The Grounds is a transitional living program for young adult men ready to create a sober life. The Grounds offers the 360-degree support and services necessary to create a life of health, balance and passion!
©2019 The Grounds Recovery. All rights reserved.
Alex Zemeckis Pays it Forward at Santa Barbara Middle School Counselor
Beck is a certified substance use disorder counselor. He has several years of experience working at a men’s residential treatment facility with men who have severe substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. Throughout his own journey of recovery, Beck has found that the 12-Steps, social connections, discipline, humility, and physical fitness are essential to sobriety. Beck facilitates the “Intro to Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu” groups at The Grounds. The boxing and jiu-jitsu groups are a great way for these young men to build personal connections and challenge themselves physically and mentally.
Owner/Founder
For almost a decade, Alex has worked in the addiction treatment & mental health communities helping young adults find new ways to live. Alex’s 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. As CEO at The Grounds, Alex personally oversees the admissions and business development departments and mentors Grounds members by sharing his passion for the outdoors, the ocean and yoga.
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, veterans suffering with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues and the LGBT community, where he received important trauma 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. Cannon enjoys time with his young son and sharing his passion for the outdoors, rock music and surfing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.