Born and raised in Chicago, Tom Reise pursued a career in the restaurant business after college. After managing a number of live entertainment and dance clubs in Chicago and Los Angeles he moved to San Diego in 1995. First working at the Park Manor Hotel as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and then to Terra Restaurant where he helped them win their first three Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator. In 2004 Tom opened Indulgence, a sugar-free bakery and café designed with healthy and diabetic-friendly foods. Now a co-trustee of Fritz Klein's estate and involved with real estate investment, including a green condominium project called Casa Verde here in San Diego, he is also very active with local and national charities. Currently Chairman of the Board of Stepping Stone San Diego, President of the Board of California Institute of Contemporary Arts (CICA), which works closely with the Diversionary Theatre and FilmOut SD, Mr. Reise is also a member of the Leadership Council for the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota.

Dario joined the Board of Directors of Stepping Stone in 2008. He is the owner of Dario Creative, a San Diego based company that provides website design and development, search engine optimization (SEO), and graphic design services to individuals and companies across California. Since 2005, he has been the Market Development Coordinator for Evens Hotels, a premier provider of resort accommodations in San Diego since 1953. His work and contribution to the betterment of the San Diego hospitality industry has earned him the 2009 Gena Cesena "Gold Key Award" from the San Diego County Hotel-Motel Association. His educational background includes a Bachelors of Science degree. He also has holds Certifications in Project Management, Web Design, Multimedia Development, and Print Graphic Design. As the Vice-Chairman of Stepping Stone, Dario is dedicated to the organization to ensure that every person who needs help will find it here...at Stepping Stone of San Diego.

Peter became involved with Stepping Stone of San Diego in the summer of 2007 when he served as a pro-bono consultant to Stepping Stone’s Search Committee that was seeking a new Chief Executive Officer for the agency. It took the committee of Board members a year to complete the task. John de Miranda accepted the position in mid-2008, and Peter joined the Board of Directors a month or two later. Peter has been an executive recruiter and consultant to the private sector and non-profit organizations for the past 40 years. In addition, he is a Founding Member of W & S Development LLC, a developer of up-scale and “green” residential and mixed-use real estate projects in San Diego. Throughout his professional career, Peter has served on a number of professional and non-profit boards and organizations: American Diabetes Association, Combined Health Agencies, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of San Diego, Volunteer San Diego, Committees of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association, and the San Diego Building Industry Association.

Wayne is the President of Mahogany Run Delivery, a furniture delivery and moving business he founded 11 years ago. He is considered one of Stepping Stone’s “pillars,” having served 3 consecutive terms on the Board, and having channeled his personal resources into the organization since the onset of his recovery over 17 years ago. Wayne is an alumnus of Stepping Stone and a capstone level donor. He opens his home to fellow graduates for special occasions such as the annual New Year’s Eve Dance, the 4th of July Party, and periodic birthday parties, of which many are fundraisers with proceeds going to Stepping Stone.

Terrie has been a volunteer in harm reduction and drug and prison policy reform in San Diego since 2003 and has been on the Stepping Stone Board of Directors since May, 2009. She is a native San Diegan and has worked in a career position at UCSD as the Editorial Manager of The Journal of Emergency Medicine since 2006 and part time for Bridge to Recovery. In a volunteer position, Terrie works with substance users to reduce the harms of the drug war, holding a harm reduction group weekly at UCSD’s Co-occurring Disorders Program. Terrie also sits on the Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access. She is blessed with her sisters and mom in San Diego and has two nieces and two nephews she adores.

Cartwright is currently the Executive Assistant of Associated Students, Inc. of San Diego State University Government and also works Hale Media, Inc (SDGLN/SDPIX). He anticipates earning a Masters of Arts in Nonprofit Management & Leadership this year. Previously, Cartwright served for 6 years in a senior position at a major financial institution and as a recruitment specialist for the Navy. He brings equal energy to his volunteer work spanning from major event production, public safety, and LGBT public policy to youth outreach. His professional affiliations include The San Diego LGBT Community Center's Young Professionals Council, the Community Leadership Council, San Diego Remembers (founding Co-chair), the San Diego Police Department Chief's Advisory Board for LGBT Issues, and the San Diego State University President's Advisory Committee on Equality. Benny's leadership experience will be a valuable asset as we evolve Stepping Stone's vision and services.

John de Miranda, Ed.M. is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Stepping Stone. With a graduate degree from Harvard University, he has worked in the alcohol and drug problems field for more than 34 years and is a person in long term recovery. Mr. de Miranda has served as program administrator, management consultant, therapist, educator, government official, researcher, and trainer. Mr. de Miranda is a regular contributor to Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly. He is a member of the national Board of Directors of Faces and Voices of Recovery, and has taught at the University of California, Berkeley, California State University, East Bay, the University of San Francisco and San Quentin State Prison. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration selected de Miranda to be the Expert of the Month for its August 2010 show looking at how issues of population diversity impact treatment and recovery. His expert commentary is featured at: http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Multimedia/Ask-the-Expert.aspx

Catherine started working at Stepping Stone as a case manager in 2008 and was soon promoted to Director of Support Services and Outpatient and now is the Director of Operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctor of Medicine – Philippines. Catherine directly oversees HIV Support Services contracts – CARE Act and HOPWA Transitional Housing programs. These programs provide support to individual with HIV during the transitional period at the beginning of their recovery and towards independent living. She monitors all agency contracts to ensure that all deliverables are met. Catherine also coordinates the California American Indian Recovery Services (CAIRS) program, which provides treatment and recover support service to the American Indian population.

