For Treatment or Information Please Call (619) 294-4526
Meet Our Team
David Seligman
Executive Director
I am the Executive Director of New Entra Casa. My own personal struggles with addiction inspired me to enter the treatment field and help others find hope and lasting recovery. I began my career in 2010 as a behavioral health technician with a private insurance treatment provider and transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2020.
With a professional background in business management and financial services, I bring both lived experience and organizational leadership to my role. I am proud to lead a compassionate team dedicated to providing women with a safe, supportive environment in which to heal, build stability, and discover their own safe harbor from a restless sea.
Ryann Townson, LMFT
Program Manager
Provides clinical and administrative oversight of the residential treatment program and supports day-to-day program operations.
Supervises clinical staff and facilitates treatment team coordination to promote consistent, client-centered care.
Oversees admissions tracking, clinical documentation, and SmartCare workflows, with a focus on documentation quality and compliance.
Supports individualized treatment planning, level-of-care review, care coordination, and discharge planning.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), provides clinical guidance for complex client needs and helps ensure services remain aligned with program, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
Michelle Pent, MD, MPH
Medical Director
Dr. Pent has served as the medical director for New Entra Casa since July 1, 2019. She trained in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and is board certified in psychiatry and in addiction medicine. Dr. Pent has practiced in California since 2012 and has worked in inpatient, residential, IOP, PHP and outpatient settings treating addictions and patients with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Julie Herrera, CADC-lll
SUD Counselor
Born in San Diego, CA • Graduated HS in 1984 • BA in Sociology, Norfolk State University • Retired, Virginia Department of Corrections
“I joined this field to lead others out of a stormy sea of bad choices, bad characteristics, drug and alcohol addiction to the life of light, hope and recovery.”
Juanita Sams, CATC-ll
SUD Counselor
“Being a counselor is the best experience of ALL I have experienced. It is truly fulfilling to be of service and support individuals during the most vulnerable time of their lives. Working as a counselor, I found to be my purpose on this planet. I never feel like I am at work.”
Collette Brown-Smith, RADT-l
SUD Counselor
Currently pursuing her certification and completing her schooling to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
“I enjoy working in this field because it allows me to help people through their personal challenges as well as witnessing their growth and resilience.”
Charles Townsend, CADC-l
SUD Counselor
Staff Member Bio Coming Soon
Billy Turner, CATC-l
SUD Counselor
Billy Turner is a dedicated Substance Use Disorder Counselor at New Entra Casa in San Diego, California. With a passion for helping individuals overcome addiction and build meaningful lives in recovery, Billy approaches his work with compassion, empathy, accountability, and a strong belief in each person's capacity for change.
Billy utilizes Motivational Interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques, and a trauma-informed approach to support individuals throughout their recovery journey. He believes in meeting people where they are, encouraging personal growth, and helping clients develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve lasting recovery.
Committed to continued education and professional development, Billy is pursuing his academic goals in psychology, with aspirations of earning a master's degree and becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), specializing in addiction and mental health treatment.
Outside of work, Billy enjoys spending time with his dog, Charlie, gardening, and exploring the hiking trails throughout San Diego. An avid endurance athlete, some of his proudest accomplishments include completing marathons and cycling from Los Angeles to San Francisco in the AIDS Ride, an experience that reflects his determination, perseverance, and commitment to meaningful causes.
Billy lives by the Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." This philosophy guides both his personal life and professional practice, reinforcing his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.
“I work in the field of addiction counseling because I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, regardless of their past. I believe people have the ability to change, grow, and rebuild their lives. Being part of someone's journey toward recovery and helping them recognize their own potential is what makes this work meaningful to me.”