Our Team

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 at the Creemoor Psychiatric Center in New York. Affectionately known as “Doctor T”, he did many of his rotations at the prestigious Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

While in New York from 2004-2008 , Dr. Thankachen had the honor and the opportunity to work closely with First Responders who were affected by 9/11. His experiences at Ground Zero changed his life forever. Dr. T has continued to serve this community for the last two decades.

Dr. Thankachen currently serves as Medical Director and Psychiatrist at “Unified Wellness Center”. He is a specialist in Addiction Medicine and treats PTSD, PTSI, trauma, depression and anxiety as well as several other mental health conditions. Dr. T is involved and in good standing with professional organizations and societies, including the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. T states, “Being able to be of service to the ones who truly give the ultimate service and sacrifice day in and day out, really set the precedent for wanting to be able to help as many of these extraordinary people as possible.” Dr. Thankachen is also involved in professional organizations and societies in good standing including the American Psychiatric Association, Indian Medical Association, and the Karnataka Medical Association.

Dr. Lira has worked in the mental health field for over a decade. Prior to his clinical career, he served as the Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs, where he focused on program development and community engagement, supporting children and families through preventative and youth-focused initiatives. This experience contributed significantly to his professional emphasis on early intervention, community-based care, and long-term client outcomes.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Lira values spending time with his children and maintains an active interest in athletics. He plays golf regularly with his father. A guiding principle in his life is reflected in the quote, “The meaning of life is to find your gift, but the purpose of life is to give it away.” A lesser-known fact about Dr. Lira is that he previously signed a contract to play professional basketball in Italy.

Benjamin Hogan is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Unified Wellness Center (UWC), bringing more than fifteen years of hands-on experience and leadership in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field. His career reflects a rare combination of operational expertise, clinical insight, and mission-driven service rooted in lived experience and frontline work.

Mr. Hogan’s journey in treatment began humbly as a cook within a residential program, where daily exposure to the recovery environment ignited a passion for helping individuals rebuild their lives. Motivated to deepen his impact, he steadily advanced through multiple roles including Behavioral Health Technician, Group Facilitator, and Admissions Specialist. Each position provided him with comprehensive knowledge of the treatment continuum—from direct client care to intake coordination and program operations.

Committed to expanding his ability to guide families through crisis, Mr. Hogan went on to become a Certified Interventionist, working closely with loved ones to facilitate entry into treatment and initiate the recovery process. His intervention work strengthened his reputation as a compassionate yet accountable advocate for change.

In 2016, Mr. Hogan and his wife, Katie, co-founded their own treatment center—marking a significant milestone in their shared mission to provide ethical, high-quality, recovery-centered care. As CEO, he has played a central role in organizational development, program growth, and establishing a culture grounded in integrity, clinical excellence, and long-term recovery outcomes.

Despite his executive leadership responsibilities, Mr. Hogan remains deeply connected to the client experience. He continues to lead weekly groups, offering guidance, mentorship, and real-world recovery tools. His ongoing presence in the clinical environment ensures that leadership decisions remain client-centered and aligned with the evolving needs of those served.

Mr. Hogan is widely respected for his ability to bridge executive oversight with frontline compassion. His dedication to ensuring clients have the resources, structure, and support necessary for sustainable recovery continues to shape the organization’s impact on individuals, families, and the broader recovery community.

Katie Murphy is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Unified Wellness Center (UWC), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s clinical integrity, operational excellence, and mission-driven culture. With more than 15 years of experience in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field, Katie brings both strategic leadership and heartfelt purpose to her work.

Katie is deeply motivated by witnessing the life-changing transformations that occur when individuals commit to recovery and adopt a balanced, sustainable lifestyle. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that healing requires not only clinical structure, but compassion, accountability, and community.

Her professional journey is supported by an educational background that spans Massachusetts, Florida, and Indiana, reflecting both breadth of experience and adaptability across diverse systems of care. As a lifelong learner, Katie remains committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed on evolving best practices in behavioral health, compliance standards, and integrative recovery models.

A decade ago, Katie and her husband, Ben, founded their own treatment center—a defining milestone that reflects their shared vision of building a program grounded in integrity, quality care, and long-term recovery outcomes. Under her operational leadership, the organization has maintained a strong commitment to ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and client-centered programming.

