The Team
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Our Team
Our dedicated team has successfully navigated stringent licensing and vetting processes, earning the trust of esteemed peer support groups. We are proud of our teams unwavering dedication to providing a sanctuary for recovery, exclusively for those who serve and protect.
With over a decade of experience in a renowned treatment facility near Los Angeles, I gained valuable insights into the lives of those struggling with addiction, including many brave first responders. While many were helped, I Witnessed the lack of tailored support for their unique challenges in a mixed population facility, Liz and I took a bold step. In 2021, we founded our exclusive treatment program for first responders, infusing our life savings and passion into a mission to heal those who give so much of themselves.
Bio coming soon!
With over 10 years of experience in the field of drug and alcohol abuse treatment, Camila has a unique background, she was raised in Brazil, a bachelor’s degree in interior design but her passion always been to help people. After living in England where she had a successful ethnic furniture shop, she moved to Thailand where she launched her transformative role as admission coordinator at The Dawn rehab center where Camila's empathic nature and non-judgmental approach have been her guiding principles ever since.
In 2015, Camila's quest for further education in Drug and Alcohol counseling brought her to California, where she completed an internship at the Betty Ford Center. Her career flourished as she joined forces with Ken Seeley and in 2021, she was appointed Program Director for the Ken Seeley Community. Her role as Program Director allowed her to implement innovative programs that foster recovery and wellness while utilizing a strengths-based approach aimed to support clients in achieving a life free from addiction.
Camila's academic achievements culminated in earning an MBA in Healthcare in 2022, deepening her understanding of healthcare management and enhancing her ability to lead with innovation. With her wholehearted dedication, cultural diversity, and personal experience with recovery, Camila is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of individuals seeking long-term emotional sobriety. She remains steadfast in her mission to empower clients to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling, addiction-free lives.
In January 2023, Camila took on the role of Center Program Director at Recovery First, where she discovered a profound passion for assisting First Responders. Her advocacy efforts are now focused on healing and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the First Responder community. Camila's unwavering commitment to this cause is evident as she continues to develop specialized programs and services to meet their unique needs, ensuring that these community heroes receive the compassionate support they deserve.
In 2015, Camila's quest for further education in Drug and Alcohol counseling brought her to California, where she completed an internship at the Betty Ford Center. Her career flourished as she joined forces with Ken Seeley and in 2021, she was appointed Program Director for the Ken Seeley Community. Her role as Program Director allowed her to implement innovative programs that foster recovery and wellness while utilizing a strengths-based approach aimed to support clients in achieving a life free from addiction.
Camila's academic achievements culminated in earning an MBA in Healthcare in 2022, deepening her understanding of healthcare management and enhancing her ability to lead with innovation. With her wholehearted dedication, cultural diversity, and personal experience with recovery, Camila is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of individuals seeking long-term emotional sobriety. She remains steadfast in her mission to empower clients to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling, addiction-free lives.
In January 2023, Camila took on the role of Center Program Director at Recovery First, where she discovered a profound passion for assisting First Responders. Her advocacy efforts are now focused on healing and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the First Responder community. Camila's unwavering commitment to this cause is evident as she continues to develop specialized programs and services to meet their unique needs, ensuring that these community heroes receive the compassionate support they deserve.
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.
As the 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. Under his guidance, Recovery First has initiated a weekly Support Group, creating a supportive environment for Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and Veterans to unite and share their collective wisdom.
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 Save A Warrior.
As the 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. Under his guidance, Recovery First has initiated a weekly Support Group, creating a supportive environment for Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and Veterans to unite and share their collective wisdom.
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 Save A Warrior.
Bio coming soon!
Robert is a retired police captain after serving 30 years in law enforcement. Robert has worked a number of assignments in his career, including crimes against children and sexual assault. He has been assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team and has supervised and managed nearly every division within the agency he retired. Robert focused the last several years of his career on providing access to mental health training and wellness programs for officers. He was influential in the development of a Trauma Support Team for his agency.
