In 2019, Derek du Chesne faced a pivotal moment in his life, battling deep depression and suicidal thoughts. After exhausting traditional therapies and medications that weren't effective, he reluctantly tried ketamine therapy. This decision marked not just a turning point but a profound transformation, altering his outlook and igniting a passionate mission. Derek's transformation from suicidal to a newfound sense of connection. Motivated by his life-changing experience, Derek sought collaboration with renowned clinicians from Stanford’s Psychedelic Science Center and Depression Research Clinic. His commitment and dedication led him to join forces in 2021 with leading experts in psychiatric and psychedelic medicine, to create Better U. Reflecting on his journey, Derek shares, 'That initial session was the single most profound moment in my life. For months it had felt like I was drowning, and I felt hopeless and powerless. I went from overwhelming despair to rejuvenation and optimism.. At my most vulnerable, psychedelic therapy was the unexpected lifeline that not only saved me but also set me on a new path. Wanting to help others facing similar challenges, Derek established Better U with a clear vision: to make breakthrough treatments widely accessible, complemented by thorough support and preparation. Better U transcends the traditional wellness company model, fostering a community where diverse professionals and healers converge. This dynamic team, including esteemed doctors from Harvard, holistic healers, creative artists, all who have personal connection to the medicine and helping others find healing - to unite under a shared goal—to revolutionize mental wellness. Better U is a living embodiment of Derek's dedication to enhancing mental health care. The organization prioritizes personalized, innovative holistic treatments, aiming to elevate overall well-being and empower individuals. Merging professional expertise with genuine compassion, Better U goes beyond addressing symptoms, focusing on nurturing each individual's journey toward self-love and realizing their full potential. Here, healing and transformation are more than aspirations—they are tangible outcomes, reshaping lives with every session. Beyond his impactful work in mental wellness, Derek also dedicates time to another passion: animal welfare. He volunteers at Animal Tracks Inc., a wildlife sanctuary, blending his love for animals with a commitment to conservation.
Dr. Zaid Fadul, the Medical Director at Better U, is an esteemed leader with a Medical Doctorate from Ross University School of Medicine and further education from Harvard University and Georgetown University. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Better U. Dr. Fadul's remarkable journey includes serving as a Flight Surgeon in the US Air Force, where his skills in aeronautic and wilderness medicine are invaluable. This role, coupled with his extensive clinical experience across various medical settings, underscores his multifaceted proficiency and dedication to excellence in healthcare. His clinical acumen extends to managing inpatient care and ICU operations at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and he has played a key role in developing outpatient addiction medicine clinics. Board Certified in Family Practice and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Fadul is also an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in Arabic, he has contributed to international medical missions, reflecting his commitment to global health. At Better U, Dr. Fadul is revered for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. His diverse experience and passion for medicine make him a cornerstone of the Better U team, ensuring the highest quality of care for every patient.
Dr. J, also known as Dr. Jedi, a native of Southern California, embarked on her journey in self development at a young age. Following a soul-searching retreat in Palm Desert in 2005, she discovered her calling in therapy and coaching. At just 18, she committed herself to becoming a certified life coach, igniting her passion for helping others achieve healing. Driven by her dedication to transformative experiences, Dr. J pursued advanced certification as an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master practitioner and trainer, expanding her expertise in coaching methodologies. Continuing her quest for knowledge, Dr. J obtained dual doctorate degrees in clinical hypnotherapy and parapsychology, utilizing hypnosis and psychotherapeutic systems to aid clients in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth and healing. Dr. J's influence extends beyond her own practice, as the coaching program for NLP.com was modeled after her exemplary research and approach to NLP methodology. Today, her commitment to the personal and professional development is evident as she integrates her expertise in various integrative therapeutic modalities to empower her clients and facilitate profound healing transformations.
