Dr. R. Jordan Turner, DO
Clinical Director
Dr. Turner received his medical degree from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Psychiatry Residency training at Loma Linda University. He’s also board certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
Upon graduating from residency he was instrumental in founding Progeny Psychiatric Group.
Dr. Turner primarily works in general adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine. Everyday he strives to thoroughly understand human psychology and psychopathology with a hope to relieve suffering and foster the growth of those he treats.
Dr. Turner currently resides in Southern California with his wife and four children.
“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” -Kahlil Gibran
Justine DiMaria, BA
Program Director
Justine attended Western Connecticut State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. She is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.
Prior to working at True Life Recovery, Justine was instrumental in setting up a detox program in San Clemente, including the handling of all accreditation. Justine has seen that when human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. Her great passion is to bring healing to people who have been through a traumatic experience.
Justine’s goal is to help clients find a healthy perception of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe.
“All the suffering, stress, and addiction comes from not realizing you already are what you are looking for.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
Cameron Green ASW, CADC-I
Clinical Director
Cameron is the clinical director for our residential treatment program. He emphasizes a caring, therapeutic environment conducive to the client’s emotional growth, as well as a structure and curriculum that provide our clients with the tools and knowledge they will need to be successful in long-term recovery.
In addition to being our clinical director, Cameron is a Gestalt experiential psychotherapist, is trained in trauma-focused CBT, and is a certified drug and alcohol counselor. He graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA and earned his Master of Social Work in New York. Cameron is currently working on his PhD.
Before becoming a therapist, Cameron worked as a certified addiction counselor and served in the Marine Corps.
“The very cave you are afraid to enter turns out to be the source of what you are looking for.” -Joseph Campbell
Jed Bellino
Executive Director
Prior to joining our team, Jed’s background includes over a decade of business management experience and he has been active in the recovery community for over 20 years. It was a natural progression for him to incorporate these two parts of his life in order to fulfill his passion for helping others.
Jed is known for his direct yet compassionate approach. Jed has succeeded in helping those who have been deemed very difficult cases. Jed is also known to stay in contact with clients and their families long after discharge to monitor their success. He believes that recovery does not stop at the time of discharge. Jed works tirelessly to ensure a quality work environment for his staff. He knows that an effective culture of recovery starts at the top and translates down to the clients.
“When it comes to recovery, as in all aspects of life, your results are directly proportional to the level of effort you put in.”
Melanie Dewald BA, CATC-III
Director of Marketing and Outreach
Melanie brings creative passion to her outreach and marketing role at True Life Recovery. Prior to joining the True Life Recovery team, Melanie earned her CATC III from Saddleback College, and before that she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Montana, where she graduated with honors. Melanie then went on to achieve a successful sales and marketing career in the telecom industry, but her true passion was always to help others who struggle with addiction.
Before coming to True Life Recovery, Melanie worked as a crisis counselor and was instrumental in helping hundreds of men and women get into treatment and on the road to recovery. Melanie values the relationships that True Life Recovery has established in the community.
“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece!”
John Knaack
Founder, CEO
John Knaack is the founder and CEO of Beach City Treatment and True Life Recovery. “Johnny” has been in the field of addiction treatment for over a decade. He started as a driver and has worked his way up through the industry. Prior to founding Beach City Treatment and True Life Recovery, he was involved in the restructure, licensure, and accreditation of multiple facilities.
Johnny has developed a reputation as being a passionate leader. He expects and inspires quality client care from his staff and leads by example. He has hand picked the True Life Recovery team and he continues to play a vital role in the day-to-day operations. You will often find him spending time at the facility getting to know the clients and becoming an integral part of their recovery. Johnny truly cares about the safety and success of each client that enters True Life Recovery and he is also very active in the Southern California recovery community.
“Never have I seen a man come so far, that still has so long to go.”
Megan Emerson
Case Manager
Megan is currently attending Saddleback College and is completing her internship hours to become a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor. She is registered with the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators and has been working in addiction treatment for over 3 1/2 years.
Megan is passionate about inspiring others to achieve their goals and overcome personal obstacles
Daria Wendkos, BA, CADC II, NCIP
Admissions Director
Daria graduated from Chapman University and studied Human Services at Saddleback College. She is a CCAPP certified counselor and a nationally certified interventionist. She has over 10 years experience working in the recovery field which includes, implementing and developing detox programs, alternative sentencing programs and case management.
Daria’s passion lies in the detox phase of recovery. She believes that detox is a combination of body, mind and soul where clients can have the opportunity to see the change in themselves. As Admissions Coordinator, Daria has an innate ability to meet clients and loved ones “where they’re at” because of her own life experiences. From first contact Daria creates a safe and supportive connection with whomever she speaks to and continues to support each individual throughout their stay.
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Khalil Gibran
Erin Ogden
Detox Technician
Erin is registered with the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). She is continuing her education to earn a bachelor’s degree in human services. Erin is passionate in encouraging those who struggle with addiction learn how to live substance free.
“The real voyage of discovery consists, not with seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust