PACE Addiction / Behavioral Health Treatment Team

Sean Kelly, CADC-II
Chief Operations Officer

Sean joined PACE Recovery, LLC. in 2012, bringing extensive leadership and management experience with him.There is a relatively small segment of the business world; individuals who seem able to build relationships, trust, and rapport with almost anyone, and then are able to broker the relationships and make connections between people, creating partnerships and alliances and motivating forward momentum to get things done. Sean Kelly is one of those people, and “getting things done” and driving results through collaboration, partnerships and relationships is what he is all about. With an enthusiastic and friendly attitude, Sean radiates a sincere passion for delivering top tier service to the clients of PACE Recovery Center and their families.Sean began working in the treatment field as an interventionist in 1995. He is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II with a specialization in Mental/Co-Occurring Disorders. Over the last 17 years, he has helped hundreds of individuals seek treatment from drugs and alcohol. Sean is a proven expert in coaching individuals who are resistant to change seek long-term recovery.It is his hands on approach that is most valuable to the Clients at PACE Recovery Center. Sean’s gentle demeanor creates an environment for the Clients to connect with feelings and vulnerabilities that have prevented them from maintaining sobriety. Sean is also a former Marine who proudly served our country. It is this background that helps him teach the Men of PACE Recovery Center how to accomplish goals, create discipline, and develop accountability. Sean’s own personal struggle with addiction allows him to meet the Clients where they are at in their own recovery, and help guide them on their recovery journey. Sean is an active member in the recovery community. His philosophy is to treat people with love, dignity and respect. It’s this mentality that allows him to create an alliance, which allows for the therapeutic process to take place between him and his Client. This relationship empowers the Client to gain the skills necessary to recover from drugs and alcohol. Sean studied at Centaur University to become a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Shahan Suzmeyan
Chief Compliance Officer

Shahan has been in the recovery industry for nearly two decades and brings best in class leadership in management, licensing, certification, and quality improvement to his role with PACE. As Chief Compliance Officer, Shahan focuses on quality treatment, best practices, and providing the industry’s best standard of care to our clients.

In addition to his work at PACE, Shahan is a four-term Governing Board Member of the East Hollywood Neighborhood council, the Hollywood District Animal Welfare Representative for LA SPCA, a member of the Intercoast College Business Development Board, a member of the Los Angeles Harm Reduction Task Force, and a Governing Board Member of East Hollywood Community Church.

Will Sanchez, LMFT
Clinical Director

Will Sanchez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years experience specializing working with young adults. He is the Clinical Director of PACE. Will is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree. He earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Concordia University, Irvine. He completed his practicum hours working at Silverlake Medical Hospital in Rosemead, gaining invaluable experience as a counselor for adults with various chronic mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. Will has a long history working with the young adult population. He coached high school soccer at Newport Harbor High School for 5 years and worked for the City of Costa Mesa with the teen recreation programs for many years as well. Will has worked as primary therapist at the adolescent and adult treatment center level for the last several years. Specializing in addiction, adding an experiential approach to therapy both individually and the group setting, Will hopes to help recreate positive life experiences with PACE. Will believes in a Client centered approach to when he works with the Men at PACE Recovery Center. His groups are both informative and fun.

Dr. Joanna Savarese, Ph.D.
Neuropsychologist/Clinical Psychologist

Joanna Savarese, Ph.D. is a formally trained neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist, and co-founder of San Diego BrainWorks in San Diego, CA. Dr. Savarese has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospitals, schools, family clinics, rehabilitation facilities, private practice, and medical hospitals.