Katie’s expertise includes program development, regulatory readiness, team leadership, and building systems that support both staff performance and client success. She is passionate about cultivating environments where clinical teams can thrive and clients feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Her work continues to impact countless individuals and families, reinforcing her belief that recovery is not only possible—it is sustainable when supported by structure, community, and compassionate leadership.

Kaylie Crane is the Operations Director at Unified Wellness Center, bringing over eight years of experience in the drug and alcohol treatment field. She entered long-term recovery on February 7, 2017, and began her career in behavioral health as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT). Through continued professional growth and dedication to client care, she advanced to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II) and now oversees operational leadership within the organization.

Kaylie combines lived experience with clinical and administrative expertise to support individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. She is currently pursuing a degree in social work to further strengthen her ability to provide comprehensive, client-centered care. Passionate about recovery and ethical treatment practices, Kaylie is committed to fostering a structured, compassionate, and effective treatment environment where sustainable recovery can thrive.

Former Army Ranger

Tony Stambuk grew up in Orange County, California, and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. He completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and went on to graduate from both Airborne School and the U.S. Army Ranger School.

Tony was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. Over the course of his eight years of service, he completed one combat deployment to Iraq and six combat deployments to Afghanistan. As a Ranger, Tony distinguished himself as an expert marksman and served in multiple leadership roles, including Assault Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Instructor.

In 2011, during his fourth deployment to Afghanistan, Tony was seriously injured in an enemy attack when grenade shrapnel shattered the bones in his arm. Despite the severity of his injuries, his dedication to service compelled him to complete two additional combat deployments. In recognition of his sacrifice, Tony was awarded the Purple Heart in 2012.

Following his military service, Tony faced significant challenges related to his combat injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which led him down a difficult path of substance use. After years of struggle, he made the life-changing decision to pursue sobriety in 2015. As part of his recovery journey, Tony successfully completed an 18-month Veterans Treatment Court program and went on to graduate from a two-year intensive veteran reintegration program.

Since becoming sober, Tony has devoted his life to helping others—especially veterans and first responders—navigate recovery, mental health challenges, and the transition back into civilian life. He has worked as a CrossFit coach, Behavioral Health Technician, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Case Manager for adults in recovery. He currently serves as the Program Director for Unified Wellness Center, where he provides culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment to veterans and first responders.

Tony is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCIII) and has utilized his GI Bill to pursue higher education. He has completed his Bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in social work.

Above all, Tony is the proud father of two daughters and maintains a strong focus on health, fitness, and service. He is deeply passionate about helping veterans find purpose, healing, and successful reintegration after addiction.

Matthew “Matty” Fiorenza is a retired Firefighter/Paramedic with a commendable 22 years of service. His journey into the realm of mental health advocacy began a decade into his career when he faced personal battles with anxiety, stress, and depression, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. This experience fueled his passion for aiding others in the first responder community.

Matty worked as Director of Development and Training at Recovery First Treatment Centers, Matty’s influence is profound. He has co-founded a successful First Responder Treatment facility and continues to provide education, resources, and a pathway to healing for those in need.

Matty’s expertise is multifaceted, including his role as an instructor at Santa Ana College, where he imparts crucial mental health knowledge to new recruits, equipping them with healthier coping mechanisms. His involvement with the Save A Warrior program as a Shepard underscores his commitment to suicide prevention.

Matty’s advocacy extends to public speaking, where he addresses the escalating suicide rates among first responders and promotes mental health awareness. His collaboration with Dr. Gina Gallivan in developing wellness programs for agencies nationwide further showcases his dedication to the cause.

His story, a testament to resilience and recovery, has been spotlighted in the documentary “PTSD911,” available on Amazon Prime Video. As a keynote speaker, Matty delves into critical topics such as mental health, recovery from PTSD, substance abuse issues, and the importance of support within the first responder community.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Matty treasures time with his family, including his wife Elizabeth and their children, Logan, Nathan, Charlie, and their newest addition, daughter Jordan. Together, they engage in community events and continue to champion the life-changing work of organizations like his nonprofit First Responder Peace & Refuge Foundation.

