Alejandro Alva M.D. received his education at the California State University of Fullerton and the Autonomous University of Guadalajara Medical School. After he completed his education and training in Guadalajara, Mexico, he returned to California to finish his residency at the University of California Irvine. He presently is a board certified psychiatrist in both forensic medicine and psychopharmacology. Prior to Dr. Alva's formation of PNS, he was involved in multiple endeavors including inpatient and outpatient work as well as clinical research in both Los Angeles and Orange counties. Dr Alva's focus is on the latest treatments available for psychiatric disorders, as well as aspects of ethnicity and their correlation within pathological states. Dr. Alva has over 20 years experience in serving the medical community in various capacities; as a patient advocate, clinician, researcher and medical director. Dr. Alva's expertise in child, adolescence, adult and geriatric psychiatry and his treatments in psychiatric disorders make him one of the nation's most prominent psychiatrists.

Dr Alva is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Orange County Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the California Psychiatric Association, the American Board of Forensic Medicine, the American College of Forensic Examiners, the American Board of Psychopharmacology, the California Hispanic American Medical Association, the New York Academy of Science, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American association of Hispanic professionals.

Lastly, Dr. Alva understands the critical need for more bicultural/bilingual mental health care professionals. PNS has a mandate to reach out not only to the general community, but also to the Latino community by having bilingual and bicultural staff in clinical, administrative and medical positions. Dr. Alva and associates understand the attitudes and barriers facing the different ethnic populations in need of mental health services and also have a mandate to implement educational awareness and programs to address the identified barriers. PNS physicians are bilingual and bicultural, which are critical attributes in ensuring access to and providing quality mental health services to all of our community.

Gus Alva, MD, is medical director of ATP Clinical Research (a premiere private clinical research company specializing in neuropsychiatric investigations). He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He is a forensic psychiatric consultant for the Orange County Superior Court and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Alva received his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara (UAG). Residency training was completed at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, where he served as chief resident during his final year of residency.

Dr. Alva has served as a principal investigator for the past 10 years conducting investigation in a myriad of neuropsychiatric conditions; Alzheimers and other dementias, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and psychotic conditions. As a clinician and investigator, Dr Alva’s focus is on the genetics, neuroimaging, and latest treatments available for each afore mentioned condition, as well as aspects of ethnicity and their correlation within clinical situations. He has published numerous articles, and presents at both national and international meetings and conferences.

He is the immediate past-president of the Orange County Psychiatric Society. Dr Alva is also is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Orange County Medical Association, the California Psychiatric Association, the American Board of Forensic Medicine, the American College of Forensic Examiners, the California Hispanic American Medical Association and the International Congress of Geriatric Psychopharmacology.

Jason Paul Kellogg, M.D., received his medical training at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio in 1997. He completed his residency training as Chief Resident of Psychiatry at the University of California Irvine in 2001. Dr. Kellogg earned the prestigious "Pfizer Resident of the Year" award for his outstanding record of service. He also served as an Association Physician for the Janssen Research project; "Galantamine in Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease".

Dr. Kellogg received top honors graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelors of science in chemistry. He was also a member of the Golden Key and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies and received recognition on the dean's list many times throughout his undergraduate career.

Dr. Kellogg currently has a private practice at Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists, in Costa Mesa, CA. He also is involved in ongoing clinical trials at ATP Clinical Research investigating novel treatment strategies for psychiatric illnesses such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease. He is often asked to provide his expertise via medical presentations on the latest treatment strategies for current pharmacological agents. Dr. Kellogg is also the Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Medical Director and Chief of Staff of the Geriatric Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at Newport Bay Hospital, Medical Director of the Geriatric Psychiatric Skilled Nursing Unit at Del Rio convalescent, Co-Medical Director of the Geriatric Psychiatric Inpatient unit at Anaheim General Hospital, Medical Director of the Behavioral Management Inpatient Unit at La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, and Medical Director at Irvine Cottages/Assured Horizons Assisted Living.

He is also a member in good standing of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and the Orange County Psychiatric Society.

As a blue belt in Jui Jitsu and with an emphasis in healthy living, Dr. Kellogg also dedicates part of his busy schedule as a personal trainer helping others achieve their fitness goals.

