Our Leadership

Jaime Campos, MBA-HA, SUDCC

Chief Executive Officer

Eliseo Becerra, B.S.

Chief Compliance Officer

Lusine Ghevondyan, MPA, MBA

Chief Finance Officer

Anna Phillips, Ph.D., LMFT

Chief Program Officer

Jen Slusser-MacTernan, M.Ed, SUDCC

Director of Outreach and Talent Development

Gavin O’Connor, MBA

IT Director

Elizabeth Abbs, MD

Medical Director - Sobering Programs

Lisa Valdez

Senior Manager of Human Resources

Lenee Hallman

Associate Director of Property Operations & Safety

Christian O’Neil, MD

Medical Director - Alameda County

Belis Aladag, MD, MPH, FASAM

Medical Director - San Mateo County

Shannon Smith-Bernardin, Ph.D, RN, CNL Director of Sobering Program Design

Shannon Smith-Bernardin, Ph.D, RN, CNL

Director of Sobering Program Design

Chris Murray, SUDCC-II

Associate Director of Inpatient Services

Itzia Cruz, LCSW

Associate Director of Clinical Services

Damon Fischer, CADC

Director of Inpatient Operations

Angelique Irving, MPH

Associate Director of Youth and Adult Outpatient and Prevention

Board Of Directors

Christopher Rand, MBA

Board Chair
Consultant, Field Systems Engineering, Ciena Corporation

Ron Marblestone, JD

Board Member
Attorney (*not legal counsel for Horizon Services Inc.)

Ariana Chehrazi, MBA

Board Member
Chief Health Systems Officer, Midi Health

Amanda Clarke, MPH

Board Secretary
Director of Programs, California Healthcare Safety Net Institute

Nicole Goi, JD

Board Member
Principal Compliance & Risk Consultant, PG&E

Tripti Upreti, MA

Board Member
Regulatory Compliance Manager, PG&E

Sarah Hesketh, MA

Board Treasurer
Senior Advisor for Performance & Analytics, San Francisco Health Plan

Mariana Torres, LCSW

Board Member
Senior Program Officer for the California Health Care Foundation

Wajeeha Khan, LMFT

Board Member
Clinical Director, Ellie Mental Health

Anne Wei, PA-C

Board Member
Physician Assistant, Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Jaime Campos, MBA-HA, SUDCC

Chief Executive Officer

Jaime Campos serves Horizon Services as its Executive Director with 10 years of experience in the non-profit Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment field.  His motivation to work in this field comes from a deep sense of commitment and personal responsibility to make a meaningful impact in the community, having personally witnessed many examples of one’s ability to resiliently overcome SUD-related adversity.  As an experienced drug and alcohol counselor, he uses his clinical experience in combination with his passion for best business practices to help non-profit organizations thrive in an ever-changing, dynamic healthcare environment.

Jaime is deeply passionate about bringing world class business techniques and disciplines to the non-profit, SUD treatment world.  He earned his MBA in Healthcare Administration through the University of Colorado in Denver, his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Colorado State University and holds a certification as a Substance Use Disorder counselor (SUDCC). Jaime also served as the Board Treasurer for the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) for 7 years, a non-profit organization which promotes the effectiveness of the statewide DUI treatment system in reducing DUI offenses and maximizing public safety on our roadways. Jaime is also trained in the areas of project management, green belt-level lean six sigma process and quality improvement, and CIBHS change leadership approaches using NIATx methodologies which incorporate practices from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

He is an avid runner, an audio enthusiast and a newly minted father now living in the East Bay with his wife and young daughter.

 

Eliseo Becerra, B.S.

Chief Compliance Officer

Eliseo Becerra joined Horizon services carrying over 14 years of leadership experience, with 10 of those years being focused in healthcare operations and compliance.  Eliseo is passionate about creating positive patient experiences while also implementing healthy workplace practices which maximize employee engagement, all of which hinge on infrastructure that helps agencies make meaningful use of data. He considers all variables when measuring successful outcomes and setting safety standards. He has worked on various projects to align organizational goals with industry standards and the advancement of the behavioral health field, most notably devising patient experience survey instruments and tracking program SUD treatment outcomes relative to national benchmark.