John Elser was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Irvine. In 2006, he joined the City of Huntington Beach as a police officer. Throughout his law enforcement career, John primarily served in patrol operations and also held specialized assignments with the Specialized Enforcement Team, Mobile Field Force, and the Field Training Officer Program.

During the later years of his service, John faced the challenges of prolonged civil unrest and significant political and departmental change. Amid these stressors, he developed unhealthy coping mechanisms and began using alcohol to manage the emotional toll. Recognizing the impact this had on his well-being, John made the decision to pursue sobriety and began his personal journey toward recovery.

Following his departure from law enforcement, John joined the Unified Wellness Center (UWC) as a group facilitator and is now Lead Case Manager. He was deeply inspired by the Center’s mission to support the mental and emotional health of first responders. Through this work, John discovered a renewed sense of purpose in helping others navigate the same struggles he had once faced.

Jesse Martinez Jr. is a veteran Fire Captain who proudly served San Bernardino County as a firefighter for 30 years. Born and raised in Northern California, Jesse dedicated his life to public service, leadership, and the protection of his community.

After decades of service, Jesse was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and quietly battled addiction for over 20 years. In 2018, he made the courageous decision to seek help and begin his recovery journey. His commitment to healing and personal growth has transformed his life and purpose.

In 2024, Jesse joined Unified Wellness Center, where he has continued his sobriety and now plays a vital role in helping others find their way to recovery. Jesse facilitates treatment groups and coordinates admissions, often serving as the very first point of contact for individuals who are ready to change their lives. His ability to connect, relate, and guide clients through that first critical step sets the foundation for their success.

Jesse has dedicated his life to supporting individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders, with a special passion for serving the first responder community. His lived experience, leadership background, and compassion allow him to bring authenticity, trust, and hope to those he works with.

Jesse is also the proud father of four children and is happily married to his wife, who shares his passion for helping individuals impacted by addiction. Together, they remain committed to service, recovery, and strengthening the lives of others.

U.S Marine Corps Combat Veteran
Juan Sanabria is a Marine Corps combat veteran, who is now a therapist, and dedicated advocate for the mental health of veterans and first responders. With firsthand experience overcoming PTSD, addiction, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, Juan brings a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to those who serve and protect.

After serving honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Juan faced his own battles with trauma and recovery. His personal journey, including surviving a suicide attempt, has fueled his mission to support others who walk a similar path.

Juan completed his M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling at Cal State LA, working toward licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). He is also a Certified Peer Support Specialist through Medi-Cal.

Whether in individual counseling or public speaking, Juan focuses on trauma-informed care, peer support, and building resilience. He has spoken at major events, including Nike HQ LA’s Latinos Unidos initiative, and presented nationally on topics like the neurobiology of addiction.

Juan’s approach is rooted in shared experience, empathy, and action. He is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health and ensuring no veteran or first responder feels alone in their fight for healing and recovery.

Jodi Hutak is a lifelong Southern California resident whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, resilience, and community impact. With a competitive athletic background and formal education in health science, Jodi began her professional journey in the fitness industry, where she spent five years helping individuals improve their physical health, confidence, and overall well-being. Her early work laid the foundation for her passion for helping others achieve personal transformation.

Following her time in fitness, Jodi transitioned into a distinguished career in law enforcement, where she has served for the past 26 years. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, and advocacy for both her colleagues and the communities she protects.

Ten years into her law enforcement career, Jodi made the courageous decision to seek support through her agency’s Employee Assistance Program, beginning her personal journey into sobriety and recovery. This pivotal experience not only transformed her life but also ignited a passion for helping others facing similar struggles.

Motivated to give back, Jodi became actively involved in her department’s Peer Support Program, providing guidance, mentorship, and lived-experience insight to fellow officers navigating alcoholism, addiction, and the unique stressors of first responder culture. Her work in peer support has been instrumental in breaking stigma and creating safe spaces for healing within her agency.

Through this advocacy work, Jodi became connected with Unified Wellness Center (UWC), where she has since expanded her service reach. She recently joined the UWC team as a volunteer group facilitator, generously sharing her recovery journey to inspire hope and resilience in others.