Dr. Adonis Sfera:

Diplomate American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Board eligible in Psychosomatic Medicine
Board eligible in Geriatric Psychiatry subspecialty
Graduated from Medical School in Timisoara, Romania
Practiced family medicine in Europe.
Completed residency in general psychiatry at LAC/USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Voluntary faculty at USC, Keck School of Medicine.

Worked more than 10 years as a psychiatric consultant in acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, helping in the diagnosis and management of patients with severe mental illnesses, dementias as well as psychiatric conditions in medically ill patients.

Areas of expertise: schizophrenia,bipolar disorders,depression,cognitive disorders,psychopharmacology and research.

Membership: AMA, APA, American Academy of Psychosomatic medicine, American Geriatrics Society, American Association For Geriatric Psychiatry.

Awards: America's Top Psychiatrists Award in 2006 and 2007 by the Consumers Research Council of America.

Dr. Rabin did his undergraduate work at Harvard University completing his medical training at the Univisity of California in San Francisco and finishing his residency training at the Uvin. Cal. Los Angeles.

Dr. Rabin is in the forefront of psychiatric care being engaged in multiple settings. Including outpatient inpatient and clinical research. Dr. Rabin compassionate approach and understanding of mental illness, places him in a unique position to treat a wide range of psychiatric dissorders.

Dr. Rabin is a member of multiple medical organizations and has been engaged in education having multiple publications.

Dr. Rabin joined PNS in 2007 and has been an integral part of its growth and success.

Dr. Rabin is bi-lingual and bi-cultural.

Steven D. Macina DO received his medical training at the University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri in 1992. He completed his residency training at the University of California - Irvine in 1996.

Dr. Macina was a double major as an undergraduate and earned a bachelors of science in biology as well as a bachelors of arts in psychology at the University of California - Irvine in 1987. While an undergraduate he participated in a language acquisition study under Dr. Kenneth Wexler as well as a reinforcement study working with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder under Dr. James Swanson.

Recently, Dr. Macina has been involved with South Coast Clinical Trials since it's inception in 2001 investigating novel treatment strategies for psychiatric illnesses such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Alzheimer's Disease.

Dr. Macina is a member in good standing of the American Osteopathic Association, American Psychiatric Association, the Orange County Psychiatric Society, and the Orange County Osteopathic Medical Association.

Since graduating Dr. Macina has had extensive exposure to the adult and geriatric population in regards to mental illness and he has built up and maintained directorships in all facets of psychiatric care throughout Orange County. He is well respected because of his eclectic approach to a wide variety of patients, his caring attitude, and his keen sense of humor.

Dr. Mann graduated from the University of California at San Diego in 1993 with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in History. He obtained his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas in 1999. As part of his training, he completed his Pre-Doctoral Internship in 1998 in the University Counseling Center at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in California since 2002, Dr. Mann has worked in a variety of settings including: geriatric inpatient units, outpatient county clinics, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, traditional office/private practice, and university counseling centers. His therapeutic orientation can be described as primarily cognitive-behavioral with emphasis on family dynamics and existential issues. In addition to individual therapy, he is skilled in facilitating group and couples therapy and has experience as a supervisor of registered Psychological Assistants. He is well-versed in the administration of neuropsychological testing and personality testing. He has also consulted with hospital and clinical staffs in the areas of cross-cultural issues and dynamics, staff and team building, and grief and loss issues.

Dr. Mann is on the editorial board for the Journal of Mundane Behavior and has been a guest lecturer at the California State University, Fullerton. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association.

Dr. Byrd earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from United States International University, San Diego, California; M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, Irvine, California; and her B.A. in U.S. History from California State University.

Dr. Byrd is currently completing the requirements for licensure with the State Board of Psychology, which includes completing a Post Doctoral Internship under the Supervision of Dr. Mann working three days per week at PNS. Prior to joining PNS, Dr. Byrd completed Internships at Pilgrimage Family Therapy Centers (Mission Viejo and Tustin California); Orange County Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health Care, Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Santa Ana, California); and Harbor Medical Associates (Newport Beach, California). Dr. Byrd.s relevant experience in psychology include, but is not limited to, Intake Assessments, Individual therapy (adults and children), Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Marital Therapy, Psychological Testing, Anger Management, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Emotional Issues, Dual Diagnosis, Grief and Loss Issues and Cross-Cultural Issues. Her therapeutic orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral.

