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B.A.
A Colorado native, Kat grew up in a suburbs of Denver and earned her degree in business administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
In 2015, Kat left a successful career in enterprise software sales and moved to Southern California where she decided to follow her heart to work with others in the world of addiction treatment. Although she’s always been passionate about working with other people, it wasn’t until she overcame her own battles with substance abuse that she found her calling to work with others suffering from addiction.
Kat understands how hopeless and lonely life can be when in the grips of addiction.
Her goal is to help others see that life doesn’t end when we remove drugs and alcohol from our lives, but it ACTUALLY begins. Her primary purpose is to equip clients with the knowledge, life skills, spiritual tool kit, and emotional support to produce a meaningful character transformation.
When Kat is not working with those suffering from addiction, she enjoys cycling, weight lifting, hiking, traveling, going to the beach, going to sporting events, spending time with her family and dogs, and experiencing life to the fullest, one day at a time.
“Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”
― Tony Robbins
B.A, M.A., LMFT
Matthew is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is passionate about building the lives of those suffering from addiction. His professional goal is give each and every client the tools necessary to maintain a successful and sober lifestyle post-treatment.
Matthew uses a variety of clinical modalities and prefers a person-centered, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused approach to therapy.
John came to California in 2005 from Colorado Springs CO. Today, John has nearly 15 years experience in all aspects of recovery home administration, and brings nearly 30 years business experience with a national food chain. John also has an AA degree in business from Blair Business College.
A family man, John and his wife Regina have five children and 15 grandchildren to whom they are deeply committed. John is very active in the Orange County sober community and believes deeply in the process of spiritual recovery.
John loves to work with people new to recovery and brings that love to Laguna Shores residents. John is excited to be part of the Laguna Shores team. The staff and his friends affectionately refer to him as “Pops.”
Buck Taplin is a distinguished professional with a decade of dedicated service in the behavioral healthcare industry. His illustrious career has been characterized by his adept leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Buck has successfully managed business development teams for prominent National providers, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of this vital sector. Beyond his professional achievements, Buck is a testament to resilience and personal growth, as he is actively engaged in his own journey of personal recovery. This profound personal experience informs his work and imbues it with empathy and understanding. Buck’s exceptional talents extend to his mastery in leadership, training, and the development of robust and cohesive teams. His transformative influence is the cornerstone upon which high-performing teams are built, ensuring sustainable success and growth. In his cherished moments of leisure, Buck finds solace and rejuvenation by the serene shores of the beach, where he contemplates life’s vast horizons. Additionally, he channels his dedication and discipline at the gym, sculpting his physical prowess and embracing a health-conscious lifestyle. Buck Taplin epitomizes professionalism and personal growth in every facet of his life.
RAC
Jordan is a dedicated and passionate individual who has made a significant impact as the Program Supervisor at Laguna Shores. He has been an integral part of the Laguna Shores team since its inception in 2018, consistently demonstrating his commitment to helping others on their journey to recovery. One of Jordan’s most remarkable achievements is his personal journey to sobriety, which began on February 6, 2017. Having faced his own battles with addiction, Jordan understands the challenges and triumphs that individuals in recovery go through. His own experience has fueled his passion for assisting others in their recovery journeys. Beyond his work at Laguna Shores, Jordan has a deep love for adventure and the great outdoors. His passion for snowboarding is not just a hobby; it’s a way for him to find serenity and exhilaration. Whether he’s carving through fresh powder or tackling challenging terrain, Jordan finds solace and joy in the mountains. Jordan’s dedication to personal growth and helping others extends to his academic pursuits. He is currently pursuing a degree in psychology, driven by his desire to deepen his understanding of the human mind and behavior. His studies not only enhance his professional capabilities but also reflect his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those he serves. As the Program Supervisor at Laguna Shores, Jordan combines his personal journey to recovery, his love for adventure, and his academic knowledge to create a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals seeking to overcome addiction. His story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the remarkable difference one person can make in the lives of others. Jordan is a true inspiration to both his colleagues and the individuals he helps every day.
TamZen is a certified professional holistic practitioner who has been serving those in recovery for the past decade. Her vision is to guide those in recovery toward serenity, courage, and wisdom. TamZen’s purpose is to inspire others to improve wellness, health, and master the power of life in recovery. Striving to help those who feel stressed, anxious, and/ or depressed. She is here to serve, heal, and guide others toward the peace and light within, which she has found through the many healing modalities she facilitates. TamZen’s goal is to encourage connections in the body, mind, and spirit. To leave students feeling refreshed and renewed. She dreams to continue to help others to still the fluctuations of the mind, and find beauty in the present moment to help maintain a successful sober lifestyle post-treatment. TamZen incorporates a variety of healing modalities and coping skills which include gentle movement, breathing exercises for emotion regulation, meditation, energy healing, sound healing, and essential oils; with main focuses on connection, presence, letting go, self-love, and gratitude.
“With almost a decade of service in the treatment industry, Jeff brings a unique and experienced perspective to his work with those suffering with addiction. With almost a decade of service in the field, he has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of addiction and the individualized needs of those seeking recovery. He firmly believes in addressing pressing issues directly, providing a supportive and open environment for clients to confront their challenges.
