OUR FAMILY

Jesse Cook is the Program Director at Villa Oasis in San Diego, where she leads program operations and supports clients in their recovery journeys. Starting as a LVN at the center, Jesse’s passion for helping others quickly propelled her to the role of Operations Director, and now to Program Director. Her background in nursing and operations allows her to guide the center with both compassion and expertise.

Coming from a family in recovery and being in recovery herself, Jesse was inspired to help others overcome challenges and rediscover their self-worth. She finds fulfillment in seeing the light return to clients’ eyes as they heal. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children, attending concerts, and connecting with friends. Jesse’s personal and professional experiences in recovery drive her commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of those she serves.

Christian 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.

Michelle J. Beaupre is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate degree in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University, with an emphasis in mental health treatment, a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of New England, Portland, with an emphasis in addictions counseling and children, youth and families. She has a private practice in San Diego, California. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies at University of New England.

Michelle has over 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples and has been a licensed therapist for 10 years. She began her career working with youth and families at Spurwink Services in Portland Maine. She was trained in the Functional Family Therapy model to provide family therapy to youth and families involved in the Department of Corrections in Cumberland and York County Maine. She then moved from Maine to California to complete her PhD in Mind Body Medicine. While attending graduate school, she worked with youth involved in the Juvenile Justice system at San Diego Youth Services in San Diego County, providing supervision to staff and individual and group therapy to youth. In 2021 she began her private practice in Rancho Santa Fe, California. In addition, she is contracted to provide mental health services for Villa Oasis San Diego residential treatment center, serving those with substance use disorders.

Her areas of expertise include: family and relationship issues, stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and personal growth. She especially enjoys working with individuals with substance use disorders. She is trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapy.

Michelle utilizes a multidimensional approach to therapy, exploring each individual’s biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. She desires to come alongside others to assist them in healing from trauma, building self-worth, improving communication in their relationships and reaching their goals.

Her therapeutic approach is to evaluate each person within their environment, provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Professional Background: As a licensed psychotherapist in Arizona and California, with a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of the Cumberlands, Daniel brings over a decade of first-hand experience in the treatment of mood disorders, substance addictions and trauma therapy. Daniel is a trained and experienced clinician in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT). While serving as an addictions and acute level-of-care psychotherapist in California, Daniel simultaneously runs a depression and addictions-focused private practice in Arizona and California. Personally, Daniel is a passionate advocate for the rehabilitation of addicts in the local community, and commits pro bono work to serving human trafficking survivors and underserved individuals struggling with addiction.

Current Role and Duties:
Complete intake assessments for detox and residential clients, and conduct individual and group psychotherapy for the IOP mental health program.

Education/Certifications:
-Undergraduate, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Liberty University
-Graduate, Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health and Counseling, University of the Cumberlands
-LPCC, CADC
-EMDR trained through EMDRIA, CBT trained through the Beck Institute, IPSRT trained through University of Pittsburgh

Personal Info:
My interest in psychotherapy began after my own experience with addiction, entering a rehab center and working with my own psychotherapist to achieve sobriety. I began work within the mental health field as a personal fitness trainer, and worked with local rehabilitation clinics in southern California to help their clients with physical health goals. After completing my education, the first three years of my work as a therapist was working with women coming from human trafficking backgrounds, and who also struggled with substance use disorders.

At the present time, I am raising two dogs with my wife and daughter, and enjoy fitness activities and traveling whenever possible.

Tiffany Velarde, RADT, is a dedicated Operations Manager in substance abuse recovery, driven by her personal journey from addiction to empowerment. With extensive experience in surgical environments, Tiffany combines precision and compassion to lead effective recovery programs. Her commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse and supporting others at their most vulnerable stems from her own transformative recovery.

Currently pursuing a Nursing degree, Tiffany is committed to deepening her impact in the field. Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with children, hiking, and enjoying the beach. Her mission is to empower individuals to overcome their struggles and achieve lasting recovery, making her a powerful advocate for change and healing.

Chris has previously worked in education after graduating from NYU in 2002, specializing in physical education, emotional health and conflict resolution. He began his career in Substance Abuse Counseling after getting sober himself and decided to transition to help adults who were suffering from similar problems that he had overcome on his road to recovery. He enjoys making new connections with clients and helping them identify their problems and solutions. Chris is a fully certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor with CADTP and is completing a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy as a therapist intern.

When he is not working, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors by going to the beach, scuba diving, backpacking, hiking and camping.

Valentina earned her BS from Springfield College, School of Human Services, in 2015 and her MS from Springfield College, Continuing Studies, in 2018. She is certified through the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) at Level IV. In her current role at Villa Oasis, she serves as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, where her responsibilities include case management, individual counseling sessions, group facilitation, accurate documentation, and providing individualized care for each client.