Robert is an adjunct criminal justice instructor. He has a masters degree in criminal justice studies. His graduates studies focused on issue community engagement, with an emphasis on mental health issues and de-escalation. Robert also has a masters degree in social work, with a focus on providing mental health services to first responders and their families.
Robert has worked in the addiction field for the past 2 years counseling both first responders and non-responders. Robert is the executive director for an addiction program in Orange County in addition to his role as primary therapist for Recovery First.
Robert is the president of a non-profit Blue Wives Matter, 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.
Robert is an adjunct criminal justice instructor. He has a masters degree in criminal justice studies. His graduates studies focused on issue community engagement, with an emphasis on mental health issues and de-escalation. Robert also has a masters degree in social work, with a focus on providing mental health services to first responders and their families.
Robert has worked in the addiction field for the past 2 years counseling both first responders and non-responders. Robert is the executive director for an addiction program in Orange County in addition to his role as primary therapist for Recovery First.
Robert is the president of a non-profit Blue Wives Matter, 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.
Bio coming soon!
Trauma egg
Deputy Fire Chief, Jason Loya has over 22 years in the fire service 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. He currently serves as his department’s Peer Support Coordinator and handler for Peer Support K9 Ranger. He has participated in numerous department diffusings, debriefings, and has dedicated countless hours assisting others one-on-one. Jason and Ranger are active members with the Inland Empire Regional Peer Support team. Together they have responded to numerous police and fire critical incidents within their county, and surrounding counties. Jason attended Save A Warrior in 2020 where he began his journey of healing from Complex-PTS. He is currently an ambassador and serves active military, veterans, and first responders in their recovery. Jason leads 12-Step meetings, guided meditations, and life coaching sessions. He serves as a volunteer Chaplain with California Fire Chaplains Association and Federation of Fire Chaplains.
Ramesh Gune’ holds a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He is an adjunct Professor of Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles campus. With more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Gune’ had been professionally affiliated with treatment centres such as Bella Monte, Betty Ford, Crossroads, & Axis. He had a successful private practice in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs and continues to offer therapy in person and via tele-conferencing. His unique blend of Western and Eastern psychologies has helped hundreds of clients to lead a happy and meaningful life.
His clinical credentials include extensive training in EMDR, Harvard University sponsored certification in mind/body healing techniques, Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodrama, Mindfulness, and the profound healing secrets of the Yogic psychology/philosophy. Dr Gune’ specialises in treating complex traumas, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss and relationship issues. He has led hundreds of mind/body healing retreats attended by people from all over the world. For the last five years, he has been contracted by CAL FIRE and police officer associations to offer trauma healing retreats to first responders. These retreats are held every month at Nurturing Nest health resort in Desert Hot Springs, CA
His clinical credentials include extensive training in EMDR, Harvard University sponsored certification in mind/body healing techniques, Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodrama, Mindfulness, and the profound healing secrets of the Yogic psychology/philosophy. Dr Gune’ specialises in treating complex traumas, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss and relationship issues. He has led hundreds of mind/body healing retreats attended by people from all over the world. For the last five years, he has been contracted by CAL FIRE and police officer associations to offer trauma healing retreats to first responders. These retreats are held every month at Nurturing Nest health resort in Desert Hot Springs, CA
Bio coming soon!
Dior joined our team in June of 2023 at just over 2 years old he had just completed extensive service dog training with Guide Dog of the Desert. Although originally trained as a companion for the visually impaired, his playful nature and mild ADHD led them to reclassify him as an emotional support dog. Dior's lively personality and high intelligence make him a perfect fit for providing comfort and support to those in need. Dior now plays a vital role on our treatment team, participating in therapy groups, assisting with admissions, and offering critical incident stress management to local agencies. Since joining us, Dior has positively impacted numerous clients facing difficult times, earning a special place in their hearts and ours.