Transitional Living Archives

Jessie Patterson

Jessie is a mentor at Mare’s House with a passion for helping individuals on their journey to recovery. Originally from Montana, she moved to Southern California and faced her own battles with addiction. Through attending various programs, Jessie successfully navigated her own recovery and has been working in the treatment field for the past 7 years. As a Registered Drug/Alcohol Technician (RADT) who is also certified in intervention training, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

In addition to her professional work, Jessie is actively involved in a North County fellowship that organizes free weekend activities for people in recovery, including pickleball, hot yoga, and volleyball. She firmly believes in the power of community and the importance of engaging in enjoyable and social events that support sobriety.

Jessie understands the impact of trauma firsthand, as she is a survivor herself. This personal experience allows her to connect deeply with women facing their own struggles and provide them with empathetic support. From an early age, Jessie has known that her purpose in life is to help others, and she finds fulfillment in assisting the residents at Mare’s House in their recovery journeys.

Dominique Moore

Mentor

As someone in recovery and a Mare’s House program alum, Dominique uses her experience and training to mentor young women who have committed to sober living. Dominique spent years struggling to maintain her sobriety and moving through numerous treatment programs. Her success in recovery finally came after spending three months in a wilderness rehab, followed by a stay at Mare’s House. Within six months, she was solid in her recovery and ready for independent living. Two years later, she returned to Mare’s House with a RADT certification and an associate’s degree in criminal justice to serve as a mentor in the transitional living home that she credits with saving her life. Dominique has found her passion and hopes to further develop her training and certifications to build a career in the treatment and addiction fields.

Christina Janson

Case Manager

Christina is a Southern California native and passionate advocate for women in recovery. After entering recovery for her own addiction struggles, Christina realized that she wanted to work in treatment. She is a certified Registered Alcohol/Drug Technician (RADT) and is studying to fulfill all requirements to get her CADC. Christina loves helping other women overcome the struggles and obstacles that she has experienced first-hand and is committed to being a source of support for women working toward success in the recovery journey.

Morgan Marshall

Case Manager

Morgan has been working in substance use and addiction treatment facilities for over 2 years now. She is passionate about the recovery community and a strong advocate for mental health. She has experience with multiple levels of care, including inpatient detox, residential and transitional living. Morgan is in the process of completing her BA at San Diego State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Counseling and Social Change. She has aspirations to complete graduate school and become a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-related stress disorders in the hopes of better helping her community.

Alana Hecker

Therapist

Alana Hecker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist with over 30 years of experience and specialized training in treating addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, and codependent relationships. Her formal education includes degrees with Honors in Psychology and Social Work. Alana’s healing approach is founded in the marriage of compassion and evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. She is committed to finding effective strategies that are empowering and promote self-compassion. Alana is passionate about challenging limiting beliefs while nurturing the client’s unique strengths and competencies. An important measure of success in the therapeutic alliance will be how value and meaning drive each individual, coupled with the ability to embrace the expression of your authentic self.

Alana currently manages a full-time private practice and also has diverse experience, including residential and outpatient treatment for complex co-occurring disorders, hospital social work experience supporting medical-surgical, psychiatric, and PTSD units, the development and implementation of strategies for preventing Workplace Violence within a Fortune 500 corporation, and Integrative Yoga Therapy aimed at reducing anxiety and other symptoms of trauma. Alana is dedicated to her own continued personal growth and development and believes this is essential in being able to meet clients with the openness and clarity needed for healing.

Natalie Nibler

Therapist

Natalie Nibler is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 6394) in the State of California with more than eight years’ experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. She has worked in both inpatient and residential treatment facilities for adults and adolescents, providing individual, family and group therapy services. Her specialized training includes crisis intervention, dual diagnosis, addiction treatment, and trauma work. In addition to her work with Mare’s House, Natalie is also a member of the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT Clinician), where she responds to mental health crises alongside San Diego Police.

Natalie has experience working with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders, mood disorders (depression and bipolar), autism spectrum, dual diagnosis, adoption/foster care (adjustment/attachment disorders), military/first responders, couples therapy and trauma-oriented psychotherapy.

