About Us: Veteran Rehab at Miramar Health
At Miramar Health, our veterans’ health and happiness are our top priorities. We strive to incorporate a combination of treatment approaches that we designed to provide accountability, structure, and compassion for veteran rehab and veteran mental health.
We are here to guide you through early sobriety and help you avoid some of the difficulties and pitfalls that you are at risk of experiencing along the way.
Our Mission
To free veterans from America’s mental health and addiction crisis and empower them to create a better future for themselves and their families.
Tom Sauer
CEO AND FOUNDER
Message from the Owner
My name is Tom Sauer, and I’m the founder of Miramar Health. More importantly, I am an 18-year Navy and Marine Corps Veteran. Not only did I spend most of my adult life wearing the cloth of this nation, but I also witnessed the despair and havoc wreaked by addiction and mental illness through the loss of my father days before shipping off to boot camp more than twenty years ago.
That’s why when it comes to our Veterans, we have real skin in the game. Not only are we Veteran-owned and operated, but we are also focused exclusively on the unique needs of America’s Veterans under attack during our country’s addiction and mental health crisis. A substantial portion of our team consists of members from all services… We’ve been there.
Just as importantly, our team includes some of the very best and most experienced clinicians in America, including psychologists, physicians, therapists, nurses, and EMTs. Together, we provide the highest quality, top-tier mental health and addiction treatment available, all in a close, family-like environment.
I am exceptionally proud of the team we’ve assembled and the treatment we provide, and I think you will be as well.
How Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Works at Miramar
- Miramar Health provides superior evidence-based addiction treatment programs exclusively for veterans, active-duty military and their families. Our staff can treat both the psychological and physical aspects of a substance use disorder (SUD). As well, we treat co-occurring mental health conditions.
- These services provide our patients with essential recovery tools and a new lease on life. Each one is tailored to meet a variety of lifestyles and circumstances. No two recovery journeys are the same, and our clinical services reflect that.
Reclaim Your Mission – Begin Recovery Today
Take the courageous first step towards lasting health and well-being. Contact our admissions team today.
Get Started
After our call with you, we will schedule your arrival, discuss your insurance options, and guide you through the process,
We’ll also provide you a list of recommended items to bring to treatment, as well as make ourselves available to you for any additional information and support.
A Typical Day at Miramar Health’s Veteran Treatment Program
Why Choose Treatment at Miramar Health in California?
Our veteran-owned and operated detox and residential treatment center provides compassionate, comprehensive, and trauma-informed care to veterans and active-duty military personnel on the path to recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders.
We serve only veterans and active-duty military and have a deep understanding of military culture and of the stigma that can prevent some veterans from seeking treatment.
Our Team
We have a highly experienced team, including those with military experience.
- Executive Leadership
- Clinical Team
- Operations & Outreach
Tom Sauer
CEO and Founder
A graduate of the US Naval Academy and an 18-year Navy and Marine Corps Veteran, behavioral health became a deep passion of Tom’s following the loss of his father to a meth overdose after decades of struggle with mental illness and addiction, just like so many millions of Americans suffering from our country’s disastrous mental health and addiction crisis.
During his time as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer, Tom trained and readied his team of Special Operations EOD Operators to locate and deal with terrorist nuclear weapons.
He and his team deployed as the Western Pacific’s Crisis Response Force, in concert with US Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Joint Special Operations Command, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. His team worked directly with the highest levels of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, The White House, and several “other” government organizations.
As a former Navy Lieutenant Commander from one of the most selective, demanding, and dangerous career fields on earth, Tom’s passion shifted to an even more deadly threat to America’s Veterans: Our mental health, addiction, and suicide crisis.
Today, Miramar Health’s incredible team saves lives and relieves human suffering on a daily basis, and there’s no better group of Americans needing it more than our own Veterans. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Naval Academy, and graduate degrees from UCLA and the National University of Singapore.
Colin Myers
President
Colin Myers serves as President for MacArthur Group and Miramar Health. Colin is a Navy veteran, having served as a submarine officer and US Navy nuclear engineer. During his 9 years in the Navy, Colin served in demanding roles supervising the operations of a nuclear power plant and nuclear weapons security.
In these roles, Colin experienced firsthand the impact of stressful working conditions on the mental health of service members, including depression and suicide. In his civilian roles, Colin is committed to helping foster environments where staff and clients receive the help, healing, and restoration they need to thrive.
Prior to joining Miramar, Colin gained experience in multiple industries including serving as President of Anthem Wealth Management, VP of Department of Defense Sales for Comtech Systems, Inc., and Senior Financial Analyst for Darden Restaurants.
Colin has a passion for helping others best steward their resources. He lives in Clermont, FL with his wife and three children and enjoys studying theology, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, table tennis, and nano-aquaculture. Colin received his undergraduate degree from the United States Naval Academy and his MBA from Rollins College.
Dr. Joseph DeSanto (MD)
Medical Director
With more than 15 years dedicated to Addiction Medicine, Dr. DeSanto has worked across numerous treatment centers, held leadership positions, and helped thousands of patients at both residential and acute levels of care. He has also maintained a private practice since 2012.
Dr. DeSanto’s passion for this work is deeply personal—his own recovery journey, and the compassionate care he received during treatment, inspired him to enter the field. He saw an opportunity to offer the kind of physician support that people in recovery uniquely need. What he finds most rewarding is witnessing the ripple effect of healing—not only in patients, but across their entire families.
