Contact Us Today for a Free Confidential Assessment and Insurance Verification.
At this time we do not accept Medi-Cal , however private pay options are available.
Accessible for individuals with disabilities and accommodating to pets upon approval.
Phil Castagnola
Case Manager
Philip was born and raised in San Diego. He grew up with parents who were functioning alcoholics /addicts. This led to adopting a faulty belief system from a very early age that using drugs and alcohol was an acceptable way to live. The belief system made it normal for him to begin using substances at the age of 15.
Philip has been a surfer his entire life and competed professionally for a few years in his 20’s. He has primarily worked in the surf industry. He eventually opened his own surf shop (Select Surf Shop) in the early 2000’s. His addiction eventually got the better of him and after losing his business and his family in 2006 he spent the next 3 years in and out of rehabs trying to recover. His substance abuse issues eventually landed him in federal prison. He used his time wisely and started working the steps of alcoholics anonymous and completing an 18-month treatment program.
Philip was the primary caregiver for his mom who was permanently bedridden for the last 4 years. When covid hit he decided to pursue one of his goals and began going to school to become a substance abuse counselor.
After struggling with substance abuse issues for over 20 years philip now has 11 years of continuous sobriety and works a program of recovery giving back to other addicts and alcoholics through sponsorship in the program of AA.
Philip studied AODS at San Diego City College and he is now completing his internship here at Coastal Detox of Southern California.
Philip’s main passion is sharing his experience, strength and hope with others who struggle with substance abuse issues. Helping others through their journey of getting and remaining free of their bondage of addiction.
Jeron Jache
Director of Operations
Jeron Jache grew up in San Diego and attended St. Augustine High School where he was a three sport standout in football, baseball, and wrestling. Upon graduation, Jeron accepted a football scholarship to University of San Diego where he only lasted one year before dropping out and going on a 12 year bender. These years were marred with alcoholism, substance abuse, crime, and gang activity. During this hiatus Jeron was afforded the opportunity to visit numerous rehabilitation centers and prisons. Jeron paroled for the last time at the age of 30 and two years later matriculated to Northwestern College in Orange City, IA where he walked-on to the football team and earned a scholarship.
At Northwestern Jeron Jache played three college football seasons at 32, 33, and 34 years old. He was a two-time Academic All-American, Special Teams MVP his senior year, and graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2016.
Jeron has spent time working as an accountant, construction worker, tax preparer, bartender, and drug-dealer. He brings a wide range of experiences, knowledge, and skill sets that he intends to utilize in the assistance of those struggling in the early stages of recovery. He is currently managing a structured living environment named Sons of Recovery near San Diego State University and finds equanimity in the social connections made through helping others.
Noah Harper
Director of Business Development
With more than a decade’s experience in the recovery field, Noah Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as Director of Business Development. Noah is responsible for developing strategies that support patient referrals and nurturing relationships with key partners including hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers.
Noah’s struggles with addiction began in high school which followed him to Chico State University where the impact of his use intensified including involvement with the justice system. Noah struggled with his sobriety for many years, and he nearly lost faith he could recover. His journey consisted of countless recovery programs, a progression of sober living settings and time in county jail. His story resonates with a pattern of chronic relapsing unable to fully embrace the benefits of a sober life.
But Noah did not give up. Finally in 2017, he fully immersed himself in his recovery and started slowly building his career in the San Diego recovery industry. He has held various roles from opening and managing sober living facilities to directing operations supporting clients with admissions and other levels of treatment. Noah is deeply committed and mission-driven to help others get the care they need while deepening relationships within the San Diego Recovery community.
Outside of work, Noah is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time in San Diego’s beautiful surroundings. He dedicates his personal time to taking care of his physical and mental health. He loves playing basketball and pickleball, practicing yoga and plunging in cold water! Noah feels humbled and blessed for his relationships with family, friends, and the recovery community and thrives in his opportunities to give back to others.
Nina Cornejo
Admissions Intake and Business Development
Nina grew up in San Diego and attended The School of Creative and Performing Arts where she was a triple threat ( Acting , Dancing & Singing ). Upon graduating high school at 16 Nina attended San Diego Mesa College for two years studying Abnormal Psychology and the Arts.
Nina worked for the city attorney’s office criminal division from the age of 16 and decided to focus on a career in Law. Nina was accepted to USD , but never attended. At the age of 21 Nina’s “other life “landed her on the wrong side of the law & prison where she spent most of her adult life. While incarcerated she decided to go back to school to become a Drug Counselor. Upon her release she was employed by a local detox and rehabilitation center, as well as opened several recovery residences locally. Nina thrives while helping others and believes her calling is to guide others to tap into their full potential.
Kay Saffe grew up in Miami, Florida and is a first generation American with Argentinian roots. She struggled with drinking and substances, especially throughout her youth. Today, she has been in recovery for years and strives to prioritize her spiritual, mental, and physical health.
A lifelong athlete and ocean lover, she moved to San Diego to pursue a Master’s degree in counseling at the University of San Diego and progress her surfing. She has spent years working as a surf instructor and therapist, working with local non-profits that treat at risk individuals and families in English and Spanish. She incorporates a mindful and holistic approach to therapy. She is passionate about positive psychology and helping others through their recovery journey.
