Kristina Wandzilak, Executive Director and the founder of Full Circle Intervention, is a nationally recognized Interventionist, presenter and author. She has worked in the field of chemical dependency since 1994 and is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CASII) and Board Registered Interventionist (BRI II). She was also the host of ”Addicted.” a one-hour docu-series, that follows the lives of individuals struggling with addiction.
In 2006 Kristina published a memoir The Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughter’s Worst Nightmare, co-authored with her mother Constance Curry. It chronicles their parallel journey through addiction and co-dependency into the recovery they both enjoy today.
Kristina grew up in an affluent Bay area neighborhood and had her first drink at age 13. At age 15, she began a serious addiction to methamphetamines and other drugs. Her parents tried everything to help, contain, and save her, including putting her in three treatment centers. After escaping from the last center, Kristina was 18, her mother made the loving decision to let her daughter go, saying, “You are not welcome in my home or life until you are living a life of recovery and if I never see you alive again, please know how much you are loved.” At this point, Kristina descended into the depths of despair and ended up on the streets, turning to prostitution, burglarizing homes, and digging in dumpsters to pay for her drug habit. After nearly dying on the floor of a homeless shelter, she finally cleaned up at age 21 and successfully completed 6 moths in treatment. Kristina has been sober since, celebrating 16 years of sobriety September 4, committing the rest of her life to helping others struggling with addiction. Kristina completed her education and training and founded Full Circle Intervention, with the vision of bringing respectful and effective systemic intervention to families in crisis, nationally and internationally.
“I have had the privilege to facilitate and be witness to incredible and profound change in the lives of those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction and their families.” (From http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/addicted/articles/about-kristina-wandzilak.html)
Velvet Mangan is the founder of Safe Harbor Treatment Center for Women., located in Costa Mesa, CA, and was featured in Moments of Clarity by Christopher Kennedy Lawford.
Read Velvet’s story:
“For over 23 years, it has been my passion to help women find peace and healing from the addictions that can take over their lives. As a recovered alcoholic woman myself, I deeply understand the heartache and hopelessness that comes with an addiction. It is from this understanding that I created Safe Harbor, a place where women can come and learn how to regain their lives and support each other in a unique and encouraging environment. I developed Safe Harbor because there was a need for a special place for women to recover; a place that was not available to me as I started my own personal journey towards recovery and sobriety.
I think of the path I’ve traveled and I think of the people that have traveled it with me, and it’s kind of like that Verizon commercial where you turn around and all those people are there behind you. Every day, I remember every person that has come into my life, has held out that hand to get me where I am today. And I think of the miracle of God and the grace of God. I know that when I do spend that quality time, when I do keep up my relationship with my higher power, I am so awake to the world. And I just want to be awake for all of it, even the scary moments of it. I just want to be awake.” (read more at http://www.safeharborhouse.com/about.php)
Sherry Gaba is a psychotheraist and life coach specializing in individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. She maintains a private practice in southern California. She is the author of The Law of Sobriety: Attracting Positive Energy for a Powerful Recovery.
With over fifteen years of experience as a clinician, and a graduate of USC specializing in addictions, eating disorders, parenting, single parenting, divorce, and life coaching, she is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. In addition, she is a consultant for several high profile Malibu Rehab. Centers and has worked with numerous celebrities in her career.
In addition, Sherry Gaba, has presented at National conferences and to general audiences on numerous topics.
Sherry Gaba is a practical, interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. She incorporates a blend of conventional and alternatives approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. With sensitivity and compassion, she works with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve life goals. (From http://www.sgabatherapy.com/AboutMe.en.html)
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What amazing stories! How interesting to learn about these great women who have dedicated their life to recovery. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lauren,
Yes, they have dedicated their lives to this cause which is wonderful to know about. There are many more as well. Thanks for your comment.
These women help show us that hope exists and there’s always second chances in life, not matter how bleak things may be.
Hi Vishnu,
Yes, they do show us that hope exists. They have dedicated their lives to helping those trying to find recovery. It is so needed, and a career that comes from the heart. Thanks so much for your comment.
Thank you so much, Cathy, for bringing these women and their work to our attention.
Lisa Frederiksen – BreakingTheCycles.com recently posted..Understanding The Biology Behind Alcohol-Induced Blackouts
Hi Lisa,
Yes I have had personal experience with Kristina and Velvet with my kids, and they were both wonderful and very caring. I just finished Sherry’s book and it was very good. I would recommend it to anyone to help with their recovery. Thanks so much for your comment.
Alcohol dependency has played a significant role in our family throughout my lifetime. While a lot of us managed to stop before it was too late, my son’s father did not and at the young age of 40 yrs. passed away. It was a tragic situation that I carry grief about to this day. I think that intervention is key to helping those that get to the point where they can no longer help themselves. Intervention should be given a greater voice, at least, that’s how I see it. Thanks for sharing the resources, Cathy.
Marianne recently posted..What’s Miracle Mama Up To?
Hi Marianne,
My heart goes out to you when I hear your story Marianne. The longer I am online, the more stories I hear, and what I realize is that there are very few people that have not been touched by addiction. It is very hard for the family members. We want to help and we feel that there is something we can do or could have done, but the reality is that there is very little we can do, but offer help. The addicted person needs to make the decision if they want to help themselves. It’s frustrating and stressful for all involved. I agree that intervention is so important. I do feel family and friends should reach out and try and help with an intervention if at all possible. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your comment.
Thanks for sharing these interesting and beneficial stories with us. These types of proficient recovery treatment centers are mostly preferred by people. Keep sharing such more.
Hi Nicholas,
These three woman are all inspirational to me and have made recovery their life’s work which is so amazing. Thanks for stopping by.
Cathy recently posted..How to Recover: 17 Quotes of Experience, Strength and Hope