In Balance Young Adult
Staff Team
In Balance was founded in 1996 by Patrick and Betsy Barrasso, who still own and operate all of In Balance's programs. We opened In Balance Transitional Living in 2006 and have been thriving ever since. In Balance's Young Adult Services are ran by Tiffany Gallego and Daniel Barrasso. When people ask us, what makes our program different the answer is undoubtedly the people. From the Barrasso Family all the way to the overnight staff, we are a community and we are all invested. All of our life coaches are in their own recovery and they work here because the want to give back what they were given: a life free of drugs and alcohol and full of relationships, self confidence, success and happiness. Many of our staff are alumni which gives them the unique experience of having gone through this process already and the ability to relate with our current campus. Take a look at some of our staff below.
Daniel Barrasso, MSW
Program Director
In Balance Young Adult Services
daniel.barrasso@inbalancecontinuum.com
520.370.5333
Daniel Barrasso has a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Social Work degree through Arizona State University. He joined the team many years ago with plenty of relevant life and work experience. He previously worked at In Balance during its early stages, when he was a teenager, as a life coach at In Balance Academy, a group facilitator at In Balance Intensive Outpatient and as a life coach for In Balance Transitional Living. He decided to take a three year hiatus after his undergraduate degree in which he worked for a nationally recognized leader in adult residential treatment, where he proved to be a vital member of their team. After becoming lead of their Intake department and garnering extensive professional experience he chose to come back to In Balance to further his career around 2012. Daniel is responsible for outreach and admissions for In Balance Transitional Living and for In Balance Sober Living, he is the program director of the In Balance Young Adult Continuum and he is, what he loves the most, a therapist.
"I am extremely excited about my place at In Balance. I grew up with an intense passion to help others, whether that meant volunteering at the Children's Hospital, staying overnight at a homeless shelter every Thanksgiving or helping a stranger on the side of the road. I've always known that I wanted to make a significant impact on young peoples' lives specifically; I just didn't know how I wanted to do it. I started off my college career looking to get a degree in education, become a teacher and have the ability to make a positive change in my students. My career path took an unexpected turn when I was asked to come work at In Balance one summer in 2004. From the second I came into contact with the population we serve and the dream that is In Balance I absolutely, positively knew that I could not see myself doing anything other than this. I believe full heartedly in the vision of In Balance and am thrilled to be part of the team. I am married to my bestfriend Rachel, and have 2 kids: James and Ella. My favorite hobbies are basketball, biking, outdoorsy stuff."
Tiffany Gallego, LCSW
Clinical Director
In Balance Young Adult Program
Tiffany Gallego is the clinical director and a therapist at In Balance Continuum of Care. She carries a small case load, oversees the clinical operations of In Balance Living, supervises the clinical staff and residents' clinical progress and monitors all admissions. Tiffany started at the In Balance Intensive Outpatient Program in 1997. From there she helped with the planning and opening of In Balance Ranch Academy in 2002, serving as a milieu manager and primary therapist at the ranch. She received her Bachelor's in Special Education from the University of Arizona and Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University.
In 2006, Tiffany helped to develop the In Balance Transitional Living program. Tiffany and Patrick Barrasso, owner of In Balance, realized how difficult it was for young adults coming out of treatment to be thrown back into the same environment that got them into treatment in the first place. Often they would stumble in their recovery. It was Tiffany and Patrick's belief that this stumble was unnecessary. Transitional Living was the answer; it would provide a safe and recovery living environment that would allow residents to acclimate back into society at a manageable pace. They would be introduced to young people in recovery in the Tucson area, helping them to realize that their community of support goes far beyond anything they first realized. They could enroll in college classes, find a sponsor that would become essential to their growth, learn how to attain, maintain and succeed at a job. These individuals will achieve success and will take these accomplishments with them as they continue off on their life path.
.jpg)
Guinevere Placer, LCSW
Clinical Staff
Guinevere studied social work at the University of Hawaii, received her bachelors of Social Work from Northern Arizona University, and her masters of Social Work from Arizona State University. Guinevere is an LCSW, a certified grief counselor, and a wilderness first responder. Her work experience includes working at Big Brothers Big Sisters for several years in Portland, OR, working as a hospice social worker for 10 years, and, most recently, she worked at a residential treatment facility for co-occurring disorders with teens and adults in Tucson for almost 15 years. She has facilitated the grief and loss group at In Balance for the past year.
