Meet The Team

Amy Spahr, LCSW

Meet Amy Spahr, LCSW, the guiding force behind our specialized care for first responders program. Amy is a career mental health and addiction treatment professional with over 25 years of program leadership. Amy has gained national recognition as a therapist and program leader. Her ability to instill a culture of compassion, understanding, and evidence-based practices in trauma-focused therapy has allowed thousands of individuals to receive the personalized care they deserve. Amy and her team are committed to the support and empowerment of first responders on their journey to recovery.

Dr. Olga Yahontova

After Action First Responder Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Center is proud to welcome Dr. Olga Yahontova as our new Psychiatrist. With a remarkable career spanning psychiatry, forensic psychology, trauma treatment, and cutting-edge digital mental health solutions, Dr. Yahontova brings a wealth of experience, insight, and passion for healing those who serve on the front lines.

Originally from Siberia, Russia, Dr. Yahontova began her career as a psychiatrist with a deep focus on understanding and treating trauma. She later moved to the United States and spent the past 15 years as a forensic psychiatrist, board-certified in Psychiatry, at Atascadero Hospital in California, working with some of the most complex psychiatric cases, including individuals deemed criminally insane, serial offenders, and those with severe trauma histories. Her goal was to understand the nature of evil, but after working with thousands of patients, she discovered that what she found was not evil—only broken human beings in need of healing.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Yahontova is a renowned author, speaker, and educator who has conducted seminars and training events worldwide, primarily in Europe. Her groundbreaking book, Entering the Circle, written nearly 30 years ago, introduced readers to Siberian shamanism and alternative healing practices for trauma. The book has been published in over 20 countries and is now being adapted into a television series.

Her career has also taken her to the forefront of innovative trauma treatment. As the Medical Director at Promises Malibu and Margo Vista, she worked alongside Amy Spahr, now the Clinical Director at After Action, to establish one of the most respected and effective trauma treatment programs in the country. Amy has seen firsthand Dr. Yahontova’s passion for trauma healing and the incredible success she has achieved in this field.

When the war in Ukraine began, Dr. Yahontova felt a calling to prepare herself to help those who would need healing in the war’s aftermath. She dedicated the last few years to building digital resources and a virtual trauma center, leveraging cutting-edge technology to expand access to mental health support. She even went back to school, earning certifications from MIT in Blockchain and AI technology, with the vision of applying AI in psychiatry and trauma treatment.

Now, at After Action, Dr. Yahontova sees this role as the natural evolution of her career—a full-circle moment. After spending years understanding the minds of those who have inflicted harm, she is now focused on healing those who have suffered trauma through service. First responders willingly put themselves in harm’s way, often carrying the weight of what they witness. Dr. Yahontova is committed to helping them process and heal from these experiences, using both traditional and innovative digital approaches to trauma treatment.

Her dedication to healing those who dedicate their lives to others is unwavering, and we are honored to have her as part of the After Action team.

Mayra Bonilla

My name is Mayra Bonilla and I am the Licensed Nurse at Northridge Detox. I have extensive experience in the healthcare industry providing direct patient care in other roles for over 17 years. I was highly motivated after nursing school to learn more about drug addiction and treatment to be able to provide the best care to a population struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders. I am fulfilling my passion and purpose which allows me to help patients from all walks of life with such a difficult life long disease and the changes it brings. In my role, my primary responsibilities include responding to all medical and nursing needs of patients which includes medication administration, pharmacy & physician communication, patient education, assessments and follow-up and responding to medical emergencies. Part of my role also includes continuing staff education, supervision, support and follow up to ensure we are providing care that exceeds standards in providing a healing and safe environment at all times. I am part of a collaborative and cohesive team that strives to provide each patient with a smooth transition into detox and thereafter. I believe every life matters, every story is unique, and everyone deserves as many chances as needed to live a fulfilled life, so I ensure that every day I handle my job with careful attention.

Bonnie Eckman

Bonnie Eckman is a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in mental health and addiction recovery. With a background in occupational therapy, Bonnie specializes in utilizing sensory modulation techniques for individuals dealing with PTSD, trauma, and self-regulation challenges. Her expertise extends to educational platforms, where she has shared her insights at prestigious conferences such as the Society for Social Work and the Generation Conference. Additionally, Bonnie serves as the UOTA Mental Health Liaison, further showcasing her commitment to advancing mental health advocacy and education.

Driven by a passion for helping others, Bonnie has created effective programming and treatment specifically tailored to first responders, recognizing their unique challenges and needs. Eager to apply her knowledge and skill set to support AM Healthcare centers in their mission to provide comprehensive and effective care. Her dedication to improving the lives of individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges is evident in her professional achievements and contributions to the field.