Jodi is especially passionate about supporting first responders seeking a better quality of life through sobriety and emotional wellness. By bridging her professional experience in law enforcement with her personal recovery journey, she offers a powerful message of strength, accountability, and transformation.

Her ongoing commitment to service continues to positively impact the recovery community, reinforcing that healing is possible and that no one has to navigate it alone.

Retired Fire Captain
Retired Local 2899 Union President

Rick Cheatham is a transformational speaker and life coach dedicated to helping firefighters and first responders reclaim control over their lives, overcome burnout, and rebuild family relationships strained by the demands of their careers.

Drawing from his extensive experience in the fire service and his personal journey through Post Traumatic Recovery (PTR). Rick deeply recognizes the unique challenges these professionals encounter and the significant struggles many face in their lives today.

His mission is to guide others in restoring balance and purpose, empowering them to take meaningful steps toward healing. Through his one-on-one and group coaching program, Rick provides actionable strategies that help his clients rebuild stronger foundations, not only in their personal and professional lives but also in their relationships.

Rick’s signature approach, “S.T.A.R.T. Where You Stand,” has made a profound impact on countless firefighters, inspiring them to take control of their lives and emotional well-being. With his authentic leadership, empathy, and proven techniques, Rick has become a sought-after mentor for those seeking lasting transformation.

Jason Loya has over 25 years in the fire service. He’s a retired Deputy Fire Chief with over 23 years with the Palm Springs Fire Department. This has provided him with a well rounded, first-hand experience in the area of first responder behavioral health and wellness. He has been involved in Peer Support for over 20 years, participating in numerous department diffusings, debriefings, and has dedicated countless hours assisting others one-on-one. He developed his department’s Peer Support Program and served as its Coordinator for over 10 years.

Additionally, Jason created the department’s Peer Support K9 Program. He has been K9 Ranger’s handler since 2022 (@pausewithranger on IG). Jason and K9 Ranger volunteer with the Inland Empire Regional Peer Support Team and California Peer Support Canines. Jason leads recovery meetings, guided meditations, and transformational life coaching sessions for first responders and military. He coaches and mentors Save A Warrior Alumni and went through the program in 2020, Cohort 0117.

He serves as a volunteer Chaplain with California Fire Chaplains Association and Federation of Fire Chaplains. As a compassionate and dedicated peer support professional, Jason has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by first responders and military. He is committed to creating a safe, confidential space for individuals in crisis, offering empathetic listening, guidance, and connection to resources that promote mental wellness, resilience, and recovery.

United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran
Business Owner
Orange County Vet Court Mentor

AJ Trujillo is an Afghanistan War veteran and lifelong servant of the community. Returning from war, he faced the invisible wounds of the battlefield and also his past; so, embarked on a decade-long journey of rehabilitation and transformation. AJ channeled his pain into purpose-dedicating his life to helping others heal and has since impacted the lives of more than 10,000 veterans, first responders, and incarcerated youth.

A member of the City of Orange Chamber of Commerce and the Orange Elks, AJ continues to serve his community through generosity and com-passion. He opens his business, American Barbershop, to host nonprofit events free of charge and provides hundreds of complimentary services each year in support of local organizations and outreach programs.

AJ also serves on the board of the Life After Love Foundation, created in memory of Estevan Sugiyama, whose deep bond with Ad’s son made his passing both devastating and defining.

Through his many experiences with loss, AJ developed what he calls a “cheat code” for grief-a transformative approach that helps people build deeper connections with lost loved ones while discovering renewed purpose through healing and service. “Even in our deepest pain, there is the power to heal, to connect, and to love again.”

Cinnamon is a licensed clinician, trauma educator, and curriculum developer who specializes in acute and cumulative trauma exposure and recovery within the first responder community, and the ways this exposure is often compounded by adverse childhood experiences. She brings more than two decades of experience across clinical treatment, education, and program development, with a professional focus on translating trauma research into clear, operationally relevant psychoeducation for adults in high-stress service roles.

