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Healing, Strengthening, and Advancing the Lives of LGBTQ People Seeking Recovery

addiction treatment specialist

MANNY RODRIGUEZ

Founder and Executive Director

addiction treatment specialist

ANIL PATEL

Assoc. Executive Director

addiction treatment specialist

RORY HUNTER

Clinical Director

Lauren

LAUREN COMPTON

Clinical Supervisor

Francesca

FRANCESCA DE FRANCISCO

Primary Therapist

Nick

NICK ZIMMERMAN

Primary Therapist

Kris B

KRIS BROWN

Substance Use Counselor

Sarah

SARAH STITT

Art Group Facilitator

Frankie

Frankie MacTavish

Yoga Instructor

addiction treatment specialist

Edwin Sanchez

Admissions Manager

Robert

Robert Evans

Admissions Intake Coordinator

Krisg

Kris Guerra​

Admissions/Intake Coordinator

addiction treatment specialist

Owen McClintic

Case Manager

Keone

Keone Holt

Nutrition Coordinator

Bobby

Robert “Bobby” Walczak

Lead Recovery Technician

Miles

Miles Maxwell

Recovery Technician

Christian

Christian Wynder

Recovery Technician

Dough

Douglas Oliveira

Recovery Technician

Russell

Russell Simon

Recovery Technician

Carlos

Carlos Collins

Recovery Technician

Mac

Mac Rop

Recovery Technician

addiction treatment specialist

Manny Rodriguez

Founder and Executive Director

Manny Rodriguez is the executive director of La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, a treatment center providing inpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles, CA that offers an integrated approach to overcoming drug and alcohol addiction through clinical therapy, 12-step involvement, nutrition, fitness and community support.

Manny has been immersed in the Los Angeles recovery community for most of his adult life. What initially began as a personal road to wellness became a calling to help others battling addiction to reclaim their own lives.

In 2005, Manny recognized there was an unmet need for affordable sober living and treatment in Hollywood. That same year, he co-founded La Fuente, A Sober Living Community. Manny tirelessly invested his time, energy and personal resources working on the front lines to help those who were new to recovery, as well as those continuing to struggle with addiction, to reclaim their lives and recognize that living sober is not only possible, but desirable. Over the years, Manny has worked hand-in-hand with clinicians, families and friends as well as the treatment programs from which many of La Fuente’s sober living residents have been referred. His hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of working with individuals struggling with addiction has enabled him to author and implement continued care plans that have helped many residents of La Fuente stay on the path to long-term recovery.

Prior to working in treatment and wellness, Manny gained a wealth of management and operations experience. He developed several small businesses and served as a marketing executive for various companies, including a subsidiary of two major motion picture companies. He also served as a board member at the Hollywood Studio District Neighborhood Council and Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing.

Manny earned a BFA from the Juilliard School in New York City and toured the world extensively with Paul Taylor Dance Company, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Ballet Atlantique – Régine Chopinot and Nicholas Rodriguez’s DanceCompass. He lived and worked in Paris and Barcelona for several years, speaks French and is fluent in Spanish.

“Helping individuals recover from the disease of addiction while rewarding can be a daunting task, even after many years. I was lucky very early in life with a calling that provided passion and also demanded dedication, endurance and sacrifice. I’ve done several things in between, some successful and some not. However, none came close to the passion I had in my youth. La Fuente and what we are called to do each day is the only thing that has reignited what I felt in my formative years. My goal everyday is to stay connected to why I do this. There are time when I get doubtful, even exhausted; I may question “why am I doing this”. I do it because I want to help improve the life of every client we serve, create healing opportunities for their families, their loved ones and maybe even help elevate our community and it’s stakeholders. None of what I do is possible without “the team”, their efforts and experience are unmatched. The daily mantra: let’s aim at being better today than we were yesterday.” – Manny Rodriguez

addiction treatment specialist

Anil Patel

he/him/his

Assoc. Executive Director

RADT-I

Anil Patel is the Associate Executive Director at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, a facility in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in inpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization drug rehabilitation services. The center adopts an integrated approach to overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, emphasizing clinical therapy, 12-step involvement, nutrition, fitness, and community support.

Mr. Patel earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Joining the La Fuente team in 2007, he brings his leadership and management skills to harmonize program systems with the personal needs of clients. An alumnus of La Fuente, he actively shares his personal recovery story, dedicating time to community outreach and supporting others on their journey to recovery.

Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Patel notes, “La Fuente provided me with the tools necessary to start building a life beyond my wildest dreams. I am honored to help create similar opportunities for others.”

addiction treatment specialist

Rory Hunter

he/him/his

Clinical Director

LMFT, LPCC, CSAT Candidate

As Clinical Director, Rory drives the mission of La Fuente across its spectrum of clinical services, including detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and family programs. He is responsible for oversight of all clinical activities, including day-to-day operations, treatment protocols, governmental compliance, staff management and training, the development of LGTBQIA2S+-specific curriculum, and direct crisis intervention with clients. He also works with La Fuente senior management on strategic planning, new program launches, and performance improvement. Originally from the UK, Rory started at La Fuente in 2021, was promoted to Clinical Lead in 2022 and then to Clinical Director in 2023. Rory’s expertise in substance abuse is complemented by in-depth knowledge of co-occurring mental health disorders, particularly sexual compulsion, which is often inextricably linked with drug use among gay men. He is a vocal social justice advocate for marginalized communities, previously serving as Therapist at the Southern California Counseling Center, which provides low-cost mental health services to economically disadvantaged populations and working at a specialized school for children with autism. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Rory is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). He is also currently working towards his Certified Sex Addiction Therapist credential and is currently a CSAT Candidate. He also runs his own private psychotherapy practice.

Lauren

Lauren Compton

she/her/hers

LCSW, MSW

Clinical Supervisor

As Clinical Supervisor, Lauren plays a crucial role in elevating the quality of La Fuente’s services by providing supervision and support to staff, ensuring clinical practices align with regulatory standards, and overseeing client-related documentation (e.g., assessments, treatment plans, individual and group notes, and discharge documents, among others). Her expertise extends far beyond substance use disorder treatments for the LGBTQIA2S+ community to encompass a wide range of social and mental health services, including case management, crisis intervention, support for homelessness, women’s issues, and veterans’ affairs. Lauren’s extensive experience comes from her work with leading community organizations in Los Angeles and Southern Florida, including the LA Housing Services Authority, the VA Greater LA Healthcare System, Compass LGBT Community Center, the JWCH Institute, and South County’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Florida, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (Summa Cum Laude) from Barry University in Miami. Lauren also operates a private psychotherapy practice in Los Angeles.

Francesca

Francesca de Francisco

she/her/hers

Primary Therapist

AMFT

Francesca de Francisco serves as a Primary Therapist at La Fuente, where she offers a holistic range of clinical assessment and psychotherapy services to both group and individual clients. She oversees the entirety of her client’s care, from admission to discharge, addressing substance use, emotional and behavioral issues, and a spectrum of mental disorders. Francesca is deeply committed to the empowerment of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, advocating for positive change through sex-positive and affirming approaches, underpinned by a strong foundation in social justice principles. Her background includes foundational training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Seeking Safety, and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), among others. She received her training at Tobinworld Mental Health in Pasadena, California, where she refined her skills to deliver personalized therapy services to underserved populations. She also served as a Behavior Health Technician at Behavior Frontiers, collaborating on intervention strategies such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET), and worked with children with autism and learning disabilities at Silvergate Elementary. Francesca earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Nick

Nick Zimmerman

he/him/his

Primary Therapist

AMFT

As a Primary Therapist, Nick provides therapeutic services in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders to groups and individuals across La Fuente’s programs, overseeing the client care journey from entry to aftercare planning. Dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA2S+ community, his therapeutic approach is grounded in relational principles that cultivate intimacy and connection, believing that therapy is an opportunity to change our relationships by working inside of one. Nick received his training at the Maple Counseling Center, where he provided both interpersonal group and individual therapy services. His diverse professional background, spanning the arts, publishing, and hospitality, enriches his practice with a broad perspective on the human experience. Nick is an active member of the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies and the American Group Psychotherapy Association. His academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in LGBT Affirmative Psychotherapy from Antioch University Los Angeles, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado.
Kris B

Kris Brown

he/him/his

Substance Use Counselor

RADT I

With five years counseling experience at top mental health organizations like The Trevor Project, Tarzana Treatment Centers, and La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, Kris is highly skilled in substance use disorder, crisis intervention and suicide prevention modalities, particularly applied to LGBTQIA2S+ and other high-risk populations.  At La Fuente, he oversees clinical activities on weekends, including group therapy, mental wellness outings and individual counseling on career-building skills. Kris has over 1,000 clinically supervised hours in detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and MAT services programs, managing individual counseling caseloads of up to 20 and running up to 10 group therapy sessions per week (e.g., Process, Psychoeducation, 12-Step, Mental Wellness Outings).  Before transitioning to counseling, Kris served for 25+ years as a senior global sales and marketing executive at The Walt Disney Company and Warner Discovery.  He is working towards certification as a CADC I from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Kris has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Cal Berkeley and an MBA from Arizona State University. 

