange County Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Karimkhani is dedicated to serving the psychiatric needs of her community. She has extensive experience in substance abuse, dual diagnosis, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, and emergency psychiatry. She is also one of a select few psychiatrists offering TMS treatment.
In addition to clinical duties, Dr. Karimkhani is an adjunct professor, teaching medical students during clinical rotations from Midwestern University.
Dr. Karimkhani is also a Major in the Army Reserves, completing three tours of duty in the Middle East. She is dedicated to helping and healing our armed forces and their families.
Sandy Busby
Office Manager
Sandy Busby
Office Manager
Sandy brings her exceptional organizational and communication skills to the complex world of recovery to the facility. She has a driven attitude in work ethics and her experience shows it well. She joined the team soon after her own personal recovery journey began with Hope By The Sea in 2008. She took on office management with ease and her area of expertise includes administration, accounting, finance, and insurance. Her professional manner, personal experience, and love for the field of recovery make her an invaluable asset to both our clients and staff.
Frank Buffa
Bio-Psycho-Genealogist
Frank Buffa
Bio-Psycho-Genealogist
Working in the field since 2005, Frank came to Hope By The Sea bringing with him his knowledge of the Co-Occurring Disorder population. He specializes in working with clients who suffer from sexual trauma and anger control issues. In addition, he enjoys helping clients identify and change old behavior patterns to implement healthy change and create a solid base to continue successfully into their future.
Dale Tatum
Ordained Pastor Spiritual Guidance and Christian Counseling
Dale Tatum
Ordained Pastor Spiritual Guidance and Christian Counseling
Dale has a tremendous love for people and a desire to facilitate their spiritual growth. He brings the love of God through His Son Jesus Christ to every client on a personal and individual basis. Dale believes that to lead clients to successful recovery, God's grace, forgiveness and love must be conveyed at the deepest spiritual level. When asked why he loves this calling he responds simply, “I want to do for others what God has so lovingly done for me!”