Cinnamon currently serves as an ACES Psychoeducation Instructor, delivering virtual groups for inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment programs at Unified Wellness Center (UWC). Her groups focus on understanding survival adaptation, nervous system injury, and behavioral patterns shaped by early adversity and occupational trauma exposure. Her teaching emphasizes insight without forced disclosure, personal agency, and non-pathologizing language that respects both the recovery process and first responder culture.

She is the primary author and developer of multiple trauma-informed curricula, including Foundations of Survival, a multi-session psychoeducational program created specifically for inpatient and outpatient substance use and mental health treatment settings serving first responders. Her curriculum integrates ACEs research, trauma physiology, moral injury, and behavioral adaptation, and is designed to be clinically sound, psychologically safe, and directly applicable to emergency service environments.

In addition to her instructional work with UWC, Cinnamon is the owner of Whole House Counseling & Consultation and the creator of the Copper Warrior Coaching Intensive. She provides contracted wellness services for police and fire departments, including wellness checks, critical incident response, and trauma-informed consultation. She also brings lived experience to her work, with over fifteen years of sobriety, which informs her recovery-oriented approach and deep respect for the complexity of change. She holds advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), is trained in multiple trauma-focused interventions, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, maintains licensure in multiple states, and regularly delivers education on a national platform for first responder and public safety audiences. Her work is grounded in the belief that understanding trauma is not about labeling or limitation, but about restoring clarity, capacity, and choice in the recovery process.

I am a Native Hawaiian from Hilo, Hawaii. I have over 15 years of experience fighting professionally, and am a former heavyweight MMA Champion in Hawaii. I also worker as a correction officer in Hawaii from 2000-2008.

I first-handedly experienced the energetic healing that Somatic exercise through boxing has offered me while I was in recovery from my addiction and healing from past trauma. While I was in treatment, God graciously blessed me with a vision of 12Rounds2Recovery. Since that vision has been planted in me, l have been an open channel for the Holy Spirit to work through me with people who are in active recovery. I find great joy and a deep purpose in sharing this healing program with other people who are or have been struggling with addiction. I am a firm believer of complete and total restoration involves the mind, body, and spirit.

The 12Rounds2Recovery program builds confidence, as well as re-establishes a healthy outlet for participants to channel any stress that needs to be released from their body. Our program mindfully incorporates a fusion of 12-step practices and faith-based principles into each session rooted in the healing space of somatic exercise through boxing.

Captain Robert Sweaza is a retired police officer who served 30 years in law enforcement. Robert worked several assignments during his tenure, including crimes against children, sexual assault and Crisis Intervention. Additionally, he supervised and managed nearly every division within the agency. During the last several years of his career, Robert focused on providing mental health training and wellness programs for officers and was influential in developing the Trauma Support Team within his agency.

Robert holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and is an adjunct criminal justice instructor. His graduate studies focused on community engagement with an emphasis on mental health issues and de-escalation tactics. Robert also has a master’s degree in social work with a focus on providing mental health services to first responders and their families. He earned a graduate certificate in leadership and is a graduate from the prestigious California POST Command College.

Robert has worked in the addiction field since 2022, counseling both first responders and non-responders. He is currently a group facilitator and therapist at the Unified Wellness Center, an addiction recovery program in Orange County specifically for first responders and military, both active duty and veterans.

Robert is the President of Blue Wives Matter, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial and mental health support for families who have experienced the death of a law enforcement officer, no matter the cause of death.

Marissa joined the company in July 2023 and is a proud alumna of California State University, Fullerton, where she earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. During her graduate studies, she distinguished herself academically and professionally, presenting her research at the Western Psychological Association Conference and participating in multiple collegiate panels. She also published original research titled, “Which Antidepressant Classification Contributes to the Most Effective Treatment Planning in Fibromyalgia Patients?” demonstrating her commitment to evidence-based practice and thoughtful treatment planning.

Marissa brings a strong clinical foundation and advanced training in working with adolescents, psychiatric adults, and individuals across various levels of care. She has experience supporting clients facing complex mental health challenges and is passionate about creating individualized, client-centered treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. Her therapeutic framework integrates Behavioral, Nouthetic, and Humanistic approaches, allowing her to balance practical skill-building with compassionate, insight-oriented care. She believes that meaningful change occurs when clients feel seen, heard, and empowered within a supportive therapeutic relationship.

