MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

David is the Chairman of The Evergreen Fund, a 501c3 charitable organization focused on advancing superior, bespoke, treatment solutions and the CEO US Safeguards, a public benefit company focused on preventing overdose deaths. David is an American business leader and advisor with a global footprint amassing experience in 156 countries spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, The Americas, China, and The Asia Pacific Rim. Renowned for his ability to conceive and execute successful strategies on a worldwide scale, David's expertise transcends industries and continents. A former Chairman & CEO in commercial banking, investment banking, and private equity, David is a seasoned expert in steering and advising intricate initiatives. His capabilities encompass a spectrum of areas, including growth strategy and implementation, regional and global business expansion, mergers, acquisitions, and integrations, government initiatives, portfolio company optimization, enterprise transformation, improved efficiency projects, technical and operational projects, new business development, and due diligence. Having held C-Suite and board roles in financial institutions, managed private equity portfolio companies across diverse sectors including healthcare, hospitality, energy, and infrastructure. In the Middle East and North Africa, David oversaw 117 financial service companies in 22 countries. He served as Chairman of the investment committee and directed the family office for the Al Sabah Family, the ruling family of Kuwait, during his tenure with KIPCO. David holds an MBA from The Johnson School at Cornell University and a BA in Economics from The University of Rochester.

Michael has co-founded, lead and helped build several companies designed to help provide support to those in need and reduce or remove barriers to entry and hurdles across socio-economic borders.  He is part of the team currently creating cloud and wearable device technology designed to unlock the secrets to overdose prevention while also leading to better recovery outcomes through the use of a robust suite of miniaturized biometric sensing tools.  He reimagined philanthropy using social networks, blockchain technology and digital currencies and improved the availability of credit to underserved and disenfranchised demographics.  Prior to that Michael co-founded and built the first social network for the U.S. Hispanic community that culminated in a highly successful IPO and as CFO also led a successful public offering of an international clothing manufacturer that was subsequently listed in Time Magazine as one of the nations Top-10 fastest growing companies. Michael is part of the company's business and corporate strategy team and leads the corporate treasury, finance, accounting and FP&A teams. Michael holds a B.A. in Economics from UCLA and an M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management. He is an active California licensed CPA , a Chartered Global Management Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Bernadine Fried's unwavering commitment to her clients and extensive training and experience with trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, and substance use make her one of the most respected and sought-after professionals in her field. Early in her career, she recognized the connection between trauma, substance use, and other mental health disorders, leading her to co-found Evergreen Fund to not only build a better future for those suffering but also to have a place to provide elite, comprehensive, wrap-around services for her higher-acuity clients in Hollywood. Ms. Fried is a life-long learner receiving specialized training and certifications in trauma-informed care, AEDP, IFS, EMDR, and recently from the Psychedelic Somatic Institute. Her private practice and her work at Evergreen Fund integrate the most cutting-edge, attachment-focused, evidence-based techniques, bringing renewed hope to patients who often find little relief elsewhere. Bernadine Fried doesn’t just treat symptoms; she aims to transform lives. Her private practice and the work she does through Evergreen Fund creates a sanctuary for healing and a gateway to a new beginning.

Gilan (Gigi) Killebrew is Chief Operating Officer at Evergreeen Fund. She obtained a B.A. In Global Studies and a B.S. in Psychology & Brain Sciences from University of California Santa Barbara. She has helped to develop the Evergreen Fund Program and continues to be a key player in the development of the team and the resources we provide. Gigi is from California but has found herself living in Melbourne, Australia while studying Psychology and interning at the Social Footprint Index. She then moved to Thailand and became a certified Yoga Teacher. After this she moved to Geneva, Switzerland to study International Human Rights Law and obtained an internship at the Human Rights Watch NGO. Gigi graduated from UCSB in 2021 and since has moved to LA to working at Evergreeen Fund. Since she joined the team Gigi has helped develop our Detox & Residential Program, IOP Telehealth Program, and obtained JCAHO Certification for our Detox & Residential Facility. She has continuously worked in all departments including Business' Development, Marketing, Program Development, Leadership, Human Resources, Compliance and Clinical.