Her journey began in 2003 after being released from prison. Battling addiction and homelessness, she entered residential treatment, where a counselor guided her through recovery. By following the counselor’s suggestions, she never re-offended and has remained free from illicit substances. Narcotics Anonymous helped her address trauma and negative behaviors, and she continues to attend meetings and work with a sponsor today. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and has a love for Scrabble. She is also considering returning to school to obtain her LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor).

Having transitioned her career from corporate marketing to public service, Kelly is an experienced Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor dedicated to partnering with individuals in their complex journey of addiction recovery. Her diverse education credentials include an Associate’s Degree in Communications from Orange Coast College and, more recently, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and minor in Social Work, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University. Her interest in addiction recovery led her to earn an Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Program (AODS) certification and a second Associate’s Degree in Alcohol and Other Addiction Studies from Palomar College. Since 2020, Kelly has pursued a variety of occupational experiences at residential and outpatient recovery facilities, discovering the benefits of both traditional but also an innovative, individualized continuum of care. She is currently continuing her clinical studies through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and is preparing for the CADAC Licensing Exam in Spring 2025.

Having joined Villa Oasis in 2024, Kelly works closely with clients to foster positive change and long-term recovery. Her journey into the field of addiction treatment is deeply personal and has been shaped by having empathized and supported others as they have navigated life’s challenges and overcome obstacles. Away from work, Kelly is proudly eclectic. She loves her family (including Chaka Khan (black cat), Frenchie (Chihuahua), and Big Momma (African dwarf frog). She’s an avid record collector, music lover, concertgoer, Dodgers fan, Alfred Hitchcock film buff, gluten-free foodie, adventurist, and shameless extrovert. Her personal values are what drive her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, where she is a strong advocate for mental health and recovery support.

With a robust background in physical education and applied behavioral science, Sean Scanlon has dedicated over two decades to the field of mental health and recovery. His journey into the recovery field was deeply personal, stemming from his own transformative experiences and a commitment to supporting others in their paths to healing.

Sean is instrumental in providing comprehensive counseling, coordinating alumni programs, and spearheading outreach efforts. His holistic approach integrates modalities such as cold plunge, hot/cold contrast therapy, breath work, meditation, Chi Kung, grounding, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition,and water aerobics, reflecting his belief in a well-rounded, mind-body-spirit connection.

Sean is RADT certified and on track to receive his CADC certification in January, further solidifying his expertise. In his personal life, Sean embraces the beauty of nature and water, finding joy in paddleboarding and spending time outdoors. His dedication to recovery is matched by his passion for holistic health and a vibrant, nature-centric lifestyle.

Jessica is a RADT (Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician) certified through CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals). Currently furthering her education to become a CADC (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor). She has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field on and off for over 6 years. Having worked both inpatient and outpatient levels of care, she has found inpatient detox/residential to be more of an intimate, raw experience that allows for tremendous growth and transformation in clients.

In her time working in recovery, She has been able to be a part in helping individuals transform their lives for the better. Working in the mental health and substance abuse field has opened her eyes to the struggle, pain and suffering people go through and the many obstacles humans are able to overcome when given the appropriate care, tools and education they need. It is a great privilege to be witness to how remarkable people are and can become.

In her spare time, she enjoys meditation, exercising, traveling, spending time with her loved ones and spending time in nature. There is something grounding and healing to her about getting lost in the forest or listening to the waves.

Charles Acosta is a dedicated professional in the field of substance abuse treatment with nearly two years of hands-on experience. As a certified RADT (Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician), Charles plays a pivotal role in dual diagnosis settings and manages sober living homes. His personal journey with substance abuse recovery fuels his passion for helping others find their own path to sobriety. He is committed to expanding his expertise through further education with CCAPP or CADTP, enhancing his ability to support individuals in overcoming addiction.
Beyond his professional work, Charles is actively involved in IOP (Intensive Outpatient Programs), where he provides essential support to clients on their road to recovery. His compassion, leadership, and firsthand understanding of the challenges of addiction drive his work, making him a valued resource in the recovery community.
In addition to his career in substance abuse treatment, Charles is a devoted father of two daughters. He also has a rich background in music, having excelled in both high school and college. An avid surfer, jiu-jitsu practitioner, and disc golfer, Charles balances his professional life with hobbies that nurture his spirit and well-being.

Vladimir is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician with a sobriety date of December 25, 2019. He has been free from meth and all mind-altering substances since then. After years of struggling to get clean, Vladimir found his calling in helping others who are battling addiction. His journey began with assisting individuals through energy work, helping them discover grounding tools and ways to stay present. Vladimir is passionate about guiding others on their recovery path, and he is constantly reminded of the challenges that still exist. With his knowledge and experience, he is dedicated to supporting those who are willing to change their lives for the better.

With five years of dedicated experience in emergency medicine, Tyler has built a robust career in high-stakes environments. His career started working on an ambulance, where he mastered the intricacies of urgent medical care, managing critical situations with precision and compassion. This foundational experience led to a subsequent role as a firefighter, where Tyler further developed their skills in emergency response, fire safety, and rescue operations.