Melinda Drake, LCSW

Melinda Drake, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in trauma treatment and therapeutic modalities that support deep healing. As a Brainspotting Therapist, she integrates this powerful neurobiological approach into her clinical work to help clients process and resolve trauma, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.

Throughout her career, Melinda has played a pivotal role in transforming behavioral health systems across California, New York, Hawaii, and South Carolina. She has held leadership positions, including Executive Director and Program Director, where she developed clinical programs, expanded community-based services, and implemented trauma-informed care systems. In Hawaii, as CEO of Acadia-Hawaii, she focused on treating youth with chronic mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. In New York, she worked to align addiction treatment programs with evolving regulations and collaborated with hospitals to combat the opioid crisis using SBIRT.

In California, Melinda has led initiatives integrating mental health and addiction treatment, establishing recovery housing, and launching telehealth services. She has been instrumental in securing CARF and Joint Commission accreditations and enhancing services for clients with severe mental illness. In addition to Brainspotting, she is trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Trauma-Informed Care, bringing a depth of expertise to her work with individuals overcoming trauma and complex mental health challenges.

Shelly Steven, LMFT

Shelley Stevens has been committed to and involved in recovery work for almost 20 years. She became a certified counselor in 2005. Her counseling style has been described as empathetic and strong. She has a lot of respect for people challenged with addictions, which is reflected in her work. She understands it takes courage to change and is adept at helping people discover and access the strength within them. Shelley’s groups are dynamic, honest and provide an environment for self-exploration under the umbrella of recovery.

Emily Skelton

Emily Skelton is a LMFT, Board-Certified Art Therapist and the Owner & Clinical Director of The Artful Healing Center. Emily provides inclusive, affirming, and creative counseling, with a focus rooted in the power of expression, neuroscience and the mind-body connection. Emily incorporates Art Therapy, her background in both EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT, mindfulness, and somatic approaches to support clients in their healing process.

Marcus White

Marcus White is a dedicated counselor with a passion for helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges. With one year of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment, Marcus brings a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to his work, fostering a safe space for clients on their recovery journey.

He holds certifications in CPR, RADT, AA and NA facilitation, and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I). While not a first responder himself, Marcus deeply respects the sacrifices made by first responders and is proud to support their healing at After Action.

At After Action, Marcus leads both individual and group counseling sessions, providing client-centered care grounded in empathy and support.

When he's not working, Marcus enjoys old-school hip-hop, NBA games, and spending quality time with family and friends. A self-proclaimed BBQ connoisseur, he's always experimenting with new recipes on the grill.

Jason Goldstein

Jason Goldstein is pursuing in becoming Certified alcohol drug counselor (CADC-1) as well as extensive knowledge on how to work recovery in his life. Jason attended at Sober college in Los Angeles, CA Jason has excelled in sports and developed the art of working as a team player. He brings to our program compassion, love of recovery. He is passionate about recovery and about helping our clients change the direction of their lives. Jason creates a trusting, vulnerable environment for our clients to navigate the most difficult emotional work.

Doug Monda

Retired Narcotics Agent | Founder of Survive First | National Speaker on Mental Health and Resiliency

Doug Monda, a retired narcotics agent, is a leader in the field of mental health advocacy for first responders and their families. After his own personal struggles with depression and a failed suicide attempt in 2013, Monda has dedicated his life to helping first responders acknowledge and address career related mental health issues afflicting the responder community. As the founder of Survive First, Doug’s visionary leadership has paved the way for greater access to crucial mental health resources, ensuring the well-being of those who serve our communities.

A respected national speaker, Doug passionately addresses the importance of mental health and resiliency among first responders. His powerful insights and commitment to the cause have inspired change and fostered stronger support networks within the first responder community.

In addition to his role at Survive First, Doug is the co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge and serves as a trustee of the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s Education and Research Foundation. His dedication to bettering the lives of first responders also extends to academia, where he contributes as an Advisory member on Lynn University’s Crisis Resiliency and First Responder Training Council.

Doug Monda’s tireless advocacy and leadership have left a mark on the mental health landscape for first responders, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

Raul Rivas, CCISM

Retired Master Police Officer | Board Member Survive First | National Speaker on Mental Health
and Resiliency

Raul is a retired Master Police Officer with a vast array of tactical and Investigative experience with local and federal agencies. Near the end of his career, his mental health had declined to a point of suicidal behavior. Since that time Raul has focused solely on assisting first responders struggling with mental health issues.

As a board member of Survive First, Raul has been able to help the non-profit grow and help first responders around the country.