Dr. Savarese has particular expertise in neuropsychological and personality assessment with individuals, children and adolescence experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, memory problems, and symptoms of ADHD. Dr. Savarese provides individual and family therapy (depression, anxiety, substance abuse, family conflict, behavior problems, parenting) and helps parents work collaboratively and successfully with their child, teenager, or young adult. She has been a consulting member of the PACE team since 2012. She works collaboratively and effectively with PACE staff to understand the neuropsychological/personality testing results and to use that information to further tailor treatment to each individual. Dr. Savarese is authentic and genuine and forms a strong personal connection and relationship with her clients and their families. Her approach is a combination of straightforward and supportive and she is known for being very effective when working with difficult situations. Dr. Savarese synthesizes information from neuropsychological and/or personality testing to create an effective treatment plan that is useful and practical. She frequently lectures in the community on Understanding Neuropsychological Evaluations, Dementia, and Learning and the Brain. She has written articles for Parenting Magazine and most recently wrote several features for the textbook The Neuroscience of Learning: Principles and Applications for Educators (2014). Dr. Savarese is the co-chair of the Neuropsychology committee for the San Diego Psychological Association and is involved in the Autism Tree Project Foundation. She is passionate about getting her clients the right treatment they need and setting them up for a successful future.

Dr. Helen O'Mahony, Ph.D
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. O’Mahony is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has worked in the mental health field for over 13 years. She has worked with all populations and specializes in dual diagnosis. Dr. O’Mahony runs experiential groups to help clients not just talk about their maladaptive patterns but to help them transform them. She received her BA and Masters from Boston University and moved to Los Angeles in 2001. While working as a program director at the Salvation Army located at the West LA VA campus she received a lot of experience working with veterans diagnosed with PTSD and substance abuse along with other diagnoses. She received her Ph.D. from California Graduate Institute at the Chicago School in 2008.

Dr. Sara Sanchez, PsyD, LMFT
Primary Therapist

Dr. Sarah Sanchez is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in addiction, trauma, cultural issues, and dual-diagnoses. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside, Master’s degree in Psychology at Chapman University emphasizing in Marriage and Family Therapy, and recently completed her doctoral degree in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Through her internship, Dr. Sanchez had extensive experience working at community-based mental health clinics, counseling a diverse group of individuals, couples, families, and children. Dr. Sanchez also had the unique opportunity to work in residential and outpatient programs with both adolescents and adults since beginning her practice as an MFT intern. Dr. Sanchez believes that building a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation and one of the most important aspects of therapy. Her goal is to promote a safe and comfortable environment for clients to work through their underlying issues and for a place for them to express themselves freely. Being involved in music through her life, Dr. Sanchez has found that integrating creativity and exploring one’s talents/strengths can be extremely beneficial for one’s growth. Dr. Sanchez maintains a successful private practice in Newport Beach, treating individuals of all ages and their families to restore a healthy and balanced lifestyle. She also offers continuity of care for those who transition from inpatient and outpatient settings to maintain the therapeutic relationship and continue to work on client’s growth.

Dr. Jeanie Griffin, D.D, LPC, MFT, LCDC
Family Program Therapist

Dr. Jeanie Griffin is a licensed psychotherapist and treatment program consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. Her work combines the traditional 12 step approach to addiction treatment with clinical and non alternative forms of healing, in an effort to assist in physical, psychological and emotional healing of the person and spiritual transformation of the spirit or soul. With licenses in Texas and California and over 29 years experience working in the addiction field, she has been clinical director of treatment programs, faculty member at UCLA addiction counselor training program, private practice therapist, clinical consultant to treatment programs, facilitator and developer of family programs and spiritual director. She enjoys 31 yrs of sobriety, has learned to laugh and experience joy in sobriety and makes sure she spends times watching ants and other crawly things with her 5 yr old twin grandsons.

Dr. Griffin facilitates Healing the Family, a family program written and designed by her to include psychoeducational, experiential and12 step principles. Ms Griffin’s work is grounded in simplicity, driven by spirituality, fueled by a sense of humor and dedicated to healing individuals, families, communities and the planet.

Dr. Griffin is also shamanic practitioner, healer and retreat facilitator whose services include non-traditional spiritual alternatives to a variety of life challenges, including cancer, soul loss and addiction. With a Master’s degree in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling and licenses in marriage and family therapy and addiction counseling, Jeanie is qualified to blend healing practices of the modern and ancient worlds.

