Our Team
Our Professional Staff at The Cabin
As Asia’s leading, residential mental health and addictions treatment centre based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you can expect world-class medical and clinical treatment combined with the renowned hospitality and compassionate care from our Thai staff. Our clinical team is made up of a group of highly trained and unique individuals who work together to each bring a special focus on delivering the best-individualised treatment possible. Each team member is carefully selected to help clients and are all dedicated to helping others achieve lifelong recovery through our programme at The Cabin Chiang Mai, with a specific clinical focus to address addiction, depression, anxiety and trauma.
Clinical Team
Lee Daniel Hawker-Lecesne
Clinical Director AT THE CABIN
MBPsS
British Psychological Society Number: 479469
Lee is a Registered Member of the British Psychological Society. He graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK with a degree in Behavioural Science and a postgraduate clinical focus on addictions from the University of Bath. Lee is a focused and ambitious individual who has in-depth training and experience in a broad range of clinical psychological interventions in the treatment of addiction, dual diagnosis, and complex trauma.
Having worked in the field of addiction for over twenty years, Lee has experience having assessed and treated many clients and families presenting with substance misuse and chemical dependency along with managing and treating trauma. Lee heads the clinical programme for The Cabin and shapes the treatment plan bespoke to individual client needs; so that focused treatment is delivered to address specific individual needs – and thus providing for higher treatment quality that is measurable and progress that is observable to both client and clinician.
Lee’s passion is to provide the best possible clinical quality and experience to ensure that clients have an opportunity to achieve lifelong recovery and are able to be a beacon to others in their lives.
Rob Everitt
LEAD COUNSELLOR
MBABCP
Accreditation Number: 150453
Rob is a very experienced and seasoned therapist. He graduated from Newman University in the UK with a degree in Psychology, and a Master’s from Keele University in Counselling Psychology. Rob has undergone additional specific focus training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and is EMDR level 1-3 certified. Rob is an accredited member of the BABCP in the UK.
Rob has an extensive background in clinical roles within the NHS and has led teams, including IAPT Counsellors and CBT practitioners. His work has been instrumental in substance misuse and addiction services, contributing to programme development and evidence-based practices that empower clients and their families.
Rob is very passionate about his own recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, which is evident in his work with others, in this field. We are happy to have Rob as a key part of our clinical team.
Dr.Saji Joseph
COUNSELLOR
MSW, PhD.
Dr Saji is a trained Clinical Social Worker and a Certified addiction therapist who has worked in multiple international rehabs since 2009 with a strong focus on treating addiction and related psychiatric comorbidities. His PhD work focuses on addiction relapse, and his practice is based on scientific evidence, ethics and compassion. He is a Certified Substance Abuse Therapist (CSAT) Level 3 by the Asia Pacific Certification Board and an International Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP) Level 3 by the Global Centre for Credentialing and Certification.
Saji has successfully treated hundreds of clients internationally and has been instrumental in assisting individuals to recognize their detrimental behaviour patterns and conditions that trigger unwanted emotions. In doing so, he has successfully guided many individuals in treatment and has provided an opportunity for long-term recovery and a new way of living for both them and their loved ones.
Jordan Scott
COUNSELLOR
ADAP Member (Certification 1444)
An accomplished addiction counsellor with a degree from the University of Bath in Science in Addiction Counselling (CATS).
Jordan is a Counsellor who brings a lot of energy to the team and empowers both group and individual counselling sessions with this enthusiasm, making the client experience more satisfying and providing deeper insights for development. He also has a real passion for his own recovery and brings this spirit into the community and believes recovery should be a rewarding experience. Jordan has most recently worked for Sharp Action on Addiction in the UK with a focus on psycho-educational and interpersonal group therapy, and trauma-informed training.
Jordan is keen and active in a variety of sports and maintains a high level of fitness as well as self-care, as these are foundational to having a sound mind and body.
Alvaro Carvalho
COUNSELLOR
Alvaro is an experienced Addiction Counsellor with more than 15 years of experience. He is very calm and approachable and has worked in many different international environments, successfully treating clients from many different backgrounds and respective underlying issues.
Alvaro’s experience has focused intensively on group and individual treatment along with CBT and DBT, clinical applications of motivational strategies, and relapse prevention. He also has experience in managing complex cases and conditions.
Alvaro speaks English, French, and Portuguese fluently and can communicate with clients and other clinicians in these languages.
Stacey Kay
Art Therapist
Stacey serves as a full-time art therapist at The Cabin and is integrated into the Kintsugi trauma-informed programme.
