From Our CARF Accreditation Survey Findings:

A native Californian, Dr. Hirst grew up in the Bay Area before attending Stanford University for her dual undergraduate degree. She experienced two East Coast winters while teaching high school science outside of Boston, then returned West to attend medical school at UC San Diego, where she earned honors for leadership, academic accomplishment and patient care. After graduation, Dr. Hirst completed a dual residency in Family Medicine and Psychiatry at UC San Diego — and founded the UCSD Maternal Mental Health Clinic during her third year of training.

Dr. Hirst soon became a regional expert in the field of Reproductive Psychiatry, caring for women with anxiety, mood disorders and psychosis during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While serving on faculty in three departments at UCSD School of Medicine, Dr. Hirst delivered local and international lectures, wrote a teaching curriculum, published articles, supervised trainees and developed the first Maternal Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program in the Southwest United States.

Dr. Hirst developed an opioid addiction following the births of her daughters via C-section in 2008 and 2011, and left academic medicine to seek treatment in late 2013. Before returning to work in late 2015, Dr. Hirst developed a personal mindfulness meditation practice, even completing teacher training. Today she is proud to incorporate her strong knowledge of psychological theory with mindfulness meditation practice in her work with patients.

Dr. Hirst is board-certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, and is able to provide a unique level of care that encompasses the whole patient as a result of this dual training and expertise.

Dr. Hirst balances her rewarding work with personal time devoted to recovery, family and friends. She and her family are avid explorers of National Parks, and she is an enthusiastic indoor cyclist and (slow but steady) runner.

Dr. Scott has worked in the field of mental health and addiction treatment for 32 years. He has worked in a variety of mental health settings including licensed clinical work in a community hospital for 6 years, and 11 years on the North San Diego Drug Court team as a clinical therapist. His therapeutic approach tends toward discovering and strengthening one's clarity and insight with the objective of stabilization, balance, and centeredness, allowing the client to naturally move toward an increasingly loving life, creating joy in areas of relationship, finance, health, and community.

Nerice has been a therapist and healthcare professional for over 35 years. She specializes in dual diagnosis, grief and loss and relapse prevention. She has worked in a variety of settings as presenter, facilitator, individual and family counselor and spiritual consultant. This includes over one dozen in and outpatient recovery programs. In recovery herself, she has personally used, as well as taught, all traditional as well as current modalities, in particular cognitive behavioral tools for recovery.

Deborah has been working in recovery for the past 17 years both formally and informally. After spending her first 25 years as a professor of philosophy and world religions, she decided to enter the business world as a human resources manager at a start-up in the new field of genomics. Subsequently, Deborah changed careers by becoming an addiction counselor. Having spent a life studying the question, "What does it mean to be human?", she easily transitioned to counseling.

Deborah has a private practice counseling persons with addiction as well leading group discussions/education on the questions: What does it mean to be human? How best to embody that knowledge in the hope of living a more pain-free life?

A proud native of Detroit, Michigan, Neethu Jacob joins our team at Present Moments with several years of experience as a Physician Assistant specializing in the field of Psychiatry. Her interest in mental health grew from a very young age, when she was introduced to the field by her mother, a renowned social worker. Upon graduating from PA School at Barry University, Neethu moved to Chicago and gained proficiency working in community clinic, private practice, long-term care and rehabilitation settings. She has served a wide range of populations, ranging from children in the foster care system to adults with challenging and complex mood disorders.

Neethu’s primary goal is to help her patients feel at ease when discussing, exploring and managing their mental health. She encourages her patients to understand that treating our brain is really no different than treating high cholesterol or a broken bone. She employs a holistic approach with treatment, focusing on whole-body wellness in tandem with mental well-being.

In her free time, Neethu loves exploring her beautiful new home base of San Diego. She is thrilled to experience all that California has to offer with her husband, Kevin and their cherished dog, Rylee. She also enjoys reading, live music and trying out new and delicious restaurants.

Kathryn earned her Master’s of Education in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel in Charleston, SC and is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. She considers it a privilege to work with individuals as they learn about addiction and begin their journey towards recovery. For over ten years Kathryn has utilized a variety of evidence based client centered approaches such as; Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, with a speciality in Experiential Therapy.

Emily is a part of the clinical team with both personal and professional experience in the recovery industry. After becoming sober, she enrolled in and graduated from Cal State University of San Marcos intent on helping others in need.

Emily is a member of a local non-profit committee intent on establishing accessible services including recovery options for less fortunate members of North County. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading about philosophy, spending time with family, and fighting the stigmas of addiction. With both passion and academic prowess from which to draw, Emily is uniquely qualified to help those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Jon is a member of the clinical team. He has spent several years working in a variety of treatment and recovery settings. Jon employs a humanistic approach to counseling, with a focus on developing self-esteem, motivation, and personal agency through the therapeutic alliance, increasing self-awareness, identifying inner resources and motivations, and putting people in control of their recovery, and their lives. Jon is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at National University. In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with family, surfing, traveling and spending time in nature.