Johnathan Edwards is a medical doctor, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. He is the author of The Revolutionary Ketamine, a book about stopping suicide. He also wrote Beating Pain – Percutaneous Hydrotomy: A Revolutionary Approach to Stopping Chronic Pain, COVID-19, Ketamine & Suicide, The Art & Science of the Marathon, and Chasing Dakar. Johnathan is a world traveler and writes for Road Bike Action magazine and a small army of remarkable people at JohnathanEdwardsMD.com. He’s called upon to consult with some of the world’s finest athletes and Fortune 500 CEOs. He divides his time between Provence, France, and Florida with his family and their Boston Terrier, Lulu.
Lindsay has been a Physician Assistant since 2015 after graduating from South University in Savannah, Georgia. She has experience in Primary Care, Urgent Care, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry. She spent her undergraduate years playing soccer at the University of Florida. While there, she made the academic honor roll all 4 years. She also won 3 Southeastern Conference Championships. Lindsay is passionate about traveling, music, friends, flag football, her partner, and her pets. She has found great fulfillment treating patients in Psychiatry.
I am a registered nurse originally from Dallas Texas, but I live on an island of Panama currently. You can usually find me at the beach with my dog, hiking, paddle boarding, or on the sand volleyball court. I believe that mental wellness is important and takes work, and I am happy to help others along their psychedelic journey.
Zishan Majeed is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in the state of Florida. Zishan has experience working with adults who are experiencing chronic anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, eating disorders, OCD, parenting difficulties, low self-esteem, and more. Zishan offers medication management services in English, Hindi, and Urdu. Zishan earned his Master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. While continuing his education, Zishan began working as a clinician for Jackson Health Systems (JHS) and the University of Miami’s Neuroscience Department. Being part of JHS and Miami's Neurology and Neuro-Science department gave Zishan the foundation and building blocks of what would later guide him into the field of psychiatry. Zishan aims to help break down the barriers created by stigma, providing the help you need without judgment or negative feedback. Zishan’s attentiveness and passion lead him to provide care by using a collaborative and holistic approach to address biological, psychological, and social factors that impact a client’s health. Zishan believes that one of the most crucial factors in being an effective Advanced Practice Nurse is to promote hope in individuals and families with mental health conditions, instilling self-responsibility and empowerment. With his emphasis on hope, he'll partner together with you to create the life you value and desire. Work with Zishan—you'll receive his professional assistance opening new doors that lead to healthier relationships and life goals.
Hi, my name is Hannah Gantt and I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina but have lived in Los Angeles for almost 6 years now. I have always been interested in mental health, and grew up learning a lot about it as both my mother and sister are mental health counselors. I completed my undergraduate degree at USC and I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. I have gained experience in life coaching and counseling throughout the years and I have seen ketamine therapy be extremely beneficial to many people I have worked with. I am a big advocate for wellness of all forms, including physical exercise, the foods we eat, and self care. I myself find happiness in hiking, rock climbing, going on walks, cooking healthy meals, journaling, and meditating.
Dorea has practiced in the alternative medicine field since 2000, the cannabis arena since 2015 and most recently working with BetterU since 2021 to help educate others about the benefits of ketamine and how this medicine can help with mental wellness issues like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Dorea is passionate about helping others find tools to help them feel better, the outdoors, traveling, and being with family. Dorea lives with her husband and two teen daughters on a ranch in Northern Nevada where she enjoys gardening, mountain biking, backpacking, yoga/meditation practice, and playing tennis with her family.
Brenton is a Veteran and graduate of the UW Seattle Physician Assistant program and has been practicing since 2017. He is experienced in Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry with a focus on Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. During his time in service he deployed three times and saw firsthand, both in himself and his closest friends, the acute effects of Combat and Operational Stress Reactions as well as the long term impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. "I have a deep passion for Psychedelic therapy, and I am excited to be a part of the team that is hard at work to increase it's accessibility for those who are hurting and in need."