Dr. Jeanie Griffin, D.D, LPC, MFT, LCDC
Therapist

Dr. Tricia Marzullo, PsyD. (Dr. Trish) comes to PACE with expert experience in working with men and women in addiction treatment from local addiction treatment centers since 2009. Her training includes the science of substance abuse/dependence, cross addiction, co-dependency, shame and trauma, ADHD, grief, depression, personality disorders, anxiety, fractured relationships, adoption, abuse, sexual identity, and psychosis. Dr. Trish obtained her Bachelor's in Psychology at California State Long Beach and completed her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University. Her studies took her abroad to Mexico City and India on immersion programs which focused on cultural competence, internationalism, and multiculturalism. She completed her dissertation on the evolution of the culturally competent therapist and conceptualizes that each family is their own culture and worthy of individualized treatment which she applies within the treatment of addiction. Dr. Trish believes that 12-step programs provide a structure for addicts while also considering each persons unique journey through treatment, sobriety, and recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness beliefs, strategic interventions, motivational interviewing, and a systemic world view inhabit her therapy sessions as agents of change. Dr. Trish believes it is an honor and privilege to assist people in achieving their goals and looks forward to witnessing the positive changes clients make in their lives. She is currently in the process of obtaining her license as a Clinical Psychologist. In her free time she's hanging out with her son and husband, yoga, meditation, hiking and going to the beach, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Brett Furst, LMFT, Doctoral Candidate
Primary Therapist/EMDR Therapist

Brett holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development from The University of California, Davis, an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He is also in his final year of coursework for his Doctorate in Psychology from Alliant International University. Brett is a fully trained, EMDRIA approved, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Brett, in addition to his focus on the underlying causes of addiction, specializes in academic and educational difficulties, and provides supportive services to those clients pursuing continuing education at PACE, including managing ADHD symptoms, proper study habits, and processing difficulties, from a therapeutic lens. Therapeutically, Brett comes from a Gestalt perspective, placing emphasis on the exploration of the authentic self and how inauthenticity and the negative personas clients create contribute to their unhealthy habits and the disconnection from themselves through substance. Brett has worked at several local treatment facilities where he has customized several young adult curriculums. Brett has also developed one of the first experiential poetry groups, and finds group work to be some of the most rewarding he has done. He enjoys spending time with his family and dog, and exploring new parts of his native Orange County.

To learn more about Brett and PACE's unique adoption program, you can listen to his podcast here.

Chris Chaffin, AMFT, Doctoral Candidate
Primary Therapist

Chris holds his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Marital and Family Therapy, from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, CA, and is currently completing his Doctor of Psychology in Marital and Family Therapy at the same institution. Chris began his career working with a diverse population at a low-income community counseling center that serves the Greater Los Angeles area. I this capacity, he worked with patients young and old experiencing identity issues, existential crises, significant life transitions, depression and anxiety, and more. He has worked therapeutically with individuals and couples, and has administered batteries of psychological assessments for individuals seeking testing for ADD, learning disorders, and mood/personality disorders.

Chris is, as time permits, a voracious reader, and a lifelong lover of geeky things.

Dr. Natalie Zaragoza, DMFT, MS, AMFT
Primary Therapist

Dr. Zaragoza is a marriage and family therapist specializing in emotionally focused therapy (EFT); an evidence-based psychotherapy practice that is rooted in the science and research of attachment theory. Dr. Zaragoza enjoys taking a holistic perspective on mental health treatment and recovery. She integrates psychoanalytic, experiential, and intergenerational models into her practice and attends to social, relational, and spiritual domains that are unique to each individual in recovery. At the core of Dr. Zaragoza therapeutic process is the idea that safe emotional connection with others forms our sense of self and is the foundation for health, healing, and recovery.

Dr. Zaragoza earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton and her master of science degree in marital and family therapy with an emphasis in addiction counseling from Loma Linda University. She completed her traineeship at Loma Linda University, Behavioral Medicine Center in the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. She has a strong background in providing addiction treatment, addressing the effects of trauma, and exploring family system issues.

Andrew Kroeker, AMFT
Primary Therapist

Andy has completed his Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and family Therapy from Vanguard University of Southern California. He plans to begin his doctoral study in the fall of 2019.

Andy began his clinical experience working with teens and young adults suffering from a multitude of issues such as, Anxiety, Depression, Bi Polar Disorder, Relationship Issues and Borderline Personality Disorder. He has spent the past year working with substance abuse and dual diagnosis clients providing individual and group therapy. Andy is dedicated to providing a safe and environment for each and every client in order to build therapeutic relationships and help each client in their journey towards healing.

