Kristy Lamb, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Kristy Lamb, MD
Dr. Lamb is the Founder and President of BOLD Health, where she has brought together a team of like-minded clinicians to provide integrated, full-spectrum, psychiatric care including medication management and psychotherapy for the treatment of mental illness and addiction.
As a clinician, Dr. Lamb works to co-create a personal relationship founded in respect and individualized care with each of her patients. Board certified in both Family Medicine and Psychiatry from UC San Diego, Dr. Lamb is well-versed in the most cutting-edge, evidence-based psychopharmacology. She has also pursued deeper training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and believes firmly that psychotherapy is an integral part of personal transformation and healing for many people.
Dr. Lamb began her training as an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in Humanities, with a focus on Philosophy and Social Theory, from the University of Colorado. While in Medical school at Georgetown University, Dr. Lamb became acutely aware of the inseparable connection between mind and body. She realized that in order to treat her patients effectively and fully, she would need to understand their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. In order to care for her patients from this “whole person” perspective, she pursued combined residency training in both Family Medicine and Psychiatry. Dr. Lamb subsequently completed a fellowship in Community and Public Psychiatry at UC San Diego, as well as a fellowship in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. She has trained over the past decade with world leaders in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.
Dr. Lamb specializes in Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine, Maternal Mental Health and Physician Wellbeing. She is also a teacher and trainer and enjoys supervising and training therapists to support her dedication to lifelong learning.
Dr. Lamb spends her free time chasing after her two girls, working to hit PRs on her Peloton and editing her beloved husband’s novels and screenplays.
Katie Hirst, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Katie Hirst, MD
A native Californian, Dr. Hirst grew up in the Bay Area before attending Stanford University for her dual undergraduate degree. She experienced two East Coast winters while teaching high school science outside of Boston, then returned West to attend medical school at UC San Diego, where she earned honors for leadership, academic accomplishment and patient care. After graduation, Dr. Hirst completed a dual residency in Family Medicine and Psychiatry at UC San Diego — and founded the UCSD Maternal Mental Health Clinic during her third year of training.
Dr. Hirst soon became a regional expert in the field of Reproductive Psychiatry, caring for women with anxiety, mood disorders and psychosis during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While serving on faculty in three departments at UCSD School of Medicine, Dr. Hirst delivered local and international lectures, wrote a teaching curriculum, published articles, supervised trainees and developed the first Maternal Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program in the Southwest United States.
Dr. Hirst developed an opioid addiction following the births of her daughters via C-section in 2008 and 2011, and left academic medicine to seek treatment in late 2013. Before returning to work in 2016, Dr. Hirst developed a personal mindfulness meditation practice, even completing teacher training. Today she is proud to incorporate her strong knowledge of psychological theory with mindfulness meditation practice in her work at BOLD Health.
Since returning to practice at BOLD Health in 2016, Dr. Hirst has pursued specialized training in psychotherapy and addiction medicine. She now serves as Medical Director at three local residential treatment facilities, supervising a team of providers to help patients detox safely and comfortably, and receive treatment for substance use disorders. Dr. Hirst’s work with individual patients at BOLD Health includes psychotherapy as well as medication consultation and management (when indicated). In addition to her expertise in Addiction Medicine, she continues to specialize in Reproductive Psychiatry, including pre-conception planning, infertility treatments, pregnancy and postpartum.
Dr. Hirst balances her rewarding work with personal time devoted to recovery, family and friends. She and her family are avid explorers of National Parks, and she is an enthusiastic indoor cyclist and (slow but steady) runner.
Gaia Catalano
Director of Client Services
Gaia Catalano
Gaia serves as the director of business development for BOLD Health. An experienced mental health and addiction recovery professional, Gaia is a passionate believer in BOLD’s research-based approach to treatment — backed by their unwavering integrity and commitment to the wellness of their patients.
Gaia’s diverse background empowers her to play a central and vital role at BOLD Health. In addition to earning her master’s degree as a Guidance Counselor, Gaia has worked for three medical startup companies — handling intake coordination, medical billing, insurance verification, compliance, safety, office management and more. Her own personal experiences with the profound effects untreated mental health disorders and substance abuse can have on families fuels her compassionate and empathetic approach to each patient she interacts with at BOLD.
In her personal time, Gaia is in constant pursuit of a BOLD and balanced life, spending time with her two treasured children, friends, and loved ones. A true adventurer at heart, she’s always looking for new places to visit, live music shows to attend and new experiences to enjoy.