Guinevere was born in Flagstaff, AZ. She is a wife and mother of 2, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, and traveling. She appreciates nature from the mountains to the desert to the beach.
Mitchell Hestad
Operation's Director
In Balance Young Adult
Mitchell Hestad is a life coach, as well as an alumni of the transitional living program. He is an active member of a 12 step fellowship, and has been sober since June 17th, 2010. After graduating the transitional living program Mitchell sought out employment at a local bakery while navigating the pitfalls of early recovery and independent living, before making the decision to pursue more meaningful work helping others. Besides work, Mitchell spends his time taking classes at Pima Community College, hiking, going to the gym, and riding his skateboard. Mitchell has an unwavering commitment to fostering change and growth in the lives of the students of transitional living. Mitch's body of work includes tutoring, mentoring, and teaching life skills. His steadfast commitment is represented both on campus and around the Tucson community.
JB Yewell, MPA, CAI, MSAC(c)
Primary Therapist
In Balance Young Adult
JB comes to In Balance with passion for recovery, and a first-hand experience alcoholism and addiction. After leaving behind a successful career in business and finance, JB shifted his focus to sharing the gift of recovery with others. He has spent the last few years working with residents and their families at a leading residential treatment center specializing in trauma and addiction. He is a Certified ARISE® Interventionist and has guided countless families through the process of recovery. In addition, JB holds a Master’s in Public Administration and is nearing completion of a Master’s in Addiction Counseling.
“Getting and staying sober was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. It has also been the most rewarding! For years I struggled with alcoholism and eventually, heroin addiction. It took me to places I never thought I would be. For those on the outside, I had it all together; the beautiful family and a great job. On the inside, I was miserable and suffering. I didn’t know how to process traumatic events from my childhood, I was maladjusted to life.”
“What finally happened for me was nothing short of a miracle. After countless attempts at treatment and sobriety, I was finally given the gift of desperation. My family surrounded me with unending love and support. At that moment, I knew that my disease would provide one of two things: life or death. I chose life. I entered a program that allowed me time to rediscover myself. I learned how to cope with the issues that had been plaguing me for so long. I developed healthy, loving relationships. I was given one more opportunity at being the husband and father I was meant to be. I am living a life beyond my dreams. New doors have begun to open, for the first time in my entire life I feel free. Free to be the person I was meant to be. Free to be honest with myself and others. Finally free from the chains of trauma and addiction.”
In his free time, JB enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with his wife and children, travelling, and riding his Harley!
Rebecca Drake, MC
Primary Therapist
In Balance Young Adult
Rebecca was raised in Northern California and moved to Tucson 8 years ago. She has been in recovery and clean since April of 2013. Recovery has allowed Rebecca to build a healthy and full life with a strong sense of purpose. She currently attends the University of Arizona and is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She is a dog lover and enjoys spending free time with her family. Working at In Balance Transitional Living has given her the opportunity to share with young men the many benefits and rewards of recovery. In Balance Transitional Living has afforded her the ability put her passion for recovery and helping others into practice.
Emily Mattimoe, MS, CTRS
Primary Therapist
In Balance Young Adult
Emily has over 12 years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential, outpatient, camps, and schools. Emily received her Master of Science in Recreation Therapy from the University of Tennessee in 2008 and is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and HeartMath practitioner. Emily brings a body-focused, holistic approach in helping clients uncover their own intuitive wisdom for healing. Emily is able to meet the unique needs of each client by incorporating a wide variety of modalities including mindfulness, biofeedback, play, somatic skills, and art. Emily is a strong believer in the power of community. She has extensive experience in low ropes course and team building facilitation, as well as other experiential groups. She fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for all clients. If Emily had a superpower, it would be her compassion and empathy for others. Her bright and approachable demeanor brings a positive and healing energy to those in her presence.
Emily is also a Wilderness First Responder, and she loves to introduce people to the healing energy of nature. The outdoors play a vital role in her family life as well. You will find Emily, her husband, and two children spending their free time biking, rock climbing, and exploring the desert and mountains around Tucson.
