Staff

Steve Silverman, a Los Angeles native, studied to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Loyola Marymount University. Since 2009, Steve has maintained his sobriety with the belief that social connection is key to maintaining life long recovery. With extensive experience in the field of recovery, he has found his new purpose in helping others. Steve’s approach to recovery is one of reality testing while maintaining a light heart and sense of humor. Steve has touched the lives of many people in recovery.

Duncan McArthur has worked in the recovery field since 2015, gaining extensive experience throughout all levels of care. Beginning as a behavioral health technician, Duncan quickly worked his way to becoming a supervisor. Born and raised in Orange County, Duncan has been sober since 2009. He provides unique insight to our clients as they progress in their sobriety.

Jaime Pratts was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and raised in Los Angeles. Jaime has worked in treatment since 2014 with roles ranging from house manager to a supervisor. His passion for helping others guides his unique ability to support clients and connect with them over food and sports alike.

Jennie graduated from NYU in 2001 with dual Masters degrees in Social Work and Public Administration. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11 she worked at a high school in Manhattan with adolescents and their families who experienced trauma. In 2006 Jennie moved to Los Angeles and continued to work with children, adolescents, and families in therapeutic settings and in the human services field. Her areas of specialization are substance abuse, family therapy, trauma treatment, grief counseling, and adolescent behavioral problems. She has extensive experience in treating adolescents and adults with both substance abuse and mental health issues. Jennie uses her relaxed, authentic, and non-judgemental approach to form meaningful relationships with her clients. She sees addiction as secondary to other underlying problems. Jennie is deeply committed to becoming a part of her clients' journeys toward change during challenging times in their lives.

Vanessa Gallardo is a drug and alcohol counselor at CNV Detox. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. Vanessa is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work and will be graduating October 2021. Vanessa has experience in the field of mental health is working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Vanessa’s clinical experience ranges from working in mental health county programs, non-profit organizations, and field based direct behavioral therapy with children and adults. Vanessa focuses on creating a supportive and non-judgemental environment, with simultaneously balancing and understanding the need for accountability. Vanessa explores with clients on ways to improve their relationships through guiding clients how to set boundaries and empower independence. Vanessa provides a safe space to facilitate insight and understanding with guidance and hope. Vanessa is passionate about helping individuals and providing guidance to overcome obstacles and move forward.

Claire Summers graduated from USC with her Master’s of Social Work. Claire believes that addiction treatment and therapy functions most optimally as a collaborative experience in which the therapeutic relationship meets the unique needs of each client. Claire understands that each client’s journey with addiction is different, and the treatment must be tailored to fit their individual needs and lived experiences. She works to treat addiction through a non-judgmental and curious lens. Claire believes that a compassionate and thoughtful exploration of a client’s challenges can foster healing and hope for life beyond addiction. Along with her experience in addiction treatment, Claire has a background in chronic pain treatment where she utilizes a mind-body approach to help individuals recover both physically and emotionally. She employs individual and group therapy modalities including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused therapies to empower a client to recognize their innate ability and potential to overcome any barriers they may be facing.

Jason was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Los Angeles. Jason has worked in treatment as a technician with CNV since 2019 and has an extreme passion for helping others. Jason’s absolute favorite thing about this job is watching people find their passion and zest for life again.

Melissa Gomez is a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at CNV Detox. She obtained a Bachelor's of Arts in Early Childhood Education at California State University, Long Beach. Melissa is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California focusing on adult mental health and wellness, she will be graduating May 2021. Melissa has experience working in the field of mental health with children and older adults. Melissa's experience consists of direct support care and integrated care with adults. Melissa focuses on the clients needs, taking into account that each client has a unique background with different battles and traumas. Melissa provides a safe and welcoming space for clients to express their vulnerability, emotions and empowering individuals to achieve a healthier mindset through the use of interventions. Melissa enjoys being a part of the clients growth in treatment and being a part of the process of helping individuals overcome their struggles with addiction.