Laura Rothafel, M. A., L.M.F.T., Clinical Director
Ms. Rothafel specializes in treating chemical dependency and is a recognized expert in helping difficult "at-risk" cases. For more than 20 years, she has co-developed and helped facilitate programs. Her experience and understanding of dual diagnosis is extensive. Ms. Rothafel has the ability to identify the clinical and social needs of each patient and believes that treatment is systemic in nature. Her role at Brookside Institute as the clinical director includes scheduling of services, supervision of staff and patient care. Ms. Rothafel is an excellent speaker and has made presentations at various functions. She also serves as president for The Friendly Center, one of Orange County's oldest non-profit organizations. Ms. Rothafel received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Long Beach, majoring in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications, and her Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in Counseling Psychology.

Yi Jin, M.D., Electrophysiologist, Director of Neuroscience Center
Dr. Jin is an electrophysiologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical, psychiatric and electrophysiological research. His specialty in electroencephalogram (EEG) is particularly suitable to the work at Brookside Institute. His electrophysiological works have been extended to the studies of neural perceptual coding, mental disorders, substances abuse, genetics, and psychopharmacology. Dr. Jin is director of Behavioral EEG Lab of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine. He is also an executive board member of the EEG & Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS).

Trung Thai, M.D., FACGS., Diplomate American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Medical Director
Dr. Thai has spent the past ten years working with patients who suffer from anxiety, PSTD, depression, Alzheimer 's disease, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders. He brings a wealth of experience in dual diagnosis, pharmacology, and mental health disorders to Brookside Institute. Dr. Thai is an associate clinical professor at UCI Medical Center and has co-authored many groundbreaking research papers on mental health disorders, including the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on certain psychiatric conditions. In recent years, Dr. Thai has served on the Orange County Mental Health Board and on the UCI Credential Committee.

Andrea Brokaw, Neuroscience Technologist
Ms. Brokaw received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2005. Prior to graduation, she participated in clinical research utilizing EEG as a means to help better understand depression. For two years she worked in the Psychiatry department at the UCI Medical Center conducting additional research with EEG as well as investigational medication trials. Here she gained experience working with patients who were diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Major Depressive Disorder. At Brookside, she is the Neuroscience Technologist working closely with our medical staff to administer EEG and rEEG.

Rachel Macko, L.C.S.W. - Therapist
Ms. Macko is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Ms. Macko possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Delaware. She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan with an emphasis in Interpersonal Practice and Mental Health. Prior to joining Brookside Institute, Ms. Macko was the Assistant Program Director for three residential programs in the Boston area where she worked with individuals struggling from both psychiatric and substance abuse issues.

Mike Wood, M.A., M.F.T.I. - Therapist
Mr. Wood has been actively involved in the recovery community for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Psychology from the University of La Verne, and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from National University. Mr. Wood has extensive training and experience in addiction and crisis management through his work for both private programs and for the City of Orange, California Police Department Crisis Unit. He is an active member of CAMFT and has keen insight into the world and mind set of the chemically dependent individual. Mr. Wood’s success with chemically dependent clients is achieved through his open, warm and non-judgmental relationship with them and their families and is essential to his role as Primary Therapist.

Michelle Spitler, LVN, MHW - Nurse
Ms. Spitler is a licensed Vocational Nurse who completed her nursing credentials at Santa Barbara College. She started her work with psychiatric patients in 2000 as a mental health worker at St. Francis hospital in Santa Barbara. Ms. Spitler is currently working on her RN and will start classes in the fall toward her alcohol and drug addiction studies certification. As a core member of our health team, she provides both medical and mental health care for our patients at Brookside Institute.