Destiny Recovery Centers

The Destiny Recovery Team

Meet the expert team who will help you heal from drug & alcohol abuse at our treatment center in Southern California.

Adam Swanson

Adam Swanson

Clinical Director

Stephanie Hakim

Stephanie Hakim

Executive Director

Emma Phillips

Emma Phillips

Human Resources Director

Chris Kramer

Chris Kramer

Director of Operations

Sweneleya Carolina

Sweneleya Carolina

Therapist

Kristy Woodward

Kristy Woodward

Case Manager

Alanna McMurtrey

Alanna McMurtrey

Lead Clinical Support Technician

Dr. David Deyhimy

Dr. David Deyhimy

Medical Director

Jason Barber

Jason Barber

Peer Support/Veteran Support Liaison

Get in Touch

Contact Us Right Now

At Destiny ​​​​​​​Recovery, treatment isn’t one size fits all. ​​​​​​​

We want to hear your story.

Email Address

info@destiny-rc.com

Call Us

909-413-4304

Address

Southern California

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Adam Swanson

Clinical Director

Adam obtained his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University of Long Beach, a program known for fostering creative, yet clinically sound approaches to mental health treatment.  He has gained clinical experience in a variety of settings, starting first in the non-profit sector working primarily with children and their families, before transitioning into the field of addiction recovery for adults, as well as obtaining postgraduate training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  Throughout his career, Adam has remained passionate about being a force for positive change both for his clients, as well as for the clinical teams he has led as a Program Coordinator and Clinical Director.  He has played a primary role in the development of specialized treatment programs such as an outpatient program for first responders suffering from addiction, has worked closely with school psychologists in the Huntington Beach Unified School District in their efforts to provide early intervention for students at risk for addiction, and continues to provide clinical supervision to multiple teams of associate therapists who are gaining hours toward their licensure.

In his own practice, Adam is utilizing his experience in working with adolescents and their families, combined with insights gained from years in the addiction recovery field to create a unique approach to helping individuals navigate the difficult terrain of dysfunctional relationships.  After years of treating the “problem” child or spouse in a relationship, it became clear to him that just as much attention, if not more attention needed to be given to the family member who found themselves entangled in the problems of someone they loved.  While the term “codependency” is almost commonplace in the context of addiction, it can develop in just about any relationship in which two or more individuals become dependent upon one another to an unhealthy degree.  Adam has found that while upbringing and relationship history certainly play an important role in the development of codependent tendencies, it is often the introduction of a life stressor experienced by one individual in the family/couple that can lead to the development of such relationship patterns.  Examples of such stressors are: an increase in drug use, job loss, diagnosis of illness (either physical or mental), domestic violence, unmet financial needs, poor academic performance, report of problem behavior at school, etc.   Problematic relationship patterns often develop in a slow, subtle manner which is why it can be so difficult to identify until it feels almost too late to do anything about them.  Fortunately, Adam has found success in taking an individualized approach to solving relationship problems.  This is not to discount couples or family therapy, as there is proven efficacy to these modalities.  It is just to bring heightened focus to the individual who’s suffering often flies under the radar, and to help them gain the self awareness, self confidence and fortitude to make the positive changes they deserve to see in their lives.

Dr. David Deyhimy

Medical Director

CREDENTIALS

Dr. Deyhimy graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in 2001. The following year, he began his residency in anesthesiology at the University of California Davis Medical Center, becoming chief resident in 2004, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiology in 2005-2006. During this period, he was the recipient of UC Davis Medical Center House Staff Professionalism Award 2005, California Society of Anesthesiology Resident Research Competition winner 2005 and Outstanding Resident Teaching Award in 2006.

Since 2007 he has practiced anesthesiology at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and continues to do so today. His commitment to addiction medicine was a direct outgrowth of his work in anesthesiology where the complex interactions of disease, surgery and drugs are often the difference between life and death. He serves on several hospital-based committees and is actively involved in educating his medical colleagues and the general public about addiction treatment and MAT.

Drug addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a chronic and treatable disease of the brain. Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation are all too common in addiction treatment and actually discourage patients from seeking help, understanding their treatment options, and receiving proper evidence-based treatment. This type of misinformation and prejudice has no place in addiction treatment.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. David Deyhimy is an Orange County physician, who is board-certified in both addiction medicine and anesthesiology. He believes that addiction, like many other chronic diseases, is not only treatable, but often curable by combining proper medication with education, support and behavioral changes.

