Meet the Team

At Present Moments Recovery, we believe families deserve care that feels both clinically strong and deeply human. That is why we are grateful to welcome Dr. Kathryn Germeraad, known warmly as Dr. G, as our Medical Director.

Dr. G is a board-certified internal medicine physician and fellowship-trained addiction medicine specialist. Her background brings together the medical, emotional, and practical sides of recovery, helping clients not only stabilize, but begin rebuilding their health, confidence, and quality of life. Her clinical experience includes addiction medicine, detox, rehabilitation, intensive outpatient services, primary care, preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and women’s health.

What stands out most about Dr. G is not only her training, but her heart. She believes in building real relationships with patients through trust, clear communication, and individualized treatment plans. That fits beautifully with the PMR approach: meeting people where they are, helping families understand the next right step, and supporting recovery with compassion, structure, and dignity.

Dr. G completed her undergraduate studies in Biology and Chemistry at Lipscomb University, earned a master’s degree in Biomolecular Science, attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed her Internal Medicine residency in East Tennessee, and pursued advanced fellowship training in Addiction Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

For families calling PMR, the addition of Dr. G strengthens something we care deeply about: making sure clients are seen as whole people: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Recovery is not just about stopping substance use. It is about helping someone return to life with better support, better health, and a clearer path forward.

Outside of medicine, Dr. G enjoys traveling, exercising, knitting, crocheting, baking, and spending time with her Labradoodle. She now lives in North County San Diego with her husband and is honored to serve this community.

Dr. Scott has worked in the field of mental health and addiction treatment for 32 years. He has worked in a variety of mental health settings including licensed clinical work in a community hospital for 6 years, and 11 years on the North San Diego Drug Court team as a clinical therapist.

His therapeutic approach tends toward discovering and strengthening one’s clarity and insight with the objective of stabilization, balance, and centeredness, allowing the client to naturally move toward an increasingly loving life, creating joy in areas of relationship, finance, health, and community.

He has experience in the San Diego Drug Court system. Adult Drug Courts are evidence-based court programs that provide an alternative to traditional criminal justice case adjudication for high-risk/high-need individuals struggling with substance use disorders. He has been part of the North County recovery community for several years.

Nerice has been a therapist and healthcare professional for over 35 years. She specializes in dual diagnosis, grief and loss, and relapse prevention. She has worked in a variety of settings as presenter, facilitator, individual and family counselor, and spiritual consultant, including more than a dozen inpatient and outpatient recovery programs.

In recovery herself, she has personally used, as well as taught, all traditional as well as current modalities, in particular cognitive behavioral tools for recovery.

Jon is a valued member of our clinical team, with years of experience in diverse treatment and recovery settings across all levels of care, from detox and residential treatment to PHP/IOP, UR management, and managing men’s recovery centers. He specializes in working with adults afflicted with SUD, employing a direct, personalized, and integrative counseling approach to meet each individual’s unique needs.

Jon’s method combines humanistic, existential, and solution-focused techniques, emphasizing the development of self-esteem, internal motivation, self-efficacy, and personal agency. Through a strong therapeutic alliance, Jon supports individuals in increasing self-awareness, challenging limiting beliefs and maladaptive behaviors, identifying inner resources and motivations, developing meaning, and regaining control of their recovery and lives.

Jon holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy School of Psychology at National University. Outside of his professional life, Jon cherishes spending time with his family and new baby son, surfing, traveling, and immersing himself in nature. He is dedicated to accompanying you on your recovery journey with compassion, understanding, honesty, and direct support.

Kathryn Meyer serves as Clinical Consultant at Present Moments Recovery and has been part of the PMR story since the very beginning. As one of the organization’s first therapists, Kathryn helped shape the clinical culture, therapeutic philosophy, and individualized approach that continue to define Present Moments Recovery today.

Kathryn earned her Master’s of Education in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina and is an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (AADC). For more than a decade, she has worked with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders while helping clients build greater self-awareness, emotional stability, and long-term recovery foundations.

Her counseling style combines evidence-based and experiential approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and experiential therapy techniques that help clients engage emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally in the recovery process. Kathryn believes meaningful recovery work begins with trust, honesty, connection, and helping individuals feel genuinely understood without judgment.

What makes Kathryn especially impactful within the PMR environment is not only her clinical experience, but her ability to build authentic human connection with clients, families, and staff members alike. She is known for bringing a grounded, direct, and emotionally supportive presence into the treatment process while helping clients navigate difficult conversations, family dynamics, trauma, relapse patterns, and the emotional challenges that often accompany early recovery.

Kathryn also has meaningful experience working with military families throughout San Diego, a connection that resonated deeply with Mark Gladden’s own military background and helped establish an immediate alignment in values, communication style, and purpose when they first met. Mark initially connected with Kathryn through a referral from a respected treatment industry leader during a behavioral health conference at the Hotel del Coronado. That introduction ultimately became one of the most important relationships in PMR’s clinical development, as Kathryn went on to become not only a trusted therapist within the organization, but also a mentor and valued friend to both Mark and Amy.

At Present Moments Recovery, Kathryn plays an important role in supporting PMR’s Continuity of Care philosophy and individualized treatment model. Her long-standing presence within the organization reinforces the stability, clinical consistency, and human-centered care that families often search for during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

For clients entering treatment, Kathryn brings a rare combination of clinical knowledge, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and deep understanding of recovery work. Her leadership continues to influence the supportive, accountable, and relationship-centered culture that PMR is known for today.

