Our diverse team of addiction treatment specialists in Orange County, CA have years of hands-on expertise and personal experience in treating substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. We understand that it takes hard work to transition from treatment to recovery in the real world. That’s why we are committed to providing our clients with personalized care that is compassionate, supportive, and provides each client with the skills and tools to live a full and rewarding life in sobriety.
Your Addiction Recovery Team In Orange County, CA
Daniel is the Chief Executive Officer for Pacific Sands Recovery Center. He is a former active-duty Marine who grew up in Knoxville, TN. While in the Marine Corp, he honed his skills in communications and leadership. Daniel moved to Orange County and started working his way up in the substance abuse industry. He worked as a director for a large treatment facility for several years while establishing a sober living community in Huntington Beach that focuses on helping young men develop life skills early in their sobriety. Daniel has been personally affected by alcoholism and has made it his mission to help others find a better way to live.
Dr . DeSanto is a Board Certified physician who practices Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine in Orange County, CA and has been a Medical Director since 2018. He has been helping addicts and alcoholics recover since 2006, and has dedicated his life and career since getting sober in 2012 to the local community and many who travel from around the country to seek a new way of living.
His speciality is detox medicine and has assisted thousands on their journey to seek sobriety. Having been through his own struggles, he intimately understands what is needed on a daily basis to make this happen. Dr. DeSanto is a strong believer in Medication Assisted Therapy, a science-driven modality used to save lives and allow his patients to achieve a quality of life worth living. He is known for his ability to treat many addictions, from drugs and alcohol , to food, sex/love and intimacy and technology addictions as well.
Dr. DeSanto received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Lafayette College , in Easton PA, and received his Medical Degree from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. He completed his training at Cedars Sinai, in Los Angeles, obtaining his speciality and Board Certification in Internal Medicine.
He is also a prominent figure on the forefront of novel modalities to treat addiction, working with a company actively involved in clinical trials, through the FDA, to bring these medications to the general public. Dr. DeSanto is actively involved in the Veterans Affairs system, advocating for and helping homeless vets seek treatment, and receive the care they deserve. He is an avid camper and hiker, and collects fountain pens and antique timepieces, keeping close contact with heritage and history.
Crystal worked inside the juvenile detention facilities bringing innovative services that included groundbreaking trauma specific therapy that integrated holistic care such as; trauma informed yoga, Reiki, mindfulness, and the art mediums of fashion, music and poetry. Outside of working with system impacted youth and adults, she has worked for many years advocating for underserved populations in her community. She developed a program to serve victims of human trafficking in San Diego, and has also worked in Los Angeles and Orange County with victims of torture to help them through their journey to asylum in the United States. She has most recently co-directed a local orange county non-profit to provide re-entry and in-reach services utilizing holistic services that are often out of reach for the most vulnerable populations and provides a walk through life approach to healing.
Certifications
EMDR Certified
Reiki Certification (Level 1 and Level 2)
Yoga Teacher Certified
Trauma Incident Reduction Trained
TF-CBT
Tommy works as admission coordinator and assists with business development. He is certified in the state of California with the Association for Alcohol & Drug Educators (CAADE) CATC I. Tommy uses his knowledge to better serve the community seeking treatment and provide a smooth transition from the point of initial contact throughout the clients stay. Tommy works closely with both the administrative and the clinical team to help in providing assistance in any situation that would be useful in helping client receive a better quality of care.“ My goal is to help the client feel safe and understood so that they may be comfortable growing into themselves again from a healthy place.”
Natalie has worked in the recovery field for seven years, after achieving sobriety eight years ago and today has her CADAC II credentials to help others. She wanted to use her personal experience to help others find hope, and be an example for what is possible in a life of recovery. Natalie is dedicated to helping each client at Pacific Sands Recovery Center find growth and strength in recovery.
Leah has always felt called to help people. After she began her own recovery journey eight years ago, she knew that she wanted to help other people struggling with substance abuse. Leah currently holds a CADC 1 and is working toward her CADC 2. For the last seven years, Leah has been helping clients overcome addiction and live meaningful lives in recovery.
David brings five years of medical experience to Pacific Sands Recovery Center. He began his career as a medical assistant, but wanted do more good for his clients, and provide more comprehensive and client-focused care. David went back to school to become a nurse and has since poured his dedication for treatment and care into helping each of our clients take their first steps toward their new lives.
Jen has had a lifelong passion of helping others. She started her career as a medical assistant where she was able to help many people reach their health goals. She then knew she could do more for her community and made the commitment to return to school to become a Nurse. Now as a Nurse she is able to make a greater impact on people’s lives and help them on their journey of long term sobriety.