CEO
Vechi Mutum
On November 23, 2011, after finding himself homeless and without options, Vechi took an offer to go to an indigent detox in Costa Mesa CA, bringing an end to a 10-year run with Drugs and Alcohol that had destroyed every facet of his life. As a young child, Vechi had dreams of a career in military aviation, but those dreams quickly dwindled away as his family structure fell apart around him. His family dynamic was filled with domestic violence and abuse. Vechis’ father was a recovering alcoholic and his mother was a first generation immigrant desperately trying to feed and support three kids without help. After struggling through high school with Alcohol and Marijuana use, he thought he had finally found his path in 2000 after being accepted to Long Beach Search and Rescue, only to lose that opportunity to an injury that introduced him to prescription opiates. This was the beginning of a terrifying downward spiral into meth addiction, multiple jail terms, and losing everything he had ever worked or hoped for.
When he moved in to a Drug & Alcohol free housing community in 2012, Vechi did what ever he could to stay busy and on track. He helped out around the house with chores, became a house manager, and eventually was appointed director of the community he had joined. Vechi continued to grow in the recovery field, working in admissions and business development while sharing his personal story of recovery at speaking engagements and events across the country. He finds it especially rewarding working with parents, and creating instructional videos how parents can best help their addicted children get to a better place. Vechi is a reminder that our past traumas don’t have to steal our recovery.
For more of Vechi’s story, watch his video.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Lisa Osendorf, CADC, MATS
On a very fundamental level, I believe my personal struggle with addiction and recovery is what drives me today. I will never forget where I came from or where I’ve been, how incredibly hard I’ve worked to be the person I am today. For that reason, I respect each person’s own struggle with addiction and the path that we all must navigate to become the person we know we can be in life. I am humbled by my work. I am, at every single moment of my life, aware that I would not be where I am without the immense support and help of those who stepped in when I could not help myself. It is my true goal to pay that forward.
Lisa is our Program Director; she oversees our amazing clinical and operations team to ensure each and every client receives the care they deserve. Lisa has her CADC and MATS certifications.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen, MD
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, where fifty percent of his rotations were at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. After his residency he worked at Ventura County Medical Centers in an adult out-patient setting and now lives in Orange County, California. Dr. Thankachen provides his services to several inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder facilities in the Orange County area and has over 10 years of practice in the field.
Dr. Thankachen is also involved in professional organizations and societies in good standing including the American Psychiatric Association, Indian Medical Association, and the Karnataka Medical Association
Clinical Director & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Sue Mannos, LMFT
Sue Mannos is the Clinical Director and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Runway Recovery. Sue brings expertise in the area of trauma, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders. Since the start of her career in 1994, she has worked with clients in a variety of treatment settings, including detox, residential and intensive outpatient.
Sue has been working primarily with clients in the acute trauma and substance abuse population with a strengths and evidenced based approach. Sue uses a number of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-based therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic and relational therapy. She believes that treatment will cultivate an experience of being seen and understood in times of transition, disruption, or struggle and works closely with clients to support the development of strengths and resiliency to live a sober life.
Case Manager
Johnny Pearson, CADCi
Johnny is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through CCAPP. As a dedicated case manager at The Runway Recovery, he specializes in helping individuals overcome addiction and plan out their recovery journey.
As a person in recovery himself, Johnny brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to his work which allows him to provide guidance to his clients struggling with addiction. He is well-versed in the latest evidence-based practices for addiction treatment and uses his knowledge to help clients achieve long-term recovery. He is a tireless advocate for his clients working hard to help them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles they may encounter.
As a father of two boys, he understands the importance of family and the impact that addiction can have on relationships. He is committed to helping his clients heal and rebuild their relationships with loved ones, as well as providing support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Operations Manager
Tristan Neptune
Tristan Neptune is the Operations Manager at The Runway Recovery and a proud Orange County native with over five years of experience in the treatment industry. He is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) through CCAPP and is currently studying to take the IC&RC exam to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Known for his loving nature, analytical mindset, and strong organizational skills, Tristan brings both heart and structure to his role.
He is deeply committed to ensuring the facility operates in full compliance with state regulatory standards so that clients receive the highest quality of care. Living by the principles of the 12 Steps, Tristan sees his work as an opportunity to give back—paying forward the second chance he was once given. Whether he’s managing day-to-day operations, supporting clients and staff, or cooking meals for the community, Tristan approaches each task with purpose, passion, and a deep dedication to recovery.
Medical Supervisor
Mandy Castellanos, LVN
Mandy Castellanos is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Supervisor at The Runway. With 10 years in recovery, she has a deep compassion for clients battling addiction. Mandy loves helping others with their medical needs and finds it incredibly rewarding to see clients succeed in their recovery. She's proud to be part of a supportive team making a real difference every day.
Program Director
Lindsey Centanni, CADCII
Lindsey Centanni is the program director for The Runway Recovery, Offering solace and guidance to those grappling with the challenges of addiction. With a deeply personal understanding of the struggles associated with addiction, Lindsey infuses her work with a rare blend of empathy, compassion, and understanding. Having triumphed over her own battles with addiction, she approaches her role with a profound sense of purpose, striving to empower others to discover their own paths to healing and fulfillment.
One of Lindsey’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to cultivate trust and rapport with clients, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment in which to navigate their recovery journey. Her genuine care and dedication have earned her the respect and admiration of both clients and colleagues alike, as she remains a steadfast source of support through both the triumphs and trials of recovery.
Beyond her direct interactions with clients, Lindsey also excels in the realm of business operations, leveraging her expertise to navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations, compliance protocols, and human resources management. Her meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of industry standards ensure that Fresh Start of California maintains the highest levels of quality and integrity in its programs and services.
With a multifaceted background encompassing admissions, billing, state licensing, and Joint Commission accreditation, Lindsey is a cornerstone of excellence within the addiction rehabilitation community. Her tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those she serves, as she remains steadfast in her mission to provide hope, healing, and support to all those affected by addiction
Business Development and Admissions
Noah T. Ames
Noah is originally from Hawaii and started his recovery journey in 2020. His personal experience with sobriety has fueled his passion for helping others navigate their own paths to recovery. Noah joined The Runway Recovery as one of the first hires at the company, bringing a deep commitment to supporting those in need. He has gained extensive experience in the field, having worked in a broad range of roles across different shifts and departments, including overnight, swing shifts, and AM shifts, as well as in operations, compliance, and human resources.
Currently working as Business Development and Admissions Representative, Noah serves as the very first contact for clients entering The Runway Recovery. His role involves guiding individuals through the intake process, ensuring they feel supported and informed as they begin their recovery journey. Noah plays a key role in maintaining the high standards of care that The Runway Recovery is known for.