Eliseo graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management which had a heavy concentration on organizational behavior. Currently, he is enrolled in an MBA in Health Administration from the University of Colorado and is aiming for a 2025 completion date!  Additionally, completion of a CIBHS Behavioral Health Leadership Academy 2022 helped sharpen his leadership toolkit which he uses regularly to manage across multiple service lines for our multi-modality non-profit.

Eliseo is committed and passionate about improving the communities he lives & works in, and strives to leave them better than how he found them.

 

Lusine Ghevondyan, MPA, MBA

Chief Finance Officer

Lusine Ghevondyan comes to HSI holding two Master’s degrees in both Public & Business Administration disciplines, earned from the American University of Armenia and from the University of Wyoming. Lusine’s unique combination of education prepared her for a leadership role in the non-profit finance sector. Over the course of her 20 year career experience she has always worked for non-profits in multiple industries spanning education, youth development, social services and health care. Lusine enjoys meeting challenges and helping non-profits establish financial and operating infrastructures for sustainability and setting agencies up for future success. Lusine is passionate about non-profit work and holds a deep belief in her personal mission of helping communities thrive.

 

Anna Philips, Ph.D., LMFT

Chief Program Officer

Dr. Anna Phillips is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who also holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. Dr. Phillips has been working in the mental health and substance use disorder field since 2006, where she first started out as a school counselor for middle school students with severe emotional and behavioral issues to transition to mainstream classes. While working in this position Dr. Phillips realized the need to continue her education in psychology and counseling in order to be better equipped to serve the students and the community. Dr. Phillips decided to pursue her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a certificate in Addiction Studies. As part of her Addiction Studies certificate, she began providing individual and group therapy services to adolescents and adults in drug treatment programs, which served as a catalyst for her interest in and passion for serving those struggling with substance use issues.

Since 2008 Dr. Phillips has dedicated her time, talent, and educational pursuits to serving those most vulnerable in the community, which she has done providing case management, therapy, program development, budget management, grant writing, curriculum design, teaching at university level and clinical supervision. Dr. Phillips’ doctoral work focused on the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face around racial reintegration post-incarceration and this allowed her to spend time hearing from individuals that spent time in prison in the California correctional system deepening her passion and conviction for treatment services. In her role at Horizon Services, Dr. Phillips brings her vast experience, education, and passion to improving the clinical services delivered across its service line portfolio. Dr. Phillips is excited to develop training programs for interns and create a client experience where all clients feel safe to make lasting changes that will impact not only their lives but their families and the communities they reside in.

 

Jen Slusser-MacTernan, M.Ed, SUDCC

Director of Outreach and Talent Development

An experienced professional of 20+ years, Jen has melded her many passions into a life filled with purpose. In addition to her BA in graphic design from Northern Illinois University, she has worked in many creative disciplines, including entertainment marketing, stand-up comedy, radio, and television. After moving from Chicago to New York, Los Angeles, and finally to the Bay Area, she became a published author and decided to switch careers.

In 2009, she worked as a relief counselor at Cherry Hill while becoming a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, which led to teaching addiction and recovery at Santa Rita Jail. During those eight years, she earned her California Adult Teaching Credential and her experience with those adults left an indelible mark on both her and her students, changing her career trajectory. Her jobs since include working with and advocating for individuals experiencing dual-diagnosis SUD, homelessness, and the formerly incarcerated.

A lifelong learner, Jen earned a Master of Education from Western Governors University. She is a certified trainer with several organizations, including Insight Prison Project and Healthy Relationships California. She is a mentor, teacher, and compassionate professional, honored to return to Horizon Services fourteen years later to bring myriad experience, education, and inspiration to the company.

She enjoys walking, learning, and swapping music with her adult son. She lives in the East Bay with her amazing wife and their three fur babies. She is an enthusiastic advocate for Horizon’s clients and the re-entry and recovery communities at large.