Matthew Meakin is the Chief Technology Officer at the Evergreen Fund, where he leads the charge in technology and innovation. With years of international diplomacy and a wealth of experience, Matthew brings a unique blend of wisdom and insight to his role, enriched by his personal journey of recovery. Driven by a quest for deeper knowledge and meaning, Matthew has traveled the world, gaining a profound understanding of alternative modalities for healing trauma and substance abuse. This journey has significantly influenced his approach to technology and program development at Evergreen Fund. Matthew's innovative perspective has led to the founding of several successful projects in the Health and Wellness sector. Notable among these are Mitra Wellness, a concierge detoxification immersive, and OverdoseLA, a community-focused harm reduction, education, and outreach platform. In addition to his work at the Evergreen Fund, Matthew serves on the Board of Directors at the Bitcoin on Base Foundation, a leading organization in the cryptocurrency space. His expertise in technology and innovation is instrumental in guiding the foundation's strategic initiatives as well as collaboration with the Evergreen Fund. His dedication to integrating technology with holistic healing methods has made a significant impact, helping countless individuals on their paths to recovery. Matthew's leadership continues to inspire and drive transformative change within the industry.

Charles has spent the last ten years working as a Registered Addiction Specialist in the addiction, mental health, and wellness industry. He has held various positions which gave him a unique and holistic view of substance abuse and mental health treatment including: Resident Manager at Promises Treatment Center, Recovery Coach at Reconnect Trauma Center, Group Facilitator, Sober Companion, Case Manager, Recovery & Life Coach, Sober Living Program Manager, and Meditation Mentor. Applying his training in addiction counseling, DBT Skills, Motivational Interviewing, Vipassana Meditation, Core Values, and Goal Setting, as well as his personal recovery experience, Charles has developed a philosophy of connection vs. control in working one on one with clients. He believes that providing a safe, reliable, and secure base affords the most effective opportunity to support clients on their path toward self-actualization. Charles took on the role of Program Director at Evergreeen Fund in October of 2022, focusing on maintaining the values of Community, Secure Attachment, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Individualized Support while solidifying systems regarding facilities, staffing, clinical programming, and meaningful interventions.

Vikain is an experienced guide in transformation and healing and for many years has specialized in supporting individuals recovering from addiction to reimagine and rebuild their future. It was this experience that brought Vikain to Evergreen Fund to lead the program in building the Evergreen Fund International Center. With over a decade of leading spiritual journeys, he harmonizes nature, sound therapy, and indigenous wisdom for a transformative approach. Emphasizing each individual's transcendent potential, Vikain integrates mindfulness, meditation, and root cause exploration beyond traditional therapy. Collaborating with a network of wellness professionals at the top of their field, through Evergreen Fund, he offers a comprehensive, holistic approach recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. His work showcases the transformative power of heart energy, trust, and forgiveness, guiding individuals on a journey from the mind to the heart.

Hanouf is an LMFT in California and a Licensed Senior Specialist in Clinical Psychology in Saudi Arabia, providing online therapy for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individual adults residing in California and Saudi Arabia. She holds dual credentials in California (LMFT License No. 123060) and a Licensed Senior Specialist in Clinical Psychology in Saudi Arabia (Profile No. 20165281), She possesses the expertise and qualifications to assist clients both domestic and international in achieving their objectives. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, she uses personalized therapeutic approaches that are specifically designed to meet the individualized needs and objectives of each client. Prior to working with the Evergreen fund and in private practice, she worked with children and adults living with different mental health disorders due to childhood and adulthood trauma, among other life stressors. This gave her extensive experience in working with diverse populations and utilizing a variety of treatments. Part of my specialized background includes helping clients heal from the trauma of domestic violence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. I also assist clients in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and codependency. As a whole, her therapeutic approaches are client-centered, using personalized treatments based on my clients’ individual needs and goals. Aside from the Evergreen Fund and her clinical work, she actively raises mental health awareness in the community through publishing newspaper articles and hosting digital workshops/talks. Additionally, my practice is infused with cultural sensitivity and cultural competency, developed through years of practice in California and the Middle East.