After starting his own journey into recovery, Nic realized he wanted to help others achieve sobriety. Having worked in the real estate industry, Nic is no stranger to fast-paced, ever-changing environments. Additionally, having been embroiled in the culture he helps others escape, he is uniquely positioned to understand the struggles and obstacles faced by those seeking sobriety. Nic is currently on his way to becoming a certified drug and alcohol counselor. With both anecdotal and professional experience, Nic uses his abilities to help others along the way to recovery.

Fay has been teaching Qigong in San Diego for over 20 years effectively applying modernized versions of ancient health practices into integrative programs at major medical institutions such as Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine, San Diego Cancer Research Institute, Silverado Senior Living for the Memory Impaired, Chopra Center, and Mind Body Medicine Mental Health program at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Katherine Grey is a holistic health practitioner and CAMTC certified massage therapist. Massage therapy promotes a clear mind and relaxed body helping to reduce physical and mental stress while releasing the day-to-day ailments associated with pain and discomfort. Katie strives to provide a personalized massage experience that can positively impact your physical and emotional health.

“I love working with individuals on a more personal level as we are all unique and have different needs. As a massage therapist, I’m a big believer in the power of touch. My ultimate goal is to help you feel the best that you can while navigating the road of recovery. I’m here to provide a safe space for you to shine your brightest on your path to healing and self-empowerment. I absolutely love what I do and am overjoyed for the chance to be a part of your healing journey!”

Aliza uses BEB system which facilitates patients to discover and release emotional, physical, and psycho-spiritual imbalances by uncovering present, repressed, unaware, and perceived emotional pain. In addition it uncovers biological inherited behaviors from our parents and ancestors that have/ has/are causing imbalances in our mind/body/spirit. As we become aware we are able to disconnect the issues that block our healing.

Association( N.A.D.A.) protocols used for addiction therapy which are effective to support withdrawal symptoms, acupuncture offers a positive solution that leads to positive mood swings and provides added support with benefits to a successful outcome.

Mary has  worked in Expressive Arts for over 15 years says, "I am so very grateful to be able to use what I have learned to promote healing and well being through visual art."

Mary's approach to facilitating art therapy allows participants to comfortably consider an idea - sometimes sparked by open-ended conversation.  During her sessions, the  setting becomes a relaxed, safe space of reflection and self expression.   In this supportive atmosphere, creative thoughts and  visualizations can evolve and be brought to life!

Mary lives with her husband of 46 years and their precious dog Kato.    She plays guitar, loves to cook, read, create jewelry and takes great joy in exploring nature.

Brandon and Wesley are two passionate musicians who share their message of hope and talent to inspire others in recovery. Brandon is a singer/songwriter from San Diego. He has been the key songwriter for Kut U Up and Yovee for over 15 years as well as toured with Green Day, Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World.

Charlie recently moved to Carlsbad from suburban Philadelphia, where he owned a yoga studio and taught yoga and music therapy at a 120–bed inpatient treatment center for 15 years. Charlie aims to weave his experience, strength, and hope into his teachings to help the recovering person. His current passions are softball, bike riding, songwriting, and musical performance.

Kathy holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked for more than 30 years in the field of Experiential and Adventure therapy. Kathy is certified as an Equine Specialist with over 30 years of horse experience. She has developed curriculum, trained numerous therapists from local organizations, and been at the forefront of providing experiential therapy services throughout San Diego County. She is known for her success with clients who have failed to thrive in the traditional “office” environment and holds to the belief that people are resilient and can overcome life’s adversities. She specializes in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Adventure Therapy with a focus on Trauma-related issues including PTSD, anxiety, depression and co-occurring addictions.

AMFT # 108317

Teresa moved to Carlsbad from Philadelphia in 2022. The beautiful beaches and friendly people keep her on the west coast. Teresa found yoga in 1996 and has not stopped practicing. Yoga is an integral part of her day and life. She has spent the past 13 years dedicating her yoga practice to those in need of peace from addiction. She worked at The Malvern Institute and Mirmont Treatment Center before becoming part of the Present Moments community.

Present Moments Recovery is a residential and extended care treatment program located in San Diego North County helping men & women attain sobriety, achieve emotional balance and gain independent living skills devastated by the disease of addiction. Mark and Amy Gladden, a couple in long term recovery themselves, offer those suffering an opportunity to heal and grow in a loving, supportive environment. We’re honored and grateful for each person that chooses to share their journey of recovery with us. We set up a Drug Rehab in San Diego North County to support a community based treatment approach for long term recovery.