Kristine is working towards a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and aspires to earn a Masters Degree in Architecture and Art History.  In her free time, Kristine enjoys going to the gym, cooking, writing and hanging out at the local remote control airplane field.  Above all else, Kristine is dedicated to the 12-step lifestyle and extending her experience, strength and hope to those who share this amazing journey. 

Darls Centola, LCSW, Therapist (LIC #21401)
Darls is a Licensed Clinical Social Work with a specialization in Substance Abuse. She received her B.A. from Antioch University in Los Angeles and her MSW from the University of Hawaii. Her specializations include adolescent and young adult group and individual therapy and clinical supervision. Darls brings a much needed reportoire of clinical expertise and knolwedge of substance abuse and chemical dependency.

Janis Sevougian, M.A., Therapist
Janis completed both her undergraduate and graduate degree at National University in San Diego. She received her BS in liberal studies with an emphasis in accounting and psychology and her M.A. in counseling psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. After completing her MFT internship at the Pasadena Residential Care Center, Janis worked as a Case Manager at Tarzana Treatment Center and as a Wraparound Facilitator with The Help Group.   

Janis enjoys working with patients that have severe mental health issues, dual diagnosis, adolescents with behavioral problems, and substance abuse disorders. Janis also enjoys volunteering at the San Fernando Valley Counseling Center.

David Pavia, LMSW
David Pavia is a Clinical Social Worker working as a primary psychotherapist for men and women at Sober College.  David completed his undergraduate degree at Denison University and received his Masters of Social Work from New York University.  His experience includes both mental health and addiction with emphasis on working with young adults in crisis.  David is dedicated to helping Sober College students to reach their fullest creative potential while they maintain sobriety through insight directed individual, group and family therapy. 

Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci, Teacher
Gabrielle Pelicci, Ph.D. is passionate about working with young adults and people with addictions. She has extensive background in the healing and teaching professions. She completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Education at Teachers College Columbia University and a Doctoral Degree in the Humanities with a focus on Integrative Medicine.  Gabrielle has over a thousand hours of training in holistic healing modalities including several forms of Massage Therapy and Yoga Therapy. She has also traveled to Asia, Africa, India, Mexico, South America and Europe to study different cultural approaches to healing.

During her undergraduate studies, Gabrielle worked as a counselor for children and adults with developmental disabilities. During graduate school, Gabrielle worked as an academic tutor and a Communications Assistant at Teach for America. After finishing her Masters Degree, she worked as Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the US Department of Education in Washington, DC. Since 2001, she has been working as an independent consultant and instructor for high-end treatment centers, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, wellness centers and private clients.

When she's not working, Gabrielle is on her sailboat, reading poetry, visiting a museum or dancing with friends.  She believes that life is an adventure and should be enjoyed to the fullest. Gabrielle is excited to be part of the Sober College family.

Ken Niemann, Fitness Director
A native of Pennsylvania, received his bachelors degree in biology from Pepperdine University where he served as the captain of an intercollegiate Lacrosse team. After working nearly a decade as a nuclear and biochemist at places such as UCLA and Amgen, he returned to school to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and M.A.s in Bioethics and Communications. He is National Academy of Sports Medicine and Emergency Medical Technician certified and remains active by playing and coaching Lacrosse, doing triathlons, and working as a private trainer and spin instructor. Ken is also president of The California Center for Fitness and Functional Medicine, an evidence-based health and fitness company that serves a role in consumer advocacy.

Rick Macrory, CCDC, Primary Counselor
Rick Macrory is a Certified Chemical Dependent Counselor with the California Certification Board of Chemical Dependency Counselors.  He has experience as a Case Manager and facilitator in other treatment facilities, and has a thorough knowledge of the 12-step program and how it works for recovery as well as life.  A native of Southern California, Rick attended Point Loma College in San Diego, CA. where he studied Business Administration and excelled in basketball and baseball for the school teams.  

In addition to his studies, Rick has worked on many professional levels, from construction to top sales positions, as well as real estate and mortgage experience. More than that, Rick brings to Sober College his own real life experiences and street knowledge from his 20-year battle with drug addiction, which led to broken family relationships, attending treatment facilities, and eventually spending 4years of incarceration because of drug addiction.  Rick has been sober for 7 years. 

Rick’s strengths are his genuine love, care, and concern for young adults who struggle with addiction, as well as helping his clients find meaning and purpose in their lives.  He has a unique ability to build trusting relationships that allow him to mentor and counsel, not only through words, but also by sharing and experiencing fun activities in sobriety with these young adults. 

Rick's hobbies include working out, playing all types of sports, and in addition he is a devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan.  Rick is very spiritual and thanks God daily for all the ways he has been blessed.  He accepts as a blessing that he has the opportunity to work and help make a difference in the lives of young adults.