Art Therapy is a key treatment modality that can help clients process events and issues that are often linked to the root cause of trauma. Stacey has an academic background in visual art coupled with several years of experience working as a therapist and group facilitator.
We are happy to have Stacey as part of the team at The Cabin.
Maria Ushakova
Primary Therapist
Maria is an experienced therapist who focuses on The Cabin’s Kintsugi trauma-informed programme. Maria holds a Masters degree in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling from Sheffield University in the UK. She has more than a decade of counselling experience and individually helping with the needs of many clients. Maria also integrates elements of Weltanschauung Therapie (or World Therapy) as part of her counselling sessions with clients.
Maria is a strong proponent of incorporating holistic elements into her work and self-care routine including having regular access to nature and natural environments.
Maria speaks English, French and Russian.
Xzarina Nicholson
Primary Therapist
Xzarina is a seasoned therapist who brings a wealth of experience to The Cabin’s Kintsugi trauma-informed programme. She holds a master’s degree in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology from Liverpool John Moores University in the UK.
As a practitioner and teacher of yoga, Xzarina believes in maintaining a healthy balance of mind-body-spirit and this guides the practice in helping clients who are working through trauma and the specific challenges that require exploration and treatment.
Priyanka Bundhoo
Holistic Practitioner
Priyanka is the holistic practitioner at The Cabin and is fully integrated into the Kintsugi trauma-informed programme. Holistic treatment is an important part of the programme and serves to complement the other clinical treatment modalities that are offered.
Priyanka Bundhoo has served as a stress management and training consultant, and certified life coach in spirituality, trauma & resilience. She has experience in clinical hypnotherapy and is a Master healer in diverse practices of vibrational healing which she discovered through her various training in India and Thailand.
By means of awareness and healing sessions interwoven into mindful experiences, she guides her clients to appreciate and live with life in the present moment.
Outpatient & Aftercare Team
Jordan Paterson
DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT SERVICE
Jordan joins The Cabin with more than a decade of experience working as a Registered Addiction Specialist in New Zealand. He completed a degree in Drug and Alcohol Studies in 2008 and a diploma in Health Psychology in 2005. Jordan has worked extensively with individuals, adolescents, and families in various treatment settings.
Jordan grew up the child of an alcoholic father who eventually died of the illness. This made Jordan acutely aware of the power of addiction and the destruction it can cause. In spite of this, he remains positive and focused on helping his clients see there is hope in recovery. Jordan seeks to understand each client’s unique experiences while helping them to see that they are not alone.
His approach combines evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, leading to many successful long-term recoveries.
Vedanta Attri
HEAD COUNSELLOR
Vedanta Attri, our Head Counsellor, holds a Bachelor of Psychology from James Cook University (Singapore) and a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Adelaide (Australia). Her extensive experience includes working with addicted youth at the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) and Reboot-Wellness in India. Vedanta’s compassionate drive to combat addiction stems from her upbringing in an environment where AA meetings, the serenity prayer, 12-step, and Al-Anon were commonplace.
With a multicultural and eclectic counselling style, Vedanta employs evidence-based tools from attachment theories, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Her approach spans various therapeutic modalities, including Expressive, Jungian, Emotion-focused, and Existential therapies, tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences. Vedanta believes in empowering clients by providing a safe space for healing and finding purpose while managing addiction-related challenges.
Caitlin Bennett
COUNSELLOR
Caitlin holds a BSC in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (Distinction) from the University of Auckland. Her diverse experience spans various settings, including community and prison environments. Caitlin’s journey started in facilitating Men’s Programmes and led her to become passionate about addiction counselling. She worked with The Cabin Singapore while managing her well-being business and eventually transitioned into her role with The Cabin Sydney.
Caitlin strongly believes in an approach that incorporates unconditional positive regard and allows clients to develop the tools and strategies they require to ground and empower them. Caitlin is passionate about tailoring her approach to fit the client and operates in a strengths-based manner. She incorporates various modalities including mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic theory, and motivational interviewing into her practice. Caitlin is conscious of creating a safe space for her clients and encouraging authenticity.
Mark Willett
ADDICTION COUNSELLOR
Mark Willett, an Addiction Counsellor at The Cabin Hong Kong, joined our team in 2019. His role includes admitting clients into rehabilitation and facilitating one-on-one and group counselling sessions. With 15 years of experience in 12-step recovery approaches, Mark incorporates mindfulness and CBT principles into his work, often collaborating with specialist agencies and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providers. He also integrates music therapy principles into his counselling, particularly beneficial for younger clients.