Passionate about continued personal and professional growth, Natalie regularly completes advanced clinical training. She has received training in the following evidence-based practice therapy models: acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused, strength-based, dialectical behavioral, cognitive behavioral, trauma-informed care, and trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy.

Natalie holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Western Oregon University and a master of arts degree in counseling psychology with a focus on organizational consulting from Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Jeanette Simoes

Case Manager

For almost a decade, Jeanette has worked in the fields of mental health and substance use disorder. She is currently studying toward her Certified Alcohol Drug Counseling certification (CADC-1) and the nationally-recognized Certified Intervention Professional certificate (CIP). As a member of the Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment (WAAT), Jeanette stays constantly informed on new developments in the field. She enjoys using her training and personal experience to encourage women and guide them toward a fulfilled life in recovery.

Keri Fowler

Business Development & Outreach

In 2013, Keri began her addiction treatment career here in Southern California, working with young adults and adolescents first as an overnight staff member and then as a case manager/program director. Trained and experienced in safe passage and sober companioning, Keri has a unique ability to be both a comforting presence and an authoritative figure. Her focus is on the long-term well-being of clients and the reinforcement of acquired tools and skills. She most appreciates the aspects of her job that allow her work directly with her clients and serve as an additional support for them while they grow in their independence.

Keri holds CADC-1 and Recovery Specialist Certifications, and is a Certified ARISE Interventionist. While not at work, she enjoys discovering all that the outdoors has to offer and living a very active, healthy lifestyle with her Australian Shepherd, Teton.

Jenny Insixiengmay

Business Manager

Jenny has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia State University and has worked in varying accounting and office administration roles for many years. She further received her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University and received extensive clinical training at Sharp Mesa Vista Trauma IOP program for her practicum experience. She is working towards her licensure as a future marriage and family therapist. As a volunteer advocate for domestic violence victims, Jenny has seen first-hand the consequences that often accompany addiction and trauma. She combines mindfulness, recovery experience and meditation practices with her work at The Grounds making sure that our systems are organized, efficient and aligned with the industry’s highest best practices.

Kelly Fitzpatrick

Mentor

Kelly Fitzpatrick is a mentor to the residents of Mare’s House in La Jolla. She was born and raised In San Diego where she attended Cathedral Catholic High School. Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in social work and industrial and organizational psychology from San Diego State University. She finds fulfillment in helping others overcome obstacles in their recovery from drugs and alcohol—and in life. Realizing how important it is to provide a sounding board for young adults as they make formative decisions, Kelly enjoys listening to them and offering useful advice when appropriate. She believes that the experience of collaborating and sharing life experiences can help shape us into the people we want to be.

Kerissa Jones

Mentor

Kerissa moved to San Diego from Phoenix, Arizona after an ugly battle with addiction. After completing treatment, she immediately immersed herself in all things recovery, and built a strong foundation in Narcotics Anonymous. Kerissa has a strong passion for helping others in the program and sharing her experience, strength, and hope. She is involved in community service and is studying for an associate’s degree.

Annette Malveaux-Smith

Mentor

Annette is committed to uplifting others and building positive communities. Having worked in counseling for twenty-plus years, she has found that working with adolescents and young adults is most rewarding. She believes in paying it forward, and finds success in helping others embrace change, seek happiness, and live healthy lives.

Holly Beck

Surf Therapy Instructor

Former professional surfer, Holly Beck spent eleven years living in Central America running women’s surf and yoga retreats. She identified the ways that time spent in the ocean while learning to surf led to increased positivity, feelings of mastery, and empowerment in participants. After she lost a sister to a drug overdose in 2019, she was motivated to learn more about mental health and is currently a masters’ of counseling student. As an intern at Groundswell Community Project she is currently engaged in developing surf therapy programs in San Diego and Orange County. The ocean has been her place of healing and she is thrilled to have the chance to inspire others.

