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Our Staff

A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE
SPACE FOR WOMEN TO
RECOVER

Our staff is comprised of highly educated and experienced personnel with many years of practical experience working at premier rehabilitation centers.
At Soledad House, we believe every person coming into our program deserves the best possible treatment. Our staff has numerous years of experience working at premier rehabilitation centers, affording our residents the highest level of care possible at our rehab center in California. To learn more about Soledad House, contact us today.

Christian Small, MD

Medical Director & Psychiatrist

Christian Small, MD is board certified in addiction psychiatry, general psychiatry and family medicine. He is one of a handful of doctors in the US who have the experience and training to treat full spectrum medical and psychiatric illness. Dr. Small has become a leader in delivering evidence-based addiction practices, medical and psychiatric care to addiction treatment programs. He is the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services, an innovative company bringing the highest level of patient care to substance treatment and mental health programs. Dr. Small was previously employed by the Veterans Administration in La Jolla as an addiction psychiatrist and at the University of California San Diego. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine and completed a residency in Psychiatry and Family Medicine at UCSD.

ALLIE FARMER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After 8 years of Operations and Logistics at Avalon Capital Group Inc, Ms. Farmer joined Soledad House in early 2017. Allie is a graduate of the University of Redlands, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. With over 15 years of experience in operations, business management, and workplace dynamics, Allie oversees Soledad House as a whole, exceling at analyzing data to enhance and improve all company functions. Allie is dedicated to helping women achieve recovery from addiction and mental health issues, grow into their divine purpose, and flourish in life spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

KRISTIN DONAHUE, LMFT

CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Northern California, Kristin graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and American Multicultural Studies and her Master of Arts in Marital Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. She has spent the last fifteen years working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, geriatric, insurance, crisis/first responder and military populations. Kristin most recently worked as a Psychiatric Emergency Response Clinician with the San Diego Police Department, providing clinical support to law enforcement and the community for dispatch calls involving persons in mental health crisis. She provided education and training to public safety personnel on mental health issues to ensure effective and compassionate interventions with persons in mental health crisis, as well as their family members and support persons. Kristin has also worked on Naval Base San Diego at the Fleet and Family Support Center, providing therapy to Active Duty service members and their families. She also deployed with various commands as part of the Navy’s Return and Reunion Program, providing counseling and life skills workshops to service members as they sailed back to their homeports. Kristin provided clinically driven and evidence-based resiliency training for FOCUS (Families Overcoming Under Stress) program for the UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior. During this time, she worked closely with the Wounded Warrior detachment at Naval Medical Center Balboa. Kristin completed her practicum work at Rady Children’s Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry. This placement was the start of Kristin’s passion for incorporating creative interventions with both art and play therapy modalities and incorporating family and systems work into her practice. Kristin enjoys teaching and spent the last 7 years as an Associate Faculty Professor in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling and the Marital and Family Therapy graduate programs at the University of Phoenix, San Diego Campus. She is excited to now be sharing her passion and expertise with the women at Soledad.

Ashlee Griebel

Director of Operations
After struggling with addiction for 8 years, Ashlee graduated from the program at Soledad House in early 2016. She found her passion in helping women recover through sponsorship and knew she wanted to work in the behavioral health field. She has since held a variety of roles at Soledad House and knows the day-to-day operations for both clients and staff. Her goal is to help every woman have a great experience while in treatment and hopes they leave feeling empowered and free from the bondage of addiction.

Marlyn Kellogg, AMFT & SUDCC

Program Director & Therapist

Marlyn achieved her undergraduate degree in Psychology in May 2010 from San Diego State University. She later resumed her studies in behavioral health services and graduated from San Diego City College’s Alcohol and Other Drug Studies program in May 2018 and has been working as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor ever since. She became certified in the state of California in May 2019 and has continued to fuel her passion for knowledge and growth by currently working towards dual Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. She is set to complete her graduate school programs at the end of 2022.

Marlyn is enthusiastic about supporting her community by building relationships with and empowering individuals through recovery skills building. She excels in providing people in recovery with the tools and support needed to build increased self-efficacy, stability, and independence. Marlyn holds profound hope and a deep belief that people have the capacity to make the changes that they dream of while cherishing the privilege and joy she finds in being of service to those in the community.

CHANTAL LESSARD

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Chantal has an unmatched compassion for people in early recovery. She loves being a part of someone’s decision to get sober and remains deeply invested in their journey through treatment and beyond. Chantal passionately carries the message of hope to everyone she helps.

LAUREN EISHER, SUDCC II

PROGRAM MANAGER & COUNSELOR
Lauren has over 10 years of experience working in the behavioral health and substance use disorder field. She has had a variety of roles at Soledad House which gives her a unique understanding and relatability to the women she works with. Lauren obtained her Alcohol and Other Drug Studies certificate at San Diego City College in 2019 and is certified in the state of California as an SUDCC II. She is currently working on towards her Masters of Social Work degree at the University of Utah and is set to complete her graduate program at the end of 2023.
Lauren believes that fostering an environment of empowerment, self-worth, community, and healing is an essential piece in the recovery process. Lauren is dedicated to making sure the women at Soledad are getting their needs met and is grateful to walk alongside the women as they begin their journey into recovery.