 

Gavin O’Connor, MBA

IT Director

With over 25 years of experience in the Information Technology field, Gavin O’Connor joined Horizon to help make a difference in the lives of our employees through the use of technology. Gavin has worked for a wide range of firms including manufacturers, construction, software, and service-based companies over the years. His educational background includes undergraduate degrees in Mathematical Science from the University of California Santa Barbara along with an MBA in Computer Information Systems from California State University East Bay. 

Gavin thrives on developing and deploying technology solutions to streamline operational processes and provide superior customer service to its employees.  He has extensive experience with electronic health record platforms and conversions, and always aims to keep the user front and center when thoughtfully designing such implementations.

In his spare time, Gavin enjoys going hiking along the Northern California coast and roasting coffee beans sourced from around the world. 

 

Elizabeth Abbs, MD

Medical Director - Sobering Programs

Elizabeth is a northern Midwesterner who moved to California to attend Internal Medicine residency at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Her work at the county hospital (San Francisco General) reinforced her interest in creating novel social pathways to healing. She went on to complete an Addiction Medicine fellowship at UCSF and has led teams in managing opioid and alcohol dependence for marginalized populations. She is firmly committed to providing quality care to her primary care panel in the Tenderloin of San Francisco, working to humanize their experiences and enhance their quality of life. 

She is a passionate advocate for primary care access for vulnerable populations, reduced stigma for people who use drugs, and housing for all. When not at work, she enjoys planning adventures and swimming alongside her little family.

Lisa Valdez

Senior Manager of Human Resources

Lisa has been a human resources executive for more than 20 years and held human resource leadership positions in a variety of industries across various markets before joining Horizon. Managerially, she supports executive teams to set the tone for the entire human resources department and the organizations she supports. In addition to talent acquisition, she has expertise in employee benefit management, as well as employee relations.

Lisa is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace. As a result of her operational background and goal-oriented focus on staff development, she is passionate about aligning human capital efforts with organizational needs. Aside from focusing on individual and team development, she has also contributed to the success of building a strong company culture.

During her free time, Lisa enjoys attending live music events, yoga, hiking and preparing delicious food for family and friends.

 

Lenee Hallman

Associate Director of Property Operations & Safety

Lenee began her career with Horizon Services as an Administrative Assistant in 2001. The customer service skills she acquired through previous work experience in a corporate environment enhanced her the ability to help others. For instance, Lenee’s expertise in customer service has allowed her to provide guidance and support to Horizon Services’ new hires.   

She has held a variety of positions within the organization over the past 22 years that she has been with the company. Most of her time here has been spent in the HR and Operations Department – which has evolved into her current position, Associate Director of Facilities and Site Safety. She has served as the chief safety officer and been a strong advocate for the safety team; always making safety a top priority for staff and clients. Her passion is to serve as a voice for staff and support them in continuing their dedicated work. She is determined to ensure a safe environment for clients and staff alike to help those in need. She is a fun-loving, inspiring, and motivated leader. She loves watching basketball and spending time with family.

 

Christian O’Neil, MD

Clinical Director

Dr. John Christian O’Neil serves as Horizon’s Medical Director over Alameda County programs.  He received his MD from the University of Cincinnati’s College Of Medicine in 2008 and completed a Psychiatry internship at the University of New Mexico the following year. Dr. O’Neil moved to California shortly after finishing his formal education, eager to launch his career in the field of substance use disorder treatment.

Over the last 10 years, Dr. O’Neil has worked to break stigmas around addiction and provide care to the most vulnerable populations. Of memorable and meaningful significance, he taught life skills to homeless individuals and worked with expectant mothers in the Santa Clara Country Perinatal Substance Abuse Program, and previously served as the Medical Director of the BAART San Mateo methadone clinic in Menlo Park.

Passionate about removing shame from the treatment process, Dr. O’Neil endeavors to connect patients with their own inner resources by combining optimal medical therapies with thought-provoking motivational techniques. In doing so, he hopes to help them step purposefully and powerfully into a life of recovery.