Matthew Hawe, LCSW
Primary Therapist
In Balance Young Adult
Matthew Hawe graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Social Work. He has a diverse background working in behavioral health treating substance use and mental disorders. Since 2008, Matt has been assisting adults and adolescents address barriers to living an independent, functional life while learning coping mechanisms to combat the symptoms of their illness. Matt has been an active member in the Tucson recovery community by working a 12-step program, participating in fellowship, and dedicating himself to service work. Matt has witnessed the devastating impact of addiction on the addicted individual, the family system, and the community and has found purpose in devoting his life to the field of substance use disorders. Collaborating with young people who have addictions can be very challenging and overwhelming without an intentional approach. Working at In Balance Transitional Living, Matt has learned the importance of building relationships to the degree that a level of trust is established that enables these young men to be genuine in their journey of recovery. Matt is trained in Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT). The combination of these two modalities assists individuals in moving away from sustain talk and focuses on the factors that motivate them to make an adjustment regarding their disruptive behaviors and substance use. CBT offers a path to modify negative thinking patterns that affect emotions and behaviors. Matt was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and has an extensive knowledge of the surrounding area for hiking and camping. He has utilized his knowledge base and passion for the outdoors through leading the weekend hikes and camping expeditions at In Balance Transitional Living. The wilderness offers an environment to find solace while unplugging from the stresses of everyday life. John Muir lived a life of exploration as he advocated for the preservation of the wilderness. He stated, "everybody needs beauty...places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike." The healing component of the wilderness combined with evidence based practice and the 12 steps is a method for a new way of living while recovering from the heartaches of addiction.
Austin Aggins
Weekend Manager
In Balance Young Adult
Austin was born and raised in New York, where he started his journey in recovery at the age of 17 years old. While there, he cultivated a love for travel and the outdoors. Throughout his 20’s Austin lived and travelled abroad in places such as Germany and France. A few years ago Austin came back stateside, settling in Colorado for a few years. He then made his way to Tucson, working at In Balance Academy for 2 1/2 years. While at In Balance Academy, Austin took the boys out for many excursions, and he has brought this experience back to transitional living, where he loves taking the guys out hiking, fishing, and exploring. Austin is also active in the Arizona AA community and in his home group.
Michael D'Aloisio
Weekday Manager
In Balance Young Adult
I am a Life Coach at In Balance Transitional Living. I started my journey in Recovery March 20, 2009. During that time I met my Wife, had two beautiful children, and purchased a home. I owe everything I have today to being fully committed to working a 12 step program of Recovery. I am extremely honored to now have the opportunity to help carry the message of hope to the clients at In Balance. As a Life Coach I strive to help these young individuals create a solid foundation on which to build a fulfilling and meaningful life in sobriety. When I am home I spend a majority of my time playing with my five year old son and one year old daughter.
Cathryn Sharp
Administrative Manager
In Balance Young Adult
I am a wife and a mother of 4 beautiful children. I have been in recovery since 04/19/2012, and it has been the best decision I have ever made for myself. I started at InBalance in September 2017 and since then I have reached my goal of going back to school, helping people in recovery, and enjoying my life. I am currently taking classes at Pima Community College and am excited to see what the future brings for me!
Lucas Joyal
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Lucas Joyal is a grateful alumni of In Balance Academy and In Balance Transitional Living Program. Lucas is an active member of a 12 - step fellowship. Lucas is well acquainted with the sober young people community here in Tucson. Lucas has been sober since January 10th 2014. Lucas spends his time weight lifting, hiking, bike riding and art.
After graduating the program Lucas found a passion for helping others and began majoring in social work. Lucas is currently working on his BSW and will be in his masters program next year. He loves his job here at In Balance and working in the field of recovery. Lucas is proud to be an example of how young people can truly stay sober and live a fullfilling productive life while having fun.
Joshua McDaniel
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Joshua McDaniel is a Life Coach at In Balance Transitional Living. He wishes to share the message of hope through his experiential knowledge of mental health issues and substance recovery. He utilizes Mindfulness, Exploration, Contemplation, Community, and wellness to instill a sense of personal empowerment and self-determination. Joshua is certified as a Recovery Support Specialist through the University of Arizona peer support program. He says he is “Incredibly Grateful to be part of the recovery process.” and “Hopes one day we can all come together and support each other as much as the recovery community does. It’s really a beautiful thing.” He is a proud Dad of an 8-year-old boy and enjoys playing Guitar, working on art projects, and Fishing in his spare time.
Cesar Teran
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Cesar is a life coach at both In Balance Transitional Living and In Balance Collegiate Living. After going through the In Balance Academy and In Balance Transitional Living as a client, Cesar made the decision to stay in the continuum as a life coach. As a member in 12 step recovery and a good samaritan Cesar has a huge interest in helping out young men find their own path. Cesar loves working in the social work field and has passion for addiction treatment. He is bilingual in English and in Spanish, and he is a great communicator.