Dawna Gonzales

Women’s Self-Defense Coach

Dawna Gonzales is a black belt in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu and Certified Life Coach. She co-founded 10th Planet Women’s Self Defense in 2016 with the mission to empower all women to feel stronger, safer and more confident in their bodies. She travels nationwide teaching self-defense seminars, certifies other coaches and is currently heading up an initiative to provide martial arts training for women who are survivors of violence.

Beck Jolly

Counselor

Beck is a certified substance use disorder counselor. He has several years of experience working at a residential treatment facility with clients who have severe substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. Throughout his recovery journey, Beck has found that the 12-Steps, social connections, discipline, humility, and physical fitness are essential to sobriety. Beck facilitates the “Women Empowered“ group at Mare’s House. The group focuses on building strength, improving physical conditioning, and learning self-defense techniques.

Michael Kornberg

Psychiatrist

Michael Kornberg, M.D. is a graduate of The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Dr. Kornberg completed his internship and residency in general psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore in the Bronx, New York. He returned to San Diego to complete his training in child and adolescent psychiatry at UCSD/Rady Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kornberg is board certified in child and adolescent, as well as adult psychiatry.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Kornberg graduated from U.C. San Diego (Phi Beta Kappa) with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a program concentration in music. While completing post-baccalaureate premedical coursework at U.C. San Diego, he worked with children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders and their families.

Dr. Kornberg has a special interest in helping people. He believes that it is essential to treat the person with a disease rather than the disease itself. He enjoys working with people of all ages, and takes pleasure in the rewards and privileges derived from being able to help others.

Laurie Chapman, M.S., MFC35559

Therapist, EMDR Certified, CSAT-1

Laurie Chapman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than twenty-five years’ experience and extensive training in the following evidence-based practice therapy models: strategic, solution-focused, multi-systemic, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, trauma resiliency, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Laurie specializes in fields including trauma, addiction/recovery, young men in transition, and mood disorders.

Laurie holds a master of science degree in marriage and family therapy from San Diego State University and a bachelor of science degree in psychology with a business minor from the University of California at Los Angeles. She is an active member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the EMDR International Association, and the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction.

Cannon Kristofferson, CADC II

Program Director

Raised in San Diego, Cannon has more than a decade’s experience working within the recovery community. His extensive experience includes direct work with at-risk young adults through the city of San Diego, supporting veterans suffering with co-occurring substance abuse, PTSD and other mental health issues and individual client work within the LGBT community, where he received important trauma, ethics and tolerance training. He graduated with honors from the University of California at San Diego’s Drug and Alcohol Certification Program. Cannon has been a leader in addressing the opioid epidemic by offering his knowledge and expertise to the FBI and San Diego’s Opioid Addiction Task Force. Cannon’s personal journey of recovery as a young adult offers him a unique perspective and understanding that provides hope and encouragement to The Grounds members. In his free time, Cannon enjoys sharing his lifelong love of surfing and the ocean with his family. He also plays guitar and enjoys performing locally with his band

Alex Zemeckis, MA

Owner/Founder

For over a decade, Alex has worked in the addiction treatment & mental health communities helping young adults find new ways to live. Alex earned a bachelor of arts degree from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Throughout his career, Alex has worked in various direct care and administrative roles including sober coaching and companion work, admissions, business development and outreach and as a residential mentor for a prominent treatment program in Colorado. As a featured speaker, Alex maintains a presence within the recovery world, sharing his experience, strength and hope with those still struggling with addictions. In 2013, Alex launched The Grounds Recovery in San Diego putting into action the skills and lessons he learned throughout his own personal and professional journey. After nearly 8 years of successfully working with men at The Grounds, Alex soon learned that there was a strong need for women’s aftercare programs. Thus, Alex launched Mare’s House as the female component to The Grounds Recovery. As president & owner of The Grounds & Mare’s House, Alex personally oversees the admissions and business development departments of both programs.

Jillian Kristofferson

Admissions

Jillian has worked in healthcare marketing and business development for the last 12 years. A Midwest native, Jillian moved to San Diego in 2014 to launch a career in behavioral healthcare, specifically assisting families and their loved ones in finding treatment options that best fit their individual clinical needs. Jillian is passionate about educating communities nationwide about the effects of substance use and mental health disorders.