In his spare time Andy enjoys watching and playing sports and has a special passion for baseball. Andy played baseball professionally for the Houston Astros and knows what it takes to work side by side, as a team, to accomplish a common goal. Andy looks forwards to utilizing this knowledge as he works with the men at PACE and their individual families.

Sasha James, AMFT, MA
Therapist

Sasha James, originally from New York, is a Marriage and Family Therapist. Sasha has Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Sasha completed the majority of her training in a court-mandated residential rehabilitation facility, where she excelled in encouraging very institutionalized clients to demonstrate vulnerability and learn to trust.

Sasha takes a humanistic and existential approach in her therapeutic sessions, and revels in exploring each client as an individual. She believes that we have something to learn from everyone, and that creating meaningful connections, and developing a sense of purpose can substantially impact clients in their recovery.

Sasha particularly enjoys working with clients that struggle with authority figures, and who demonstrate defiance and treatment resistance, including those who have become entangled within the criminal justice system. She has found her niche within the addiction field, and has amassed experience assisting clients with various co-occurring addictions, along with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and extensive trauma.

When not at PACE, Sasha sees clients in Private Practice, embarks on adventures with her dogs, practices photography, and volunteers with a local dog rescue.

Sasha is particularly interested in the healing power of the bond between humans and animals, and occasionally incorporates one of her own dogs within therapy sessions.

Sarah Schauer
Program Administrator

Sarah began working in the addiction treatment field 4 years ago after completing her substance dependency counselor education. She is a Chemical Dependency Counselor and a Addiction Specialist. Sarah specializes in working with individuals who struggle with chemical dependency and mental health issues. Prior to returning to school Sarah earned a BA in History from Concordia University. However she has always had a love for the field of psychology and counseling.

Sarah came to PACE Recovery Center after working with an Intensive Out Patient program as a Senior Counselor. Her responsibilities at PACE include working with clients on a day to day basis, managing client schedules and coordinating with community resources; overseeing staff, handling insurance inquiries and billing correspondence, financial correspondence, family support, and much more. In her spare time Sarah enjoys scuba diving, spending time with friends, and being a positive asset to her community.

Brian Greenwald, CADC-II, CRC
Outpatient Case Manager

Brian is originally from Denver, Colorado where he developed a strong passion for outdoor action sports. Brian is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a specialization in Mental/Co-Occurring Disorders and a Certified Recovery Coach. Having had his own struggles with addiction, Brian has been able to combine his love for outdoor recreational activities and a Twelve Step program of recovery. Brian is the PACE Outpatient Counselor. Brian will assist each client in highlighting their own after treatment goals, such as school and work. He facilitates educational sessions on scholastic and vocational skillsets necessary to be competitive. Brian will continue to case manage clients who transition into PACE’s Outpatient Program. He continues to meet with them individually and facilitate sober fun activities. In his spare time, Brian spends time with his Girlfriend enjoying all the beautiful California outdoor activities that are available.

Chris Rando, CADC-II
Case Manager

Chris is originally from Scottsdale Arizona and moved to southern California to deal with his own substance abuse issues. He is a PACE alumni and has found his way in sobriety through the twelve steps. Chris is a graduate from Centaur University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a specialization in Mental/Co-Occurring Disorders. Throughout his own sobriety, Chris has found his passion in helping others to recover from their own substance abuse issues. In his free time Chris enjoys working out, playing sports as well as playing the guitar.

James Duggan, CADC-I
Case Manager

James is originally from Los Gatos in Northern California. James found his passion to help those struggling with chemical dependency and behavioral issues after battling his own addictions. James is a PACE Alumni. James is a graduate from Centaur University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a specialization in Mental/Co-Occurring Disorders. James has a strong foundation in the 12 step community and has created a lot bonds and friendships in the fellowship of AA.James enjoys life outside of 12 step recovery by going to the gym, the beach, hanging out with friends and visiting family.

