meet the team
"The Dream Team"
At Recovery Starts Now, we're proud to introduce you to the heart and soul of our intensive outpatient services for substance use and dual diagnosis treatment. Our team is comprised of passionate individuals who are dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your journey towards recovery. Get to know the faces behind our program, each bringing a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and commitment to helping you achieve lasting wellness.
Tomas Madrigal
Clinical Director
Counselor ll
Claudia Gonzalez-Madrigal
Director of Operations
Counselor Level l
Claudia’s passion for helping others is deeply rooted in her personal experiences as the eldest sibling, where she took on a caregiving role during her teenage years due to significant challenges within her family. A counselor’s guidance during this pivotal time inspired her to pursue a career in counseling, dedicating her life to supporting others in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth. With an extensive experience mentoring individuals of all ages, Claudia combines professional expertise with a profound understanding of resilience and transformation. Her background in leadership and management further enables her to foster an environment where individuals feel empowered, supported, and inspired to rebuild their lives. At Recovery Starts Now, she is committed to guiding clients toward strength and self-discovery, turning life's challenges into opportunities for meaningful change.
Julie Kennedy
SUD Counselor ll
Julie is dedicated to helping individuals discover their own voice while navigating life’s challenges. With a deep commitment to recovery and personal growth, Julie has spent over a decade advocating for awareness and education within the community. She found recovery at a young age and is passionate about guiding the next generation toward hope and resilience.
Each year, Julie leads a group of young people in recovery to speak at high schools throughout the county, providing education, resources, and inspiration to students. Their mission is to empower others to transform their struggles into strength, living by the belief that we can "turn pain into passion." At Recovery Starts Now, she continues to make a meaningful impact, offering support and guidance to those on their journey toward healing.
George Casarez
Director of School Engagement
Counselor Level l
George brings a wealth of personal experience, resilience, and dedication to the work at Recovery Starts Now. Having overcome personal struggles with addiction and life’s challenges, his journey of transformation serves as an inspiration to others. As a single father, he is deeply passionate about working with at-risk youth, particularly middle school students, helping them navigate social-emotional challenges and build resilience. Years of experience in mentoring and leadership roles, including chairing a drug and alcohol program, have allowed him to develop a unique ability to connect with individuals and foster trust, empathy, and hope.
Known for a strong commitment to supporting families and individuals through recovery, he combines professional expertise with a heartfelt dedication to making a difference. His journey from adversity to purpose fuels a mission to create generational healing and lasting growth for those he serves. At Recovery Starts Now, he is a valued team member, helping clients rebuild their lives with compassion, strength, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of change.
Tanila Guillen
Counselor Level l
Tanila brings a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and spiritual insight to her work. A bilingual professional with many years of experience in the treatment field, Tanila has developed an exceptional ability to connect with individuals and create a calming presence that fosters trust and openness. As a wife and mother, she understands the complexities of family dynamics and draws on her personal and professional experiences to help clients navigate their challenges with empathy and care. Known for her extensive knowledge, refined skills, and unwavering passion for helping others, Tanila is committed to empowering individuals to achieve lasting growth and recovery. Her ability to integrate a spiritual component into her counseling makes her a valued resource at Recovery Starts Now.
Enrique Chavez
Director of Christian Counseling
Counselor lV
Enrique Chavez serves as the Director of Christian Counseling at Recovery Starts Now, bringing a wealth of theological knowledge and a deep passion for helping others. With years of experience as a bilingual youth pastor, Enrique skillfully integrates faith-based principles with compassionate care to support individuals and families on their journey to healing. A devoted father of three, he draws on his personal experiences and spiritual insight to connect with clients, offering a well-rounded and empathetic approach to recovery. Enriques commitment to guiding others reflects his unwavering belief in the transformative power of faith and hope.