Andrea has a passion for ensuring behavioral health services are readily accessible for individuals that are seeking care. She comes to Akua Behavioral Health with twenty plus years serving in Healthcare with a graduate degree in Nursing from Washington State University. She worked as a Behavioral Health clinician and community outreach advocate. She is proud that she assisted in bringing services to the Washington State Prison population to ensure a successful and safe transition back into the community for those suffering with behavioral health issues. Andrea passionately believes it takes a village to care for one another and is excited to support all those in need by being part of an outstanding team of Directors, Clinicians and Technicians that make a difference in every Akua client’s life.
Kelsie Barnes is a dedicated and passionate member of the AKUA family. Coming from a family of addiction professionals, Kelsie was naturally drawn to helping others find a new way of life, her passion for the Behavioral Health industry has been a steadily growing one ever since her teen years. Kelsie’s love for aiding in the recovery process led her to become a nationally certified interventionist. Her knowledge of intervention techniques made her the perfect candidate to help those in the very early stages of the recovery process. For the last two years, Kelsie has been an incredible asset to the admissions team, working hard every day to ensure admissions run smoothly and her team is readily available to assist clients seeking recovery. Her drive to help people enter Substance Abuse and Mental Health treatment is evident in the way she leads the Admissions Team. Kelsie believes this work to be of the utmost importance.
Dan has earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with majors in Management, Human Resources, Marketing and supporting emphasis in Psychology and Sociology. He is currently working toward the completion of his Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor designation. He uses a caring and practical approach to assist in transitioning clients thoughts, actions and perspective into a new way of life, emphasizing the necessity of a new design for living. His ability to connect with clients through respect and empathy, is an invaluable asset to those struggling with addiction and trust barriers. His approach to a 12 step lead spiritual experience is accessible and inspiring.
Amy graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in School Psychology. She has been in the behavioral health field since 2018, working in-home and in school with children with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues. She worked on the development, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated treatment approach for youth at risk. She has built numerous relationships between families and resources in the San Diego Community. Amy is excited to provide resources and support to the recovery community.
Suzanne has a passion for helping people re-discover their dreams and truly believes that stepping into a renewed life is an exciting journey. After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Economics, she has spent the past 15 + years in corporate business development and most recently in the Emergency Medicine field. In addition, as a way of positively contributing to the well-being of the members of her community, she became an EMT and has worked both on an ambulance and on scene at various events. Suzanne is excited to continue this passion for community outreach by connecting people in need with the correct resources and networks to formulate a plan for success.
Angelina graduated from Grand Canyon University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Licensed Professional Counseling with an emphasis on treating complex trauma.
Angelina comes from a clinical and outreach background. She has experience working as a Case Manager at AKUA's First Responder Track where she facilitated group therapy and created aftercare plans for First Responders struggling with co-occurring disorders. In addition, she also functions in the role of a Counselor working with at-risk adolescents struggling with chronic suicidal ideation. Her philosophy in treatment embodies an empathetic, compassionate approach while practicing unconditional positive regard.
Angelina is familiar with a wide variety of treatment approaches, clinical modalities, and treatment plans. She possesses knowledge of different levels of treatment such as detox, residential, partial hospitalization programming, and intensive outpatient programming. Angelina is passionate about serving the First Responder community as well as providing quality, clinically sound, and trauma-focused treatment to all individuals in need. Witnessing first hand, individuals heal from childhood and complex trauma through the therapy AKUA provides is what makes Angelina so passionate to represent AKUA Mind & Body.
Josh has a bachelor's degree in business and writing as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. As a lifelong learner with a desire to help others, he has spent his life working in education, hospitality, and fitness. He uses his diverse upbringing and interest in the story of people’s lives to connect on a personal level. Most recently he has worked to help individuals and groups discover self-empowerment through fitness, health and purpose using exercise and diet to help people with image and mental struggles. Growing up in Chicago around friends and family facing substance abuse and mental illness issues as well as his own experiences with those same elements, he seeks to bring guidance, support, and personal experience to provide avenues to escape the cycles it creates. He promotes conscious living to find peace and freedom in life.
Carl’s dedication and commitment to the First Responder’s program at AKUA stems from his 11 years of personal dedication to the fire department. Carl personally struggled with addiction due to an injury sustained while working as a firefighter in 2008. Carl struggled through 4 years of surgeries and complications which led to his addiction struggles. Carl personally completed a First responders treatment track and has now dedicated his life to helping first responders with the same struggles. Carl is very proud to represent the First Responders Program at AKUA Mind and Body Sacramento.
Jacqueline is a Southern California native who is passionate about helping people and giving back. With over 5 years’ experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, holding positions in clinical, outreach, and operations, she truly understands what it takes for someone to create a healthy state of mind and lifestyle. Jacqueline completed her drug and alcohol counseling course in 2016. She values creating the best care for clients to have a fulfilled and balanced life, including finding healthy hobbies, financial management, and establishing and executing goals. She has background in mixed martial arts, leadership development training, and enjoys pushing herself in all aspects of life to become better every day. Jacqueline knows how vital it is for alumni to have a strong support network after they leave treatment. She is excited to leave a footprint in a safe and lively atmosphere for the Akua alumni to stay connected.
Camille graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in business and is currently enrolled in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies program in pursuit of the CADC II certification. Camille has been working in the drug and alcohol recovery field since 2016 and her passion for helping others through the addiction cycle is undeniable. Camille’s ability to connect to a diverse group of people, while aiding in the transition period, promotes Akua’s family culture. Through her case management experience, Camille has been able to develop close relationships with numerous other facilities in the San Diego area. Her vast resources aid our clients for ongoing support post treatment in hopes of lessening relapse potential. Camille’s vision is to provide encouragement, unity, and greater integration throughout the entire continuum of care. Camille is very excited to lead the Alumni program for the San Diego facility.
Kyle is a Sacramento native with a mission to help those in his community who wrestle with addiction and mental health. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University Sacramento and has a background in Conflict Management and Crisis Intervention. Kyle has over a decade of experience working with youth struggling with behavioral issues and with disadvantaged populations seeking to find a foothold in life. He finds peace in nature and fitness, and believes that connection and support are vital to the recovery process. Kyle is elated to be a part of the AKUA family, helping Sacramento Alumni navigate the often-treacherous waters towards recovery.