Kyle has been a plant-based alternative medicine enthusiast and functional medicine practitioner since 2014 and a Psychedelic advocate since around 2019. My journey in medicine started in 2012 with pediatric home health services and quickly navigated into managing a compounding pharmacy and medical equipment supplier. This experience led me to functional medicine where I founded Trokie and the Patient Care Clinic to educate people about the benefits of plant-based and functional medicine to help treat root causes rather than just apply band-aids. This way of thinking has led me to where we are today, leading a team to change the way people perceive mental health and psychedelic therapy. I have always had a passion to improve the quality of people’s lives and Better U gives me the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day. I live in Long Beach CA with my wife, 2 kids, and Thor my boxer/lab. My hobbies are anything outdoorsy and sports related. I spend my free time at the beach, the park, the pool or gardening. I’m a foodie and a sourdough bread fanatic.
Megan brings her varied and unique work experience in the field of customer relations to compassionately partner alongside each client to help guide and support them towards the betterment of their individual mental health journey. After struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, Megan is excited to be able to help others along their healing journey. With Megan’s integration skills as well, she provides customized support programs to each clients specific needs to seek the improvement of the overall quality of their lives.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. I used to be a scholar athlete in high school and college where I was a health science major. I now live with my boyfriend and our Pitbull, Blue. During my free time, I like to spend time with my family and goddaughters, take my dog to the park and play softball with friends. As an athlete my whole life, especially throughout college, mental health became very important to me. Now I get to spend every day working with a team that helps other people with their mental health journey.
Josh Rose is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Trauma Informed Psychedelic Integration Guide & Breathwork Practitioner currently based out of Orlando, FL. After suffering with anxiety, depression, addiction & chronic pain for a majority of his life; he began a journey 10 years ago to take his health, happiness & healing into his own hands. Psychedelics have played a major role in kickstarting his healing journey, very quickly helping him breakthrough negative patterns & beliefs, cultivate inner peace and connect his deeper purpose in life. Josh began his coaching journey as a Personal Trainer & Health Coach, using movement & nutrition to help people transform their bodies. But after 6 years of training people on the physical level, he realized that true transformation happens from the inside out. At this point, Josh continued his journey & studied everything he could about the human condition, an made it his life’s work and personal practice to heal himself, master his mind, optimize his health, and ultimately empower as many people as possible to do the same. Josh personally finds joy spending time in nature, writing, going to music festivals, reading books on spirituality & philosophy, sitting around a bonfire having great conversations with friends & watching movies.
Thea’s interest in integrative medicine and professional experience covers many modalities focused on self-work and educational pursuits to find what is effective for individuals looking to address the root cause of their challenges and process complex mental and emotional wounding. Her educational training includes a doctorate in naturopathy with a focus on mind-body medicine, a massage therapy license, and various modalities supporting the healing journey through in-depth transformational techniques. Her approach to growth is rooted in showing up for yourself and putting in the effort to meet your care team halfway by creating self-acceptance through a gentle and consistent willingness to learn and expand. Ketamine therapy has been transformational in her journey. She lights up when given the opportunity to connect with others and share her knowledge of resources and techniques to help facilitate their own healing experience through holistic experiences like immersive retreats and holding space for others daily through integration support. In her spare time, you can find Thea investing in her own self-care and growth, exercising or exploring outdoors, cooking, traveling in her Skoolie, and enjoying creative outlets.
Hi, I’m Cathy Cieri My role at Better U is that of Support Specialist & Integration Guide. I’m originally from San Diego, CA, and have lived in Las Vegas since the end of 2018. I moved here after a 3-year adventure living in Ecuador. I am a former business owner and have worked in the legal and accounting fields for many years. I am currently a Senior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where I am earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Addiction treatment. I am a trained and certified Wellness Coach. I have victory over moderate/severe PTSD resulting from a near-death accident. I’m 55 years old and have a lifetime of experience to draw upon to help clients navigate challenges and celebrate breakthroughs as they move through the program with us at Better U. Travel is a long-time passion and I have visited 26 countries and 18 of the United States. I feel that travel changes us and pushes us to grow and expand in ways that we can not anticipate. Experiencing different cultures, traditions, and languages helps us to be more compassionate towards others while also learning to appreciate all the wonderful things about our own cultures and countries of origin.