Basharat Khan (LMFT)
Vice President Operations
Basharat “Bash” Khan is the Vice President of Operations at Miramar Health and holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, with academic training from Pepperdine University and UC Irvine. With a background in organizational behavior and evidence-based crisis counseling, he is dedicated to transforming mental health care for the veteran community. Bash combines clinical insight with strategic leadership to foster compassionate, effective programs that break down barriers to recovery and well-being.
Landon Sharp (LMFT)
Executive Director
Landon Sharp is the Executive Director of Miramar Health, where he leads and supports a multidisciplinary team of licensed therapists and certified drug and alcohol counselors. With over 12 years of experience in 24/7 residential dual diagnosis treatment centers, Landon brings deep expertise in the field of substance use and mental health. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2014.
Landon specializes in treating individuals facing substance use disorders, PTSD, and co-occurring mental health conditions, with a focus on how these challenges interact and impact daily life. Passionate about serving the veteran community, Landon is dedicated to breaking the cycle of addiction and mental health crises, helping individuals reconnect with loved ones and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
Elizabeth Hagen (MA)
Program Manager
Lizzie holds a master’s degree in Coaching Sciences from the University of the Pacific and brings extensive experience in coaching, leadership, and team development. Her passion lies in supporting the veteran community and ensuring that every client at Miramar receives the resources and tools they need to heal across all aspects of life. Known for her ability to foster connection and collaboration, Lizzie describes herself as a “human glue stick,” committed to strengthening relationships and team unity. She sets a high bar for excellence while also striving to bring joy, laughter, and compassion to everyone she encounters—always leading with love.
Ryan West
Director of Quality Assurance
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Robin Dorsey
Director of Human Resources
Robin is the Director of Human Resources for the organization. With over 14 years of experience in management and human resources, she is a dedicated leader who values measurable results and a healthy culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and grow.
Her core competencies include developing high-level HR strategies, expanding and diversifying the workforce, and working as a strategic business partner across teams to drive results. Her passions are focused on development and succession planning, and building stronger teams and leaders. With this passion, she can keep the “human” element of human resources at the forefront and promote a successful business through people-centric approaches.
Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Psychology, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and multiple certifications in various HR focus areas.
Jerry Bustos
Human Resources Manager
Jerry currently serves as Miramar Health’s Human Resources Manager. His passion and dedication for serving others led him to pursue a career in human resources. Jerry brings to the table a wealth of experience in Human Resources and strong business acumen.
Prior to his role at Miramar, Jerry acquired his Bachelor’s degree in English and worked in the global workforce mobilization industry. Jerry hopes to cultivate a positive and impactful work culture at Miramar that allows its staff members to positively impact the lives of the veterans Miramar serves.
Christina Chituc (LMFT)
Clinical Manager
Christina began her career in mental health in 2016, working with children and families as a Behavior Technician at Children’s Learning Connection, later providing behavioral therapy at Footprints Behavior Interventions. She completed her clinical training at Turning Point Center for Families in Costa Mesa and has since held roles as a mental health specialist, lead clinician, and clinical supervisor.
Licensed since 2018, Christina most recently served as Clinical Manager at Stars Behavioral Health Group before joining Miramar Health in April 2024 in the same role. Known for her trauma-informed, compassionate approach, she brings warmth, insight, and a collaborative spirit to every client interaction, always striving to create a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.
Kristal Gage (SUDCC II)
Case Manager Supervisor
Kristal Gage is a dedicated professional with over seven years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, working across both inpatient and outpatient settings. She began her career as a Behavioral Health Technician, quickly distinguishing herself through her compassion and commitment to quality care. Her performance led to a promotion to Case Manager, where she provided exceptional support to veterans and played a key leadership role on the team.
Today, Kristal serves as the Case Manager Supervisor at Miramar Health, where she oversees the case management department and ensures the highest standards of care are upheld. Known for her empathetic approach and deep understanding of the challenges her clients face, Kristal remains a steadfast advocate for those on the journey to recovery and wellness.
Krystal Smith
Corporate Admissions Manager
Krystal began her career as an intake specialist and has since worked across multiple levels of care, including detox, residential treatment, PHP, and IOP, as well as Mental Health treatment. Her professional journey has been rooted in service—helping individuals and families navigate the often-overwhelming path to recovery. Through the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the admissions process from both clinical and operational perspectives, allowing her to bridge the gap between quality care and timely access to treatment.
At Miramar Health, Krystal oversees all aspects of the admissions process and plays a pivotal role in collaboration with our clinical, operations, and business development teams. She is particularly passionate about serving the veteran community and is a strong advocate for improving access to behavioral healthcare for those who have served. She believes that every veteran deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their healing journey—and she ensures that every interaction reflects those values.
Known for her calm presence, sharp attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to those we serve, Krystal is often the first reassuring voice our clients and families hear. Her ability to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for is what sets her apart—and what makes her such an integral part of the Miramar Health mission. When she’s not working, Krystal enjoys spending time with her family and creating meaningful memories with the next generation, staying grounded in what matters most as she continues her mission to serve others with compassion and purpose.
Jordan Allen
Veteran Outreach Specialist
Jordan has been with Miramar since October of 2021 and started his journey working in the transportation department. While in this role, he learned a great deal about the healthcare industry and how vital a part he could play in someone’s journey towards recovery. He is a strong supporter of Miramar’s mission and the importance placed on serving and treating Veterans with the highest quality care possible, as these men and women have sacrificed so much for their country. He is honored and humbled to be working with such a phenomenal team of professionals in a highly focused, mission-driven organization.