Our Team
Great things are never done by one person. Meet the collective expertise driving our mission forward.
Clinical Team
Clinical Director - LMFT
“Sean Is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an accomplished clinical director with over 15 years of dedicated experience in mental health and substance use treatment. Since 2009, he has made a significant impact in the field, working tirelessly
to support individuals grappling with addiction and mental health issues in a variety of settings, including residential treatment centers and outpatient facilities. Having been sober since 2002, Sean brings personal insights to his practice, empowering clients to navigate their unique challenges and break free from the cycle of addiction and the difficulties associated with mental health disorders. His compassionate and client-centered philosophy fosters a supportive environment that encourages growth,
resilience, and long-lasting recovery.”
Therapists
Therapist - ASCW
Therapist - AMFT
“Ryan Ruiz is a dedicated and compassionate therapist at Connections Mental Health, bringing over seven years of experience and more than 3,000 hours of clinical work in substance use and mental health treatment. With a strong foundation in addiction recovery, trauma, and co-occurring disorders, Ryan has provided individual and group therapy across reputable treatment centers, developing personalized treatment plans that foster long-term healing and growth. His expertise spans mindfulness, trauma recovery, and psychodrama, and he has been an active member of interdisciplinary teams focused on clients’ mental, emotional, and physical wellness.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, Ryan is deeply committed to expanding his clinical knowledge and staying at the forefront of evidence-based approaches in addiction and mental health care. His therapeutic style blends empathy, structure, and innovation, helping clients navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Ryan’s holistic approach emphasizes treating the whole person—addressing both the addiction and the underlying issues that contribute to distress and dysfunction.
Beyond his clinical role, Ryan is passionate about mindfulness, personal growth, and mental health advocacy. His dedication to helping others extends into the broader community, where he supports initiatives that promote awareness and recovery. With his extensive experience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to client well-being, Ryan Ruiz is a valued member of the Connections Mental Health team, guiding individuals toward lasting change and self-discovery.”
Case Managers
Case Manager
Case Manager - RADT
I am a Case Manager at a substance use and mental health treatment facility with over five years of experience supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. I am deeply passionate about this work and committed to helping clients build stability, resilience, and hope as they work toward their personal goals. I approach my role with empathy, accountability, and a strong belief in the power of recovery. I am also in recovery myself and have been sober since 2019, which allows me to bring both professional experience and personal understanding to my work. Outside of the treatment setting, I enjoy surfing and playing video games, which help me stay balanced and grounded. I am grateful to be part of a field where I can support others while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
Case Manager - RADT
I grew up as an only child in Redmond, Washington, and my early adulthood was marked by personal struggles with addiction. At age 31, I made the decision to seek detox treatment in Costa Mesa, California—a turning point that ultimately reshaped the direction of my life. Through my own recovery journey, I became deeply inspired to support others facing challenges related to addiction and mental health. Eight months after completing treatment, I began working in the field as a Behavioral Technician, where I discovered a strong sense of purpose in helping clients stabilize, grow, and move forward in their recovery. My dedication to this work led me to a Case Manager position at Alliance Recovery, and in July 2023, I joined Connections as a Case Manager in a mental health residential setting. In this role, I am passionate about advocating for clients, supporting long-term stability, and helping individuals build meaningful lives beyond treatment. Outside of work, I am engaged to my fiancé—who I met through recovery and who also shares a commitment to sobriety.
Operations
Operations Manager
With nearly a decade of experience in the treatment and recovery field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges. My work is grounded in compassion, lived understanding, and a belief that healing is possible for everyone. I am dedicated to helping others build sustainable recovery, resilience, and a meaningful life.
Chief Operating Officer
Director of Operations
Pablo Alcala began his work in the treatment field in 2012 and has built his career across a wide variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient programs. No matter the environment, he has always served in operations, where his steady leadership, problem solving, and commitment to excellence shine through.
Writers
Content Operations Manager
Medical Reviewer
“Saira is a dedicated pharmacist and addiction recovery content specialist with over 16 years of experience in medical communication. Her expertise lies in crafting impactful blogs, in-depth reviews, and comprehensive e-books that shed light on substance abuse, addiction recovery, detoxification, and rehab treatments. Through her writing, Saira empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their recovery journey, blending scientific accuracy with compassionate storytelling. Her deep understanding of addiction and recovery is reflected in her ability to craft persuasive, empathetic, and engaging content that resonates with those seeking hope and healing.
Beyond her professional life, Saira embraces the beauty of slow and simple living. She finds solace in tending to her plants and immersing herself in the pages of good books, drawing inspiration from nature and the written word. Her love for mindful living mirrors her approach to writing – nurturing growth, encouraging reflection, and guiding readers toward transformation, one word at a time.”
Medical Reviewer
Writer
Karena Mathis is a dedicated writer in the health and wellness industry. With years of experience in medical research writing, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a robust background in academic research, she is passionate about conveying complex medical research to educate and equip others with empowering information. Most importantly, it is her personal experience with addiction within her family that fuels her commitment to addressing drug and alcohol abuse. Her work reflects an informative foundation and a deep desire to see others gain access to the resources for recovery.
In her spare time, Karena enjoys playing sand volleyball, volunteering at her local church, following NFL drama, exploring new coffee shops, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Writer
Amy Leifeste is a trauma-informed content writer and editor specializing in behavioral health and wellness. With 5+ years working in content and behavioral health, Amy has spent much of her career helping brands communicate in a compassionate and accessible way for the user. She is deeply passionate about creating meaningful and informative content that empowers those struggling with substance and mental health issues to achieve lasting recovery.
Admissions
Alumni Coordinator - RADT
Clinical Outreach Specialist
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Director
Dallas serves as an Admissions Director with five years of experience in substance abuse and mental health care. They strive to support individuals seeking help and work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a welcoming admissions process. Their approach is grounded in empathy, accountability, and a commitment to learning from both clients and team members. Dallas loves the opportunity to witness and be apart of client’s recovery journeys.
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselor
Vice President of Business Development
Admin
Human Resources Coordinator - B.S.
Alijah Lott has been a dedicated member of the Renaissance team for three years, serving in multiple capacities, demonstrating a strong commitment to organizational service. As he pursues his Master of Science in Human Resources, Alijah brings a growing depth of knowledge, professionalism, and strategic insight to every role he takes on, alongside a genuine passion for ensuring exceptional client care and employee satisfaction.
Facilities Director