Working to support herself while completing her education and requirements for licensure, Dr. Byrd has earned a wide variety of experience in the following positions: Director of Human Resources and Administration, Gatekeeper Systems, Irvine, California (2006-Present); Executive Vice President of the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, California (1999-2005); Director of Corporate Administration, FINOVA Realty Capital/Belgravia Capital Corporation, Irvine, California (1997-1998); and Business Manager of the Law Offices of Lobel, Winthrop & Broker, Irvine, California (1987-1996).

Dr. Byrd is a lifetime member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology; Intern of the Year in 2003 for County of Orange Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Santa Ana, California; Panel member on Diversity at the Law Offices of O.Melveny & Myers, Newport Beach, California, 2004; and Speaker on Diversity (Cross-Cultural) Event sponsored by Orange County Law Firms at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2005.

Esperanza Hernandez-Maldonado graduated from the California State University at Fullerton in 1998 with a B.A. in Psychology. She obtained an MS with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the California State University at Long Beach in 2002.

Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Ms. Maldonado is fluent in both Spanish and English. She has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient Drug and Alcohol recovery programs, psychiatric Day Treatment programs, Schools, traditional office/private practice, and university counseling centers. In addition to individual therapy, she is skilled in facilitating group and couples therapy. She is certified in Play Therapy by the University of California, San Diego.

Ms. Maldonado has had many varied and challenging experiences which have contributed to her ability to provide therapy with compassion, multicultural sensitivity and openness. She served as a trained, certified counselor for the Orange County Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) and functioned as a liaison between law enforcement, hospital personnel and traumatized victims and their families.

While working in elementary schools, Ms Maldonado developed the skills necessary to evaluate, assess and aid both disabled students and students who needed bilingual assistance. She administered standardized tests to students with limited English and became familiar with all aspects of assessment, placement and remediation. She has had intensive clinical training at Kaiser Permanente in their Chemical Dependency unit, and worked at College Hospital with a diverse population of psychiatric patients.

Her therapeutic orientation can be described as cognitive-behavioral with emphasis on family dynamics and existential issues. Her approach to psychotherapy reflects an emphasis on humanistic and existential principles while integrating developmental process and Family Systems Theory in a cultural context. Her practice includes work with adults, children, couples, and families experiencing various personal and relational problems.

Ms. Maldonado's broad experience working with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in a variety of settings has made her sensitive to the personal needs of others. She is able to balance the need for appropriate boundary setting with the compassion and approachability necessary to do therapy with a wide variety of clinical issues. Ms. Maldonado is committed to using her comprehensive clinical skills and training to help improve the quality of life for her clients.

Jeff Boucher, MSW, LCSW received his B.A. in psychology from San Diego State University in 1991, then as a Director of Social Services working with the elderly in skilled nursing facilities furthered his education by obtaining his M.S.W. from California State University of Long Beach in 1998, specializing in Gerontology and Multicultural Development.

Jeff has been providing premier social work consultation in skilled nursing facilities in LA and Orange Counties for the past seven years (Skilled Support Services, Inc. 714-340-5075). He is also provided multiple community services, as guest speaker for the Mental Health Association, Meeting of the Minds Conference 2000 entitled "Laughter is the Best Medicine" as well as multiple educational workshops on such topics as, Dementia, Alzheimer's, Depression, Collaborative Problem Solving and Native American Approaches to Mental Illness, for patients, families and staff.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jeff has provided Psychotherapy in a variety of settings, at Metropolitan State Psychiatric Hospital on the research unit and male admission unit, at Newport Bay Hospital inpatient Gero-psychiatric unit as Director of Social Services, as well as in a traditional office/private practice for Harbor Medical Associates. His therapeutic orientation stems from a Cognitive-Behavioral approach, incorporating Narrative therapy from a Native American Healing perspective.