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Sonja
CEO
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Sonja
Sonja has a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice preceding a Master’s of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in addiction disorders. She has been working in addiction treatment since 2011 in almost every aspect. She has been a Director of Admissions, Marketing and Risk management and worked as a Counselor for 5 years.
She got her first addiction counseling credential in 2013 and since has grown in her determination to help people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health illness. Sonja is laser focused on client care, always concentrating on the ethical provision of services. She is passionate about implementing innovative ideas to create the best environment for success. She believes in extending this philosophy to her staff, spending extra time and attention with them to be sure they are successful in their role.
Sonja recognizes that the employee’s success leads to a stronger team and thus clients who feel supported, valued, and heard during this early stage of recovery. Her skills in team development and compliance make her a dynamic director. Her compassion offers an authentic hands-on approach to executive leadership. Fun fact: Sonja used to be a professional singer.
Jerry
Clinical Director
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Jerry
Meet Jerry! He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and his Master Degree in Social Work with a concentration in mental health from San Jose State University.
He’s been in the behavioral health field for over a decade, starting off as a certified substance abuse counselor and currently in possession of a dual licensure as an associate clinical social worker registered with the BBS and as a licensed advanced alcohol drug counselor with CCAPP. He’s delightful to work with and enjoys every aspect of the job even through the highs and lows of being in the behavioral health field.
“Being a dual licensed clinician has given me the privilege to plant seeds of hope, empower individuals, and to support/encourage those who are seeing their darkest days with substance use and mental health challenges.”
Jerry joined SVR as the Clinical Director, leading a dynamic team of clinicians and behavioral healthcare technicians with the vision of providing quality/experiential care. In addition to leadership coaching, he enjoys teaching entry level student interns/professionals about clinical interventions, treatment modalities, best practices, substance abuse education, and providing overall general support in the behavioral health field. Additional job experiences include working as a psychiatric social worker within the adult population within an inpatient behavioral health unit, providing therapy/counseling services to adults in all levels of care (i.e. withdrawal management, residential, partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient, and outpatient), providing support/brief interventions for teachers in a school based program during the pandemic, and is a board member with San Jose City Colleges Alcohol Drug Studies program.
Fun Fact: Jerry had a fame moment in 2019, ask him about it!
Johnny
Program Operations Director
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Johnny
Johnny comes to Silicon Valley Recovery from a tenure of working in behavior health in South Philadelphia. He has a highly clinical approach perfectly balanced with authenticity. His passion for helping people suffering from addiction is evident. Johnny’s unique style compliments the team at SVR. His cultural awareness and experience with diverse populations is reflected in his ability to engage any client.
Johnny made the decision to pursue a higher education at age 50 and received his Associates of Arts Degree in pre-professional psychology from Bucks County Community college where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Johnny is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling at Walden university because, as he says, “for addicts in recovery, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
As an inspiring artist and musician in the creating and performing arts, “sometimes successful, sometimes…not so much”, Johnny found a passion for working with people in the behavioral health field. He brings over 10 years of practical experience within a residential treatment modality working with a diverse population of adults, adolescents, substance use, and mental health. He also has the experience of working in a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, and outpatient.
Fun Fact: Johnny was the co-creator of an artists recovery co-op which facilitated exhibitions and art shows of recovering addicts. Ask him about who attended!
Kaytlyn
Lead Counselor & Media Director
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Kaytlyn
Kaytlyn Garland has her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions through Purdue University and graduated with honors as magna cum laude. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I) and was Valedictorian of her class in 2021. Kaytlyn found her deep passion working in addiction treatment years ago as an Admissions Counselor, then a Discharge Planner, and Alumni Service Coordinator. She joined us when we first opened our doors as Lead Counselor and Media Director. Kaytlyn offers an energetic outlook in many roles that she plays here initial screening and intake, client orientation, referral, and aftercare placement, process groups, psychoeducational groups, and crisis intervention as it presents itself in a residential treatment setting. Kaytlyn continues to practice humility, authenticity, and the desire for growth in both clinical and interpersonal dynamics while providing exponential client care. She has a keen ability to offer enthusiasm to her clients while educating them on substance use disorder and recovery. She has no problem asking difficult questions to help them get to the roots of their pain. Kaytlyn holds the humanistic approach close to her heart in which no person is broken, but there are emotional wounds that must be tended to in order to heal. Her favorite quote is a piece by Marianne Williamson, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same”. Fun fact: Kaytlyn has a ground-breaking story about her cat, Hank- ask her about it!