Mariel Janowsky, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Mari Janowsky, MD
Born in San Diego, Dr. Janowsky was raised on the East Coast in North Carolina. She made her way back to the West Coast, to complete her undergraduate education at UC Santa Cruz. For a while, she pursued a career as a high school teacher in Oakland, CA through Teach for America. But after careful consideration, Dr. Janowsky made the difficult and exciting decision to leave teaching to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a doctor and was accepted into the “pioneering class” of the combined MD/MPH program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She thrived in medical school and graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. UCSD’s combined residency in Family Medicine and Psychiatry felt like a natural next step, given her affinity for combined training, commitment to public health, passion for education, strong belief in the possibility for behavioral change, and desire to provide comprehensive, holistic care to her clients and their communities. Dr. Janowsky is trained in multiple styles of treatment interventions including hypnosis, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness meditation, motivational enhancement, cognitive behavioral therapy and, now, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy.
Dr. Janowsky joined the BOLD Team in June 2020 and is working as a co-facilitator for BOLD's Intensive Outpatient Program. She also sees clients individually for therapy with medication management when indicated. She has a talent for Integrative Wellness, Trauma-Informed Care and Addiction Medicine and sees herself as a partner in her clients' journeys to self-discovery and transformation. In doing so, she uses a variety of modalities including therapy and mind-body techniques.
When she is not working, you can find her on her yoga mat, hanging in her hammock, using kitchen gadgets, doing something outdoors or spending time with loved ones.
Neethu Jacob, PA-C
Psychiatric Physical Assistant
Neethu Jacob, PA
A proud native of Detroit, Michigan, Neethu Jacob joined the team at BOLD Health with two years of experience as a Physician Assistant specializing in the field of Psychiatry. Her interest in mental health grew from a very young age, when she was introduced to the field by her mother, a renowned social worker. Upon graduating from PA School at Barry University, Neethu moved to Chicago and gained proficiency working in community clinic, private practice, long-term care and rehabilitation settings. She has served a wide range of populations, ranging from children in the foster care system to adults with challenging and complex mood disorders.
Neethu’s primary goal is to help her patients feel at ease when discussing, exploring and managing their mental health. She encourages her patients to understand that treating our brain is really no different than treating high cholesterol or a broken bone. She employs a holistic approach with treatment, focusing on whole-body wellness in tandem with mental well-being.
In her free time, Neethu loves exploring her beautiful new home base of San Diego. She is thrilled to experience all that California has to offer with her husband, Kevin and their cherished dog, Rylee. She also enjoys reading, live music and trying out new and delicious restaurants.
Katelyn Brady, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katelyn Brady, MSN, PMHNP
Katelyn completed her nurse practitioner education at the University of California San Francisco and is a board-certified PMHNP. Following her graduation from UCSF in 2016, she was selected as one of 3 nurse practitioner graduates to complete a new joint fellowship between the San Francisco VA Healthcare system and UCSF School of Nursing. Choosing to specialize in addiction medicine and women’s mental health, Katelyn worked alongside her interdisciplinary colleagues at the VA to provide holistic and patient-centered care to veterans with complex mental health needs and comorbid conditions. While completing the program she was also very involved in teaching within the school of nursing and helped co-create a simulation exercise to assess for student competency related to veteran-centric and trauma-focused care, which she later presented on at the American Psychiatric Nursing Association (APNA)’s annual conference. Following the completion of her fellowship Katelyn accepted a clinical faculty position at UCSF and taught first-year NP students while continuing her clinical work in the San Francisco community, providing addiction treatment and consultation at the San Francisco VA, and expanding her practice to integrative care for patients with chronic mental health and medical conditions at St. Anthony's Foundation Medical Center.
After moving to San Diego in 2018, Katelyn joined the psychiatric consult liaison service at UC San Diego Healthcare Center and worked with healthcare professionals from various disciplines to provide psychiatric care to medically ill patients in the emergency department and medical floors. While at UCSD, Katelyn was able to continue providing care to pregnant and post-partum women through Labor & Delivery, as well as addiction medicine/detox services to medically ill patients in the hospital. Although she enjoyed inpatient work, Katelyn eventually felt the draw to return to outpatient care, where she can help a wider variety of patients, from adolescents to older adults.
As a California native Katelyn is constantly on the move, always trying new things and exploring the beautiful terrain. In her free time she enjoys being active outside in the sun, whether that be walking on the beach, biking around the bay, or hiking in the mountains. She recently completed her 200-hour yoga certification and would one day love to incorporate yoga into her psychiatric practice. Dance will always be her first love and she is eager for the day when she can safely compete again. As someone who believes in living a balanced lifestyle, Katelyn also loves a good cheese plate, and will never say no to bread. She is a HUGE foodie and cannot live without her morning cup of coffee.
Katelyn is thrilled to be a member of the BOLD Health team, and excited for the opportunity to use her experience to help improve the quality of life of her patients.