DaMarcus Morton, Primary Counselor
Coming from a background where success was simply a word on a motivational poster, DaMarcus has overcome his own adversities.  DaMarcus was introduced to social services at the early age of 12 where he participated in Say Yes To Tennis Inc., a drug prevention program focused on teaching tennis. After participating in this program for 6 years, he began working for this program as a mentor/tennis instructor.  DaMarcus took a break from the social service arena to focus on his education so that he could return to the work he loved with more knowledge and education. 

DaMarcus received his degree in Criminal Justice in 2001.  DaMarcus has since used this education not for punitive means, but for empowerment.  With the goal of one day creating his own program, He began gaining experience in the different populations of social services ranging from the homeless population, abused and run-a-way youth, youth involved in the justice system, mental treatment and now drug and alcohol treatment. 

DaMarcus attends pierce college where he is currently working on obtaining his CDP in the field.  DaMarcus comes to us here at Sober College from Tarzana Treatment Centers where he also worked with the youth population.  DaMarcus is our Lead Counselor for the Apartment Program where he works to assist the residents with developing independent living skills.  

Sarah Vick, Primary Counselor
Sarah has extensive background in the healing profession and experience working with youth.  Sarah has spent a large part of her life expressing herself through dance, painting and music.  Her natural artistic ability was stifled while she was as an addict.  Although she traveled extensively, it was not until Sarah got sober that she found herself.   The recovery process led her to become an active member in AA and also sparked her interest in the healing arts as a massage therapist. Currently, Sarah is enrolled in college working towards a degree in Somatic Psychology.  Her background allows her to connect with a wide range of experiences and offer nonjudgmental support as  positive role model to the residents at Sober College.

Don Duitz, M.A., Residential Staff
Don has extensive life experience which offers a rounded understanding of people. He graduated UCLA and spent years in wholesale, retail and service businesses.  While moving around within careers, it was as a direct result of raising his family of five children, he realized that his fulfillment  came from helping others.  He then began his training at VBS Counseling Center which led him to earn his Masters Degree in counseling at Cal State Northridge.  Don has been associated with the VBS Counseling center for over 20  years leading groups in relationship and communication skills as well as individual counseling.

His experience also includes counseling at a drug and rehabilitation hospital which housed  dual diagnosis patients.   He  used poetry and role playing  and reality training to help patients to connect to themselves and find self assurance.   He also worked as a Therapeutic Behavior Specialist setting up programs to be facilitated by their community resources such as teachers, clergy and family.

Don  is a native of  Los Angeles.  His  interests  vary from health and fitness, hiking, tennis, and meditation. He  believes that part of the spiritual process to recovery is to fill the inner vacuum with contentment and purpose.

Annika Richards, Director of Marketing 
Annika is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, where she received her Bachelors Degree from the school of Geographical Sciences.  Following graduation, Annika worked in the marketing department of various companies, including General Motors. Her previous experience also includes a role overseeing the John Casablanca School in Beverly Hills, California. 

Annika has over two years experience in various organizations in youth drug prevention and education and specifically within the addictions field and has a strong passion to help those struggling with substance abuse and low self esteem issues. In her spare time Annika enjoys volunteering for the Special Olympics, playing with her dog Sammie and taking cooking classes.  She recently was married to her wonderful husband Jeremi and feels extremely blessed to be a part of Sober College.

JoAnn Sabin - Academic Advisor
JoAnn is a Certified Addiction Counselor, having worked the last 5 years as an outpatient counselor in an alcohol and drug treatment center.  JoAnn has specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Parent, Addiction Education, Relapse Prevention, Spirituality and is herself a member of a 12 step program with 12 years of sobriety.  JoAnn has developed a passion for recovery and enjoys sharing this passion with those who wish to develop a sober lifestyle based on learned positive coping and behavior skills.  JoAnn shares those lifeskills with her husband and 3 daughters.

Robert Gilson, C.T.C. , Admissions Director
"Rob" brings an enthusiasm for 12-step recovery and a background that includes military training to oversee the direction of Sober College living environments. Rob's connections in the recovery community of the greater Los Angeles area are invaluable in helping young adults to establish themselves within a recovery community.

Rob spent 4 years in the 82nd Airborne Division before he was Honorably Discharged as a Seargant. He has over 85 military skydives under his belt and was a cold weather instructor for all NATO forces in Italy. Rob taught survival skills as well as special Ski training. Additionally, Rob lived in Mammoth Mountain, California for two years as a Ski Patrolman.

He has been certified by the Institute for Certified Twelve Step Counselors. More than anything else, he understands the needs and complications that challenges families facing this disease. His compassion, understanding and genuine care allow him to provide direction and support during a difficult time.