Helping patients and families navigate the complicated landscape of addiction and recovery is often challenging, but also tremendously rewarding. Addiction medicine is one of the few medical specialties that affords a physician the opportunity to literally save lives and improve patients’ quality of life every day.

Dr. Deyhimy started practicing addiction medicine in 2011 and then went on to found South County Addiction Treatment Services (SCATS) in 2013. Combining evidence-based medicine and principles of harm reduction, SCATS (now operating as Pulse Addiction) provides medically-assisted withdrawal (detox) for virtually all types of drugs and alcohol, treating patients in residential treatment programs and in outpatient settings (home, your doctor’s office, our local clinic, etc.).

In 2018, Deyhimy established MYMATCLINIC to offer individualized addiction treatment for patients and families in an office-based setting. MYMATCLINIC specializes in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), which has proven to be the single most effective means for treating addiction. MAT works by dramatically reducing cravings, improving treatment engagement and retention, helping prevent relapse and reducing the incidence of death from overdose.

Addiction treatment must be easy and flexible for both patients and their families. Removing barriers to treatment improves patient engagement, and engagement is one of the single greatest predictors of better outcomes for patients.

MYMATCLINIC treatment teams include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and administrative assistants to better serve the needs of patients and their families. Treatment plans and medications are individualized to a patient’s needs and circumstances. MYMATCLINIC offers a range of additional services to better support patients through case management, psychiatric services and referrals, telemedicine, and concierge services (homebased detox, MAT and addiction treatment).

Consistent with his philosophy of harm reduction, Dr. Deyhimy has served as the medical director of Solace Foundation of Orange County since 2015. Solace Foundation provides education and training in opioid overdose reversal as well as distributing Naloxone reversal kits throughout Orange County. As of December 2019, over 16,000 kits (32,000 doses) have been distributed with 2200 documented overdose reversals.

Stephanie Hakim

Executive Director

Originally from Southern California, Stephanie entered the Behavioral Health field in 2016. She had a strong passion to help the addict/alcoholic that still suffers in any way she could. Starting as a tech, she provided emotional support and operational services. Stephanie quickly moved her way up in the field assisting with the insurance billing; running vob’s; assisting with prescreens and finally finding her passion working alongside the Executive and Clinical Director learning about compliance, The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), The Joint Commission (TJC), and what makes a clinical and ethical program be the best. Stephanie’s unique opportunities have allowed her to work side-by-side with therapists and case managers helping multiple facilities navigate becoming DHCS and Joint Commission Accredited, and stay in continued compliance, oftentimes allowing her an inside look of facilities – learning the do’s, the don’ts and how to really put a clients care and treatment first. Stephanie is a CADC II who has extensive knowledge in the field. She took her experience in all areas with her to Destiny Recovery Center, building an amazing team of clinicians, techs and medical staff who have the same passion she lives by; providing the best quality care to each and every client from the time they admit throughout their entire stay, while assisting them in building a strong aftercare plan from day one.

Stephanie Hakim

Executive Director

Originally from Southern California, Stephanie entered the Behavioral Health field in 2016. She had a strong passion to help the addict/alcoholic that still suffers in any way she could. Starting as a tech, she provided emotional support and operational services. Stephanie quickly moved her way up in the field assisting with the insurance billing; running vob’s; assisting with prescreens and finally finding her passion working alongside the Executive and Clinical Director learning about compliance, The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), The Joint Commission (TJC), and what makes a clinical and ethical program be the best. Stephanie’s unique opportunities have allowed her to work side-by-side with therapists and case managers helping multiple facilities navigate becoming DHCS and Joint Commission Accredited, and stay in continued compliance, oftentimes allowing her an inside look of facilities – learning the do’s, the don’ts and how to really put a clients care and treatment first. Stephanie is a CADC II who has extensive knowledge in the field. She took her experience in all areas with her to Destiny Recovery Center, building an amazing team of clinicians, techs and medical staff who have the same passion she lives by; providing the best quality care to each and every client from the time they admit throughout their entire stay, while assisting them in building a strong aftercare plan from day one.

