Team
Our team is made up of compassionate and experienced individuals who are committed to ensuring that you receive the highest level of care and support. Our team will work with you every step of the way to guide you towards a happier and healthier life.
Rebecca Rivera
Operations Director & Founder
Rebecca Rivera is the founder and recovery coach of Sakina, driven by her personal journey of sobriety and recovery from alcohol addiction. Her motivation to create Sakina stemmed from her own experience of having nowhere to turn when she hit rock bottom. Through her years of recovery, Rebecca has gained profound knowledge of the recovery process, understanding the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges that addiction brings.
Rebecca’s firsthand experience with addiction has equipped her with valuable insights into overcoming cravings, managing triggers, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuilding lives and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong support network, practicing self-compassion, and setting achievable goals. Her vision for Sakina is to offer a haven where individuals can feel safe, loved, and supported as they embark on their own paths to recovery.
Dr. Annette Schonder
Program Director & Co-Founder
As the Program Director and Co-Founder of Sakina, Annette brings over 20 years of clinical experience in providing addiction and mental healthcare counseling. In addition to overseeing all program operations, she works directly with clients through one-on-one “talk” sessions and supports families as they navigate the recovery process. Her commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care ensures that every client receives personalized support on their journey to lasting recovery.
Skills and Expertise
Education
Bonita
House Care Coordinator
Bonita is the heart of Sakina’s everyday charm. With her warm smile and attentive nature, she goes above and beyond to maintain a beautiful and serene environment for everyone. Her meticulous care and constant helpfulness make clients and staff feel truly at home. Bonita’s dedication to Sakina shines through in every detail, from the sparkling rooms to the thoughtfully maintained common areas, embodying the compassion and respect that Sakina stands for.
Krishna Priya V K
Clinical Psychologist and Psychometrist
Krishna Priya V K is a distinguished licensed clinical psychologist. Licensed by the Dubai Health Authority and a member of the Association of Allied Health Professionals in Kerala, India, she continues to advance the field of clinical psychology through her dedicated practice, innovative research, and commitment to professional excellence. Krishna Priya remains devoted to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients, blending her clinical expertise with a genuine, human-centered approach to provide compassionate and effective mental health care.
Skills and Expertise
Certifications and Education
Mlungisi Cingo
Mlungisi, also known as MB, has a deep passion for fitness and, through his own personal journey, has recognized the vital role that physical wellness plays in mental health and overall well-being. He guides individuals into regaining their strength and embracing a healthier lifestyle through tailored exercise and nutrition plans. MB has witnessed people surpass their limits, thriving on the empowerment they experience as their health and vitality grows. His compassionate and positive approach inspires clients to continue pushing forward, even in the face of challenges, fostering a true sense of renewal and peace. In his dual role, Mlungisi builds strong, supportive relationships that offer continuous encouragement throughout the recovery journey.
Certifications
Active IQ Level 2 Certification No. 138840
Fitness Instructor
Planning and Instructing Gym-Based Exercises
Client Consultations
Principles of Anatomy Physiology and Fitness
Qualification Accreditation Number 603/2692/X
Ishita Shukla
Workshop Mentor
Ishita Shukla specializes in facilitating personal development workshops, drawing from her deep knowledge in psychology, including Rational Emotive Behavior and Cognitive Behavioral approaches. Her workshops are designed to empower individuals by enhancing cognitive functioning, building resilience, and promoting mental well-being. Ishita provides participants with practical tools to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth in a supportive, non-clinical setting. Her approach is firmly rooted in her academic expertise, offering a strong foundation for personal development and self-improvement.
Skills and Expertise
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT)
- Cognitive Functioning Enhancement
- Mental Health Promotion
- Resilience Building
Certifications and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
- Master’s degree in Psychology
- Advanced REBT Certification (In VIVO, Albert Ellis)
- Massachusetts General Hospital: Advanced Psychotherapy Strategies (CBT, DBT, and Dynamic Concepts for Challenging Cases)
