About

Since 2003, Gary has been a staple in Marin County as an adolescent mentor and counselor.  Beginning with his work at the Novato Teen Center, developing the City of Novato skate camp, creating programs for at risk youth in Novato to working with Bay Area Community Resources counseling Marin teens in juvenile drug court and building in school prevention and intervention programs- he is well versed in the struggles of Marin teens.  

For the past 3 years, Gary and his wife have been traveling the United States with their family and working with high risk teens in different affluent areas in an effort to have a more in depth understanding of the journey of Marin adolescents.  As part of the Newport Academy team they were given a unique opportunity to see the struggles of teens and their families from various parts of the country.  From Orange County, California to Fairfield County, Connecticut- Gary has built clinical relationships, worked with various treatment organizations, and been involved with different community organizations.  This opportunity proved crucial to laying the foundation for Marin Recovery Services in it has helped Gary build a model of recovery founded in helping teens build healthy connections with themselves, family, peers and school.  He has worked to integrate a multi modal approach into his work and utilizes non traditional types of therapy to work with teens and young adults.  Whether it is building a skate ramp, teaching a client to drop into the skate ramp, facing fears on a challenging ropes course, or hiking Mount Tam, Gary assesses the child, their fears, their interests and uses that information to create a program that fits their needs.

Through his own personal journey and recovery, Gary has found a connection to Marin youth and an ability to guide their families through this challenging time.  Involvement in Marin schools, community based organizations, and creating alternative peer programs is of the upmost importance to him.  Gary feels strongly in the idea that teens have four crucial connections in their lives: family, self, peers and school and if one of those is not healthy then the teen will begin to struggle and show signs of decompensation.  Working to rebuild that connection with the teen is the focus of his work.  He is knowledgeable in the various levels of treatment and is able to guide a family if their loved one needs a higher level of care.  

Gary earned his Master’s degree from Dominican University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist , he also has his CAADC II( California Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling ).  Gary lives in Mill Valley, CA with his wife, Ryan who also works in adolescent treatment and children Alexa (14) and Oliver (12).