Our People

Meet the Team

More than any other aspect of the Northbound experience, it is our people that set us apart. Our leadership, medical, and clinical staff are passionately committed to helping every client achieve long-term recovery.

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Leadership

Executive Team

Chief Executive Officer

Paul Alexander

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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 UC Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health, and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder treatment.

Chief Financial Officer

Erick Rocca

Chief Operating Officer

Jillian Kristofferson

Chief Marketing Officer

Alexa Pelech Helfer

Clinical Medicine

Medical Staff

Medical Director — Board-Certified Psychiatrist & Addiction Medicine Specialist

Dr. Venice Sanchez

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 medication management, therapy, spirituality, healthy eating, exercise, and attention to social factors that impact well-being. Dr. Sanchez earned her bachelor's degree from UCLA and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at UC Irvine, where she was honored with the Outstanding Resident of the Year Award. Her subspecialty in addiction medicine allows her to guide patients through the difficult journey of recovery. Dr. Sanchez has been recognized as Women in Medicine Top Doctor 2024 and Best of 2024 Newport Beach, Psychiatrist.

Operations & Clinical