Courtney Bonner

Client Liaison

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Texas Christian University, Courtney initially pursued a career in finance and accounting, gaining valuable experience over five plus years. However, her own personal struggles with addiction ignited a powerful inner transformation, leading her to discover her true calling in helping women overcome their own challenges. Driven by a profound passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others, Courtney quickly transitioned into various roles at Soledad House, gaining an intimate understanding of Soledad’s mission and the transformative work being done. Fueling her dedication to the field of recovery, she pursued further education and training to become a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, completing relevant coursework at San Diego City College, to equip herself with the latest knowledge and skills necessary to provide the highest level of care and support to Soledad clients. Courtney finds immense purpose and fulfillment in her work at Soledad House. Witnessing the transformation of women as they reclaim their lives and thrive in recovery is a deeply rewarding experience. She firmly believes in the power of resilience and remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering women to overcome their challenges and achieve lasting recovery.

Dr. Alexis Gutierrez-Rafe

Therapist

Dr. Gutierrez-Rafe is a psychological associate experienced in treating anxiety, depression and trauma.  She utilizes an integrative approach, incorporating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Competency, and Regulation (ARC). She has experience working for a strength based, relational, attachment focused model. She believes in adapting her approach to best fit the unique presenting needs of each of her clients. Dr. Gutierrez-Rafe enjoys utilizing a strength-based approach that values a strong collaborative relationship with her patients that considers their unique multifaceted backgrounds. 

Dr. Gutierrez-Rafe graduated with a BA from the University of California Davis and earned her Doctorate of Psychology from The Wright Institute. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Oakes Children’s Center in San Francisco, CA and a formal post-doctoral residency in the Child and Family Psychology Department at Kaiser Richmond, CA. 

DORIAN HUDSON, CAODC

COUNSELOR & CASE MANGER
Dorian got a full scholarship to The Art Institute in San Francisco with a major in Photography. She graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a BA in Sociology with an emphasis on Children and Families. She returned to school to get a substance abuse certificate from San Diego Community College where she graduated Phi Theta Kappa. Dorian’s passion is to assist women in the recovery process by using creativity and fun.

JENNIFER ROTGE, SUDCC

COUNSELOR & CASE MANAGER
Jennifer Rotge received her certificate of completion from San Diego City College AODS Program in 2017. She completed her internship at Soledad House and is excited to be a part of the team doing counseling and case management. Jennifer has personal experience with the heartache involved with substance use and has also witnessed the freedom that is possible. She has a passion for women and knows that healing and recovery are possible. Jennifer desires to come alongside women and empower them to heal and live the life they were created to live. She believes each woman has a unique purpose only they can carry out regardless of their past and they have the ability to turn their tragedies into triumphs and their pain into purpose. Jennifer wants to empower, encourage and support each and every woman who walks through these doors and see the miracle that awaits.

Julianne Shuman, CADC-II

Counselor & Case Manager

Julianne is an AOD counselor with over 10 years of experience working with diverse populations in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. With lived experience and integrative approaches in codependency, adult-child (ACA) people with disabilities and LGBTQ+. Julianne is passionate about her professional work with clients and spends her free time connecting with nature, camping, climbing, hiking, scuba, etc.

Mary Betts, SUDCC

Counselor & Case Manager

Mary is a certified substance use disorder counselor with a passion for helping others find freedom from the desperation and shame cycle that addiction traps us in. She uses both life experience and evidenced based practice to guide women through the process of early recovery and is passionate about trauma-informed, client-centered care.

She discovered her passion for the alcohol and other drug studies program at San Diego City College which has driven her to obtain as much education and understanding of addiction and trauma as possible. She obtained an associate degree in behavioral science with a focus on alcohol and other drug studies and is in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Mary understands that recovery is not a “one-sized fits all process” and collaborates with women suffering from addiction to help them find their own path to recover and is dedicated to continuing her education to learn more about the impact trauma has on women suffering from addiction. Mary’s use of unconditional positive regard and motivational interviewing empowers women to build discrepancies in negative self-talk, find their voices, and build self-efficacy to begin their recovery journey.

Mark Ciani, SUDRC

SUD Intern

Mark is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders. With 14 years of experience in higher education and a personal understanding of the complexities of addiction, Mark brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his role. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University, where he developed a strong foundation in his field. His educational journey also took him to the University of Salamanca in Spain, where he began his college studies, further enriching his perspective and cultural understanding. Mark’s approach to SUD treatment is rooted in empathy, respect, and a belief in each person’s inherent capacity for change and growth. Beyond his professional work, Mark actively engages in raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders. With his compassionate nature and diverse background, Mark is dedicated to making a positive impact and helping individuals find hope and lasting recovery.

Amber McBride

Sound Healer

Amber has acquired over 500 hours of yoga training and certifications including Trauma-Informed Yoga, Yoga of 12 Step Recovery, Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Sound Healing, and Anusara Yoga. She attended Arizona State University and received her degree in Health Sciences, Healthy Lifestyles Coaching. Through sobriety, Amber has stepped into her authentic self, having to feel and accept every emotion, every situation, every thought. She remembers ‘home’, the inner light within herself, within you, connection, community, love, meditation, deep rest, and of course all practices of yoga. Amber continues to remain a student first, a teacher and guide second. Through her teachings and guidance, she hopes to help you find your home inner light too.

BAHAREH MOGHTADAEI, MT-BC

BOARD-CERTIFIED NEUROLOGIC MUSIC THERAPIST

SOLEDAD HOUSE

RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

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