Sarah

Sarah Stitt

Art Group Facilitator

CADC II

An accomplished Art Group Facilitator, Sarah has dedicated over 15 years to using Art Therapy to help substance abuse clients explore their identity, regulate emotions, build self-esteem, and express themselves through mediums such as painting, printmaking, poetry, and collage. Her extensive experience spans roles from Substance Use Disorder Counselor to Family Program Director, contributing to her profound ability to help clients “go beyond their comfort zone and get what’s inside, out.” With a particular expertise in family dynamics and co-dependency, she has empowered clients to overcome addiction at such renowned recovery centers as Golden Road, Hollywood Hills, Momentum, Overland, Polaris, Silicon Beach, TruPath, West Hollywood ATC, and Westwind. Having discovered the therapeutic power of art while achieving sobriety as a teenager, Sarah’s artistic influence extends globally with her award-winning portrait and landscape paintings exhibited worldwide for more than 30 years. She is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CCAPP), with coursework from the Los Angeles Family Institute and more than 6,000 hours of clinical practice. Sarah has a BA in Fine Art from St. Martin’s School of Art and City and Guilds Art School of London.

Frankie

Frankie MacTavish

he/him/his

Yoga Instructor

Frankie MacTavish leads our 11th Step Yoga for Addiction Recovery, focusing on the connection between physical practice and spiritual growth. With over 20 years of yoga practice and 17 years of teaching experience, Frankie is committed to aiding recovery through enhancing serotonin levels and recalibrating brain chemistry. His dedication to recovery from addiction and his deep understanding of yoga’s therapeutic benefits make his classes a cornerstone for those seeking serenity and sobriety.

addiction treatment specialist

Edwin Sanchez

he/him/his

RADT-I

Admissions Manager

Edwin Sanchez joined La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center in early 2017 as a Recovery Technician, where he showcased his dedication and empathy towards LGBTQ clients on their recovery journey. Beyond his role in the vibrant community, Edwin also shares his personal story of recovery, fueling his passion for ensuring every individual is treated with utmost respect and dignity. Currently pursuing his AA Degree in Social Work, Edwin aims to further his education to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) while continuing to support those in his community seeking recovery.

As the Admissions Manager, Mr. Sanchez leads the admissions team at La Fuente, collaborating closely with the clinical staff to evaluate new patients. His primary objective is to match patients effectively with La Fuente’s services and guarantee they receive top-notch care during their stay. Additionally, Edwin actively contributes to the business development team by proposing innovative outreach strategies and event initiatives.

Robert

Robert Evans

he/him/his

Admissions Intake Coordinator

RADT-I

As Admissions Intake Coordinator, Robert Evans is the first ray of hope that clients encounter on their La Fuente recovery journey. In his role, Robert conducts pre-assessments, explains levels and cost of care, clarifies insurance coverage, coordinates medication and health services, and provides facility tours, ensuring that incoming clients receive all the information they need for a seamless transition into the care environment. Robert also communicates the essence of La Fuente’s mission to the public nationwide, ensuring that the LGBTQIA+ community understands the center’s unique value proposition. Before joining La Fuente, Robert served as Peer Mentor and Housing Specialist at LA Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse and as Pharmacy Technician at Healthcare Partners AG. Outside of work, he is a passionate advocate for the community, riding over 500 miles in 7 days to raise funds for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Robert was educated at Cal State Northridge and LA City College, where he studied Counseling Psychology.
Krisg

Kris Guerra

he/him/his

Admissions/Intake Coordinator

RADT-I

Kris Guerra is a Los Angeles native with deep roots in the city’s queer recovery community over the last thirty years. Kris is very happy to join the La Fuente team as the Admissions/Intake Coordinator after an extensive career in the fields of client relations, guest services and specialty retail sales and management. Kris is passionate about assisting potential clients with determining the appropriate level of care at our facility and providing new clients with a full orientation upon their admission to La Fuente Hollywood. Kris is interested in continuing his education to become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor.
addiction treatment specialist

Owen McClintic

he/they

Case Manager

Working his way up from Recovery Tech, Owen serves as Case Manager at La Fuente, overseeing a spectrum of responsibilities that frees clients of administrative worries so they can concentrate fully on their recovery. In his role, Owen manages the provision of necessary documentation to client employers, insurance companies, and partner healthcare companies, including FMLA records and laboratory results. He also maintains organizational compliance with State and Federal guidelines, making sure La Fuente exceeds the rigorous standards for California certification [KB1] . Prior to joining La Fuente, Owen honed his skills in client care and operational efficiency with five years management and customer service experience in hospitality and entertainment. Complementing his professional support of the LGBTQIA+ community, he volunteers as Group Therapy Facilitator at the West Hollywood Addiction Treatment Center. Owen has a Bachelor of Science [KB2] in Telecommunications from Ball State University.
Keone

