Sunrise Recovery Staff

Our treatment programs for men are far from a solo journey for our male residents who receive strong support from our experienced and highly skilled drug rehab staff - many of whom have won their own battles with addiction. Our staff members have been selected because based on training, sensitivity and commitment. Our staff  understands the disease  of addiction and its behavioral manifestations. Sunrise Recovery  has a 1.5 to  1 staff to client ratio. Our center has certified counselors present with the men in treatment 24 hours a day.

Keith Miller, Program Administrator :: BS, CADC II, RAS&

Keith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II with the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Keith brings many years of experience in addictions counseling as well as several years of management experience to Sunrise Recovery. At the helm of Sunrise Recoverysince its inception, Keith is the heartbeat of Sunrise and is fully dedicated to the recovery of our residents. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the facility and is involved in all operational and clinical decisions that affect Sunrise and our clientele. Keith is a hands-on leader, who often interacts with clients during the course of treatment, taking great satisfaction in hearing about their progress. Keith is always ready to assist in any concerns they may have. Keith’s greatest reward comes from hearing success stories of our hundreds of alumni who have gone on to rewarding sober lives.

Timothy Bernardy, Lecturer and 12-Step Facilitator;

Timothy Bernardy is one of the most beloved lecturers at Sunrise Recovery. Timothy has been facilitating group meetings and 12-Step workshops for many years and has inspired many of the men at Sunrise Recovery to embrace a program of recovery and pursue it with sincerity and enthusiasm. Timothy has been sober for over 20 years and has dedicated his life to saving the men who suffer in the grip of an addiction. 

Todd Wall, Case Manager :: CADC II

Todd graduated from California Paramedical and Technical College with a certificate in Addictions Counseling and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Todd is also currently an Orals Board Examiner for the California Association of Drug and Alcohol Counselors (CAADAC). Todd is a Certified Parenting Instructor. Todd has been working in the drug and alcohol recovery field for more than six years. Todd has over 4 years of experience in counseling dual diagnosis clients in a residential treatment setting. Todd brings a myriad of skills to the team at Sunrise Recovery. Todd is a skilled group facilitator and educator with extensive knowledge of 12 step recovery programs and is adept at establishing therapeutic alliances with his clients. Avid in sports, Todd also assists in coordinating outside recreational activities for Sunrise Recovery clients.

Juan R. Acedo, Jr., Case Manager :: CADC II, CAS

Juan earned his Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate from California Paramedical and Technical College and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Juan is also a Certified Addictions Specialist with the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources. Juan has over seven years of experience in counseling recovering individuals. Specializing in life skills and relapse prevention, Juan combines this knowledge with his vast knowledge of 12 step recovery programs to provide excellent counseling services to clients of Sunrise Recovery. He establishes strong therapeutic bonds with those residents for whom he provides services. Juan is active in the recovery community and is President of Alumni with the Recovery Opportunity Center in Riverside.

Devon Wayt, Operations Manager :: BS

AAs the Operations Manager, Devon manages all daily non-clinical aspects of the program. Devon supervises and trains all operational staff in areas such as staff to client interaction, supervision of clients and proper conduct of clients when interacting with the public at outside functions. As the Safety Officer, Devon is responsible for overall Sunrise Recovery safety including the coordination of all vehicle safety and maintenance. While he wears many hats, Devon seamlessly addresses his challenging and varied duties with motivation and dedication. His positive attitude and well developed sense of discipline make Devon an example and role model for Sunrise Recovery residents.

Shahan Suzmeyan, Director of Public Relations :: CATC

A number of years ago, Shahan left a long career in movies and entertainment after his personal recovery led him to seek a different purpose in life. Shahan has spent the last 10 years in the development and operation of several residential treatment centers in California, in addition to his continuing charitable work in service of those in need. He is currently involved with the Overdose Prevention Task Force, Harm Reduction Task Force, Homeless Outreach, Hep-C Project, Mental Health Collaborative, and the Salvation Army. He is a noted authority in the field of addictions and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, PBS, and TLC. He comes to us with many years of experience in the field and a genuine passion for helping others. Shahan can be reached at (213) 924-6442. 

Other Personnel 

Edwin Suarez, Chef 

Edwin is a native of South America and brings over two decades of food preparation and experience to the Sunrise Recovery kitchen. He is experienced in preparing and serving a variety of cuisine from several cultures, including America, South America, Europe and the Orient. Edwin provides a nutritious and varied menu as well as creating delicious desserts from several continents.