Shannon Clay – Executive Director

Shannon has been involved in treating addiction at Azure Acres since 1986. Greeting clients and families for the first time is her passion. When a client contacts Azure Acres, she enjoys helping them through their fears and welcoming them into the safety of treatment. She works closely with the clinical team each day to ensure that each client’s needs are met.

Outside of life at Azure Acres, Shannon can be found team roping, trail riding and at the drag races. She loves camping with her horse and children as well as cooking, and gets to at least one Top Fuel race a year. Shannon is a dedicated member of a 12-Step program who loves spending time with people.

Favorite Quotes: “In order to change the way we feel, we need to change the way we act.”

“Don’t give up five minutes before the miracle.”

Irenne Magoulas, LCSW – Clinical Director

Irenne earned a master’s degree in social work from Smith College and is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked in a variety of mental health treatment settings, including psychiatric hospitals and drug rehab centers. Of particular interest to Irenne are individual and family therapy, mental health, and crisis management.

In her free time, Irenne rescues animals, breeds Doberman and Japanese Spitz dogs, and rides on her husband’s Road King.

Favorite quote: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

Christie Splitstone, MA – Counselor/Case Manager

Christie is a registered addiction specialist and counselor. Prior to joining Azure Acres in 2007, she served as correctional officer supervisor, juvenile counselor, and Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor.

When she isn’t helping the residents at Azure Acres, Christie can be found building wood furniture, remodeling her home and gardening.

“I enjoy helping others to help themselves.”

James Canter, CATC – Counselor/Case Manager

James completed graduate work in theology and philosophy and became certified by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators in 2006. He worked for the County of Sonoma as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor before becoming a counselor at Azure Acres drug rehab center.

James’ special areas of interest include facilitating men’s groups and leading psychoeducational lectures. In his personal time, he reads, plays music and participates in theater productions.

“As a person in recovery, this type of work is the ultimate service opportunity.”

Herbeth Collier – Counselor/Case Manager

Herbeth is a registered addiction specialist and counselor. She has a particular passion for treating opiate addiction and facilitating groups and lectures on spirituality in recovery.

In her free time, she shops for antiques, listens to music and plays with her “Jack Russell terrorist.”

“I get to touch people’s lives in a way that makes a difference. Twenty-nine years of recovery has given me a firm belief in the 12-Step program and the power it has to transform lives.”

David Fulghum – Program Coordinator

David is a registered addiction specialist who has 18 years of experience in Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counseling at Azure Acres Recovery Center. He graduated as Valedictorian from Carlisle Military Academy and has since dedicated his personal and professional life to the field of addiction treatment.

“I do this work to help people who have no hope find hope in recovery. After 13 failed attempts at treatment, I now have 22 years clean and sober. This started with treatment at Azure Acres in 1988.”

Lynette Grelet – Human Resources/Community Outreach

Lynette has worked in the field of addiction treatment at Azure Acres since 2007. She specializes in working with professionals and assisting families with treatment options. Her passion is for helping addicts find their way into recovery.

In recognition of her dedication and values, Lynette has twice earned CRC Health Group’s Outstanding Achievement Award. In her spare time, Lynette enjoys going to rock concerts, watching football, shopping and interior design.

Favorite Quote: “Never let what you cannot do stop you from doing what you can do.”

Julie Denise, CAS – Aftercare Coordinator

Julie has worked at Azure Acres since 2005 in a variety of roles, including intake coordinator and aftercare coordinator. She is a certified Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor and has great compassion and empathy for clients and families battling addiction.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family. She is the mother of a teenage daughter and a 30-year-old daughter who has given her the gift of two beautiful grandchildren.

“My life is full of heartfelt moments that encourage me daily to continue sharing hope with those who still suffer from addiction.”

Richard Smith, CAADAC – Night Counselor/House Manager

Richard has been treating addiction at Azure Acres for nearly 10 years. He is certified by the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and specializes in relapse prevention.

In his free time, Richard enjoys fishing, boating and spending time with his grandchildren.

“I’m passionate about helping people recover from addiction. I love to see clients and friends in recovery start to function at a higher level.”

Larry Cowan, CAADAC – Night Counselor

Larry is a Registered Recovery Worker with the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors with four years of experience in the field of addiction treatment. He enjoys golf and fishing in his free time.

“I do this work to help people in my community live better lives.”

Bob Keyser, CATC(I) – Per-Diem Counselor

Bob is a certified addiction treatment counselor who has spent the past four years working in Northern California drug rehab programs. He also works with government agencies to provide Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services in the community.

In his free time, Bob reads, travels, and spends time with his children and grandchildren.

“I can think of no higher calling than being an addict in recovery helping addicts find recovery.”