SLO Team
We have assembled an unrivaled team of counselors, therapeutic and administrative professionals. Together, we bring decades of experience in connecting people with real solutions and lasting change. We are more than just clinicians, counselors, and mentors. We are driven by a fundamental belief that change is available to anyone who wants it and is willing to work for it. Our role is to help people find the solutions they seek, by closing the gap between rehab and real life. We share a heartfelt commitment to helping people get free of whatever has been holding them back, so they can live a life they are truly proud of.
Executive Team
Serenna MacLachlan
MS, MAC, CADC-III, QMHP, SUDCC4
Chief Executive Officer
Serenna has a double master’s degree in Psychology and Addiction and has been working in the addiction and mental health field for over 15 years. Serenna has worked with every aspect of treatment from administration to clinical services and brings that experience to our staff and patients. Her clinical expertise is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Relapse Prevention. Recently, Serenna took over the role as Chief Executive Officer in November of 2022 and continues to apply best practice standards to the work she does at SLO Recovery Center. Serenna has a deep passion for treating the whole person with individualized care and providing hope for the still suffering.
Tanis Hayden, MA, CADC-III, QMHP
Executive Director
Tanis was raised with alcoholism within the family and learned about the nature of the disease from an early age. Tanis has always been passionate about helping other people and her own personal journey of recovery solidified her decision to work in the treatment field helping others to find and discover long-lasting recovery for themselves. Tanis completed her undergraduate degree through George Fox and obtained her Bachelor of Science in behavioral studies. Tanis continued her education and received a master’s degree in human services through Warner Pacific University. Tanis is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCIII) and a Qualified Mental Health Professional through MHACBO with the state of Oregon. Native to Oregon, Tanis has a deep love for the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking and skiing. Tanis is also happily married and the mother of two wonderful children.
Medical Team
Merle D. Williamson, M.D.
Medical Director
Prior to working in the field of addiction medicine, Dr. Williamson specialized in anesthesiology for 25 years. His expertise and experience as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente gives him a unique and important perspective in healing patients who are addicted to prescription drugs. Dr. Williamson was awarded his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University. He is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Oregon Society of Addiction Medicine. He is a Diplomat at the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Williamson has a broad background in addiction medicine working in a staff physician capacity at Hazelden Treatment Center, and others.
Martha Pace, ND
Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Pace was first brought to naturopathic medicine as a patient herself and is intimately familiar with the intense emotions that can come with being on a healing journey. Much of Dr. Pace’s clinical experience has focused on complex mental health conditions, substance abuse and recovery, hormone balancing, cardiometabolic conditions, and eating disorder medical monitoring - all from a trauma-informed perspective. She approaches health from a foundational point of view and incorporates a wide variety of therapeutic modalities to achieve patients' care goals. Dr. Pace brings self-accountability, humility, curiosity, and honesty to her visits with patients. It is her belief that health is the sum of a life lived in not just your body but also your environment and circumstances. With that in mind, she aims to foster a therapeutic relationship that honors the whole person in front of her.
Substance Use Disorder Team
Rebecca Evans, MS, MAC, CADC III, QMHPC
Clinical Director
Rebecca holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology, A Masters in Addiction Counseling (MAC), CADC III and a QMHPC. Rebecca Evans is a dedicated advocate, and leader committed to fostering positive change in the realm of Mental Health empowerment. Rebecca has devoted her career to equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Rebecca believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to receive quality treatment regardless of their circumstances. Through Telehealth work, Rebecca strives to break down barriers and create pathways for everyone to access Substance Abuse and Mental Health treatment. Rebecca has worked In the field of Substance Abuse and Mental Health since 2007 and Telehealth since 2019 to help people sustain sobriety and mental health stabilization. Rebecca is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential.
