At Lilac Recovery Center, a luxury addiction treatment center in San Diego, our team of experienced substance abuse counselors and addiction therapists are committed to assisting people in overcoming substance use disorders and achieving long-term recovery.
Our team understands the challenges that come with substance use disorders and is committed to providing personalized care and support to each of our clients. To do so, we strive to create a personalized long- or short-term care plan that focuses on providing treatment and healing therapies to the whole person, not just their SUD. From our compassionate counselors to our skilled therapists, the Lilac Recovery Center Team is here to guide you on your journey to a healthier and happier life.
Get to Know Our Dedicated Professionals
Dr. Michael Markopoulos
Medical Director
Dr. Michael Markopoulos is a skilled medical professional who is committed to assisting those who are struggling with substance use disorders in San Diego. He has had experience treating substance use problems caused by opiates/opioids, alcohol, Suboxone, prescription medication, methamphetamines, cocaine, and more. With his extensive knowledge of addiction and 25 years of experience, Dr. Markopoulos creates research-backed programs with effective treatment alternatives for people who are serious about recovery from SUD. Effective therapy necessitates individualized, specialized care that is catered to each client, and Dr. Markopolous and the Lilac Recovery Center staff are ready to assist you.
Nora Jenkins
CADC II, Certified AOD Counselor
Nora Jenkins has been actively involved in the treatment of SUDs for more than ten years, and she is passionate about promoting the healing of both individuals and their families. Lilac Recovery Center recognizes that substance use disorder impacts not only people in recovery but also their families and friends. For that reason, Nora has expertise in helping individuals in treatment rebuild their relationships to facilitate long-term, healthy recovery. Her professional experience includes counseling, program administration, and clinical management. Nora’s background gives her the skills and top-notch capabilities she needs to help clients repair family bonds during rehabilitation.
Valerie Garza
California Massage Therapy Council, Certified Massage Therapist
Valerie Garza is dedicated to assisting clients with physical healing and releasing the tension brought on by both SUDs and recovery. Valerie is a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and a licensed Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP). Via the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and the International Professional School of Bodywork, Valerie has accrued more than 1,000 training hours.
Valerie provides a special subset of care at Lilac Recovery Center due to the methods she has developed as an HHP and the knowledge she has gained through her work as a CMT. Valerie has been a practitioner in San Diego for more than ten years, during which time she has become well known for giving excellent physical therapeutic massages that open the door to meditative experiences.
Due to her expertise, those on the path toward recovery can finally enjoy physical relief from symptoms of stress and SUD, like muscle tension, headaches, and more. Recovering individuals in Valerie’s care also learn to concentrate inwards to enhance awareness and improve their emotional and mental well-being. Overall, Valerie’s balanced method of custom-tailored massage offers physical relaxation and stress reduction, two chief components of recovery.
Dr. Tufia Steidle
Licensed Psychologist, EAGALA DUAL Certification
Dr. Steidle is a certified Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist and licensed Clinical Psychologist. Her crucial certifications include work in practices like Seeking Safety, Trauma-Focused CBD, and Interpersonal Therapy for Depression. Her career has been dedicated to assisting individuals who need support in overcoming SUDs and other mental health disorders.
Dr. Steidle has worked in a range of therapeutic settings for more than 20 years to broaden her knowledge, assisting people of all ages and backgrounds in understanding their mental health and enhancing their present circumstances. She has provided high-quality psychotherapy to people living with HIV/AIDS, individuals in IOP and inpatient treatment in San Diego, as well as those in community mental health centers. She has also provided student counseling in college settings, mental health care in prisons, and additional psychotherapy to many underserved communities. Thanks to her considerate treatment and enduring compassion, Dr. Steidle has won the hearts of many patients at the Lilac Recovery Center.
Jacob Hookano
RADT, EMT, Combat Medic
Jacob has dedicated more than ten years of his career to working in medicine. After making the decision to serve his country at a young age, Jacob joined the US Army and was trained as a combat medic and healthcare professional. He earned his national registration as an EMT when he was serving in the Army, where he was in charge of training new medical personnel in Germany. His passion for educating and helping others was strengthened by this experience.