Jastine
Healthcare Director, LVN
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Jastine
San Jose native, Jastine Bautista is the Health Services Director at Silicon Valley Recovery. She received her Licensed Vocational Nursing degree at Medical Career College in Fremont, California in June 2013.
Jastine has over 8 years of nursing experience in mental health, rehabilitative services, case management, and developing individual medication support plans.
Prior to working at Silicon Valley Recovery, she was the director of an Alzheimer’s care unit for over 5 years where she managed over 20 staff members who provided care for those desperately in need. Although the needs have shifted from patient to patient, Jastine continues to carry her medical expertise and warm heart to every person she serves.
Jastine has a passion for providing recovery services to those suffering. She has chosen to make it her life’s work to assist others in working towards a better life. What drives her every day is the little moments where she sees a client make progress in their health goals. As Silicon Valley Recovery’s Health Services Director, Jastine oversees all our medical staff members, provides psychopharmacological education to our clients, and so much more!
Jastine is a firm believer that when you help others feel important, you make yourself feel important. Jastine is excited to bring her unique set of skills and love for people to Silicon Valley Recovery.
Fun Fact: Jastine competed in Hula and Tahitian for over 11 years!
Sam
Alumni Coordinator & Client Advocate
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Sam
Sam McDonnell has been working at Silicon Valley Recovery from our first client. He completed his CADC education in 2013 and this contributes to the many roles within our facility he plays from supporting the medical and clinical departments, and currently he is our alumni coordinator/client advocate position. Sam has an open heart, and it is evident that he genuinely cares for each client that walks through our door. He gives each client his undivided attention and provides them with his warm, comforting presence that allows them to feel at ease and to practice being their authentic selves. Sam has served in the recovery community for several years, so being a safe person for our clients comes organically for him.
Fun Fact: Sam was a youth leader for a local organization!
Dr. Alva
Medical Director
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Dr. Alva
Alejandro Alva, M.D., is the founder, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and medical director of Alejandro Alva MD, Inc. (AAMD, Inc.) and Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS); A single-specialty psychiatric medical group with a team of medical providers who focus not only on psychiatric disorders but also on dual diagnosis conditions which include substance use disorders. Dr. Alva earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and completed medical school at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. He then returned to California, where he completed his psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine.
Prior to Dr. Alva’s formation of PNS, he was involved in multiple endeavors including detoxification and rehabilitation work both inpatient and outpatient including the VA Medical Center In Long Beach, Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Chapman Medical Center in Orange as well multiple rehabilitation centers. Since the formation of PNS Dr. Alva’s focus is on the latest treatments available for psychiatric disorders and chemical dependency as well as aspects of ethnicity and gender and their correlation to pathological states. Dr. Alva has over 25 years of experience in serving the medical community in various capacities: as a patient advocate, researcher, and medical director.
Dr. Alva’s expertise in adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatry makes him one of the nation’s most innovative and prominent psychiatrists. Dr. Alva and his team of medical providers have extensive experience with dual diagnosis states utilizing the latest pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to treat depression (RTMS), as well as the use of anti-craving interventions including oral, injectable, and implantable treatments
Jeannie Anderson
Director of Clinical Outreach
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Jeannie Anderson Bio
Jeannie Anderson is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) with over 20 years of experience in addiction & mental health treatment. She has worked in various settings, including residential, inpatient, and outpatient dual diagnosis programs. She has also held positions as the Director of Physician Provider Relations and the Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California. In addition, she has taught Certified Alcohol and Drug Studies & Relapse Prevention at Cal State University and provided Alcohol & Drug Assessments for the Santa Clara County Courts and the VTA. Jeannie has also provided educational substance abuse treatment for the FOH (Federal Occupational Health Department) and held a level 5 government security clearance.
Jeannie is a highly skilled and experienced professional passionate about helping people overcome addiction and mental health. Her years as a clinician have been dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment tailored to each client’s individual needs. She also provides extensive education and support to families and friends of those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders and has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with treatment programs all over the country.
Jeannie is a valuable asset to our team and an asset to our organization. She is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual who is always willing to go the extra mile. She has dynamic energy and is also a team player who is always ready to help others.
Personal Quote- “Daily, I am trusted to provide a service that is rooted in HOPE, watered by CHANGE, and blossoms with the attributes of a new beginning and ultimate HEALING- what a gift and privilege this job is.”