Amie Gigliotti, CADC II, QMHA-R
Clinical Supervisor
Amie moved to Portland from Reno, Nevada in October of 2023 to continue her career as a CADC at SLO Recovery Center. Amie is currently finishing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. Amie strives to cultivate a space of openness and compassion for her clients and colleagues to grow and thrive. Amie’s mantra of purpose is “To know even one life breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.”
Lisa Vesley, CADC-I, CRM
Substance Abuse Clinician & Lead Mentor Supervisor
Lisa is a Certified Recovery Mentor and CADC-I who has graduated from PCC with an Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Studies. She has been in recovery since 2017 and comes to SLO with a passion for sobriety and the spiritual connection that is made possible with a clear mind and heart. Lisa is driven to emphasize the importance of compassion in daily life, encouraging others to find their strengths and their own unique voice. Lisa is a published poet and enjoys sharing poetry with all who will listen.
Ginger Jones, CADC-I, QMHA-R, CRM
Substance Abuse Clinician & Recovery Mentor
Ginger came to Sober Living Oregon Recovery Center with a business background and a passion for people. She hopes her life experience can be a guide for helping others. She can not imagine her life without recovery and brings that energy with her every day. She has amazing kids, a son and a daughter, and loves the outdoors, cooking, and traveling. Ginger loves the Oregon vibe and thinks tiny floating houses and cabins are awesome.
Patrick Eaton, CADC-R, CRM
Substance Abuse Clinician
Patrick’s recovery journey has taken him from coast to coast. Originally from Boston, he is now bringing love and light to Portland. As the activities and alumni coordinator, Patrick is able to bring his deep passion for connectedness, all while making recovery fun. As a strong believer in having a solid foundation in early recovery, Patrick co-manages housing for Sober Living Oregon. Where cultivating a safe and supportive environment is critical for healing and growth.
Kaitlyn Lane, CADC-R, QMHA-R
Substance Abuse Clinician
Kaitlyn received her Addiction Studies Certificate in 2022 from Portland Community College. Before coming to SLO as an intern in the fall of 2023, Kaitlyn worked in Portland Shelter and Homeless Services for 2.5 years, providing direct service to shelter participants, which taught her many interpersonal skills that she continues to use with her patients as a Counselor at SLO. After transferring to Portland State University, Kaitlyn completed both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and graduated in June 2024. Kaitlyn plans to continue her education and receive her Masters of Clinical Social Work, with the long-term goal of becoming an LCSW. Kaitlyn is passionate about empowering her patients through self-awareness, skill-building, and developing confidence in themselves through recovery.
Mariah Ward, CADC-R
Substance Abuse Clinician
Mariah Ward is a CADC-R with an Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Studies and a deep love for assisting others on their journey of self-discovery. She believes that true healing comes from understanding oneself and navigating the labyrinth of change together. She understands that everyone has a natural impulse for growth and is committed to walking beside individuals as they discover and claim their power. Mariah’s approach is rooted in creativity and curiosity, helping clients explore new pathways to authenticity and resilience. Mariah is an artist and passionate student of the human condition.
Zachary Casterline CADC-R, CRM
Substance Abuse Clinician & Recovery Mentor
Zach is a native Oregonian, an alumni who graduated from Sober Living Oregon Recovery Center in 2021. Zach worked in the construction industry as a young adult but felt a strong desire to give back and help others in recovery to obtain a new way of life. As a CRM and CADC-R, Zach brings his empathy and compassion to those in need. He aspires to further his education in the recovery field, to be of maximum service. Zach's saying is, "Get After it." (Jocko Willink) Zach is passionate about working out, is an outdoors enthusiast, and spends quality time with his family, and friends.