A native Californian, Daniel joined the Stepping Stone team as part-time Office Assistant in march of 1997. Since then, his responsibilities have grown considerably. Currently as the Manager of Administrative Services he has a hand in just about everything that happens at the agency, from IT support to decorating a float. There are often questions like, "Why do I have to fill out a form to order one pencil?," "Why do you care how many copies I have made?," "Does it really matter that the petty cash doesn't balance?," "Why do my reports have to be turned in monthly?" He is responsible for insuring expense is applied to the correct funding stream, of which there are quite a few. He is also responsible for tracking and reporting grants, preparing financial proposals, submitting monthly reports to funding sources. Daniel acts as the quiet nuts and bolts of the agency to make life easier to allow staff to provide their life-affirming services to the clients. Through it all, his passion for Stepping Stone and dedication to its mission is undeniable.

Bixi has been supporting the progressive work of Stepping Stone for many years - as a sponsor and volunteer of the organization in the areas of consulting, needs assessment, marketing and media. Since February 2010 she has been holding the responsibility of identifying new sources of funding and generating vital operations revenue. She directs multiple projects that involve the agency’s governing, alumni, and associated body, as well as regional communities and the media to meet the short and long term fundraising goals of the organization. Bixi brings a wealth of academic and business experience to the agency. She holds Masters degrees in English, Media, and Comparative Literature; has taught at the University of Utah, UCSD, and SDSU; and has received numerous accolades for her service to the public and Lavender Lens, a lesbian oriented print magazine she founded in 2001.

Chris Mueller was born in Omaha and was raised in Ogallala, Nebraska. He attended Stepping Stone's Outpatient in 1998 and was awarded the Stepping Stone Alumni Recognition Award on June 9, 2000. Chris has volunteered for Mama's Kitchen, New York City and San Diego AIDS Walk, Homeless Outreach in Davis, California, and New York City and mentored students at Sherman Heights Elementary School and The Institute for Collaborative Education in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Davis in 2005. After graduating from UC Davis Chris moved to the East Coast and received a Masters of Social Work degree from New York University in 2007. Following graduation Chris moved back to Los Angeles to work for Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services which was a non-profit agency that worked with foster children that were placed in LGBT group homes because of not being accepted by their families or other foster home placements. The agency closed due to budget cuts. After the closing of the agency Chris moved back to San Diego to work in the LGBT community. Chris is employed with Stepping Stone Residential as an HIV Counselor/Social Worker since August 2009. Chris is working to become licensed as a LCSW in the LGBT community.

Pam Highfill has been with Stepping Stone since 2008. She has been involved in civil rights issues directly related to the LGBT community for over 15 years and feels privileged to work with this dynamic community on a daily basis. Pam has worked in social services for over 10 years with 6 of those years directly related to working in the field of alcohol and drug addiction recovery. Previous to entering this field, Pam worked in project management for Ericson and Qualcomm. Her educational background is in psychology with an emphasis on drug and alcohol studies. Pam is CAS and CADCA certified and completed the ATTC Leadership program through UCLA.

Jaelyn is a certified addiction specialist, AOD counselor, and CADRE member. She helps people navigate their road into recovery. She has a caseload of clients and meets with them on an individual basis as well as in a group setting. Jaelyn works with clients to set up individual treatment plans that pertain to them and their specific needs. Her goal is to help the client help themselves and see that there is another way to live and be happy drug and alcohol free. "I have been with Stepping Stone Outpatient since 2008 and I love what I do, my job is never boring and I am always learning something new." Jaelyn also assists in the management of the agency's sober living homes.

Connie Collins is a graduate of San Diego State University's Master of Social Work program and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is one of two LCSWs who provide clinical services to Stepping Stone via a Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) grant. Additionally, Connie is certified in domestic violence counseling (both for victims and for perpetrators), and Addiction-Free Pain Management. She is trained in EMDR, Relapse Prevention Therapy, and Native American medicine wheel ways. Connie has worked in the social services field for 17 years. She has extensive experience in providing treatment for people who have substance dependence and co-occurring psychological disorders. Connie works with people to resolve trauma, grief, codependence, ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) issues, and gender concerns. Connie has worked in several non-profit agencies, has taught at two colleges, and has a private practice. In addition to her part-time work at Stepping Stone, Connie is the director of a small non-profit agency.

Terese Skarra began her professional relationship with Stepping Stone as a clinical consultant in early 2007. The personal relationship began much earlier when a close friend entered "The Stone" for treatment. In 2008 Terese became a Stepping Stone employee. As a member of the clinical team, she provides both individual and group therapies to residents, and within the Family Group, to those who support the residents. Terese also provides addiction treatment in a local primary care clinic as part of a collaborative effort between Stepping Stone, San Ysidro Health Center, and other organizations. Terese has worked with diverse populations with a variety of diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Terese holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and is scheduled to complete her doctorate in Psychology in 2011.

Miguel joined the Stepping Stone Support Services team in October of 2004 and worked in the program until July 2009. He was part of the High Risk Positives and Negatives team that emphasized on providing services to individuals engaging in high risk behaviors. The main goal is to assist these individuals in the transition from high risk behaviors to the road to recovery. Unfortunately, the position was eliminated due to lack of funding. However, he was asked to again join the Support Services team in April 2010. His current job duties include the facilitation of regional HIV/AIDS/Addiction support groups and one on one counseling sessions; conducting intake interviews and assessment with prospective participants; and assisting clients in referrals with primary care, mental health, treatment, and other supportive services. Miguel also does outreach to other agencies within the San Diego region.