Jeff Swem, SUDRC
Jeff was born and raised in San Diego, and spent much of his youth living blocks from where our residential housing is located. He spent his teenage years skateboarding up and down the surrounding streets, and enjoying the Pacific Beach life in the 80’s/early 90’s.
Jeff got to know the darker side of addiction early in life, with three near-death experiences in a row happening within a year. He “settled down” into alcohol, and later in life became a professional brewer, but that too proved to be too cunning, baffling, and powerful a draw. During Covid, he felt no choice but to surrender, and made the decision to get sober. He attended a similar program to our own, and after completing the 30 days inpatient and attending IOP aftercare, he was able to forge a strong foundation of sobriety. He has not found a reason to pick up a drink since the day that he checked into that detox. After quitting the brewing gig (because of course, he had little choice there), he enrolled in the AODS program at City College with his sights on a new career of helping others. Having completed the requirements involved, he went on to earn his certification in California for Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor.
Jeff is married to his wife of nearly 25 years with a 21 year old daughter and 18 year old son, and thanks to the 12 steps, surrounding himself with a caring and supportive sober community, and coming to terms with his alcoholism, is able to lead others struggling with addiction through example and personal experience.
Nick Sena
Alternative Healing Facilitator
Valerie Grisham
Val grew up in Orange County CA as the fourth out of five children in her family. Facing many adversities in her life, Val states that her family was always rich with love. However, in order to cope with the many traumatic life events she experienced, she turned to substance. Val attempted to achieve sobriety multiple times throughout her life, particularly after the birth of her child, but unfortunately her disease had not yet been managed and eventually led to her incarceration. Eventually Val decided that enough was enough and she began dedicating her life to her recovery, and even began building a passion towards helping others do the same. Val has since gone to school for AOD’s, manages a sober living, and even worked for a period of time helping inmates at Donovan Prison. Currently Val is finishing her school to receive her AA, and hopes to one day become a Life Coach to continue with her passion of assisting others achieve their goals through her work.
Grace Hanifin
Yoga Instructor & Advocate for Sobriety
Grace Hanifin is a dedicated yoga instructor with a profound passion for guiding individuals on their journey to wellness and sobriety. With a background rooted in personal experiences and a deep understanding of the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness, she has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration within the sober community.
Driven by a genuine desire to help others, Grace discovered the healing benefits of yoga during her own journey of personal struggle. Recognizing the profound impact that yoga had on her physical, mental, and emotional well-being, she was inspired to share this gift with others who were also seeking healing and recovery. Grace has been teaching at the Coastal Detox of Southern California for about six months, with a total of about a year and a half teaching experience outside of the center. She enjoys every opportunity she gets to share her love and passion for mindfulness, meditation, and yoga.
As a yoga instructor, Grace approaches her practice with authenticity, compassion, and a profound dedication to service. She creates a safe and supportive space for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging that is integral to the recovery process. Through her gentle guidance and encouragement, she empowers students to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves and their journey towards sobriety.
Through her unwavering commitment to service and her ability to lead by example, Grace continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those in the sober community. She is not only a yoga instructor but also a mentor, friend, and source of inspiration for all who have the privilege of crossing paths with her.
In her pursuit of promoting healing, wellness, and sobriety, Grace remains dedicated to empowering others to discover their inner strength, cultivate self-love, and embrace the journey towards healing and transformation.
Elias Garcia
Lead Medical Assistant
After sixteen years of working in sales, Elias decided to pursue a career in the medical field in order to have a steady work environment to provide for his six children. Shortly after entering the field, Elias received a job working at a detox facility and decided that helping drug addicts and alcoholics is where his true passion was. Elias is currently attending school to complete his Associates in Nursing, and plans to continue working in detox to help those in need and watch as they succeed in life.
Sara Hensley
Medical Assistant
Arlene Courtney
RADT
Hope Stoneking
Behavioral Health Technician
Hi my name is Hope StoneKing, I was born and raised in San Diego California. As a child I was raised with addict parents in a very chaotic home. At the age 13 I was in a accident and that is when my addiction started, by the age of 17 I was living a full blown addict lifestyle dropped out of high school ran the streets for the next 20 years. My addiction ran rampant until I was arrested and was about to lose my children. Since then I’ve come to find that I have a heart for people who have been hopeless and didn’t know how to get out of that lifestyle. I am working on going back to school to become a drug and alcohol counselor and love my life in recovery.
Carmen Gonzales Mercado
Behavioral Health Technician
Sabrina Trevino
Behavioral Health Technician
Hi! I’m Sabrina! I was born in Houston Texas but raised here in San Diego. I enjoy boogie boarding at the beach, playing pool and drawing. I also like to volunteer for the Victory Outreach because I have been in those same shoes. I want to give back to my community as my community has been there for me in times of need. I have put myself through rehab multiple times and finally after my third run, self referred, I was able to pull myself out of homelessness and my drug addiction. If there’s a will, there’s a way! I came to work at Coastal Detox of Southern California to help those who are struggling. Every person that comes through these doors, I genuinely care for and will do everything in my power to help in any way.