Neal “Chai” Dupres, CRM
Activities Coordinator
Chai Tobar-Dupres is Oregon born and has called Portland home since 1997. As a Cowlitz Indian citizen, his roots go deep here in the Pacific Northwest. Chai spent most of his early adulthood working in habitat restoration and had a passion for wild edible plants harvest, selling them to restaurants in the area. He continues to offer guided wild edible plant and mushroom forays throughout the seasons. Years of addiction got in the way. Ultimately, living on the streets alone and addicted, and getting into trouble with law got old. In 2021, he was given two options by a Multnomah county judge - One, go to prison, or two - go to treatment, be on probation for three years and give a life of sobriety a chance. He chose the latter, and after achieving long-term recovery and drastically changing his life for the better he now sees the option he was given that was once daunting and repugnant as one that was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise. Chai is a bundle of joy, a true inspiration and role model for those seeking to recover from addiction. Chai now works for Sober Living Oregon as a Certified Recovery Mentor.
Ka “Carin” Woods, CRM
Recovery Mentor
Carin Woods is a dedicated CRM and an active member of the A.A. and N.A. community here in the Pacific Northwest with a deep passion for helping others overcome addiction. She has been answering the A.A. hotlines and helping women get into treatment and off the streets for the last three years. Her personal journey with addiction has deeply influenced her decision to continue her education to become a CAD1 counselor and showing addicts there is a better way of life. She is also an alumni of SLO recovery center and loves singing, dancing, swimming, and cooking.
Mental Health Team
Pam Bond, LCSW, CADC-III, CRM, QMHP
Mental Health Director
Pam is a Clinical Social Work Associate and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Pam became SLO’s Mental Health Clinical Director in December of 2020. Pam has a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Pam is committed to treating each patient with unconditional positive regard, and meeting patients where they are at. Pam’s approach is trauma-informed, and she works with a wide variety of patients who wish to heal from their difficult pasts. Before coming to SLO as a therapist, Pam developed a passion for working with patients suffering from substance use disorders and trained as a Certified Recovery Mentor to support patients with similar life experiences as her own. Pam enjoys cooking, exercising, and walking her sheltie, Beatrice.
Zachary Alexander, QMHA-R, CADC-R, MSW
Mental Health Therapist
Zach moved to Portland in June of 2023 and began with SLO as a mental health intern in September of the same year. Zach is in the process of finishing his Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Montana, and plans to become a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Oregon upon completion. Zach believes mental health therapy starts first with care and concern, and works hard to provide a trauma-informed therapy experience of unwavering support for all patients of SLO Recovery Center.
Briana Gabel, LPC-A, CADC-R
Mental Health Therapist
Briana has a master’s degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling - Specialization in Addictions (PMHC-A) from Lewis & Clark, as well as a master’s degree in Nutrition from NUNM. Her experience in both outpatient and residential eating disorder treatment has prepared her for working with patients who struggle with co-occurring eating disorders and substance use. Briana believes in cultivating a collaborative healing environment for patients to explore, transform, and grow. She is inspired by the Ram Dass quote, “we’re all just walking each other home.
Telehealth Team
Tori H. Smith, MS, LAC, CADC-II, QMHP-C, PWS
Telehealth Clinical Director
Tori H. Smith is a qualified professional counselor in the mental health and substance abuse fields. She is a mentor, coach, and published author of three books. She has her bachelor’s degree from Southern University in Speech Pathology & Audiology. Additionally, Tori obtained her master’s degree in human services with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. As a Licensed Addiction Counselor and a Qualified Mental Health Professional. Upon graduation, Tori H. Smith chose to follow her passion and work with those who suffer from the disease of addiction and mental health. Tori H. Smith began her own private practice EBS counseling in the state of Georgia and had tremendous success with working in the field of addiction. After over a decade in private practice in Georgia, Tori felt the need to return to her home state of Louisiana to continue with her life passion. In 2020, Tori answered the call to travel across the country to Portland, Oregon in aid of the need for Black/African American therapist in working with the houseless, addiction, and mental health populations. Impressively, Tori H. Smith has professional licensure in the states of Georgia, Louisiana, and Oregon. Tori has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors for the past twenty plus years providing direct and indirect services in prevention, treatment, counseling, and supervision.