With over a decade in recovery herself, Jillian connects with professionals and families alike to share her experience in finding the best treatment options for a fulfilling and meaningful life. Jillian found recovery at the age of 22, after completing her BA from the University of Iowa, so easily relates to the young women looking to change. When she’s not working, you can find her enjoying the San Diego lifestyle at the beach or in a yoga class (that is if she’s not chasing her kids around). There is hope, and there is a solution. Be open to the possibilities.

Ariel Munoz

Program Director

Ariel has worked in the substance use/mental health fields for over 10 years, beginning as a House Manager at the age of 19 and throughout the years working with various populations/levels of care including detox, court-mandated treatment, private pay, health care professionals, young adults, homeless individuals, and those with severe and persistent mental illness. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Texas Tech University, where she additionally completed independent research and served as a TA at the Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery, where one of the first collegiate recovery communities in the nation was established in order to support students working to maintain their sobriety while pursuing an education.

She further received her Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling: Advanced Practice at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies and served as president for the Multicultural Association of Student Counselors. Ariel utilizes her experience to reinforce the benefits of maintaining a balance in various aspects of life in regard to independence, social support, confidence, humility, and enjoys helping other women step outside of their comfort zone and gain a sense of empowerment. In her free time, Ariel enjoys trying out new restaurants with her dog, visiting the San Diego Zoo, and scuba diving at La Jolla Shores.

Daniel Scholder

Mentor

Daniel is a mentor with a history of recovery dating back to 1987. He has been part of The Grounds family for more than 3 years, and his experience, strength, hope, and wisdom have a positive impact on everyone around him. A San Diego native, Daniel worked in the auto industry running car dealerships for most of his career, with time also spent as a caregiver prior to transitioning to The Grounds full time.

Meghan Bosse

Reiki Instructor

Meghan is a 30 year old San Diego native who after getting sober 3 years ago turned her focus to holistic healing and recovery. She is an Usui Reiki Master, Sound Healer and Wisdom of the Earth Plant Medicine practitioner. Meghan benefited greatly from Reiki and sound healing early I her sobriety and is very excited to be able to help the residents of mare’s House experience the benefits they can have in their own recovery journeys!

Nicole Kanaras

Mentor

Nicole is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. She is obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University of San Diego and plans to earn her Master’s in social work. Nicole is passionate about mental health awareness and tries to leave an impact on everyone she meets. After she lost a friend to addiction, she became an advocate for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

In the past, she has worked with at risk youth, helping them navigate their legal rights. She hopes to extend guidance in the field of recovery to those who are struggling. She is so excited to be part of the Mare’s House team.

Jarrett Wright

Chef

Driven by an understanding of the importance of food in building community and nourishing growth, Jarrett pairs his passion for fresh, whole foods with exciting cuisine to facilitate healthier lives.

After completing his advanced culinary degree from SDCI, Jarrett went to work in some of San Diego’s finest restaurants building skill in technique and deepening his knowledge of cuisine. From there he explored the service industry in a new way, cooking for multiple rehabilitation facilities in San Diego, where nutrition coincides with fostering community through food. He currently operates a culinary solutions service that provides assistance to businesses and private dining experiences.

Jarrett believes that nutrition is the cornerstone for leading a healthy life. Eating good food, made from scratch with fresh ingredients, leads to feeling amazing and maximizing your potential to do great things.

Whitney Whaley

Yoga Instructor

For Whitney, health and wellness is an integral part of life. As a yoga instructor with more than five years’ experience, Whitney strives to make each person she connects with feel light, safe, and empowered. Whitney uses her position as The Grounds Recovery yoga instructor to share mindful practice and help her students unite the mind, body and spirit.