When not working, Dr. O’Neil enjoys gardening, playing guitar, and writing songs.

 

Belis Aladag, MD, MPH, FASAM

Medical Director - Palm Avenue Detox

Dr. Belis Aladag serves as the Medical Director of Horizon’s Palm Avenue Detox program and is a native of Los Angeles, California.  She graduated with Highest Honors from Ross University School of Medicine and has a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins.  While finishing her family medicine residency training at the University of Wisconsin, she worked as the Medical Director of Eau Claire Metro Methadone Clinic, an opioid treatment program (OTP).  Dr. Aladag went on to practice primary care at UCLA Health where she was involved with clinical research focused on methamphetamine addiction. 

Her passion for the field of addiction medicine led her to get board certified first by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) in 2014, then by the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) in 2018.  Dr. Aladag worked at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles for five years serving as the only full-time addictionologist and became a partner physician at Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG).  She later joined The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) and worked in the Kaiser Permanente Addiction Medicine and Recovery Services department in Sacramento.  Most recently, she joined Bright Heart Health, providing substance use disorder treatment via telemedicine. 

 

Shannon Smith-Bernardin, Ph.D, RN, CNL Director of Sobering Program Design

Shannon Smith-Bernardin, Ph.D, RN, CNL

Director of Sobering Program Design

Dr. Smith-Bernardin joined Horizon as its Sobering Program expert to help guide the agency on operating these service lines to the highest of quality standards. She has worked as a registered nurse since 2006, with expertise in sobering centers for adults intoxicated in public, street health outreach teams, and related emergency medical and community health collaborations. Building from experience at both the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and her doctoral work at UCSF School of Nursing, she consults in the development of related programs for communities throughout the United States. Dr. Smith-Bernardin is Assistant Professor in the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing in the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences. She is also affiliated with the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) specializing in substance use, the emergency medical system and public health integration, and homeless-related research.

In addition to her role with UCSF, Dr. Smith-Bernardin is the co-founder and first President of the National Sobering Collaborative, aimed at sharing research, best practices, policies, and education towards the formation and sustainability of sobering centers in the care of acute intoxication. Lastly, she provides nurse consulting in the development of street health outreach and and sobering-related programs for communities throughout the United States. 

Dr. Smith-Bernardin holds a doctorate from the University of California-San Francisco, a Master’s from Western University of Health Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. She has recently completed a Health Care Leadership fellowship (Cohort 18, September 2020) with the California Health Care Foundation.

 

Chris Murray, SUDCC-II

Associate Director of Inpatient Services

Chris joined Horizon Services as the Associate Director of Inpatient Services in 2024. Previously, he served as the Program Manager at Cronin House. Over the past eight years, Chris has demonstrated dedicated service in the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment field.

Chris began his career as a SUD Counselor after completing his studies at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Following his internship at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, he worked as a multiple offender DUI Counselor and Outpatient SUD Counselor at the San Joaquin Safety Council. He then joined Bi-Bett Corporation in Walnut Creek, California, where he held roles as a SUD Counselor, Lead Counselor, and Program Manager, eventually becoming the Director of Inpatient, Outpatient, and Detox Services.

Chris has successfully managed high-volume men’s and women’s rehabilitation programs, including perinatal, integrated, and standalone detox programs, outpatient programs, and Sober Living Environments. He is a recipient of the “People Who Make a Difference” and “Recovery Champions” awards. Chris has shown proven leadership through initiative, strategic thinking, and commitment to both staff and clients. He upholds professionalism and strong values of integrity, compassion, and respect. Grounded in delivering quality substance abuse services to co-occurring populations, Chris is an asset to our organization as Associate Director of Inpatient Services.

Itzia Cruz, LCSW

Associate Director of Clinical Services

Itzia Cruz is a licensed clinical social worker with a lifelong commitment to serving marginalized communities. Her commitment to improving the lives of individuals facing various challenges has been evident throughout her career. 