Sal Estrella
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Sal Estrella is a certified recovery support specialist and a life Coach at In Balance Transitional Living. He started his journey to recovery from an opioid addiction on January, 2018. He has first hand experience with the destruction it can cause to the families of those suffering as well as the individual themselves. As a former athlete he incorporates physical activities such as football, hiking, and weight lifting into his work and personal life as a form of therapy. Sal has found a new passion in using his experiential knowledge of substance use disorders to not only improve his life but also the lives of those still struggling.
Courtney Blackwell
Recovery Specialist
In Balance Young Adult
Bio coming soon
Ethan Ten Grotenhuis
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Hi my name is Ethan and I am from Oakland, California. I originally came to In Balance as a client in late 2018. I am deeply grateful for this company and also have great aspirations for this line of work. I am currently going to school full time and working part time.
Connor Starkins
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Connor is a grateful alumni of the In Balance Collegiate Living Program. He is an active member of a 12-step fellowship, and has been sober since March 27th 2018. Since becoming an alumni of the program, Connor worked as a life coach at the In Balance Academy before moving on to become a life coach at both the In Balance Transitional and Collegiate Living programs. Connor is an alumni of pima Community College and is currently a student at the University of Arizona where he is pursuing majors in Psychology and PPEL (Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law). When he is not busy with school, Connor enjoys watching/playing sports and making use of the fun things that Tucson and Southern Arizona have to offer. At work, Connor enjoys the opportunity to share with clients the lessons he has learned himself about sobriety, and living a sober life while still having fun.
Keenan Semans
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Hi my name is Keenan and I am from Santa Rosa California. I feel honored to be an alumni of In Balance and to have the opportunity to help youth change their lives. I am currently going to school full time and working full time.
Jacob Wolpin
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Jacob was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. In addition to being involved in the Tucson recovery community, he is also a grateful alumni of the In Balance Transitional Living program. Before coming to In Balance as a client Jacob went through a Therapeutic Wilderness program, so he understands what it is like to go through treatment.
Jacob has had an interest in working with others since he interned in high school helping run group therapy sessions. About a month into his stay at TL Jacob knew that he someday wanted to work as a life coach. Jacob understands what it means to be a part of the In Balance brotherhood and hopes to share his experience with what it means to be in recovery with the students at TL.
Chris Blach
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Chris Blach is a Life Coach at Inbalance Continuum of Care. He is an active member of a 12 - step fellowship and is well acquainted with the sober young people community in Tucson. Chris has been sober since February 21st 2016, getting sober his sophomore year at the University of Arizona and later graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree.
After graduating, Chris worked for Inbalance briefly, later taking a hiatus to work in EMS where he became an EMT and firefighter before returning to the Inbalance community. Chris spends his time playing guitar, working on computers, and competing/coaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Davis Gebhart
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Davis is a Life Coach at both Collegiate and Transitional Living. Originally from Charlotte, NC, Davis began his journey in recovery on September 23rd of 2020. Davis is an In Balance alumni, having graduated from the Collegiate Living program in August of 2021. I’m his spare time, Davis enjoys playing basketball, spending time in the outdoors, and watching a myriad of different sports.
Davis began working for In Balance at the very end of September in 2021. Davis says he is, “grateful for the opportunity to pass on the things that the In Balance program and the Tucson AA community were able to give me.” Davis found that he has an affinity for working with others in their journey through recovery, and that in doing so he is learning just as much, if not more than, the guys he gets to work with.
Adam King
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
Hey everyone my name is Adam King and I am passionate about the work I do here at In Balance in working with clients and helping them reach their full potential. I am from Dallas,Tx and originally came through the In Balance Collegiate Living program in 2019. Having personal experience in the field of recovery I find it incredibly rewarding to help others who have also faced similar struggles. I also have a passion for health/fitness and find that the gym and other physical activities can be incredibly therapeutic. I particularly appreciate the various sports clubs offered by the program as it can show guys that sobriety can be fun too!Through working a recovery program and harnessing my experiences as an alumni it is my life’s passion giving back to others what had been given to me. I plan on continuing my pursuit in working towards a degree in psychology to further my understanding and skills in this field.
Pierce Saunders
Life Coach
In Balance Young Adult
I’m a very active guy who enjoys lifting, running and being outside on a hike. I was born in a California and just recently moved back to Tucson from Colorado about a year and a half ago. I am very excited to be working with In Balance again after going through the program back in 2010. I have a real passion and drive to give back to the community that gave me what I have today.