Jackie Thomas

Program Manager

Born and raised in California Jacqueline started her career in Recovery 6 years ago following 12 years of nursing as a LVN. Jacqueline started out as a Detox Technician and a LVN. Her passion for helping others pushed her to go back to school to further her education in the addiction field becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. This has allowed her a unique opportunity both medically and clinically to understand client needs on every level, allowing her to be an amazing Program Manager. She works closely with our medical and clinical staff ensuring best possible care and outcomes for our clients.

Jackie Thomas

Program Manager

Born and raised in California Jacqueline started her career in Recovery 6 years ago following 12 years of nursing as a LVN. Jacqueline started out as a Detox Technician and a LVN. Her passion for helping others pushed her to go back to school to further her education in the addiction field becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. This has allowed her a unique opportunity both medically and clinically to understand client needs on every level, allowing her to be an amazing Program Manager. She works closely with our medical and clinical staff ensuring best possible care and outcomes for our clients.

Emma Phillips

Human Resources Director

Originally from Vermont, Emma moved to California in 2012. Since entering the Behavioral Health field in 2016, Emma’s professional expertise in Human Resources, Operations and Compliance has been utilized to achieve and implement successful policies and procedures to enhance both day to day operations and attain licensure and accreditations for both the state of California and national licensing and accrediting boards including the Department of Health Care Services, The Joint Commission, and Department of Social Services. Emma holds a certification in California HR Laws from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Outside of work, you can find Emma spending time with her young son, snowboarding, and being of service in any way she can.

Emma Phillips

Human Resources Director

Originally from Vermont, Emma moved to California in 2012. Since entering the Behavioral Health field in 2016, Emma’s professional expertise in Human Resources, Operations and Compliance has been utilized to achieve and implement successful policies and procedures to enhance both day to day operations and attain licensure and accreditations for both the state of California and national licensing and accrediting boards including the Department of Health Care Services, The Joint Commission, and Department of Social Services. Emma holds a certification in California HR Laws from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Outside of work, you can find Emma spending time with her young son, snowboarding, and being of service in any way she can.

Chris Kramer

Director of Operations

 

Bio coming soon!

 

Chris Kramer

Director of Operations

 

Bio coming soon!

 

Sweneleya Carolina

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor CATC ll.

When people experience trauma or a severe life stressor, life may at times become unmanageable. My immense aspiration is to bring healing to those who have been through a stressful or traumatic experience. I help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, fulfilled, whole, and secure. It has been my experience that clients know themselves better than anyone, they are their own, (and my), best resource when it comes to treatment. I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where our knowledge, and skills unite to create solutions. A good therapeutic relationship includes trust, authenticity, freedom, and positive outcomes. My educational background includes a MA in Counseling Psychology, BA in Psychology, and an AA in Human Resources.

Sweneleya Carolina

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor CATC ll.

When people experience trauma or a severe life stressor, life may at times become unmanageable. My immense aspiration is to bring healing to those who have been through a stressful or traumatic experience. I help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, fulfilled, whole, and secure. It has been my experience that clients know themselves better than anyone, they are their own, (and my), best resource when it comes to treatment. I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where our knowledge, and skills unite to create solutions. A good therapeutic relationship includes trust, authenticity, freedom, and positive outcomes. My educational background includes a MA in Counseling Psychology, BA in Psychology, and an AA in Human Resources.

Kristy Woodward

Case Manager

Kristy is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor who has been working in the field of addiction for three years; two and half of those years as a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician. Throughout her life, she has become all too familiar with the severe consequences of addiction. As a person with multiple years in recovery, she has found a solution, a sense of purpose, and a desire to support those in their recovery journey. Working with others has given her a great sense of purpose and hope that has made her genuinely grateful in life. She loves to witness clients growing and recovering at Destiny Recovery and being able to provide them with care, compassion, and support. She believes that the hope of recovery is the greatest blessing to be shared with another. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling around the United States playing softball with other people in recovery.

Kristy Woodward

Case Manager

Kristy is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor who has been working in the field of addiction for three years; two and half of those years as a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician. Throughout her life, she has become all too familiar with the severe consequences of addiction. As a person with multiple years in recovery, she has found a solution, a sense of purpose, and a desire to support those in their recovery journey. Working with others has given her a great sense of purpose and hope that has made her genuinely grateful in life. She loves to witness clients growing and recovering at Destiny Recovery and being able to provide them with care, compassion, and support. She believes that the hope of recovery is the greatest blessing to be shared with another. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling around the United States playing softball with other people in recovery.