Keone Holt

he/him/his

Nutrition Coordinator

As Lead Recovery Tech and Nutrition Meal Coordinator, Keone plays a vital role in the recovery and well-being of La Fuente clients, providing supervision and support services while modeling healthy and responsible lifestyle choices. His responsibilities include overseeing client activities, conducting safety, health and cleanliness checks, administering medications, supervising detox, coordinating off-premises 12-step outings, and fostering a therapeutic environment in-house that is conducive to sobriety. Keone’s passion for the culinary arts significantly enhances the La Fuente recovery experience, as he prides himself on crafting nutritious and comforting meals for clients. Before joining La Fuente, he harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit across various management and marketing roles within the personal care, fashion and retail sectors in Los Angeles, honing skills in client relations, digital marketing, event management, product development and human resources. Originally from Hawaii, Keone has been an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community for over a decade. He studied Apparel and Fashion Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.

Bobby

Robert “Bobby” Walczak

he/him/his

Lead Recovery Technician

As Lead Recovery Tech at La Fuente, Bobby plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and health of its clients, offering guidance and support services while demonstrating healthy life choices and accountability. His duties involve managing client activities, performing inspections for safety, hygiene, and health, dispensing drugs, monitoring withdrawal processes, organizing external 12-step excursions, and cultivating an in-house therapeutic atmosphere that promotes abstinence. Born and raised in Boston, Bobby brings almost 20 years of continued sobriety to his role, along with a deep understanding of the 12 Steps and other effective principles of recovery. Before joining La Fuente, he served as Creative Director at leading-edge greenscape company Foliaire. There he helped establish the Stoneman Healing Garden at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, which brought the natural world to those unable to venture outside. Bobby’s education includes studies at North Shore Community College in Danvers, MA, and Suffolk University in Boston, MA.

Miles

Miles Maxwell

he/him/his

Recovery Technician

Miles Maxwell is a Recovery Tech at La Fuente and the Sober Living Manager at 1512 LLC, its aftercare facility. His role encompasses all Recovery Tech duties at La Fuente and includes overseeing the daily operations of the sober living house. He ensures a safe and therapeutic environment for residents through recovery guidance, client management, and health and safety support. Before La Fuente, Miles was a Production Accountant for Entertainment Partners, a premier provider of payroll and transaction services, and worked with major production entities like Looking Glass Films and The Directors Bureau. He holds a degree from Baylor University.

Christian

Christian Wynder

he/him/his

Recovery Technician

Christian serves as a Recovery Technician at La Fuente, focusing on the recovery, comfort, and well-being of clients over weekends. His responsibilities include managing client activities, distributing medications, conducting safety and cleanliness inspections, accompanying clients on wellness outings, and maintaining a therapeutic setting that promotes abstinence. With over two years’ experience in recovery, Christian previously held customer service positions in human and animal healthcare and wellness. He is currently at El Camino College pursuing a degree in Psychology and plans to become a LCSW.

Dough

Douglas Oliveira

he/him/his

Recovery Technician

Douglas Oliveira is a valued addition to the La Fuente team, bringing a rich blend of professional experience, from working as a flight attendant to an IT specialist, and a personal journey of recovery. Relocating from Boston to Los Angeles in 2023, Douglas has embraced the Southern California lifestyle, enjoying the local culture and sunny weather. He celebrates over three years of sobriety, a milestone marked by his dedication to personal fitness, music and building new friendships. Douglas is committed to using his own journey and skills in sobriety to support our clients in their paths to recovery.

Russell

Russell Simon

he/him/his

Recovery Technician

Russell Simon joined La Fuente as a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician in January 2024. A current student at Pierce College in the Addiction Studies program, Russell brings over two years of experience in treatment settings to his role. With more than five years of sobriety, his deep-rooted passion for recovery fuels his desire to help others. A native of Los Angeles, Russell enjoys sharing the city’s highlights, hiking in Brand Park, and volunteering within the recovery community.

Carlos

Carlos Collins

he/they/them

Recovery Technician

Carlos Collins’ journey is one of resilience and transformation. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Carlos faced numerous challenges from an early age, which led him to seek solace in substances. His turning point came in 2022, leading him to embrace a structured sober living environment at Awakening Recovery. Today, with 21 months of sobriety, Carlos finds joy in his role at La Fuente, providing support and hope to those in similar struggles. His experience at Awakening Recovery and various 12-step programs underpins his commitment to give back and inspire recovery in others.

Mac

Mac Rop

he/they

Recovery Technician

Mac Rop serves as the weekend overnight recovery technician at La Fuente, where they are also a proud alumnus. Having personally benefited from the transformative support provided by La Fuente, Mac is passionate about offering the same guidance and care to others in recovery. Their unique perspective and dedication make them a pivotal part of our team, helping clients navigate their journeys with empathy and understanding.