Veronica Sanchez, AMFT
Therapist
Veronica Sanchez, AMFT
San Diego native Veronica Sanchez joined BOLD Health in 2018 as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. Prior to joining BOLD, Veronica trained at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, where she provided psycho-education and counseling to adults experiencing a broad range of mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression, generalized anxiety and borderline personality disorder. Additionally, she has experience working in a non-profit setting, where she enjoyed assisting individuals by drawing from mindfulness, DBT and a family-systems approach.
Veronica’s goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate environment that provides patients with a true opportunity for deep self-exploration and growth. She shares the BOLD philosophy of tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs.
Veronica loves long summer days and is an avid soccer fan. She has co-published a children’s book with her husband and loves to travel and experience new cultures. Oh, and her favorite ice cream flavor is Rocky Road.
Scott Phillips, AMFT
Therapist
Scott Phillips, AMFT
Scott Phillips strives to provide a safe, compassionate space where patients can safely and confidently work to accomplish the internal goals they have for themselves. Scott is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience working closely with a variety of patients — including children, adolescents, adults and couples. He is well-versed in the treatment of patients who have dealt with substance abuse, anxiety, depression and marital distress. In order to account for all aspects of his patients’ lives, he practices from a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective. He also tailors his work to the individual needs of each patient.
Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brandeis University and his Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. He completed his practicum training at the University of California, San Diego Family Medicine Clinic in La Jolla, where he worked alongside physicians and other medical professionals to provide patients with comprehensive health care that accounted for both their physical and psychological needs.
Rebecca Stein, MSW, ACSW
Therapist
Rebecca Stein, MSW, ACSW
Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Rebecca Stein joined BOLD Health in 2021 as an associate psychotherapist. Rebecca Stein received her Bachelors in Science with Phi Betta Kappa Honors in three years from The University of Georgia in Athens. Rebecca majored in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development. Her interest in the mind-body connection led her to obtain a Masters in Clinical Social Work from The University of Southern California in LA. In graduate school, she focused on adult mental health & wellness as an intern at The Relational Center and The Pain Psychology Center, emphasizing a broad range of somatic, cognitive therapies.
After graduation, Rebecca was successful in helping postpartum mothers at UCLA Medicine-Pediatrics Comprehensive Care Center focus on the mind-body connection to cope with anxiety and postpartum depression. Rebecca’s work also emphasizes the intersection of trauma and chronic pain, and the strong correlation between childhood trauma, addiction, and ADHD, allowing patients to find relief from chronic pain, medically unexplained symptoms, and psychological suffering.
In her spare time, Rebecca volunteers to lead support groups and creative workshops for teens with chronic pain at Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (chyp). She enjoys running, yoga, nature, dance, painting, live music, reading, baking, watching movies, and connecting with friends and family.
Aspasia Birmingham, LMFT
Therapist
Aspasia Birmingham, LMFT
Aspasia, too has gone through her own journey, which has guided and fueled her career. Her journey has to lead her to this space right here to help guide you in your journey. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, having earned her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in San Diego. She has worked in various settings, including First Avenue Counseling Centre, YMCA Youth and Family Service, and The Fellowship Center with individuals, couples, and families.
Aspasia believes her role as a therapist is to provide her clients with support and relief from their symptoms and offer them a perspective and understanding of their struggles that differ from what they can gain from friends and family. In this role, she shares in the hope her clients feel as they begin to move forward in ways they previously feared were impossible. She strives to balance authenticity, compassion, and humor while also challenging her clients enough to help them in their process of self-exploration and healing. Aspasia utilizes a family systems approach and incorporates psychodynamic theory, attachment theory (completing Gottman I and 2), and EMDR.
Aspasia resides in San Diego with her husband of 21 years and their 3 amazing teenagers.
Geraldine Coz
Practice Manager
Geraldine Coz
Geraldine ensures that the clinic runs smoothly and provides our clients with great customer service. Born in Lima, Peru, Geraldine moved to New Jersey at a very young age. After finishing high school, she joined the United States Navy and traveled the world for eight years. She then pursued her education in international economics and is currently finishing her degree at San Marcos University. Geraldine’s military background has been a key, as she is able to relate to many issues that are caused by mental health. Being exposed to sensitive events can cause many uncertainties and play a vital role in your everyday life. Geraldine’s primary goal is to help people get the necessary treatment they need and make the process easier on them along the way. She’s knowledgeable in areas such as management, accounting, billing, marketing, credentialing, and consulting experience.
Marlene Cabrera
Administrative Assistant
Marlene Cabrera
Marlene brought to BOLD her over 15 years of experience in customer service. Her passion for helping others is the main reason she decided to pursue a career in healthcare. She is currently working toward her nursing degree and license so she can continue to grow in the field. A San Diego native, Marlene enjoys road trip adventures with her family. She believes getting outdoors and enjoying nature is an important part of getting away from all the noise in our daily lives and remembering to pause, take a deep breath, and live in the moment.