Jacob returned to San Diego to resume his work in home healthcare and substance use disorders after his tenure in the US Army. These healthcare specializations enabled him to help others with both physical and emotional issues, as has been his passion since before his career in the military. Jacob is popular among both our clients and employees because of his consistent sense of optimism; he always has the ability to make people smile.
Tracy Mannson
MA, MFT, RBT, RADT, AOD Counselor
Tracy has a diverse range of skills, thanks to her extensive career, and these skills lend themselves to an exceptional ability to provide care for the many different people who seek treatment at Lilac Recovery Center. She began her career by earning a bachelor’s degree before supporting and providing care for children with special needs. Then, eager to learn new methods to further her services, Tracy graduated from Hawaii’s Argosy University-Honolulu with a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Counseling. While pursuing her degree, she became passionate about working as a substance use disorder counselor for treatment programs offered by a correctional women’s facility.
Eventually, her personal and professional life would take her to Sweden, the country of her husband’s origin. While there, Tracy worked as a case manager for teenage refugees, a caregiver for children with special needs, and even as a fitness instructor and retail company owner. Upon her return to the United States, Tracy joined the staff here at Lilac Recovery Center. She continues to pursue and further her education while offering our clients the assistance they require throughout their stay with us.
Jennie Long
MA in Education, Personal Trainer, Certified Yoga Teacher
Jennie Long-MA in Education, Personal Trainer, Certified Yoga Teacher
Jennie is a key member of our team who focuses on yoga’s ability to reunite the body, mind, and spirit in a holistic healing process. Across a number of settings, including schools, group homes, juvenile halls, home-based programs, and day treatment facilities, Jennie has helped children and families for more than 20 years. She spent ten years working at Lincoln High School as a mild-to-moderate special education teacher, which developed her passion for supporting her community in any way possible.
Early in her professional career, Jennie became aware of the benefits and advantages of yoga. Yoga is a special form of exercise that both enhances physical prowess and promotes inner-self reconnection. This is accomplished by bringing the body and the mind into harmony via flow movements and deliberate breathing methods. Regardless of one’s degree of physical fitness or expertise, yoga can have a therapeutic effect. Jennie uses yoga, which she both practices and teaches, as a helpful supplement to all forms of healing.
Nicole des Coteaux
RN, BSN, PHN
For more than 20 years, Nicole has worked as an RN in San Diego County, where she was born and raised. She attended El Camino College in Torrance, California, and earned her AS/RN degree in 2001. Nicole formally began her medical career at Palomar Medical Center in San Diego, where she started in the medical/surgical section before moving to the critical care area. She obtained the coveted national accreditation for critical care registered nursing in 2007 before continuing her studies and graduating with distinguishable honors and a BSN from California State University Dominguez Hills.
Prior to beginning her work in hospice care, Nicole worked in hospitals for more than ten years. This inspired her to further combine her training in medicine with her commitment to offering those in need compassionate, heartfelt care. Nicole’s true passion ultimately lies in forging deeper connections with her clients and the world around her.
Brandy Hardy
LMFT
Brandy, a licensed marital and family therapist, has established herself as a key component of the Lilac Recovery Center team. Brandy graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Her educational background afforded her the expertise to manage a range of programs that cater to those with dual diagnoses, those who are homeless on a long-term basis, and those who are suffering from severe mental illness.
Brandy has worked in a number of mental health programs and is an adjunct lecturer in the human development program at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. She addresses a range of emotional challenges with people of all ages, including children and families. These challenges may include a number of things often associated with substance use disorder, including mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, grief associated with loss or trauma, and more. Her concern and compassion enable us to create a meticulously personalized treatment for every person seeking services at Lilac Recovery Center for substance use disorders.
Start Your New, Empowered Chapter Today
Tour the Lilac Recovery Facilities
Take the first step towards a healthier and happier future by contacting Lilac Recovery Center in San Diego today. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the compassionate care you need to overcome substance abuse and achieve lasting recovery. You’ll have the full support of our expert staff and the luxury setting you need to focus on healing. Contact us now to learn more about our substance use recovery services.
Suggested Reading: How to Get the Most from Addiction Treatment
CADC II, Certified AOD Counselor
Nora Jenkins has made the quality and committed care we provide at Lilac Recovery Center possible. Nora is experienced in providing care to assist in rebuilding relationships to support healthy, long-term recovery. Her professional background includes clinical management, program administration, and counseling.