She has worked with a wide range of underserved populations, including children and young people entangled in Child Protective Services. She has also worked with chronically ill individuals, special education students, and those with substance use disorders. Itzia’s multifaceted expertise is evident in her ability to provide comprehensive case management, deliver effective individual and group therapy, carry out meticulous reviews, and assess quality-of-life survey results to enhance client care. 

With her exceptional collaboration and coordination skills, Itzia seamlessly integrates into interdisciplinary teams to enhance the overall client experience. 

As Associate Director of Clinical Services, Itzia fosters a positive and professional culture within the clinical teams she supervises. Moreover, she has been instrumental in developing and enforcing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with County requirements. This has enhanced her department’s efficiency and effectiveness. 

Itzia is dedicated to expanding her knowledge of community resources related to health, mental health, finances, housing, and case management. This commitment is particularly directed toward supporting substance use disorder patients on their path to recovery. 

Itzia’s career in clinical social work is a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of those she serves. Her dedication, expertise, and passion make her an invaluable asset to social work. She is a beacon of hope for the individuals she assists at Horizon Treatment Services. 

Damon Fischer, CADC

Associate Director of Inpatient Program Operations

Damon’s professional journey in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) Treatment has been marked by dedicated service and progressively increasing responsibilities.

His initial foray into this critical field commenced with Reach Project Inc. located in Antioch, Brentwood, and Pittsburg, California. This Medi-Cal certified outpatient program catered to both adolescents and adults. Starting as a registered counselor, Damon adeptly managed a diverse caseload spanning across various age groups. His expertise and commitment were soon recognized, leading to his appointment as the Drug Court Adolescent Counselor for East Contra Costa County. This pivotal role showcased his ability to navigate complex scenarios and provide valuable support to individuals on their path to recovery. In a testament to his leadership and dedication, Damon ascended to the position of Program Manager, effectively steering the organization’s initiatives. His tenure at Reach Project Inc. spanned an impressive 8 years, underscoring his enduring commitment to SUD treatment.

Damon’s subsequent chapter in the SUD Treatment arena unfolded at Bi-Bett Corp., headquartered in Walnut Creek, California. Bi-Bett Corp. boasted a comprehensive array of services, encompassing residential, perinatal, DUI, outpatient, detox, and Sober Living Environments (SLE) programs, all Medi-Cal certified. These services extended across Contra Costa County, Solano County, and Alameda County. Damon commenced his tenure at Diablo Valley Ranch for Men, a substantial 58-bed residential facility, assuming the role of Director.

Over a span of 2 ½ years, he adeptly managed operations and nurtured a supportive environment for recovery. As his capabilities continued to shine, Damon’s role expanded, culminating in his appointment as Director of Residential and Detox Services. In this pivotal position, he exercised oversight over seven residential programs, catering to both men and women, including Perinatal Programs. Additionally, he supervised four detox programs, three of which were integrated with residential facilities, while one functioned as a standalone detox center. Damon has admirably discharged his responsibilities as Director of Residential and Detox Services for the past six years, a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing SUD treatment and facilitating individuals’ journeys towards recovery.

Angelique Irving, MPH

Associate Director of Youth and Adult Outpatient and Prevention

Angelique was born and raised in the vibrant city of San Francisco, where a deep commitment to community well-being shaped her professional path. With a Bachelor’s in Health Science, and a Master’s in Public Health she brings a well-rounded expertise to her role as Associate Director of Youth and Adult Outpatient and Prevention.

Angelique has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others, particularly through her extensive experience in substance abuse case management and support. Angelique has worked closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering compassionate care and creating impactful programs aimed at prevention, education, and rehabilitation.

Known for her passion, hard work, and commitment to continuous learning, Angelique approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and a deep desire to make a difference. She believes in empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential while advocating for systemic improvements in public health and mental wellness. Always striving to grow, Angelique is a lifelong learner, constantly seeking new ways to enhance her skills and better serve the communities she supports.

In her leadership role, Angelique combines a strategic vision with a hands-on approach, working closely with both youth and adults in outpatient care and prevention programs. She is deeply invested in creating a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters positive change, building on her own experiences and education to inspire others to thrive.