Our Team

Thora has worked in the Behavioral Health Industry for six(6) years, four (4) as Director of Compliance . She has experience with managing HR, payroll and compliance for state and federal regulations. In addition, Thora as a wealth of knowledge with The Joint Commission accreditation process and assisted many locations and agencies. Thora has a heart for the wellness of the community and the harmony needed within a company to ensure success. Thora owns a wellness company and is a sound healing practitioner, meditation and breath-work facilitator and certified Reiki Master. She believes in bringing that same passion in all she does and with every client she works with.

My name is Bobby, and I’m from the Pala Indian Reservation in North County San Diego. After struggling with substance use for over half of my life, I am now in recovery and actively working a 12-step program while prioritizing physical fitness as part of my healing. 

I chose to go into this field to be a source of hope for others. When someone walks through that door, I want them to see they can do it too. Today I am living a life rooted in purpose and growth. 

Nick grew up splitting his time between San Diego and Los Angeles, graduating from Granada Hills Charter High School. Shortly after graduating, his addiction eventually landed him in prison. After his incarceration, still struggling with addiction, Nick began exploring various energetic healing modalities in the hopes of realizing his sobriety. After achieving his sobriety, Nick pursued certification and mastery in these modalities with the goal of helping others struggling with addiction. Nick is the owner of Nascent, an energetic wellness company, and is Master attuned in 2 lineages of Reiki as well as a certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Deep Chakra Healing practitioner.

Ann Pierce has been a Physician Assistant for over 25 years and practicing addiction medicine for the past 15 years.  She has a Bachelors degree in Physician assistant studies and a Masters’ degree in Family Medicine. 

Vanessa Vinci is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of experience in the nursing field and more than 5 years specializing in addiction medicine. Holding a Master of Science in Nursing and certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), she is currently advancing her expertise as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student. Vanessa is passionate about delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

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 is native to San Diego and graduated as a medical assistant in 2010. After graduation, she started working at the methadone clinic and began using drugs shortly thereafter. It did not take long before she was fully addicted to the substances she was using, leading to a life of crime. In 2017 Sara decided enough was enough, and she admitted herself into a rehabilitation facility. During her stay, she realized she wanted to give back and work in drug and alcohol treatment. Sara aims to help others in any way that she can in honor of all of the loved ones she has lost due to their disease of addiction.

Born and raised in San Diego, Arlene grew up surrounded by family members who struggle with substance abuse disorder. Watching everything her loved ones endured during their addiction and how hard they fought for their sobriety encouraged her to one day become involved in helping others also overcome their plight with drugs and alcohol. Arlene enjoys seeing other progress in their recovery and being a part of the process. Recently graduating from high school, she plans to remain in the healthcare field by furthering her education to become a nurse.

Matt Murdoch is a native of New Jersey. He currently resides in the South Bay with his wife and their blended family of 9 kids and 2 dogs. 

Matt is an active and proud member of the AA Fellowship and 12-Step Recovery Program. He and his wife started a recovery meeting in Eastlake that comprises AA, NA, and Al-Anon. His mantra is, “I am a being of maximum service to my fellows.”

When he’s not at Coastal, you can find him working with his wife at the small business they own and run, or on a paddle board somewhere in San Diego enjoying peace of mind and serenity

This work is personal to me. I’m in recovery from alcohol addiction and got sober in 2025, so I understand how hard the beginning can be. I care deeply about people and aim to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood and not alone. 

Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, going to flea markets, and playing Magic: The Gathering. I’m always down to play and happy to teach anyone who’s interested! 

My name is Robb Roy, I’m a Southern California native new to San Diego. I’ve been sober since 7/7/21. I struggled with addiction off and on for over 30 years, so I have an intimate understanding of the struggles our patients are going through. I find it very rewarding to help them through their recovery, starting at day one, letting them know it does get better, one day at a time. 

I like to golf, I volunteer for the homeless outreach every week, and I recently started doing an H&L panel once a month. I also love the Padres! 

Gabe Soriano is a San Diego native with strong ties to the South Bay community. He is a United States Army Veteran who has an extensive background serving our nation’s heroes in both the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

Gabe is an active and sober participant in both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous 12-step recovery programs. Being of service is paramount to lasting and rewarding recovery. Gabe is someone who always tries to put others before himself. He is busy raising two daughters and enjoys family trips to Baja California. A self-proclaimed “taco connoisseur,” Gabe can often be seen enjoying a taco, or three, at one of many of San Diego’s world-famous taco shops.

Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Abby grew up in a household shaped by addiction and began using substances at just 15 years old. She made her first attempt to get sober in 2016, when insurance sent her to California to begin her recovery journey. Over the years, Abby attended multiple treatment programs, but it wasn’t until a drunk driving accident on her birthday in 2023 that everything changed. Determined to break the cycle, she entered a 90-day treatment center and committed fully to her sobriety.Now celebrating two years sober, Abby maintains her recovery through meetings, the guidance of a sponsor, and a strong support network. Outside of her recovery, she enjoys surfing, playing video games, and spending time with her beloved pug, Harley. She is currently attending UC San Diego, pursuing a career in Substance Use Disorder counseling, with the goal of helping others find the same freedom she has worked so hard to achieve.

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.

My name is Mark Foster, and I have been working in recovery for the past six years. My sobriety date is May 28, 1996. I was introduced to Sundance and ceremonial life while I was incarcerated in federal prison at Terminal Island, California. I have been actively involved in Sundance for the past eight years, and it has played a significant role in my personal growth and spiritual development. 

Through this work, I have learned how to stay in balance in my life and to support others on their recovery journeys. I live on the San Pasqual Indian Reservation, where we have a sweat lodge and collaborate with various programs that support sobriety and healing within the native community. 

🔹 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.