Grounded in both academic excellence and personal faith, Marissa approaches her work with warmth, integrity, and purpose. She recognizes the importance of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while maintaining clinical professionalism and evidence-based standards.

Outside of her professional work, Marissa enjoys teaching dance classes, mentoring high school girls through her church’s programs, participating in mission work in Kenya, and sharpening her skills at the shooting range. Her diverse interests reflect her discipline, creativity, and heart for service. Marissa’s blend of academic achievement, life experience, faith, and clinical skill enables her to offer a heartfelt, authentic, and uniquely tailored therapeutic experience to every client she serves.

Marcos Rodriguez, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. He has extensive experience providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Marcos specializes in supporting individuals facing challenges such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, and relationship or family difficulties. His clinical background includes work in residential and outpatient treatment programs, community mental health, field-based services, and private practice settings.

He takes an eclectic, individualized approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care.

Marcos believes therapy should provide a safe, supportive, and healing environment where individuals can strengthen resilience, discover healthier ways of coping, and move toward becoming the best version of themselves. His goal is to empower clients to cultivate meaningful change and live more balanced, fulfilling lives.

Former Surgical Nurse

Chad Crabtree is a former surgical nurse and recovery professional whose career and life experience reflect resilience, service, and personal transformation. Raised in Seminole, Oklahoma, Chad graduated from Seminole High School in 1994. He completed the Surgical Technology program at Wes Watkins Technology Center in 1995 and began his healthcare career at Norman Regional Hospital, where he worked as a Surgical Technologist. Motivated to expand his role in patient care, Chad earned his Registered Nurse degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2001 and went on to work as a surgical nurse. His nursing career was interrupted in 2015 when he became critically ill and spent three months in the intensive care unit, ultimately making it impossible for him to continue working in the profession. The years that followed included an eight-year struggle with addiction—an experience that deeply reshaped Chad’s understanding of health, vulnerability, and recovery.

In 2024, he relocated to California and completed both inpatient and outpatient treatment through the UWC program. After completing the program, Chad joined the UWC team, where he continues to work today. Drawing on both his medical background and lived experience, he brings empathy, authenticity, and credibility to his role supporting others in recovery. Chad remains committed to service, personal growth, and helping others rediscover hope—living his best life, one day at a time.

Tyler grew up in Orange County, California and pursued several different careers throughout his early adulthood, working for his family construction business until 2020. During Covid, Tyler struggled with various substance abuse addictions and ultimately sought help for his issues. Tyler recovered and got sober in June of 2020 and has dedicated his life to betterment of others and helping those in need no matter what the cost.

Since then, Tyler has worked in various different treatment settings including Acute and Outpatient Mental Health Treatment, Detox, Outpatient Substance Abuse, and Dual Diagnosis focused treatment facilities. Tyler took his recovery another step further and graduated American Career College in early 2026 as an LVN, and is pursuing a bridge program to earn his BSN degree through West Coast University. Tyler continues to attend AA and work a 12 step program and attributes his accomplishments to his dedicated life of recovery from addiction.

Richard Needham is a dedicated case manager at Unified Wellness Center, where he is committed to supporting first responders and veterans navigating mental health and substance use challenges. His work is deeply personal and purpose-driven. After surviving a life-threatening overdose in his early twenties—an experience in which a first responder ultimately saved his life—Richard began a long and determined journey toward recovery.

At age 24, he relocated to California to fully commit to sobriety and rebuild his life. Now 28, Richard has maintained continuous sobriety and has spent the past three years working in the substance use treatment field, helping others find the same hope and stability that once felt out of reach for him. He earned his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential to strengthen his clinical impact and continues to expand his professional skill set.

Richard is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at California State University, Fullerton, with a concentration in Finance and Information Systems. He brings both lived experience and professional training to his role, allowing him to connect authentically with the individuals he serves. Above all, Richard is driven by gratitude and a deep desire to give back to the people and professions that stood by him when he was at his lowest.