Nic has been a dedicated member of the PMR team for over five years, bringing extensive experience in SUD treatment operations, client care coordination, and program development.

Throughout his time at PMR, Nic has played an integral role in supporting clients across multiple levels of care, helping create a structured, supportive, and recovery-focused environment. Known for his hands-on leadership style and strong commitment to client well-being, Nic works closely with both staff and clients to ensure quality care, accountability, and individualized support throughout the recovery process.

Nic’s experience spans detox, residential, outpatient, and sober living services, with a focus on helping individuals build stability, develop healthy coping skills, and navigate the challenges of early recovery. Nic is passionate about fostering meaningful human connection within treatment and believes long-term recovery is built through consistency, structure, compassion, and personal accountability. His dedication to both operational excellence and client-centered care continues to make him a valued part of the PMR team.

Anthy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. After graduating in 2022, Anthy explored her interest in working within mental health–related settings and decided on substance use treatment. Despite being new to the realm of addiction and recovery, Anthy was motivated to challenge her perspective and gain hands-on practice while at Present Moments Recovery.

Anthy gained proficient knowledge and skills to support individuals undergoing detox stabilization, and also became involved in administrative tasks and maintaining organization. Throughout the years of working across different levels of care, Anthy has demonstrated her adaptability, growth, and dedication while aiding individuals in recovery and supporting fellow staff members.

Chelsea is an Alcohol and Drug Counselor with several years of experience supporting individuals through early recovery. She is committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care that helps clients build insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their recovery foundation.

Her motivation for entering the field comes from a deep belief in human resilience and the courage people show when choosing a new path. This belief guides her work and fuels her dedication to helping clients feel supported, understood, and capable of meaningful change.

At Present Moments Recovery, she focuses on relapse prevention, emotional regulation, communication skills, and rebuilding trust within family systems.

Kayla is committed to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys and promoting emotional well-being. Her own experience in recovery inspired her to enter the substance use field, where she now helps others recognize their worth, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

With a background in substance use treatment, Kayla brings empathy, authenticity, and a deeply client-centered approach to her work. She strives to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout the healing process.

Kayla’s work focuses on fostering self-awareness, encouraging emotional growth, and developing practical coping strategies that support long-term recovery. She believes that healing is possible for everyone and finds her greatest fulfillment in witnessing clients rediscover hope and embrace the possibility of a renewed life.

Michael is a substance abuse treatment counselor with a background in supporting adults facing addiction and co-occurring mental health issues in both residential and outpatient programs. He uses motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients recognize their strengths, develop resilience, and take meaningful steps toward recovery.

Michael provides a calm, judgment-free space where clients can grow with confidence. His own path to sobriety enriches his work and inspires his dedication to helping others build lives rooted in stability, purpose, and long-term recovery.

In recovery himself, Alex understands the struggles of those battling alcoholism and addiction. He has a firm belief that any perceived deficit in life can be turned into an asset, a change in perspective that has been instrumental in his own recovery, and one he works to pass on as a message of hope to others who are just starting their own recovery journey.

With a strong foundation in the 12-step program and nearly a decade of experience in the treatment industry, Alex hopes to be an example that long-term recovery is not only possible but available to all who are willing to work for it.

Alex first connected with PMR a couple of years ago at a concert event in Oceanside, the Nowell Family Foundation’s A Sublime Life Sobriety Festival, where he shared his story alongside his family. After talking through shared goals together, he has been part of the team ever since.

Fay has been teaching Qigong in San Diego for over 20 years, effectively applying modernized versions of ancient health practices into integrative programs at major medical institutions such as Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine, San Diego Cancer Research Institute, Silverado Senior Living for the Memory Impaired, Chopra Center, and the Mind Body Medicine Mental Health program at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Katherine Grey is a holistic health practitioner and CAMTC certified massage therapist. Massage therapy promotes a clear mind and relaxed body, helping to reduce physical and mental stress while releasing the day-to-day ailments associated with pain and discomfort. Katie strives to provide a personalized massage experience that can positively impact your physical and emotional health.

“I love working with individuals on a more personal level, as we are all unique and have different needs. As a massage therapist, I’m a big believer in the power of touch. My ultimate goal is to help you feel the best that you can while navigating the road of recovery. I’m here to provide a safe space for you to shine your brightest on your path to healing and self-empowerment. I absolutely love what I do and am overjoyed for the chance to be a part of your healing journey!”

Susie Orenstein, L.Ac, MPA was licensed by the California Acupuncture Board in November 2003. She received her Master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA, and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cornell University, Institute of Public Affairs, where she studied health policy.

Susie currently offers acupuncture services at three drug rehabs: Ranch Creek Recovery in Temecula, Mindful Rejuvenation in Oceanside, and Present Moments Recovery in Carlsbad. In addition, she treats workers’ comp injuries at Concentra in Escondido.

Susie specializes in pain relief, addiction, PTSD, anxiety, and stress relief, and offers Chinese herbal therapy and nutritional counseling.

Charlie recently moved to Carlsbad from suburban Philadelphia, where he owned a yoga studio and taught yoga and music therapy at a 120-bed inpatient treatment center for 15 years. Charlie aims to weave his experience, strength, and hope into his teachings to help the recovering addict.

His current passions are softball, bike riding, songwriting, and musical performance. He has been with Present Moments for a few years now and loves working with newcomers to recovery; he even has a CD of his music!