Jackson Ema, CADC-I
Case Manager

Jackson is originally from Denver Colorado. As a proud PACE alumnus, Jackson believes healthy relationships and accountability along with a positive attitude, are all vital keys in living a rewarding life of structure and sobriety. By sharing his experience, strength and hope, he can relate with others who may struggle with addiction and the hardships that come with it. Jackson is a graduate from Centaur University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a specialization in Mental/Co-Occurring Disorders. In his spare time, Jackson enjoys swimming, exploring new music, participating in his twelve step recovery and catching up with family and friends.

John Meissbach, CDC
Case Manager

John Meissbach is originally from Lawrence, Kansas. At an early age, John's addiction and behavioral issues took control of his life leading him to seek treatment in Montana. After completion, he sought continued treatment at PACE Recovery Center. John is a certified dependency counselor and an administrator for adult residential facilities. John specializes in the treatment of mental health issues and helps our Clients get immersed in all the different therapeutic modalities offered at PACE. John enjoys relating with those struggling, in hopes to ignite the willingness he found within himself. In his free time he enjoys everything his new life has to offer in Southern California.

Sam Clark, CADC-I
Case Manager

Sam is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a graduate of California State University of Chico and is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor who specializes in mental/ co-occurring disorders. Sam is in recovery himself. His perpetual issues with substance abuse, depression, and anxiety ultimately lead him to reach out for help. Sam credits PACE Recovery Center for giving him a second chance at life. Providing him with the necessary therapy, education, and skills to help him attain long-term sobriety. Sam is very active in his recovery. He earnestly works a 12-Step program, engages in community service work, and shares his experience, strength & hope at local detox facilities frequently. During his free time Sam enjoys going to the beach, playing sports, working out, and hanging out with positive people.

Alexi Farmer, CDC, RADT
Outpatient Case Manager

Alexi is originally from Cloverdale, California and moved to Southern California to deal with his own substance abuse and behavioral obstacles. Alexi is a PACE Recovery Center alumni. After completing treatment, Alexi found a new found passion for helping individuals who are struggling with substance and mental health issues. Alexi is a Chemical Dependency Counselor who specializes in working with Clients who have mental health and substance abuse issues. He has worked in several local treatment centers, but his heart is being part of the PACE community. Alexi actively participates in the 12-step recovery process and enjoys spending his free time exploring what Southern California continues to offer him.

Bryan Johnson
Operations Manager

Bryan found a new passion of helping young men achieve a successful life when he joined the Pace team in 2015. He is originally from Worcester, Massachusetts and moved to Southern California to address his own addiction issues. He loves being active and is enjoying the sunny California weather. Today, Bryan credits PACE Recovery Center, LLC. and Alcoholics Anonymous for guiding him in the correct direction to achieve the tremendous life he lives today.

Bryan graduated college in 2013, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Endicott College, located in Beverly, Massachusetts. He grew up in a business oriented family and therefore chose a business management concentration in college. Along with his bachelor degree Bryan is a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician. Combining his education and family background allows Bryan to bring knowledge to the operational side of PACE. His unique personal journey through addiction gives Bryan the ability to relate to clients and guide them on the path to recovery. He prides himself on being a role model and his collegiate athletic career helped shape him into a natural leader. Bryan lives an active lifestyle based on the principles learned in recovery and enjoys seeing Pace clients succeed along the same path.

Matthew Boese, MA, RADT
Academic Advisor

Matthew originally hails from Orange County, CA. He received his bachelor's degree from Brandeis University and completed his Master's degree at the University of Chicago. He has been working in education for over ten years and has a long history of mentoring young adults from varying backgrounds. Matthew runs the PACE school program, working closely with clients to make the transition from the structured environment of treatment to success in higher education. He also runs weekly scholastic and vocational group sessions to provide clients with a strong foundation of life skills. Encouraging accountability and realistic goal-setting, Matthew believes that educational success after treatment helps build self-esteem and more importantly provides positive, tangible results for the hard-work clients have made in their journey of sobriety. In his free time he enjoys cooking, reading, practicing yoga and is also an avid cyclist- earning him the affectionate sobriquet “Lance Armstrong” from the PACE treatment team.

