The Brass Tacks Recovery Team

The truth is that my brokenness has become my usefulness. Never did I believe a childhood riddled with the trauma of addiction and abandonment would be the heat that forged the steel from which I help families recover. I understand firsthand that one of the most painful experiences a person can have is watching someone struggle with alcoholism or addiction. My loved ones did not have the opportunity to recover. Yet, I did. My personal loss drove my commitment to gain a level of expertise that allows me to support others in a way that was not possible for my family.

As a child, I lost my biological mother to alcoholism and addiction. I grew up in a dysfunctional family which contributed to my developmental trauma. I was an honor student and similar to many who struggle, I had so much potential. Yet because of my inability to deal with my feelings, I began drinking alcohol and using drugs at the age of 12. Eventually my academic pursuits gave way to my addiction. I dropped out after my first semester and found myself living couch to couch to make ends meet. I enlisted in the U.S. Army when I was 19 years old. In retrospect, I can see that I thought if anyone could change me, the military could. It didn’t. In fact, it only accelerated my alcoholism.

In 1997, I asked for help. I received it. I have learned the path to recovery is a process that requires long-term dedication, the ability to be honest with oneself, and a desire to take determined actions. In addition to attending 12 Step meetings and being of service to my community, I am continually devoted to personal transformation and growth.

As the Co-Founder of Brass Tacks Recovery, I strive to lead from the highest level. I am a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Certified Professional Coach (CPC), and a PIVOT Certified Relational Coach. I bring attachment and trauma-informed solutions to clients and families. I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment (WAAT) and have held board positions within various chapters of the Los Angeles International Association of Eating Disorders (iaedp LA). In 2016 I graduated from Antioch University with a BA in psychology. My rare skill set, which combines personal experience and comprehension of both internal and external professional synergy, is a core strength of our work.

Brass Tacks Recovery is a culmination of my personal and professional experience. It led me to develop one of our most effective techniques, Coach To Intervene (CTI)^™. It is within this model that families are given the missing pieces to carve a new way of educating themselves, while supporting those they love. This mindful and preparatory approach is paced in accordance with the family’s readiness to intervene. CTI is the introductory phase of family system recovery.

I consider it my highest honor to be trusted with your loved one.