Sandy Oak Lee, M.D., FAAP
Dr. Sandy Lee is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Lee graduated cum laude from Cornell University, with her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then received her medical degree from New York Medical College and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
In 2016, after 15 years in community private practice, Dr. Lee joined the Brain Treatment Center as the Medical Director of the Newport Beach office where she oversees the clinical care of patients. She has extensive experience in the utilization of MeRT technology and is one of the pioneers in using MeRT technology to treat both the pediatric and adult populations.
Dr. Lee was selected as America’s Top Physicians by the Consumers Research Council of America in 2013, and was a recipient of the Orange County Physician of Excellence Award in 2014 and 2015. She is a humanitarian physician, volunteering her time and expertise abroad in Mexico, Guatemala, China, and Malawi. Dr. Lee was raised in Irvine, where she currently resides with her husband and two children.
Julie Kim, M.D., FACP
Dr. Julie Kim is a Board-Certified Internist with over 20 years of medical experience. She has been serving as Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Center since 2013. Prior to joining the Brain Treatment Center, Dr. Kim has pioneered and worked extensively with the treatment of patients with PTSD, TBI, addiction, stroke, autism, and other neurological disorders. She established and oversees the current Mert Safety Protocols and Physician Training Program for the utilization of MeRT technology.
Dr. Kim has been an invited speaker at major corporations in Seattle. In addition, Dr. Kim has partnered with professional sports conglomerates, exploring the use of MeRT therapy in enhancing sports performance. First and foremost. Dr. Kim prides herself in delivering compassionate care and advocating for her patients.
Kate Ryan, R.N.
As a Clinician and Clinic Manager at the Brain Treatment Center, Kate provides wonderful clinical guidance, care, and support to our patients and their families as they progress through the treatment process. She has worked at BTC since April 2014 and brings an abundance of experience to the team. Her genuine compassion and drive towards her chosen craft are unparalleled, and she truly enjoys every opportunity to help a patient in need. Kate studied at Salem State University and obtained her nursing degree from North Shore Community College. She worked at North Shore Medical Center in the nursing division for three years prior to moving to California from the East Coast, where she began her career with BTC. Kate is extremely passionate about her work with the Brain Treatment Center and takes great pride in this work. Not only is Kate a great team leader, but she also performs as a solid team player. She considers herself extremely fortunate to be part of such an amazing team and to be making such a tremendous difference in her patients’ lives.
Josh Whitesides
Josh is a native of Southern California. He started working at BTC soon after obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Chapman University in 2016. Recently, he earned his Master of Science in kinesiology, specializing in sports and exercise psychology from California State University, Long Beach. BTC’s mission of generating healthy brain activity has cultivated Josh’s passion for neuroscience and optimizing human performance. Josh’s empathetic and enthusiastic attitude has allowed him to excel as a certified Neuro Technician with both pediatric and adult patients.
On the weekends, Josh splits his time as a coach and organizer at Skydive Elsinore, while working as a mental performance coach preparing skydiving teams for national and regional competitions. His other interests include mountain biking, climbing, snowboarding, backpacking, and reading.
Alexandra Loakes:
Alexandra Loakes is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University- Pomona with a B.A. in Sociology. Prior to working at BTC, she worked as an EMT for 2 years at a local hospital. Alex is currently pursuing a future as a physician assistant.
Over the last two years as a certified Neuro Technician at BTC, she developed a passion for working in the mental health field. Alex loves seeing positive psychological effects and witnessing life-changing results within patients of all ages.
In her free time, she likes to spend time with her labrador retriever, is an avid traveler, and loves to play soccer and run.
Brandi Nicholas:
Brandi Nicholas is Newport’s lead Neuro technician and a fully certified EEG/MeRT technician. As an Orange County native, she graduated from American Career College with her certificate in Medical Assisting and is currently working on her RN/BSN at Orange Coast College.
She has worked in the mental health field for over 6 years with a focus on autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse. She was drawn to the Brain Treatment Center because of its non-invasive approach to helping those with neurological disorders.
Brandi is dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care and works hard to make sure her patients have the most comfortable experience possible. Captivated by the Brain Treatment Center’s culture and commitment to their patients, she is passionate about her and work and loves having a positive impact on people’s lives.
Maria Zavala
Maria Zavala is the lead Patient Care Coordinator at the Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach and has been working with the BTC family since 2016. Maria is also the primary interpreter for all of our Spanish-speaking patients. Her experience in being able to translate very detailed communications between our neuro technicians, our clinicians, and our patients has been vital in developing a positive patient experience for all our patients. Maria is responsible for establishing a high standard of service associated with the care and administrative assistance provided to our new and returning patients.
Her current professional development includes being CPR certified along with beginning her upcoming studies in becoming a Certified Medical Interpreter. Outside of BTC, Maria is finishing her bachelor’s degree while taking time to serve within the communities of Compton, Watts, and South Central Los Angeles in an effort to help mentor youth, combat food insecurity along with helping beautify the community’s green spaces.
Chuck Ruiz
Chuck is a Marine Corps veteran. After serving 4 years in the USMC, he began studying radiologic technology at Cypress College. During one summer he began working with veterans at the Brain Treatment Center. He felt working in neuroscience and mental health was his calling and decided to dedicate his time and efforts to BTC full time. He has since earned an EMT certification and has been working with the brain treatment center for over 5 years.
Chuck is certified in administering MeRT cortical and peripheral treatments. He is a skilled EEG tech and works well with all patients from adults with PTSD to pediatrics with Autism. Chuck is a Neuro Tech trainer and is involved in training new techs and holding all new techs to the premium standard of care which the brain treatment center exemplifies.
Chuck is the father of a toddler and enjoys spending every moment he could with his son. He enjoys the outdoors and likes to hike and fish along with his son. He loves working out and is into physical and spiritual health.
Gia Almanza
Gia is our newest addition to our team at the Brain Treatment Center. As one of our Patient Care Coordinators, Gia assists with the day-to-day flow of our clinic and helps to provide a high-quality experience for our patients. She is EMT-B certified and is currently obtaining her Associate’s Degree in psychology with plans of pursuing a career in nursing.