Alanna McMurtrey

Lead Clinical Support Technician

Alanna is a college student on her journey to obtain her degree in Nursing. Alanna takes joy in caring for those who are trying to better their lives, ensuring that all people receive quality, compassionate care. Alanna holds a certificate as a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician. In 2019 she entered the field of behavioral health where she is committed to empower those in need to fight their addictions. When away from work Alanna spends some of her free time with family, friends, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Alanna McMurtrey

Lead Clinical Support Technician

Alanna is a college student on her journey to obtain her degree in Nursing. Alanna takes joy in caring for those who are trying to better their lives, ensuring that all people receive quality, compassionate care. Alanna holds a certificate as a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician. In 2019 she entered the field of behavioral health where she is committed to empower those in need to fight their addictions. When away from work Alanna spends some of her free time with family, friends, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Dr. David Deyhimy

Medical Director

CREDENTIALS

Dr. Deyhimy graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in 2001. The following year, he began his residency in anesthesiology at the University of California Davis Medical Center, becoming chief resident in 2004, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiology in 2005-2006. During this period, he was the recipient of UC Davis Medical Center House Staff Professionalism Award 2005, California Society of Anesthesiology Resident Research Competition winner 2005 and Outstanding Resident Teaching Award in 2006.

Since 2007 he has practiced anesthesiology at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and continues to do so today. His commitment to addiction medicine was a direct outgrowth of his work in anesthesiology where the complex interactions of disease, surgery and drugs are often the difference between life and death. He serves on several hospital-based committees and is actively involved in educating his medical colleagues and the general public about addiction treatment and MAT.

Drug addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a chronic and treatable disease of the brain. Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation are all too common in addiction treatment and actually discourage patients from seeking help, understanding their treatment options, and receiving proper evidence-based treatment. This type of misinformation and prejudice has no place in addiction treatment.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. David Deyhimy is an Orange County physician, who is board-certified in both addiction medicine and anesthesiology. He believes that addiction, like many other chronic diseases, is not only treatable, but often curable by combining proper medication with education, support and behavioral changes.

Helping patients and families navigate the complicated landscape of addiction and recovery is often challenging, but also tremendously rewarding. Addiction medicine is one of the few medical specialties that affords a physician the opportunity to literally save lives and improve patients’ quality of life every day.

Dr. Deyhimy started practicing addiction medicine in 2011 and then went on to found South County Addiction Treatment Services (SCATS) in 2013. Combining evidence-based medicine and principles of harm reduction, SCATS (now operating as Pulse Addiction) provides medically-assisted withdrawal (detox) for virtually all types of drugs and alcohol, treating patients in residential treatment programs and in outpatient settings (home, your doctor’s office, our local clinic, etc.).

In 2018, Deyhimy established MYMATCLINIC to offer individualized addiction treatment for patients and families in an office-based setting. MYMATCLINIC specializes in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), which has proven to be the single most effective means for treating addiction. MAT works by dramatically reducing cravings, improving treatment engagement and retention, helping prevent relapse and reducing the incidence of death from overdose.

Addiction treatment must be easy and flexible for both patients and their families. Removing barriers to treatment improves patient engagement, and engagement is one of the single greatest predictors of better outcomes for patients.

MYMATCLINIC treatment teams include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and administrative assistants to better serve the needs of patients and their families. Treatment plans and medications are individualized to a patient’s needs and circumstances. MYMATCLINIC offers a range of additional services to better support patients through case management, psychiatric services and referrals, telemedicine, and concierge services (homebased detox, MAT and addiction treatment).

Consistent with his philosophy of harm reduction, Dr. Deyhimy has served as the medical director of Solace Foundation of Orange County since 2015. Solace Foundation provides education and training in opioid overdose reversal as well as distributing Naloxone reversal kits throughout Orange County. As of December 2019, over 16,000 kits (32,000 doses) have been distributed with 2200 documented overdose reversals.

Dr. David Deyhimy

Medical Director

CREDENTIALS

Dr. Deyhimy graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in 2001. The following year, he began his residency in anesthesiology at the University of California Davis Medical Center, becoming chief resident in 2004, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiology in 2005-2006. During this period, he was the recipient of UC Davis Medical Center House Staff Professionalism Award 2005, California Society of Anesthesiology Resident Research Competition winner 2005 and Outstanding Resident Teaching Award in 2006.

Since 2007 he has practiced anesthesiology at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and continues to do so today. His commitment to addiction medicine was a direct outgrowth of his work in anesthesiology where the complex interactions of disease, surgery and drugs are often the difference between life and death. He serves on several hospital-based committees and is actively involved in educating his medical colleagues and the general public about addiction treatment and MAT.

Drug addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a chronic and treatable disease of the brain. Unfortunately, stigma and misinformation are all too common in addiction treatment and actually discourage patients from seeking help, understanding their treatment options, and receiving proper evidence-based treatment. This type of misinformation and prejudice has no place in addiction treatment.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. David Deyhimy is an Orange County physician, who is board-certified in both addiction medicine and anesthesiology. He believes that addiction, like many other chronic diseases, is not only treatable, but often curable by combining proper medication with education, support and behavioral changes.

Helping patients and families navigate the complicated landscape of addiction and recovery is often challenging, but also tremendously rewarding. Addiction medicine is one of the few medical specialties that affords a physician the opportunity to literally save lives and improve patients’ quality of life every day.

Dr. Deyhimy started practicing addiction medicine in 2011 and then went on to found South County Addiction Treatment Services (SCATS) in 2013. Combining evidence-based medicine and principles of harm reduction, SCATS (now operating as Pulse Addiction) provides medically-assisted withdrawal (detox) for virtually all types of drugs and alcohol, treating patients in residential treatment programs and in outpatient settings (home, your doctor’s office, our local clinic, etc.).

In 2018, Deyhimy established MYMATCLINIC to offer individualized addiction treatment for patients and families in an office-based setting. MYMATCLINIC specializes in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), which has proven to be the single most effective means for treating addiction. MAT works by dramatically reducing cravings, improving treatment engagement and retention, helping prevent relapse and reducing the incidence of death from overdose.

Addiction treatment must be easy and flexible for both patients and their families. Removing barriers to treatment improves patient engagement, and engagement is one of the single greatest predictors of better outcomes for patients.

MYMATCLINIC treatment teams include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and administrative assistants to better serve the needs of patients and their families. Treatment plans and medications are individualized to a patient’s needs and circumstances. MYMATCLINIC offers a range of additional services to better support patients through case management, psychiatric services and referrals, telemedicine, and concierge services (homebased detox, MAT and addiction treatment).

Consistent with his philosophy of harm reduction, Dr. Deyhimy has served as the medical director of Solace Foundation of Orange County since 2015. Solace Foundation provides education and training in opioid overdose reversal as well as distributing Naloxone reversal kits throughout Orange County. As of December 2019, over 16,000 kits (32,000 doses) have been distributed with 2200 documented overdose reversals.

Jamie Eagle

Lead Client Care Coordinator

Born and raised in Southern California, Jamie has always been driven to pursue a career in medicine. She first became a CNA at age 19. After three years she received her nursing license and became a LVN. She tested the waters in many medical fields such as nursery and postpartum, geriatrics, orthopedic rehabilitation, and wound care, before discovering her true passion for addiction medicine in 2014. Outside of work Jamie is a loving mother to four children. She’s been blessed with one grandchild and has one on the way. Her family loves to spend time together, especially in sunny San Clemente where you can likely find them every summer.

Jamie Eagle

Lead Client Care Coordinator

Born and raised in Southern California, Jamie has always been driven to pursue a career in medicine. She first became a CNA at age 19. After three years she received her nursing license and became a LVN. She tested the waters in many medical fields such as nursery and postpartum, geriatrics, orthopedic rehabilitation, and wound care, before discovering her true passion for addiction medicine in 2014. Outside of work Jamie is a loving mother to four children. She’s been blessed with one grandchild and has one on the way. Her family loves to spend time together, especially in sunny San Clemente where you can likely find them every summer.

Richard S. Synovec
Sgt Maj/USMC ret., MSW, ACSW

Therapist

After serving 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, Richard Synovec began his journey into the field of Social Work as a desire to continue service to community. His multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman laid the foundation for his own recovery and treatment after retirement in 2012. Richard has used his own experiences with PTSD as motivation for a career in behavioral health. After earning his Bachelors in Social Work from CSUSB, he has work with individuals and their families within SARC (Substance Abuse and Recovery Center) and CalWORKs Family Stabilization Program within the Department of Behavioral Health, San Bernardino County. Richard would then pursue and earn his Masters from California Baptist University with a focus in Behavioral Health/Clinical Therapy. After graduation, Richard would work for Riverside County’s Adult Protective Services (APS) in the desert region providing emergency case management to elderly and disabled individuals who were suspected victims of abuse. From his time while in military service or that of social worker throughout Southern California, Richard strongly believes in the care and advocacy of those needing treatment for trauma or overcoming substance abuse.

Richard S. Synovec
Sgt Maj/USMC ret., MSW, ACSW

Therapist

 

After serving 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, Richard Synovec began his journey into the field of Social Work as a desire to continue service to community. His multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman laid the foundation for his own recovery and treatment after retirement in 2012. Richard has used his own experiences with PTSD as motivation for a career in behavioral health. After earning his Bachelors in Social Work from CSUSB, he has work with individuals and their families within SARC (Substance Abuse and Recovery Center) and CalWORKs Family Stabilization Program within the Department of Behavioral Health, San Bernardino County. Richard would then pursue and earn his Masters from California Baptist University with a focus in Behavioral Health/Clinical Therapy. After graduation, Richard would work for Riverside County’s Adult Protective Services (APS) in the desert region providing emergency case management to elderly and disabled individuals who were suspected victims of abuse. From his time while in military service or that of social worker throughout Southern California, Richard strongly believes in the care and advocacy of those needing treatment for trauma or overcoming substance abuse.

 

Laurel Dopp

Lead Clinical Support Technician

Laurel Dopp holds an Associates Degree in Human Services from University of Phoenix and is a CADC I (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor). She has been working in the treatment field for 6 years. Laurel has experience working with those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. In her time in the treatment field, she has worked a vast array of positions including Support Staff, Shift Lead, and also Case Manager.Laurel has personal experience with addiction and the destruction it can do to the addict and their family. Laurel has been a very empathetic asset in the treatment field. She has seen clients overcome their addiction and has been able to witness the wonderful transformations that come about while clients are in treatment. Laurel immensely enjoys her job and helping clients change their lives.

Laurel Dopp

Lead Clinical Support Technician

Laurel Dopp holds an Associates Degree in Human Services from University of Phoenix and is a CADC I (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor). She has been working in the treatment field for 6 years. Laurel has experience working with those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. In her time in the treatment field, she has worked a vast array of positions including Support Staff, Shift Lead, and also Case Manager.Laurel has personal experience with addiction and the destruction it can do to the addict and their family. Laurel has been a very empathetic asset in the treatment field. She has seen clients overcome their addiction and has been able to witness the wonderful transformations that come about while clients are in treatment. Laurel immensely enjoys her job and helping clients change their lives.

Jason Barber

Peer Support/Veteran Support Liaison

Jason Barber is a U.S. Army veteran with a year of service overseas. As a public speaker Jason has 15 years experience speaking at high schools, colleges and military bases. With notable invitations to speak at the United States Military Academy West Point and aboard the USS John C. Stennis ( CVN 74 ) aircraft carrier.

Like many veterans Jason began to experience PTSD symptoms years after leaving military service.. Attempts to self medicate and poor choices led to addiction and homelessness. With a 12-step program and years of help at the VA hospital in Loma Linda, CA, he now works with other veterans to navigate the VA system and get the help they need and deserve while also assisting to bridge the gap between the VA and Destiny Recovery for services such as sub-acute medical detox and residential services.

Richard S. Synovec
Sgt Maj/USMC ret., MSW, ACSW

Therapist

 

After serving 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, Richard Synovec began his journey into the field of Social Work as a desire to continue service to community. His multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman laid the foundation for his own recovery and treatment after retirement in 2012. Richard has used his own experiences with PTSD as motivation for a career in behavioral health. After earning his Bachelors in Social Work from CSUSB, he has work with individuals and their families within SARC (Substance Abuse and Recovery Center) and CalWORKs Family Stabilization Program within the Department of Behavioral Health, San Bernardino County. Richard would then pursue and earn his Masters from California Baptist University with a focus in Behavioral Health/Clinical Therapy. After graduation, Richard would work for Riverside County’s Adult Protective Services (APS) in the desert region providing emergency case management to elderly and disabled individuals who were suspected victims of abuse. From his time while in military service or that of social worker throughout Southern California, Richard strongly believes in the care and advocacy of those needing treatment for trauma or overcoming substance abuse.