Staff Biographies

Kathleen “Kat” Fernandez, Drug and Alcohol Specialist

Kat Fernandez is a Certified Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions Recovery Specialist who works closely with Dr. Pizitz to provide treatment to those struggling with addiction. She has worked in the field of chemical dependency for ten years.

Her career history includes working as a DUI Counselor for Accord, and as a Substance Abuse Counselor at the McAlister Institute Detoxification program. Other employment has included working as a recovery specialist with the P3 Parolee Program, SARMS Program (Substance Abuse Recovery Management Systems) and as a drug and alcohol counselor for the East County Drug Court. Presently, she works as a Co-occurring Disorders Counselor and Prop 36 Case Manager, Mental Health Systems, Inc., Pegasus East. She currently heads up the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program offered at Dr. Pizitz’s offices.

Shay Groenewold, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Groenewold is a licensed psychologist. She earned her Master’s degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. She has experience working in outpatient, short-term residential, and hospital treatment settings. She has treated an array of adult clientele, including at-risk, severely mentally ill, dual diagnosis, and criminal offenders. Currently, she provides the following services: individual therapy, group therapy, mental health evaluations, psychological testing, and coordination of care within the community. She facilitates the Domestic Violence and Anger Management Treatment Programs offered at our office. Dr. Groenewold also holds an Associate Level Certification with the California State Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB).

Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Cheng-Wang,is a licensed psychologist. She earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. She also earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, CA. She has experience working in the forensic field, outpatient clinics, long-term residential, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to seniors. She has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance related issues. Currently, Dr.  Cheng-Wang provides the following services: Individual therapy, mental health evaluations, psychological testing, and coordination of care within the community.  She is also an adjunct faculty teaching courses in the PsyD Department at Alliant International University.