Charles Thomas, RADT
Academic Case Manager

Charles was born in Melbourne, Australia, and spent his childhood between there and Hong Kong, China. He graduated from Lafayette College with a B.A. in Business & Economics. He struggled with substance abuse during his time at college, causing his performance to suffer. Upon graduating, Charles found he lacked the credentials to pursue his ideal career, and combined with his continued substance abuse issues, he was left with little direction in life. Charles sought treatment in Orange Country’s vibrant recovery community through PACE Recovery Center. With the guidance he received, Charles was able to rekindle his love for life. Following treatment, Charles has rebuilt his resume, completing an Applied Accounting Certificate at UCI, providing the credits required to sit the CPA examination. As a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician, he strives to use his experiences to help others who are dealing with the same struggles he did. His goal is to work with each client individually, to create a foundation that provides the skills they need to reach and exceed their education/career goals, both during their time at Pace and beyond. With a focus on realistic goal setting, comprehensive planning, and sustainable time management, Charles aims to show others that thier past need not dictate their future.

Victor Calzada, RADT
Lead Resident Manager

Victor joined the United States Marine Corps right out of high school in 1995. He proudly served as a heavy weapons operator. While in the service, Victor was recognized for his, honor, courage and commitment. While serving in the United States military, he learned the important characteristics of working as a team. After his tour in the military, Victor worked for the Correctional Systems for 6 years as a Correctional Officer. Victory was known for his keen ability to listen and help them problem solve any issues they might have been experiencing. An area that Victor is passionate about is working with people who have substance abuse issues. Victor has had his own personal struggles with chemical dependency issues. He believe that the combination of opening our hearts and minds, with the right guidance, we can overcome our issues. He believes 12-step program is an excellent template to follow for a long-term recovery. Victor is a Registered Alcohol Drug Technician. In his spare time Victor enjoys spending time with my family. He is a proud father of 3 wonderful children. His hobbies are repairing electronics and restoring antiques.

Ellis Freedman, RADT
Lead Resident Manager

Ellis Freedman is originally from Portland, Oregon and attended school at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Behavioral health issues and substance abuse lead him to seek treatment in Arizona. After learning how good the recovery community was in Orange County he sought continued treatment at PACE Recovery Center and quickly became an active member in Alcoholics Anonymous. Ellis is a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technicians. Ellis enjoys inspiring those that are struggling in early sobriety by continually sharing his experience, strength and hope whenever possible. In his free time Ellis enjoys participating in anything athletic – his favorite sports are lacrosse and downhill mountain biking.

Drew DelGaudio, RADT
Lead Resident Manager

Drew DelGaudio is originally from New York, New York. Drew’s addiction and behavioral issues lead him to seek treatment at PACE Recovery Center in 2015. Drew is now a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician. Drew credits his recovery to PACE and remaining active in Orange County’s renowned 12 -step fellowship. Drew developed a passion for helping others through his own journey in recovery. Drew enjoys everything his new life in Southern California has to offer.

Jacob Mente, RADT
Lead Resident Manager

Jacob Mente is originally from Austin, Texas. His struggles with addiction, trauma and behavioral issues led him to a point in his life where he wanted and needed a change. Jacob was referred to PACE Recovery Center in June, 2015, after attending a 30-day treatment program in Kerrville, Texas. While in PACE, Jacob learned that he was both capable of recovery and attaining a fulfilling and productive life--one that he had never imagined possible. Jacob is now an active member of Orange County's recovery community and has a passion for passing on the skills and knowledge he learned on his journey with PACE. Jacob credits PACE with saving his life and teaching him how to be a responsible upstanding member of society. He has been a member of our team since January, 2017.

Ryan Dill, CDC, RADT, CRC
Lead Resident Manager

A Southern California native Ryan brings his blend of recovery and compassion to the PACE team. Ryan is currently finishing school to be a certified drug and alcohol counselor and is a certified recovery coach. After getting sober and working through his own mental health issues, Ryan has found his purpose in helping people. Ryan enjoys showing how much fun men can have in sobriety as well as teaching his residents the daily lifeskill needed to succeed in the world. His patience and compassion have lead him down the path to help our mental health clients. He is very involved in the recovery community and in his free time Ryan likes taking full advantage of everything beautiful Southern California has to offer.