Cynthia Gonzalez, CADC II, QMHA-I
Telehealth Clinical Supervisor
Cynthia Gonzalez is a dedicated professional who has earned her certified alcohol and drug counselor II and qualified mental health associate I through MHACBO in Portland, Oregon. With over 10 years of experience, Cynthia is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, exploring her creativity through writing and painting, and constantly seeking out new learning opportunities.
Ashley Matsumoto, CADC-R, QMHA-R, PSS
Telehealth Clinician
Ashley is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others on their journey to recovery. With over 6 1/2 years of personal experience in recovery, Ashley has a deep understanding and empathy for individuals struggling with addiction. After completing the addiction program at Portland Community College in 2022, Ashley pursued certifications as a CADC-R (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Registered), QMHA-R (Qualified Mental Health Associate - Registered), and a peer support specialist. These credentials reflect her commitment to continuous learning and growth in the field of addiction counseling and mental health support.
Joshua MacDannell, CADC-R, CRM
Telehealth Clinician
Joshua came to Sober Living Oregon Recovery Center as a Certified recovery mentor and CADC-R. Joshua is empathetic and compassionate with a passion for helping others grow. Josh hopes to have a long career in the field of addiction. Joshua's motto is, "Begin every day as if it were on purpose." Joshua enjoys spending quality time with his family, and friends.
Admin Team
Megan Delucia
Human Resources
Megan is a native Oregonian with an extensive background in accounting and human resources. She brought her skills and enthusiasm to the SLO family to help grow and develop the team. Megan leads an active lifestyle and is passionate about faith, family, and recovery. She is a unique and integral addition to the center, and her work serves both patients and staff alike.
Sarah Epley, CRM
Office Manager
Sarah was born and raised in Oregon. She started her recovery journey in 2018. Sarah is dedicated to making others smile and consistently providing a safe and welcoming space for the patients. Her kindness is infectious, and her willingness to help makes her a valuable addition to the SLO family.
Jaclyn Gassaway
Director of Admissions & Clinical Outreach
Jaclyn moved from Montana to Portland in 2017 to start her life in recovery. She began her career at Sober Living Oregon in 2019 as a Certified Recovery Mentor, worked her way up to be the Billing Manager and has recently been promoted to Director of Admissions and Clinical Outreach. Jaclyn is passionate about helping others to establish and sustain continued recovery from substance abuse and untreated mental health. Jaclyn loves sports, fitness and traveling. She brings recovery experience and a contagious laugh to the patients and staff at SLO Recovery Center.
Renaud Preston (they/them), CADC-R
Admissions Coordinator
Renaud came to Sober Living Oregon in 2024 with a background in administration as a Patient Services Specialist. They are an Alumni of SLO and are currently working towards getting their CADC 1 and CRM. Renaud ‘s primary purpose is to give back to their community and be a support to those still struggling with mental health and addiction issues. They are motivated about helping the whole person, sharing their recovery testimony, and helping guide patients to sustain continued recovery. Renaud loves sewing, knitting, art and sports. Their bubbliness and enthusiasm for life is the contagious aspect of their personality well known throughout the center.
Melissa Westgate, CADC-R, CRM
Billing Manager
Melissa’s professional background is in the creative industry, specializing in commercial photography and video. Melissa’s journey in recovery has inspired her to switch to a more fulfilling and purposeful path, bringing her keen business acumen into the recovery world. She has a deep passion for connecting services to people in need. Melissa co-manages housing for Sober Living Oregon where she now provides access to the same supportive environment that helped her build the strong foundation she stands on today.
Jeff Cooper
Accountant
Jeff grew up right here in east Portland. Before coming to SLO, we worked in accounting in a variety of settings including property management, residential remodeling, a scrap metal exporter, and a dog sports facility. At SLO he enjoys the positive environment and putting to good use his organization and attention to detail. When away from work he likes cooking, gardening, music, and finding new places and activities around town.
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