BJ Nard
Health and Wellness Coach
🔹 NSCA CPT
🔹 NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
🔹 Professional Cupping Therapy Massage
🔹 BS in Sports Management from Cal Poly University
Seasoned recovery specialist renowned for his transformative work with athletes, gym enthusiasts, and individuals managing chronic illnesses. Through a tailored approach combining assisted stretching, cupping therapy, and specialized bodywork techniques, BJ has become a trusted ally in the pursuit of ultimate rejuvenation. Beyond the physical benefits of reduced inflammation, profound relaxation, improved blood circulation, and the effective flushing out of toxins from the body, BJ’s holistic approach extends to mental well-being. By fostering a sense of harmony between mind and body, BJ’s methods have been lauded for their ability to uplift one’s mental state, promoting a deep sense of inner peace and balance. Clients attest that the transformative effects of BJ’s work go beyond the physical realm, resulting in a profound change that resonates throughout their entire being.
Caterra Cornejo
Caterra grew up in San Diego, CA and was raised in and around addiction. After struggling with substance abuse herself in high school she redirected her path and started to focus on sustainable agriculture and food access.
With a background as a private chef, farmer and postpartum doula, Caterra is acutely aware of the importance of being not only physically but also emotionally nourished. She happily serves her community in and out of the detox; spending her free time leading substance free outdoor events for LGBTQ+ folks in San Diego county.
Elena Lester
BHT
Hello, my name is Elena. Growing up in San Diego with parents struggling with addiction, I learned early that our beginnings do not dictate our destinations. Those early years taught me the power of choice, of creating a life guided by love, honesty, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
For 29 years, I found my calling as a veterinary technician, a career that allowed me to nurture and heal, perhaps healing a part of myself in the process.
My path of helping others led me to a brief tenure with the police department, and the loss of my husband was a pivotal moment that tested my resolve. Enduring my own 15-year struggle with addiction, I understand intimately that recovery is not about perfection but about persistent, courageous forward movement.
Finding employment with Coastal Detox of San Diego has been a defining moment of purpose, offering me the opportunity to give back and live a life of integrity. This role has transformed my personal journey of recovery into a meaningful path of helping others, closing a powerful circle of healing and contribution.
Shay Razon
BHT
I am a proud Native American from the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians from the Riverside county area. My life experiences, including multiple stints in jail and two terms in prison, have shaped my perspective and fueled my commitment to positive change I’m committed to breaking the chain of the generational curse of addiction that has affected my family and my people. With 18 months of sobriety, I am dedicated to helping others navigate their recovery journeys and building a better future for myself and my community.
I bring resilience, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to be a valuable asset to the sober community. My goal is to use my experiences to inspire and support others, fostering a sense of hope and healing for those seeking a fresh start One day at a time .
Ari has a strong passion for food, which has been prevalent throughout their life. They started exploring culinary interests at a very young age and began practicing that professionally for the last 10 years. Their addiction began at the age of 12 and continued for approximately 14 years. Surprisingly, they were unaware of the severity of their addiction, despite witnessing their extended family’s struggles with similar challenges. It was only when they encountered fellow individuals in recovery that they realized there was a healthier and more fulfilling way to lead their life.
With a decade of professional cooking experience under their belt, Ari has successfully operated a personal chef and meal planning business, organized catering ventures, and worked in various restaurant establishments. Their culinary talent and expertise have led to multiple invitations from casting directors to participate in popular cooking shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and Master Chef. However, Ari recognized that the demanding nature of the industry was contributing to their addiction, and they knew that progress would be unlikely without embracing sobriety. Volunteering and supporting others has always held great importance in Ari’s life. Thus, the opportunity to pursue their passion for cooking while aiding others in finding inner peace has been an absolute dream come true. Their primary goal is to create nourishing and wholesome meals, promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, Ari aims to offer guidance and assistance to individuals seeking support in their own journey toward serenity.
Cassandra Poster
Behavioral Health Technician
Cassandra Poster was born and raised in San Diego, growing up in a large family with five sisters. She attended high school El Capitan in Lakeside, CA. Shortly after graduating from high school Cassandra began to experiment with drugs, which led to many traumatic experiences. These experiences propelled her drug addiction until it spiraled out of control in a whirlwind of abuse, destruction and despair.
Today Cassandra embraces the opportunity to grow and empower herself through fulfilling work in the treatment industry. It’s a journey of continuous improvement, where every step in sobriety brings her closer to a healthier life.
Natani Simmons
Behavioral Health Technician
Born in 1973 and raised in San Diego, CA, my journey with addiction started at 16. In 1998, at 26, I made my first attempt at getting clean, unaware of what being an addict truly meant. After several failed attempts and time behind bars, I finally acknowledged my addiction. Now, one year sober, I credit staying connected, working the steps, and embracing my powerlessness for my progress, supported by my group.
Call now to start your journey to freedom from addiction. Our compassionate care, tailored to your needs, offers hope and success. Verify insurance today.
All calls are 100% free and confidential