A respected national speaker, Raul’s dynamic delivery about his career, family, and resiliency are relatable to all in the first responder field. All who have heard Raul’s message realize that they are not alone, and the importance of the family unit.

Raul is also the Co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge and is Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Raul is an
instructor of Stress Management, Assisting Individuals & Groups in Crisis.

Raul is committed to ensuring that our first responders get the mental health resources theymay need to live a healthier life.

Lee Schoolar

Lee is a retired police officer with extensive experience in law enforcement, including roles in corrections. He dedicated much of his career to protecting and serving the citizens of Virginia, ensuring safety on the highways and roadways throughout the Commonwealth. In the later years of his career, Lee obtained numerous certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management, resiliency, and officer wellness, reflecting his deep commitment to the mental and emotional well-being of law enforcement personnel.

Now serving as a Peer Support Coach for After Action, an exclusive mental health and addiction treatment program for first responders, Lee brings his firsthand experience and expertise to help others navigate their recovery journeys. Drawing from his own struggles with addiction and trauma, Lee connects with his clients through open, honest conversations that address the unique challenges faced by first responders. His relatable and compassionate approach fosters trust and understanding, empowering his clients to build resilience and find healing.

Lee is also an alumnus of the Gratitude America Warrior PATHH program, a transformative initiative that helped him turn his struggles into strengths. While not a clinical program, Warrior PATHH provided Lee with invaluable tools for growth, which he credits, along with residential and inpatient treatment programs, with saving his life. Inspired by these experiences, Lee dedicates his life to supporting and educating first responders as they navigate challenges related to trauma and substance abuse.

At After Action, Lee facilitates programs that focus on cognitive fitness, compassion fatigue, and strategies for leading a fulfilling life despite adversity. His weekly wellness and resiliency sessions often evolve into meaningful, dynamic discussions shaped by the lived experiences of participants. Through active listening and practical guidance, Lee equips first responders with actionable tools to overcome obstacles and thrive.

Lee’s expertise is further demonstrated through his numerous certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management and completion of multiple train-the-trainer programs in wellness and resiliency. As a PATHH Guide for the Warrior PATHH program in Macclenny, Florida, he helps others transform their struggles into strengths, inspiring hope and healing along the way.

Lee’s work is fueled by his passion for ancient wellness practices and his dedication to helping others achieve "lightbulb moments"—those pivotal instances of clarity, understanding, and transformation. His goal is for every participant to leave with at least one meaningful insight that can turn challenges into strengths and guide them toward a thriving life.

Outside of his professional role, Lee finds renewal in nature, whether camping or spending time outdoors with his beloved dog, Kloe. These moments are a cornerstone of his personal wellness practices and a source of inspiration in his work.

Through his empathy, authenticity, and passion for recovery, Lee empowers first responders to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. His role as a Peer Support Coach at After Action allows him to guide others toward resilience, healing, and lasting growth.

Egan de los Cobos

Egan is husband, father of 3 children, a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic with over 25 years in Fire/EMS, Certified Health Coach, and Gut Health Nutrition Specialist. Egan’s journey began in 2013 after a near death accident with his then 3 year old son when they were struck by a vehicle while sitting in front of a coffee shop. Miraculously there were no major injuries at the time but this event triggered a cascade of debilitating physical and mental health issues for years to come.

Years of suffering and hitting a breaking point, he was forced to address his mental health. He was diagnosed with PTSD, underwent EMDR therapy, which ultimately was the turning point in his life to begin to heal not only mentally, but also his physical health issues of autoimmune psoriatic arthritis that were triggered by his accident.

Months turned into years of learning, reading, studying, and diving into the mind, brain, gut connection lit a fire in Egan to heal from the inside out. After several months of intentional and holistic changes he noticed his symptoms subsiding and is now virtually symptom free.

Egan’s health struggles were life changing, scary, and frustrating to say the least but has been worth it to come out the other side. He believes wholeheartedly in post traumatic growth and his journey fueled his passion for his role on his Peer Support Team, train his fellow firefighters in Stress First Aid and resilience.

Jenn Poynter

Jennifer Poynter is a yoga and meditation teacher who focuses on health and healing underserved communities and those impacted by trauma and abuse. Her classes are held in studios, drug rehabs, homeless shelters, and prisons. She has multiple certifications in yoga, meditation, yoga for trauma, and Tai Chi Qong. The power of yoga has helped her grow stronger emotionally, physically, spiritually, and artistically. Her care filled, balanced teaching style allows students to release tension and anxiety and open up to the knowledge, wisdom, and creativity that is already inside each of them.