Meet Your Guides
to Recovery

Jessica is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who brings a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to her work. With over 13 years of experience in the mental health field, her career has spanned a wide range of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient therapy, and crisis intervention, providing her with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders.  Jessica is passionate about supporting individuals through the early stages of recovery, recognizing that detox is often one of the most vulnerable and pivotal points in a person’s healing journey. She specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring disorders, always working to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.  Her approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based strategies to support emotional regulation, build resilience, and foster lasting change. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and clinical insight, Jessica is committed to walking alongside each client with respect, curiosity, and compassion.  Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and is committed to advocating for accessible, empathetic, and effective treatment for individuals and families impacted by substance use.

With over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Verity brings a wealth of expertise in addiction recovery and holistic patient care to San Diego Detox. Verity is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment. Throughout her career, Verity has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including medical detox facilities, inpatient hospital care, and family practice, gaining extensive experience in addressing the complexities of substance use disorders. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. In her role at San Diego Detox, Verity strives to create an atmosphere of trust and respect, where clients feel valued and motivated to embrace lasting change.

With over six years of experience in healthcare, Maya is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in medical detox for substance abuse, medication management,  and the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. 

She thrives in in-person, direct patient care, where she builds meaningful therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and individualized attention. Her core belief is that getting to know her patients deeply is key to providing effective, compassionate, and personalized care. She is committed to conducting thorough, detailed assessments to guide safe and evidence-based treatment.

Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Maya  served as a registered nurse at Scripps Health, where she gained hands-on experience in high-acuity environments. Her background in both nursing and psychiatry enables her to confidently navigate complex clinical situations while maintaining a calm and supportive presence.

She finds great purpose in helping individuals reclaim their lives and being part of their healing journey. Outside of work, Maya enjoys traveling, hiking, volunteering, and connecting with people from diverse cultures. She values balance in life and brings that same holistic mindset to her clinical practice.

As the Director of Business Development at San Diego Detox, Billy brings a dynamic blend of compassion and strategic insight to our team. With a background in behavioral healthcare and a fervent dedication to aiding those in need, Billy plays a pivotal role in forging essential partnerships with referral sources, healthcare professionals, and community organizations. His empathetic approach, coupled with an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking recovery, ensures that our center remains a beacon of hope for those on the path to healing. During his free time Billy enjoys surfing, cycling and spending quality time with his wife and their adorable daughter.

Kate’s personal journey in recovery has been the foundation of her dedication to helping others find healing. Having experienced firsthand the profound transformation that recovery can bring, she is deeply committed to walking alongside individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. 

With a strong academic background from San Diego State University and nearly a decade of experience in the recovery field, Kate provides valuable support rooted in empathy, experience, and understanding. Kate believes the admissions process is not just about placement—it’s about connection, trust, and creating a safe space for clients to take their first steps toward change. Her warmth and professionalism make her a trusted advocate for those seeking support. 

Outside of her work, Kate enjoys rock climbing and spending quality time with her husband and their cat, Mochi. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and a heartfelt commitment to helping others reclaim their lives.

Lenora uses a trauma-informed approach to help clients explore and gain insights into the underlying variables contributing to substance use disorders and reduce uncomfortable emotional symptoms. She focuses on examining early childhood experiences, attachment, and family systems, and building essential skills related to coping, emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, and codependency. By understanding how past experiences shape current behaviors and emotions, Lenora empowers clients to develop effective strategies for managing stress, enhancing interpersonal communication, and establishing healthy personal boundaries. She is committed to guiding clients towards fostering a deeper understanding of self and relationships, working collaboratively with them to achieve their personal goals and improve overall confidence and well-being.

Stephan is a dedicated mental health counselor based in San Diego, CA, with deep roots in Oceanside. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University San Marcos in 2019, followed by a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of San Diego in 2023. During his internship, Stephan gained invaluable experience conducting group therapy, individual sessions, and clinical assessments for patients facing severe mental illness in a hospital setting. Currently holding credentials as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Stephan is actively accruing hours toward full licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. Beyond his professional pursuits, Stephan has a passion for architecture, men’s fashion, history, biology, and philosophy. He believes in the importance of a holistic approach to mental health and enjoys integrating diverse interests into his practice to better connect with his clients.

Leanne received her SUDCC certification and completed the AOD program at UCSD Extended Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. It is with compassion that Leanne approaches the roots of addiction, believing that pain and a lack of tolerance for this pain is what gets human beings stuck in self-destructive tendencies. Leanne has a strong desire to help people live an embodied and fully human life.

Kendra is a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CCAPP) with 5 years of experience providing counseling services to both adolescents and adults. Currently pursuing her degree in therapy at Grand Canyon University. Kendra brings a deep personal understanding to her work, being a foster child and overcoming a decade-long struggle with addiction to achieve sobriety in 2019. This personal journey fuels her dedication to addiction recovery. In her free time, Kendra enjoys spending quality time with her family and actively engaging with the recovery community.

Garrison is an AOD Counselor with over 3 years of experience in the treatment field. He focuses on motivational interviewing, twelve step facilitation therapy, relapse prevention counseling, spirituality in recovery, and is a certified SMART Recovery facilitator. Garrison has Master’s degrees from the University of Chicago and the University of California, Irvine. In his free time, Garrison enjoys participating in his personal recovery program, hiking, family time, and church.

Stacy is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC 1) with over five years of experience in compassionate, client-centered counseling and case management. She is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery by fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can heal and grow. Stacy leads supportive groups with empathy, helping each person discover passion and purpose in a life free from addiction.

Hew, a San Diego native and alumnus of San Diego State University, found inspiration in his personal battles with addiction, leading him to embark on a career with profound purpose. Since 2021, Hew has been actively involved in the recovery field, passionately advocating for individuals seeking treatment both within and outside of his professional life. In his free time, he enjoys activities like training in MMA and Jiu Jitsu.