Jojo Alexander

Mentor

JoJo is in recovery herself and has learned first hand the importance of healing the whole person including the mind, body, and spirit. JoJo is passionate about real connection and knows that the first, most crucial step to loving and connecting with others is developing a loving relationship with oneself. Having overcome struggles in her own life, JoJo’s mission is to help other women recover through letting go of guilt, shame, and stepping into their true selves. JoJo is fun loving, spiritual, and thrives in nature. “Life is meant to be lived, not endured. We all deserve happiness, joy, and freedom.” -JoJo

Tess Reardon

Mentor

Tess is a San Diego native and grew up in La Jolla. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Prior to working with women in recovery, Tess worked in sales as a recruiter for travel nurses. She made the switch to working in recovery because of her lifelong desire to help others and was craving to do work that positively impacted others and herself. She takes tremendous pride in her own recovery and because of this she has a beautiful ability to connect with women in recovery themselves.

Jordan Krueger

Case Manager

As a Case Manager for Mare’s House, Jordan is honored and excited to be a part of assisting young women to achieve their goals, and ultimately guiding them on their own journey to discover their sense of independence, confidence, and power.

Originally from the Central Coast, Jordan has built her educational career in Southern California, studying Psychology and earning a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA. Throughout college, she spent her time volunteering as an advocate and caregiver for the Alzheimer’s Association, moving on to working with children by educating them about their mental health and emotional well-being.

Growing up playing sports and maintaining an active and creative lifestyle, she enjoys being outdoors, painting, and learning new ways to take advantage of living by the ocean.

Rafael Cortina, MFT, MBA

Therapist

Rafael is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and as a bilingual/bicultural therapist he has delivered clinical and consultation services in both Mexico and the United States. He has over fifteen-years of diverse experience serving individuals, couples, families and groups. Rafael has a masters of arts in counseling psychology, an MBA from National University and is a certified Gestalt therapist. His experience includes diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders , anxiety disorders, addiction, grief and loss, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and a mental health disorder), trauma, and LGBT and transgender issues. Rafael has served as lead faculty member at the Humanistic Institute of Gestalt Psychotherapy, as a marriage and family therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Program, as a staff therapist at the LGBT Center, and as a bereavement counselor at San Diego Hospice.

Alana Hecker, LCSW

Therapist

As a licensed clinical social worker and EMDR therapist, Alana’s holistic approach naturally compliments the recovery process. Alana draws from her diverse professional career of over twenty-five years which includes: private practice, individual & family therapy in residential chemical dependency treatment settings; mental health and addiction treatment, and career counseling within a Fortune 500 corporation; and clinical outreach/business development consultation for addiction treatment centers. In addition to her traditional education (a BS in psychology and a masters in social work, with strong CBT and psychodynamic influence), Alana has completed a two-year post graduate independent intensive focused on holistic care including yoga teacher and yoga therapy training.

Kathy San Filippo, MA

Equine Therapist

Kathy holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology with undergraduate studies in organizational psychology. In addition to numerous experiential certifications and more than thirty years of equine experience, Kathy has worked in a number of different settings including private practice, colleges, churches, and other non-profits, having great success with clients who have failed to thrive in the traditional “office therapy” environment. She has a long history of providing support within the community offering counseling and outreach services to youth and adult survivors of trauma and abuse, those struggling to overcome addictions, mental illness, and eating disorders, couples and families, the blind and the disabled.

Michael Giancola, MA, MS, LMFT

Group Facilitator

As a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in men‘s sexual health, it is an honor to join the accomplished group of clinicians doing work with the residents of The Grounds as of fall 2016. Since 2005, I have been doing counseling work with people who are better trying to understand how their sexuality and their mental health combine to help form a healthier version of themselves. As a group therapy leader at The Grounds, it is an honor for me to deliver an evidence-based group therapy curriculum that asks young men to consider their sexual health in the context of their recovery from drugs and/or alcohol. I particularly enjoy this work because it is my personal and professional belief that there are precious few places on our planet where young men can speak honestly and vulnerably about their sexual development, sexual history and sexual health in ways that honor the complexity of male sexuality. The level of respect and commitment for the recovery process at The Grounds are a perfect fit for giving young men a place to reflect on their sexual health as it relates to their recovery. Where sexuality was traditionally considered an off-limits topic in recovery, we now know that recovery without discussing relational ethics, sexual health principles and young men’s erotic selves leaves them lacking key resources for sustained sobriety. I look forward to continue to be a part of The Grounds’ team.

