The ground crew who help you take flight

Sue is the Clinical Director at The Runway and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She brings deep experience in trauma, substance use, dual diagnosis, PTSD, and mood and anxiety disorders. Since 1994 she has supported clients across detox, residential, and intensive outpatient settings.

Her work draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic and relational therapy. Sue believes treatment should help people feel seen and understood, and she works closely with each client to build the strengths and resilience that support a sober life.

Lindsey is the Program Director at The Runway, offering steady guidance to people facing the challenges of addiction. Having come through her own recovery, she brings a rare blend of empathy, compassion, and lived understanding to her work.

She has a gift for building trust with clients and creating a safe, supportive environment for the recovery journey. Her care and dedication have earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike.

Beyond direct client care, Lindsey leads many of the behind-the-scenes operations, from insurance and compliance to human resources, drawing on a background that spans admissions, billing, state licensing, and accreditation. Her attention to detail helps The Runway maintain a high standard of care.

Johnny is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through CCAPP. As a case manager at The Runway, he helps people navigate addiction and map out their recovery journey.

In recovery himself, Johnny brings personal experience and genuine passion to his work. He stays current with evidence-based practices and is a tireless advocate for his clients, helping them set goals and work through the obstacles they meet along the way.

As a father of two, he understands how addiction affects families. He is committed to helping clients heal and rebuild relationships with the people they love throughout the recovery process.

Originally from Hawaii, Noah began his own recovery journey in 2020, and that experience fuels his commitment to helping others find their way. He joined The Runway as one of the company's first hires and has worked across a wide range of roles and shifts, including operations, compliance, and human resources.

Today Noah works in business development and admissions, often serving as the very first person a client speaks with. He guides people through the intake process so they feel supported and informed from the moment they reach out.

Mandy is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Supervisor at The Runway. With ten years in recovery, she brings real compassion to clients working through addiction.

She loves caring for clients' medical needs and finds it deeply rewarding to watch people succeed in their recovery. She is proud to be part of a supportive team that makes a difference every day.

Tristan is the Operations Manager at The Runway and a proud Orange County native with more than five years in the treatment field. He is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II) through CCAPP.

Known for his caring nature, analytical mind, and strong organizational skills, Tristan brings both heart and structure to his role. He is committed to keeping the facility in full compliance with state standards so clients receive quality care.

Living by the principles of the 12 Steps, Tristan sees his work as a way to give back. Whether he is managing daily operations, supporting clients and staff, or cooking meals for the community, he brings purpose and dedication to everything he does.

Dr. Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000 and completed his psychiatry residency in 2008 at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, with half of his rotations at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. He later practiced in an adult outpatient setting at Ventura County Medical Centers and now lives in Orange County.

He provides care across several inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder facilities in the Orange County area and has more than ten years of experience in the field. He is a member in good standing of the American Psychiatric Association, the Indian Medical Association, and the Karnataka Medical Association.

"On a fundamental level, I believe my own struggle with addiction and recovery is what drove me. I never forgot where I came from or how hard I worked to become the person I was. For that reason, I respected each person's own struggle and the path we all must navigate."

Lisa oversaw the clinical and operations team and helped ensure every client received the care they deserved. She held CADC and MATS certifications, and she was deeply committed to paying forward the support that helped her when she could not help herself.

Her warmth, her honesty, and her belief in second chances left a mark on everyone who walked through our doors. The Runway is what it is today because Lisa poured her whole heart into it.

We carry her memory forward in every life that finds its way to recovery here. Rest easy, Lisa. Your light still guides the way.