In addition to his hands-on experience, Tyler is a Registered Alcohol/Drug Technician (RADT), certified by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). This certification underscores his expertise in substance abuse and addiction treatment, complementing their emergency medicine background with a focus on behavioral health.

Throughout his career, Tyler has demonstrated exceptional resilience and a commitment to patient care, navigating complex emergencies with a calm and methodical approach. His diverse skill set, combining emergency medical response with specialized knowledge in addiction treatment, positions them as a highly skilled and versatile professional in the field of emergency services.

As an experienced EMT with a passion for health and wellness, Jules is dedicated to helping others overcome the devastating effects of addiction. With over 6 years on the frontlines, she has witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by substance abuse and is committed to guiding individuals towards lasting recovery. Jules’ extensive medical knowledge and unwavering commitment to her clients make her an invaluable asset at Villa Oasis San Diego, where she serves as the IMS Supervisor. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Medical Services and a deep understanding of trauma and life-threatening issues, she is uniquely qualified to help those struggling with addiction.Her steadfast belief in the power of effective treatment has inspired countless individuals to reclaim their lives and achieve lasting sobriety.

Jules embraces an active outdoor lifestyle, from swimming laps to conquering hiking trails. When she’s not exploring nature, you’ll find her cherishing quality time with loved ones. A true adventurer at heart, Jules is always seeking new ways to make the most of every moment.

Marjorie is the Environmental Services Technician at Villa Oasis. She has vast experience in this field having worked in a hospital setting where she first gained knowledge of the many facets of sanitation and cleanliness in a clinical setting. When not working, Marjorie enjoys the outdoors by camping, waterskiing, and fishing. She helps provide a friendly and overall safe environment for our clients as well as staff.

Andrew is our award-winning Executive Chef, who has thirty plus years’ experience and brings his high level of culinary knowledge to Villa Oasis. On a daily basis, he serves our guests only the finest ingredients in his gourmet meals of free-range poultry, locally grown organic produce, hand cut mid-western beef and sustainable seafood. Chef Andrew’s accolades include: American Culinary Federation sanctioned competitions to which he holds bronze, silver and gold medals. His highly regarded mentors include Chef Bernard Guillas – La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club / Marine Room and Pierre Chambrin – Former Executive Chef for the White House. Chef Andrew is also very active in local charitable events.

Curtis got his passion for cooking at a young age, spending time with his mother cooking on the weekends. At 17 he attended California Culinary Academy, where he received an education in culinary arts and nutrition. Since then, he has worked at Park Hyatt Aviara and numerous other restaurants and resorts around the country focusing on a wide range of cooking and ethnic styles.

Curtis is an avid fisherman and enjoys other outdoor activities including hiking and gardening. Family is important to him, and he spends much of his free time offering support where it is needed.

Meet Anna, a devoted San Diego local who embraces the vibrant outdoors with her beloved dog by her side. Her journey into the world of yoga began after a profound and tragic loss—the passing of her son. During this difficult time, Wellness Lounge gave her a month of free yoga classes, sparking a deep passion for the practice that she now shares with others.
Certified in 2020 with a 200-hour YTT, Anna’s path has been one of healing and growth. She has since taught at both the YMCA and Wellness Lounge, bringing her calming presence and holistic approach to her students. With additional training in Prenatal Yoga, Anna offers a nurturing and mindful experience in her classes.

Join Anna for a slow flow session where you’ll receive personalized attention, especially in savasana, to experience the transformative and healing power of yoga. Her classes are designed to help you reconnect, rejuvenate, and find tranquility on your wellness journey.

Amy is a RYT-200 instructor, registered in vinyasa and hatha yoga, with additional certification hours in yin and standup paddleboard yoga. She also facilitates fitness, meditation, and sound healing; A well-rounded movement advocate, she instills body awareness, breathwork, and sound therapy through her unique yoga therapy classes allowing students to feel empowered and conscious, while also embracing peace and comfort.

When not instructing, you can catch her hiking mountains, running trails, or throwing the hottest wellness festivals in San Diego where she builds conscious communities through music, movement, and mindfulness.

Catch Amy’s classes here at The Villa on Friday mornings for what she calls “Feel Good Friday’s”!

Steph is a massage therapist with 18 years of experience in spa and chiropractic settings as well as the health and wellness field. She enjoys mobile massage where the environment changes each day.

She is an expert in Swedish and deep tissue, where she uses a range of modalities including relaxation, trigger point, and range of motion therapies. She tailors each session to the clients needs for a healing experience using a combination of therapeutic techniques.

Steph has a passion for helping heal people in holistic health with addressing and helping achieve physical and mental health goals, reducing stress, and being part of the process for a happier, healthier, and more pain free life.

When she is not pampering clients, she enjoys spending time with her two year old son, stand up paddleboarding, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors.