Northbound Leadership

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More than any other aspect of the Northbound experience, it is our people that sets us apart.

Northbound Treatment Services’® leadership team is comprised of the top doctors, therapists, addiction counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers, all of whom are passionately committed to helping people achieve long-term recovery from alcoholism and addiction. More than any other aspect of the Northbound experience, it is our people that sets us apart.

Northbound’s leadership team has more than 200 years of combined experience working in behavioral healthcare. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to our clients and helping them achieve long-term recovery from alcoholism and addiction. We are passionate about creating a company focused on exceptional organizational health. Leadership has developed a system of top-down transparency, authenticity, and honesty that has served as the solid foundation upon which Northbound is built. We have found that happy, healthy staff members provide the best care to everyone who steps through our doors.

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Northbound Clinical Team

Northbound’s sophisticated treatment professionals lead our behavioral care effort. They help clients embrace their new recovery lifestyle through key supportive programs and services where they foster a new confidence and independence. Through a collaborative treatment approach our therapists, case managers, and psychiatrists match the needs of each client with the appropriate therapeutic modality such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group counseling and medication management.

Degrees Include

Executive Team

Paul Alexander

Chief Executive Officer

Erick Rocca

Chief Financial Officer

Jillian Kristofferson

Chief Operating Officer

Alexa Pelech Helfer

Chief Marketing Officer

Leadership Team

Amanda Ferguson

Program Director

Anna Trusk

Director of Finance

Craig Strerner

Director of Operations

David Gates

Director of Family Services

Erick Holbeck

Director of Admissions

Ryan Lamb

Experiential Therapy Director

Wendy Baugh

Program Manager

Dustin Helvig

Director of Discharge and Client Care

Medical Director

About

Locations

Services

Contact

Dr. Venice Sanchez

Medical Director

Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist

Venice Sanchez, MD, is a double board-certified physician, specializing in Psychiatry and Neurology as well as Addiction Medicine. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. At her private practice in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Sanchez offers a holistic approach to patient care, integrating not only medication management and traditional medical treatments but also therapy, spirituality, healthy eating, exercise, and attention to social factors that impact well-being.

Dr. Sanchez moved to the United States from the Philippines at the age of 11. As a first-generation immigrant raised in a disadvantaged community, she quickly recognized the value of education and hard work. While raising two daughters, she remained committed to pursuing her medical education and career. The challenges she faced as a young mother and first-generation postgraduate student deepened her awareness of the disparities in community support for women and highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health care services.

Dr. Sanchez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of California, Irvine, where she was honored with the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication to education, patient care, and clinical work.

Her extensive training at multiple renowned facilities, under the guidance of experts in her field, has given her a broad and comprehensive skill set in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Dr. Sanchez has worked at the Long Beach VA, various addiction rehabilitation centers, and San Diego detention facilities, gaining invaluable expertise in PTSD, substance abuse, and mood and thought disorders associated with substance use.

Dr. Sanchez has a particular focus on women’s health, especially in the treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients struggling with mental health issues. She trained with specialists at the Maternal and Fetal Clinic at UCI Medical Center and was instrumental in launching the first Women’s Mental Health Medication Management Clinic at the Long Beach VA Medical Center.

Driven by her passion for her field, Dr. Sanchez has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in treating a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, insomnia, and other treatment-resistant disorders. Her subspecialty in addiction medicine also allows her to guide patients through the difficult journey of recovery.

Due to her dedication and exceptional work in the field, Dr. Sanchez has been recognized as Women in Medicine Top Doctor 2024, as well as the Best of 2024 Newport Beach, Psychiatrist.

Cielo Samudio

Director of Nursing & Healthcare

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David Allen Gates

Director of Family Services & Continued Car

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Michele McIntyre

Detox Program Manager

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Ryan Snodgrass

Clinical Director

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Jeff Hamilton

Director of Operations

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Dani Vujnovic

Director of Admissions

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Anna Trusk

Director of financial Affairs

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North

Trauma Therapy Support Dog

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Alexa Pelech

Clinical Outreach

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Chelsea Duclos

Clinical Outreach Manager

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Maggie Scotto

Yoga Fitness Instructor

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Michelle Robbins

Clinical Case Manager

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Mayra Hernandez

Primary Clinician/Therapist

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Taylor Pyle

Primary Clinician/Therapist

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Dr. Thankachen

Medical Doctor

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Jillian Kristofferson

Chief Marketing Officer

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EricK Rocca

Chief Financial Officer

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Beth Durling

Chief Operating Officer

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Paul Alexander

Chief Executive Officer

Paul Alexander is the founder and CEO of Northbound Treatment. He received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder treatment.

Regardless of your situation, we will help you in finding your own personalized treatment solutions – whether that’s our program or another – at no cost or obligation to you. Get started and change your life with the simple click of a button.

We are unable at this time to accept Medicare or Medicaid plans. We do offer affordable self-pay and financing options, so reach out and get started on your journey to lasting recovery.