Dr. Nicole Posner, MD

Psychiatrist

Dr. Posner is a psychiatrist in private practice in San Diego, California specializing in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Dr. Posner completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is consistently recognized as “One of America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News and World Report. She completed her medical schooling at Sackler School of Medicine. Living in various cities has helped to broaden her life experience and appreciation of various cultures and perspectives.

Identified as an eating disorder expert, she has been featured on national television and served as the president of the San Diego Chapter of the International Eating Disorder Association. She has also been published in a medical text on impulse control disorders.

Currently, she maintains a private practice specializing in psychotherapy and medication management for adolescents and adults. Interests include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, chemical and process addictions, attention deficit disorder, and eating disorders. Dr. Posner utilizes pharmacogenomic testing in her practice when appropriate. Moreover, she has advanced training in transference-focused psychotherapy for personality disorders.

Brandon Parkhurst

Rock to Recovery, Radical Aliveness Group Facilitator

Brandon Parkhurst is a musician, music expressionist, San Diego native and Certified Core Energetics Practitioner specializing in addiction and personal growth. He works with groups and individual clients, providing a safe space for people to heal trauma and work through blocked emotions. As a musician, Brandon toured for most of his early years in his band Kut U Up alongside mainstream acts such as Green Day and Blink 182. Now Brandon works with the therapeutic elements of music and somatic healing techniques to lead people to a place of feeling totally ALIVE.

Scott DeLeau

Outreach & Admissions

In long-term recovery, Scott has worked in various roles within the treatment field for many years. He enjoys sharing his experience, strength and hope with others as they navigate their own recovery journey. He also understands the importance of “the right fit” – pairing the right treatment experience with an individual’s unique situation, needs, and goals.

Jordan Wagner

Chef

As a chef with ten-years experience working in many positions within the food industry, Jordan comes to The Grounds with a dedication to teaching and preparing food in a conscious and healing way.

Jordan graduated from Culinary School in San Francisco in 2011 with a culinary arts degree. After graduation, he worked for restaurants, catering companies, wineries, and retirement communities, and for the past five years has served as an Executive Chef at San Diego State University.

Jordan has a passion for teaching and has taught cooking classes in over twelve different cuisine types. As far as his personal cooking style, he has always enjoyed preparing plant-based and organic dishes with healthy, clean, and vibrant ingredients. Jordan’s food is full of flavor and utilizes organic herbs and spices, and a presentation style that is as fresh as the taste. The meals he prepares incorporate holistic health with a balance of nutrients, healthy fats, proteins, and superfoods.

Cody Trout

Senior Case Manager

Cody obtained his first sponsorship for competitive surfing when he was 14 years old. After attending Mesa College, studying sports medicine and playing water polo, he traveled the world as a sponsored surfer. He’s surfed all over the world, including Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji and Australia. Once back in the states, he began a career in the treatment field working as a master guide for Aspiro Adventure Outdoor Therapy where he earned certifications in wilderness first responder, motivational interviewing and self-determination theory. Cody has worked with adolescents and young adults with a wide spectrum of behavioral and mental health issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, negative family relationships, spectrum disorders, depression and self-harm. His biggest impact at The Grounds is helping members learn the basic skill of independent living as well as leading positive recreational activities like surfing, hiking and fishing.

Mark Trickett

Case Manager

Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Mark comes to The Grounds with important life experience. Combining his educational experiences at Kennesaw State University, personal recovery journey and real-world work experience, Mark brings a perspective to Grounds members that they can relate to and connect with. Mark uses these experiences to guide and inform his case management responsibilities and support members in organizing and balancing their own goals, dreams, and responsibilities. On the golf course, on a surfboard or while strumming a guitar, Mark teaches the lessons of recovery and life balance.

Bentley Ruff

Case Manager

Bentley is from Bonita, California, just about 10 minutes south of Downtown San Diego. He grew up participating in lots of recreational activities such as downhill mountain biking, Baja motocross runs, BMX, sailing, spear fishing, and surfing.