Over the years, Jeff has witnessed the remarkable transformations that can occur through recovery. His unwavering commitment to helping others break free from addiction has driven him to provide exceptional support to his clients. Jeff’s dedication to his work is palpable, and he is passionate about assisting individuals in rebuilding their lives and finding hope amid adversity.
As a substance abuse counselor at our treatment facility, Jeff plays a crucial role in guiding clients toward sobriety and enabling them to gain a sense of serenity of their lives. His extensive experience, direct approach, and military background make him a valuable asset to both our team and the clients we serve. Jeff’s dedication to making a positive impact on those struggling with addiction continues to inspire all who work with him.”
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?” – Epictetus
Jeffrey Thomas CATC-I, Counselor/Case Manager
C: (949) 741-4156
Mikaela is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) with a passion for helping individuals on their journey to recovery from substance abuse. With over eight years of dedicated service in the healthcare field, Mikaela has become a trusted and valued member of the Orange County community.
Mikaela’s career in nursing is driven by her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction. She understands the unique challenges and complexities of substance abuse and is known for her empathetic and nonjudgmental approach to patient care.
Born and raised in Orange County, Mikaela has deep roots in the community. Her local knowledge and connection to the area allow her to better understand the needs and concerns of her patients. Beyond her nursing career, Mikaela is a dedicated mother to her son, Gunner. She values the importance of family and strives to create a nurturing and supportive environment for her child.
Mikaela treasures her moments with friends and family. She believes in the power of connection and finds joy in building strong bonds with her loved ones. Whether it’s a beach day, hanging out at home, or a fun outing, Mikaela always makes time to nurture these meaningful relationships.
In summary, Mikaela is not just a licensed vocational nurse; she’s a dedicated healthcare professional with a big heart and a genuine passion for helping people. Her commitment to her patients, love for her family, and appreciation for the beauty of Orange County make her a truly remarkable individual who positively impacts the lives of those around her.
Maria’s journey began in Poland, but it was her upbringing in Southern Orange County that shaped her path. In 2015, she discovered her true calling in the substance abuse treatment field, finding fulfillment in helping others along their journey to recovery. Maria possesses a unique gift—an empathetic nature that allows her to connect with people on a personal level. This gift, coupled with her unwavering commitment, provides the essential support and guidance for enduring recovery. She firmly believes in granting everyone the opportunity to heal and thrive, dedicating herself to this mission. Beyond her professional life, Maria seeks tranquility by the beach, finds joy in travel, and possesses an insatiable curiosity for new places and cultures. Her story exemplifies compassion, resilience, and an unyielding dedication to leaving a positive impact on people’s lives.
Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, he grew up in Southern California. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Law. André continued pursuing his Masters Degree in psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. André Evans has been registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences for over 12 years. Andre has worked in multiple schools, dual diagnosis (Substance Use and Mental Health) facilities, and in/outpatient clinical settings, throughout the State of California. He has fully experienced a range of diagnoses from mild to severe and age ranges from child to geriatrics.
André areas of specialty are in anxiety, depression, developmental and learning disabilities, PTSD, and Substance Abuse. He also has clinical certifications in Family Trauma, psycho-diagnostic evaluations, and scientific research-based modality (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ‘CBT’).
In his free time, André enjoys watching and playing (pretty much) all sports, exercising such as: working out, hiking, yoga, and spending time with his family and friends.
Tyler’s journey began in Southern Connecticut, but in the summer of 2020, he took a courageous step towards sobriety. His relocation to Orange County marked the beginning of his path towards recovery from drugs and alcohol. He walked through the doors of Laguna Shores as a client, carrying with him the hope of a brighter, sober future. His sobriety date, June 15, 2020, stands as a proud milestone in his life, a testament to his unwavering commitment to positive change. Tyler’s story at Laguna Shores didn’t end as a client; it marked a new chapter. His dedication and the remarkable strides he made in his own recovery journey led to a unique opportunity. Tyler transitioned from being a client to becoming a valued staff member, where he now plays a crucial role in helping others on their paths to recovery. In his free time, Tyler enjoys playing softball, attending concerts, and staying active. His story is a testament to transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of a life filled with passion and purpose.
Cody, a Long Beach native, has lived his whole life in Southern California. On December 3, 2019, he began his recovery journey at Laguna Shores, where he not only completed treatment but also found a new purpose. Now a staff member at Laguna Shores, Cody is dedicated to helping others on their path to healing. When he’s not doing that, you can find him riding waves, hitting the open road on a motorcycle, or cherishing moments with his son. Cody’s story is one of resilience and newfound purpose, demonstrating that with determination and a zest for life, one can overcome challenges and create a brighter future.
Born and raised under the golden sun of California, Kevin embodies the spirit of perseverance and transformation. Having embraced sobriety since January 17th, 2017, he turned his personal journey into a beacon of hope for others, dedicating five fruitful years to working in treatment. Alongside his hands-on experience, Kevin is furthering his commitment to understanding the human psyche by actively working towards a degree in psychology. When he’s not offering a helping hand, Kevin can be found carving out trails on his snowboard, soaking up the sun on the state’s iconic beaches, or cherishing moments with his beloved girlfriend and their dog, Jojo. Above all, Kevin has a passion for forging deep, meaningful connections, cherishing every opportunity to spend one-on-one time with his clients, and guiding them toward a brighter tomorrow.
