
Who We Are
We are a team of clinical experts who are passionate about helping teens get back on track. Our years of experience in teen addiction treatment, mental health care, behavioral health, and neuropsychology empower members of Ground Up to transform your child’s life.
Meet our
Staff

Experts and Difference-Makers
Ground Up is based on The Roman Forum: an ancient historical site in the center of Rome, Italy. This was the location for important communal activities, like triumphal processions, religious ceremonies, and social events. We hope for our practice to serve the same purpose; we have built a gathering place for young people to recover.
Our methods promote five pillars of health: emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and environmental. Led by Dr. Joanna Savarese, Ground Up seeks to meet the diverse needs of San Diego adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Scroll down to get to know our team.

Dr. Joanna Savarese, PhD
Executive Director / Founder

Dr. Joanna Savarese, PhD
Executive Director / Founder
Neuropsychologist & Licensed Clinical Psychologist - PSY24973
Joanna Savarese, Ph.D. is the Founder and Clinical Director of San Diego BrainWorks and The Forum at San Diego BrainWorks. She is also the President of the San Diego Psychological Association and her platform is centered around normalizing mental health. Dr. Savarese is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist who has specific focus in adolescent treatment and neuropsychological, psychoeducational, and psychological assessment. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults providing both neuropsychological assessments and psychotherapeutic treatment. She has worked with various clinical populations including Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Personality Disorders, LGBTQ, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia. Dr. Savarese is passionate about individuals receiving the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Savarese has more than 17 years of graduate and post-graduate experience in the field of psychology, neuropsychology, and assessment. She has also been teaching at the college level for more than a decade and lectures in the community on topics such as: Understanding Neuropsychological Evaluations, Learning and the Brain, and Building a Positive Relationship with your Child. She has appeared on ESPN radio, NBC News San Diego, and has written articles for Parenting Magazine. She also wrote several features for the textbook The Neuroscience of Learning: Principles and Applications for Educators (2014).

Zevi New
Passionate Advocate

Zevi New
Passionate Advocate
Zevi New is a passionate advocate for youth mental health and development, with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a deep commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered. As the founder of multiple youth movements, he has been leading efforts since 2012 to help teens build resilience, belonging, and leadership skills.
At the heart of everything he does is social connection, a core tenet of Zevi’s life philosophy. Whether mentoring teens, leading community initiatives, or simply showing up with authenticity, Zevi believes that sustained healing is possible. A devoted teen parent, Zevi brings both personal insight and professional expertise to his work. Since planting roots in San Diego in 2012, he has built a life grounded in purpose, connection, and adventure with his wife and their growing family. He’s a proud “cycleholic”, often chasing the thrill of the open road on two wheels. He’s also an avid roadtripper who finds renewal in nature and peace in the ocean.