Currently, Bentley is going to school at UCSD Extension to obtain his CADC. He initially worked in real estate and construction, then was given an opportunity at The Grounds to help young men grow into young adults.

Bentley has two years of experience in ownership and operations of a sober living facility and enjoys having the ability to relate to the young men that come to The Grounds and help them get a sense of the value of independence. The reason he loves being part of The Grounds staff is that he is confident in the program model. He believes that The Grounds does something exceptionally different from other programs. Bentley believes that The Grounds teaches young men how to develop a self-sufficient lifestyle while having fun, learning, and experiencing different hobbies such as hiking, fishing, and surfing. “It feels good to know that when guys graduate, they have the tools they need to face challenges on their own, and the confidence to overcome those challenges because of the time they spent at The Grounds with our staff.”

Eric Prevost

Mentor

As a mentor, Eric helps The Grounds residents with job seeking, financial responsibility, 12-step program support, and general guidance. Eric also maintains connection, through trips and activities, with active Grounds alumni. Eric’s personality and personal experience make him a talented and insightful team member with the innate ability to establish a connection with residents as they walk through the challenges of recovery. Growing up in Southern Oregon, Eric always enjoyed being in nature, but upon moving to coastal San Diego, he quickly realized there is nowhere else he’d rather be. During his free time, Eric enjoys surfing and staying active within his recovery community.

Andrew Krotinsky

Mentor

Andrew is an alumnus of The Grounds. His experience on both sides of the curtain as an alumnus and now a current team member gives him a unique ability to relate to current members. Originally from New York, Andrew attended a wilderness program in the Pacific Northwest and migrated to San Diego. He is transparent about his own journey in recovery and maintains an active program. Andrew loves the San Diego lifestyle and is a huge believer in being physical. During his free time, Andrew enjoys surfing, skiing, camping and being outside as much as possible.

Katie O'Brasky

Therapist

Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 32 years of experience. Guided by her belief that therapy is a collaborative process between counselor and client, Katie views her role as an assistant – helping her clients identify sources of pain and roadblocks to happiness. Katie’s therapeutic style includes creating a safe environment to explore painful emotions and destructive relationship patterns, because while therapy is designed to be helpful, it may at times also be difficult and uncomfortable. Both direct and nurturing, she provides honest feedback in a supportive and protected space.

Licensed since 1992, Katie started out her career as a Clinical Social Worker in both inpatient and residential treatment facilities for children, adolescence and adults. While in those settings, Katie ran groups and provided individual and family therapy. Katie then went on to work in an Employee Assistance Program where she saw and dealt with a wide variety of situations including trauma, substance abuse, ADHD and school problems, mood disorders, parenting, and workplace issues. Entering full-time private practice in 2004, Katie works with trauma, substance abuse, co-dependency, mood disorders and out-of-control sexual behavior/sexual health. She draws from a combination of therapeutic approaches that include family systems, psychodynamic, psychoeducational, and Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Whitney Whaley

Yoga Instructor

For Whitney, health and wellness is an integral part of life. As a yoga instructor with more than five years’ experience, Whitney strives to make each person she connects with feel light, safe, and empowered. Whitney uses her position as The Grounds Recovery yoga instructor to share mindful practice and help her students unite the mind, body and spirit.

Daniel Scholder

Mentor

Daniel is a mentor with a history of recovery dating back to 1987. He has been part of The Grounds family for more than 3 years, and his experience, strength, hope, and wisdom have a positive impact on everyone around him. A San Diego native, Daniel worked in the auto industry running car dealerships for most of his career, with time also spent as a caregiver prior to transitioning to The Grounds full time.

Andrew Pratt

House Manager

Andrew combines his skills and experience in office administration and event coordination with his desire to help young people with substance abuse issues overcome the challenges of addiction and reach their full potential. A recent graduate from Indiana University, Andrew grew up on the East Coast, and his interests include hitting the gym, playing golf, surfing, and putting his best effort into living a balanced lifestyle.

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