Emily Etheredge is a compassionate Case Manager serving the First Responders Program, where she is honored to support the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving others. She understands that first responders face unique stressors, cumulative trauma, high-stakes environments, and cultural barriers that can make seeking help especially difficult.

Emily began her career in behavioral health in 2022 as a Behavioral Health Technician, working directly alongside clients in early recovery. Through her dedication to the field and passion for helping others, she advanced to become an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and now serves as a Case Manager. This progression has given her a well-rounded understanding of the recovery process at every level of care and allows her to approach each client with both clinical insight and practical, hands-on experience.

She works from a trauma-informed and client-centered perspective, recognizing the strength, resilience, and leadership qualities that first responders already possess. Emily integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-informed strategies, Motivational Interviewing, strengths-based case management, and 12-Step principles to help clients strengthen emotional regulation, safely process trauma, and build sustainable recovery plans.

Emily is especially passionate about helping first responders navigate identity shifts in recovery, repair family relationships, and develop structured discharge and aftercare plans that promote long-term success — both personally and professionally. She strives to create a safe, direct, and respectful environment where clients feel understood without judgment and supported with both compassion and accountability.

Her goal is to help first responders rediscover balance, rebuild trust, and return to their lives with clarity, stability, and renewed purpose.

Dillinger (formerly known as Rascal) is a rescued service and support dog whose journey is rooted in resilience, connection, and second chances. He was found as a stray alongside his brother in Riverside, California, and entered the high-traffic Riverside shelter while suffering from kennel cough. Facing the imminent risk of euthanasia, Dillinger and his brother were fortunately pulled from the shelter and placed into foster care.

While both dogs began their recovery together, Dillinger’s brother was adopted first, leaving Dillinger to continue his journey in foster care. Around this same time, Unified Wellness Center’s Program Director, Tony Stambuk, was grieving the loss of his beloved dog, Bronson, and was not actively seeking a new companion. However, through a thoughtful introduction by the Operations Director Kaylie Crane—whose sponsor was fostering Dillinger—a short-term foster arrangement was arranged. What was intended to be temporary quickly became permanent, as Tony and Dillinger formed an immediate and unbreakable bond.

Since that day, Tony and Dillinger have been inseparable. Dillinger now accompanies Tony to work daily, where he serves as a steady, comforting presence for staff and clients alike. With his gentle demeanor and intuitive nature, Dillinger has a remarkable ability to connect with individuals in moments of need, offering calm, companionship, and unconditional support.

Dillinger is widely regarded as the bright spot of many clients’ days and has become a cherished and invaluable member of the Unified Wellness Center team. His story is a powerful reminder of the healing impact of rescue, connection, and love—for both humans and animals alike.

Axel is a highly decorated First Responder Service Dog trained through Working Dogs For Warriors, where he was prepared for the specialized and demanding role of supporting emergency personnel and communities impacted by critical incidents. As a steadfast and compassionate partner, Axel serves on the front lines of emotional and psychological recovery, providing comfort to those who routinely face trauma in the line of duty.

Known for his unwavering loyalty and gentle, intuitive disposition, Axel has an extraordinary ability to sense distress and respond with calm presence and grounding support. Whether sitting beside a firefighter after a grueling deployment, offering quiet companionship to law enforcement officers, or engaging with victims in the aftermath of disaster, Axel’s work transcends traditional service roles—he is a bridge to healing.

His deployment history includes responses to multiple large-scale crises, most notably the devastating Palisades Fire and the extreme conditions surrounding the Eaton Fire. In these high-impact environments, Axel worked alongside first responder teams, providing emotional decompression support, stress relief, and morale restoration during and after operations.

Beyond crisis response, Axel also participates in wellness outreach, peer support initiatives, and recovery-centered programming—reinforcing the importance of mental health care within the first responder community. His presence helps normalize emotional expression, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces for vulnerability among those trained to remain stoic under pressure.

Axel’s presence is a quiet but powerful force of healing. He embodies resilience, service, and unconditional support—reflecting the very spirit of the first responder community he faithfully serves. Through every deployment, outreach visit, and recovery interaction, Axel continues to make a lasting pawprint on the hearts of those he supports.