Our Staff
A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE
SPACE FOR WOMEN TO
RECOVER
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
Ashlee Griebel
Director of Operations
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
LAUREN EISHER, SUDCC II
PROGRAM MANAGER & COUNSELOR
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
JENNIFER ROTGE, SUDCC
COUNSELOR & CASE MANAGER
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
