BA, CADC-II, Certified Relationship Coach

I was born, raised, and lived in San Diego, California for 43 years before moving to Olympia, Washington with my wife and children in 2021. When not working, I enjoy the great outdoors of my family’s new home state of Washington where my wife and 3 children, and I fish, hike, and camp. I personally struggled with addiction throughout my adolescent and young adult life until I was 31 years old. I have been in long term recovery since October 25th, 2008. From my experiences I found that my purpose was to help others who struggle with addictions and mental health adversities.

I have worked in the mental health/drug and alcohol field for nearly 12 years, helping people find a new way of life through recovery and behavioral change. With an associate degree in alcohol and drug studies and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from National University I have worked with a wide range of clientele. Working with homeless veterans early in my career as a chemical dependency case manager and intake coordinator, I engaged in individual and group counseling, treatment planning, assessments, referrals, and medication management. As a Program Specialist for the San Diego County Public Defender’s office, I worked with the criminal justice population, placing men and women in programs throughout San Diego in lieu of incarceration. A Therapist in the state of Washington, I served the local community providing psychotherapy to those struggling with mental health disorders. Lastly, I worked with Doyen Consulting Group helping families and their loved ones throughout the US, elicit change, make treatment recommendations, case manage clients, conduct assessment interviews, and when necessary, transport and/or companion with clients.

I take a trauma informed approach to my practice while addressing the whole person, addressing substance abuse, mental health needs, physical health, homelessness, criminal justice compliance, trauma, and family dynamics. I utilize motivational interviewing to help move clients through the stages of change and support them in the decisions they make, meeting them where they are. Recently introduced to the CRAFT model I utilize it to help families take care of themselves and change the family dynamic to communicate with their suffering loved ones in a more helpful way. I look forward to working with you in attaining your goals through your personal recovery journey.