Meet the Team at The Grounds

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...

Founder, Executive Director

Raised in San Diego, Cannon has over 15 years of 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...

Admissions Director & Outreach

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.

Outreach & Business Development

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Greg does outreach and business development for The Grounds and is also in recovery after spending much of his 20’s struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. After several stints in rehab, Greg found success through a wilderness therapy program and as a member of...

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...

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...

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...

Overnight Support Staff

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...

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...

Overnight Support Staff

Jacob’s life experiences perfectly coincide with The Grounds’ mission of building accountability and balance through hard work, solid relationships and persistence. He has endured foster care, served honorably for four years in the US Army, has fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom...

Mentor

As a part-time mentor at The Grounds, Mike helps our residents by sharing wisdom and insights gained from his own story, which is truly inspirational and proof that recovery and the 12 steps can work for anyone, as long as they are willing to...

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...

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 15 years of diverse experience serving individuals, couples, families and groups. Rafael has a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology and an MBA from National University and he is a...

Therapist, EMDR Certified, CSAT-1

Laurie Chapman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 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...

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...

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...

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 for Recovery as of fall 2016. Since 2005, I have been doing counseling work with people who are better trying to understand how...

Yoga Instructor

For Whitney, health and wellness are 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...

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...