Kim McClaskey
Office Manager

Kim has worked in recovery for 9 years, and is dedicated to being in an environment where people learn to live a happy, productive drug free life. She has lived in Orange County her whole life, and been in recovery herself for 15 years..She knows the struggles of finding sobriety, and also the rewards of living a sober life. She credits the 12 step program, and the fellowship of AA to her recovery.

In Kim's spare time she loves to spend time with her 3 children and friends.

Jordan Spektor
Director of Business Development

Jordan is a native of Seattle, Washington. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business. After getting his degree, Jordan worked business development and sales in industries such as software and international product sourcing. While in college, Jordan began an 8-year battle with alcoholism and addiction that affected every aspect of his life. After getting sober in 2011, Jordan discovered a passion for helping people struggling with alcoholism and addiction find recovery. He has 4 years of experience in the drug and alcohol industry, rising from an intern, up to Chief Development Officer at an internationally known extended aftercare program. He helped expand this program to multiple locations and is directly linked to their substantial growth in the marketplace. After experiencing the benefits of long term recovery first hand, he believes that if an addict learns to love his life in recovery anything is possible.

Kristen Smith
Communication Director

Kristen has always been passionate and enthusiastic about helping people. Kristen earned a degree in Business Marketing in 2000 from Texas Christian University to create a platform for blending her business and people skills. After working for an advertising agency in Houston for two years her family and friends recognized her disease of alcoholism and she checked herself into treatment. As she created a new life rooted in recovery, Kristen realized she could bring both her marketing background and personal experience to a position with a treatment center. This began a career in an industry that helps not only the individuals they treat but everyone around them. Kristen has brought her expertise in marketing and outreach to the recovery industry since 2003. She has also spoken at national conferences on best marketing practices and the importance of company culture in addiction treatment centers. Originally from Texas, Kristen moved to Southern California in March of 2014. When she is not creating, planning and building relationships for the treatment centers she works for – you can find her at the beach, on her road bike or on a yoga mat.

Laurie Watter, MS, RN, BSN
East Coast Program Liaison

Laurie Watter is a registered nurse who received her BSN from Alfred University and her certification in school nursing from Caldwell College. Laurie has worked in a variety of clinical settings with a significant part of her nursing career working with children who have developmental disorders and supporting the families who love them.

After learning first-hand of how substance use affects a family, Laurie immersed herself in her recovery. She began attending family support groups and eventually began facilitating them. These experiences led Laurie to go back to school, where she earned her Masters Degree in Family Counseling from the University of West Alabama. At this time, she also completed a graduate certificate in Addiction and Recovery from the University of Florida and received certification as a Family Recovery Coach.

This has led Laurie into her current position as East Coast Program Liaison for PACE Recovery Center where she will serve as support for referents and families.

Laurie believes strongly that family members can find peace and serenity, often amid the chaos. Her work is her passion, and Laurie continues to challenge herself to find balance. She enjoys needlepoint, taking long walks, exploring new places, and spending time with her friends, her husband, and her family.

Dr. Ryan Wright, M.D.
Psychiatrist

Dr. Wright is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed college, medical school, and residency at the University of California, Irvine.While in college, Dr. Wright graduated Magna cum laude from the school of Biological Sciences at UCI, was invited to join the national honors society Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated from the Campuswide Honors Program at UCI.

During medical school and residency at UCI, he received extensive training on treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders utilizing both medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Wright worked extensively at the Long Beach VA treating veterans for post traumatic stress disorder. He successfully mastered the skill of using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve the quality of life of veterans after returning home from overseas. During his final year of his residency, Dr. Wright elected to spend a significant portion of his year working at a substance abuse treatment facility in Orange County in order to gain specialized training in the field of chemical dependency. This experience allowed him to treat psychiatric patients who have a comorbid substance abuse diagnosis.

Susannah Johnson, NC
Holistic Nutrition Counselor

Susannah Johnson is a board certified holistic nutrition counselor with a private practice in Newport Beach, California. Her primary focus is educating clients on healthy food and lifestyle choices for recovery -- and she chooses to center her nutrition practice around recovery from addiction, mental illness, and eating disorders. Susannah's educational background includes the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Bauman College, and the University of San Francisco. She is in the process of receiving designations from both the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Susannah has been actively working in recovery for 14 years.