Mark, a registered BACP counsellor, has over 20 years of residency in Hong Kong. His extensive background encompasses a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy from Melbourne Conservatory of Music, a BA in Sociology and Theology from Nottingham, and an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS University of London. With a diverse career spanning instrumental music teaching and social development consulting across Asia, Africa, and Europe, Mark’s expertise enriches his counselling work.
Shane O’ Neill
PRIMARY THERAPIST
Shane is a highly experienced Mental health and Addiction therapist. He holds a Bachelor of Counselling and is a member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Shane’s background as an addiction therapist includes working in private hospital inpatient and outpatient programs, public residential rehabilitation facilities, and private practice. He specialises in working with substance and process addictions, both the issues of the addiction itself, as well as the many underlying issues that can contribute to addiction such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Shane is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), psychoanalytic therapeutic methods, and mindfulness techniques as well as bringing his lived experience to his therapy work. Shane conducts individual, family, and group therapy sessions at The Cabin Australia.
Medical Team
Dr.Paritat Silpakit
PSYCHIATRIST (MEDICAL LICENSE 12373)
Dr. Paritat serves as the Psychiatrist in The Cabin and is recognized as one of the foremost experts on substance addiction in Thailand. He has given several lectures and talks on the subject to an international audience. Dr. Paritat brings more than 30 years of medical knowledge and experience to The Cabin. He connects well with clients from all nationalities and has a very approachable style of engagement.
Boom Siripon
HEAD NURSE
Boom has 15 years of medical experience, including 6 years in senior clinical leadership roles in international rehabilitation centres. She has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science and a diploma in healthcare studies specialising in Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She is also a certified nurse for the treatment of drug and substance problems.
Boom is an inspiring leader and outstanding team player who is kind, compassionate, and helpful to all clients.
Wah Siritorn
Senior Nurse
Nurse Wah is a loving, caring, and compassionate registered nurse with 10 years of experience with clinical competency in nursing practice. She is adept at assessing patients and developing effective care plans. She is dedicated to promoting best practices and supporting long-term recovery.
Nurse Wah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science from Assumption University and a Certificate of Foundation Counselling from the University of the Nation in Switzerland.
Patty Phiangpit
Senior Nurse
Nurse Patty has 11 years of experience working as an operating nurse and holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science from Kuakarun College of Nursing in Bangkok. She has a Certificate in speciality nursing for people with drug and substance problems from the Princess Mother National Institute for Drug Abuse Treatment.
She joins The Cabin with experience in behavioural health nursing, having prior experience within the rehab industry.
Miew Parnmata
Clinical Nurse
Nurse Miew has 5-years of experience working as a practising nurse with prior rehab experience. She also has worked in the accident and emergency department with specific experience in emergency care. She is passionate about helping others and dedicated to delivering holistic and people-centred care.
Miew believes that kindness and empathy are at the heart of providing outstanding care.
Thaya Thayarun
Clinical Nurse
Thaya has 4 years of nursing experience under JCI standards in a specific field of diagnostic and interventional radiology with a year of leadership roles, including international medicine-surgery experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science (Siriraj) with second-degree honours from Mahidol University.
She is a dynamic and detailed person who is dedicated to helping other people, as well as delivering holistic care to all clients.
Support Team
Vinny Innes
SENIOR SUPPORT STAFF
Vinny is one of the longest-serving support workers at The Cabin and a very popular member of the team. He is originally from London, England and has been working and volunteering in Chiang Mai for over six years. He is well-liked by clients for his friendly and laid-back demeanour.
Vinny consistently receives positive feedback and is highly regarded at The Cabin. He hopes to use his experience to progress into a more senior role in the future.
Fitness Instructor Team
Nay Sutee
FITNESS SUPERVISOR
Nay is a senior fitness supervisor at The Cabin. He graduated from Chiang Mai University in Sports Science and has been working as a personal trainer for the last 12 years.
Prior to joining The Cabin, Nay worked at famous fitness clubs in Thailand such as California Wow and Power House Fitness. He specializes in weight training, group exercise, cardio sessions, Muay Thai and body combat. His passion is helping people of all levels improve their fitness and well-being.
Aon Jilayut
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Aon is a part of The fitness team at The Cabin, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Sciences. He has experience in personal training and worked with well-known fitness clubs in Chiang Mai. He is certified in Physical Fitness tests, CPR, and Lifeguard.
He specialises in sports and group exercise and is committed to helping clients achieve a healthy and happy life through exercise.
You won’t find another rehab that takes better care of you than The Cabin
