The people behind the care.

Clinical Director • Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Matthew Maibaum

Dr. Matthew Maibaum is Nova Vitae’s Clinical Director and a licensed California psychologist with decades of professional experience. He has worked with Nova Vitae for over a decade, providing steady clinical leadership and helping shape the compassionate, individualized care at the heart of the program.

In his role as Clinical Director, Dr. Maibaum oversees the clinical team and supports the development, implementation, and ongoing review of each client’s treatment plan. He works collaboratively with therapists, counselors, medical professionals, and support staff to help ensure that care remains coordinated, clinically appropriate, and responsive to each person’s needs.

Dr. Maibaum is involved in clinical evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, progress monitoring, and education for clients and their families. He also helps identify when additional medical or community-based services may be beneficial and supports thoughtful coordination across disciplines.

Known for his experience, professionalism, and calm approach, Dr. Maibaum is committed to maintaining high standards of care while creating an environment in which clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout recovery.

Therapist Supervisor • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Jamila Charles-Cometa, LMFT

Jamila Charles-Cometa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Therapist Supervisor at Nova Vitae. With more than 16 years of experience serving adults, adolescents, children, and families, she brings extensive clinical knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and a deeply person-centered approach to substance use and mental health treatment.

Throughout her career, Jamila has provided and overseen care in detoxification, residential treatment, community mental health, school-based programs, and correctional settings. Her experience includes comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, family and collateral sessions, crisis response, discharge planning, and collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams.

As Therapist Supervisor, Jamila supports Nova Vitae’s clinical team in delivering ethical, coordinated, and individualized care. She helps guide clinical services, reviews client progress and treatment needs, promotes strong documentation practices, and encourages collaboration across therapy, medical, and case-management services so clients receive consistent support throughout their recovery.

Jamila is trained in evidence-based approaches including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, and the Positive Parenting Program. She values cultural humility and adapts treatment to each client’s background, strengths, circumstances, and goals.

Warm, adaptable, and collaborative, Jamila works to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and encouraged to become active participants in their healing. Her commitment to compassionate supervision helps both clients and clinicians grow with greater confidence, stability, and hope.

Administrator

Alex Yadegar

As Administrator of Nova Vitae, Alex Yadegar oversees the organization’s daily operations and works closely with the clinical and administrative teams to ensure clients receive coordinated, compassionate, and dependable support.

He assists clients with nonclinical case management needs, including coordinating appointments, connecting them with community resources, arranging transportation, addressing insurance-related concerns, and supporting discharge and aftercare planning.

Alex is committed to creating a welcoming environment where every client feels respected, supported, and connected to the resources needed for lasting recovery.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Sarah Reckley, AMFT

Sarah Reckley is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a graduate of Pepperdine University. She brings years of experience supporting individuals facing substance use concerns, mental health challenges, and the complex emotional experiences that often accompany the recovery process.

Sarah approaches therapy with warmth, patience, and genuine compassion. She works to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves, developing insight, and building practical skills that support meaningful and lasting change.

Known for her kindness, attentiveness, and dependable support, Sarah meets each client with respect and care. Her thoughtful, person-centered approach helps clients recognize their strengths, work through challenges, and move forward with greater confidence, stability, and hope.