Our Team

A CNN Hero of the Week Award recipient, nationally known for leading successful recovery programs and having over 31 years of continuous recovery himself, serves as our CEO.

Scott has written multiple books about recovery and is an active public speaker on the matter. Find out more at YourCrisisCoach.com

Dr. Don Houts is a psychiatrist who has been in practice for more than 20 years.

He specializes in Addiction and General Psychiatry. His practice is based in Cardiff By The Sea.

Jay Wylie is a Southern California native who served as a Naval Officer for 22 years. However, a serious drinking problem derailed that career and returned him to civilian life. Facing the same dark crossroad that all substance abusers face, Jay chose recovery and is now 9 years sober, is very active in the 12-Step community and is completing his certification as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor. He currently resides in San Diego with his wife and 2 children.

Lauri has over 20 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse treatment field. She has been a SUD Counselor and Clinical Supervisor at various types of facilities catering to an array of mental health and substance abuse disorders. Lauri has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Disorders and her master's degree in Human Behavior Psychology.

Michaelle Jinnette is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received an undergraduate degree in Human Development from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.

Matt Ward is a seven year Naval veteran and also brings several years of experience in substance abuse treatment and a personal connection to recovery. Having walked the path himself, he is passionate about helping others on their journey to healing. 

 Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, Matt is working toward becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). 

 At Confidential Recovery, Matt oversees intakes and ensures clients have the support and resources they need to succeed. As the first point of contact for those seeking help, Matt offers a compassionate and informed approach to starting their recovery process.

Robert has over 5 years of experience in the substance abuse treatment field. 

Robert has his degree in Addiction Science and is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with CADTP.

Megan Gafford is a graduate student at Point Loma Nazarene University pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

 She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University and hopes to use her studies to help support families and couples as they face the challenges in their lives.

As the outreach coordinator Shelby works face-to-face with our community while expanding the mission of Confidential Recovery. 

She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Social Work at University of Southern California.

When your emotional discomfort expresses itself physically in pain, exhaustion, or numbing, life may spin out of control. If your body is talking and it’s time to listen, contact Soleil Hepner. Embodied Mindfulness Therapist since 2002 – nearby in Sorrento Valley / San Diego.

Marissa has over 8 years experience in the field of substance abuse treatment. She has her bachelors degree in Psychology from Biola University and is a Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor with CCAPP.

 Marissa has a passion for meeting Clients in their pain and coming alongside them in their journey of healing through recovery. She is a long time resident of San Diego county and enjoys surfing and serving at her church in her spare time."