Clinical & Therapeutic Staff
Jim Powell, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
As Clinical Director, Dr. Powell is responsible for clinical assessment, therapy and crisis management. He is directly involved in the admissions process and participates in referral relations and parent communications. Dr. Powell works closely with Benchmark’s Primary Coaching staff throughout the course of all students’ master treatment plans. Dr. Powell has been licensed as a psychotherapist to practice in the state of California since 1979 and is also licensed to practice in the state of Idaho. From 1977-1987, Dr. Powell had a private practice, specializing in adolescents, located in Orange, California. He also served as Clinical Director of Brea Neuropsychiatric Hospital, in Brea, California, during that time. From 1988-2003 he served as Clinical Director of CEDU Mountain Schools, in Running Springs, California. In 2004, Dr. Powell established Powell & Elliott Collaborative, an independent company focused on supporting therapeutic schools and programs. Most recently, Dr. Powell served as Clinical Director for an outdoor wilderness program in Northern Idaho.
Robert E. Record, Ph.D.
Director, Benchmark Clinical Assessment Center
Dr. Robert Record is a clinical psychologist and holds his license in both California and Idaho. He is a Diplomat in Behavioral Medicine and Professional Psychotherapy, a Fellow through the Academy of Scientific Hypnotherapy and a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor. He holds instructor credentials for psychology and counseling through the California Community College system and is a qualified medical evaluator. He obtained his Ph.D., in Psychology from the United States International University in San Diego in 1978, his M.A. and a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Social Science through California State University, Sacramento. He is affiliated with numerous professional associations. Dr. Record will head up Benchmark’s Clinical Assessment Center.
Ramona Zvereva, M.D.
Addictions Psychiatrist
Dr. Zvereva is an Addiction Psychiatrist, Board-Certified in general and addiction psychiatry, as well as ASAM Certified in Addiction Medicine with a private practice in Los Angeles. Dr. Zvereva specializes in performing comprehensive psychiatric consultations of dually diagnosed patients and developing treatment strategies based on evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapies, motivational interviewing, utilizing 12-step involvement and pharmacological management.
William Nelson, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Dr. Nelson received his Doctorate at the University of California, Riverside in 1980. His years of experience include a position as clinical director of Children's Village, a residential treatment facility for children. He served as clinical director of the Inland Family Learning Center and has been in private practice since 1982. Dr. Nelson has worked continuously with adolescents and young adults in many areas of mental health concerns. He has worked with Benchmark students for ten years. He has been married for 20 years and is the father of two children. He enjoys gardening and Native American art.
Linda Lucas, LMFT
Therapist
Linda has 23 years experience in working with adolescents and young adults in residential settings. She has delivered private, therapeutic services to Benchmark students for over two years. She is the mother of a 14 year old son. Linda enjoys gardening, scrap-booking and reading mystery novels.
Daniel F. Casella, M.A., M.F.T., C.H.T.
Therapist
Daniel F. Casella, MA, MFT, CHT, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California at Riverside, March, 1980. He was awarded a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology, July, 1984, from International College, Los Angeles, California. Mr. Casella was granted a Marriage and Family Therapist license by the State of California, July, 1986. In June, 1987, Dan obtained Board of Behavioral Sciences certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. He has thirty years of childcare, social work and outpatient psychotherapy experience in the Inland Empire. He specializes in the elimination of habit disorders, e.g., addictions, as well as parent-effectiveness and enrichment/enhancement of relationships. Mr. Casella assists the young adults at Benchmark Transitions in enhancing their relationships with family, peers, and business associates in order to maximize life potential.
Leslie Bloom, M.A., Clinical Psychology
LMFT Intern
Leslie holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from California Polytechnic University Pomona. Leslie began her work providing mental health services to school based children with behavioral issues. She moved on to provide mental health services to incarcerated youth, youth who are placed on probation for various offenses and children and youth who are placed in various foster family agencies. Leslie has worked in the field as a social worker monitoring the progress of children placed within the foster family setting. Leslie's supervisory experience includes working as a Clinical director for a 144 bed probation placement, supervising social workers at various foster family agencies and being an administrator of a group home for at risk youth. Leslie has raised three children and currently lives with her youngest daughter in Alta Loma. On her days off, Leslie enjoys riding horses, going to the beach and gardening.
Susan Griffin, M.A., MFT-Intern
Therapist/Intern
Susan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Susan is currently a MFT-Intern, working at Benchmark to complete hours for licensure. Susan has worked with adolescent girls at an eating disorders treatment center. While there, Susan attained a position of Body Image Specialist. In this position she managed groups, individual sessions and family sessions around body image. Susan also has experience working with a family service agency providing therapy for individuals, couples, families and children dealing with a wide range of issues. While working at Benchmark, Susan will be facilitating the body image group and practicing individual therapy. Susan is married and lives with her husband and young daughter in Lake Arrowhead, California. Susan enjoys the opportunity to be a part-time stay at home mom and also enjoys baking.
