As the Founder and CEO of P.O.W.E.R. Academy, Alejandra’s desire is to create a strong and supportive community for students and their families, that fosters an environment inspiring hope, growth and healing. For the past 5 years, Alejandra has worked in the Behavioral Health Field as a Certified Recovery Coach Specialist, Sober Companion, Case Manager and as the Director of Business Development and Admissions for adolescent residential treatment centers located in Arizona. Alejandra also earned a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll membership at Rio Salado College in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Program.

Through her long-term sobriety in recovery, Alejandra found purpose and passion helping and supporting adolescents thrive in their sobriety, education and community.  Alejandra cares deeply about advocating for adolescents, the most underserved population with the greatest need.

As Executive Director of P.O.W.E.R Academy, Gwen’s desire is to ensure a sustainable and nurturing community of hope, academic opportunities, and support for students and their families on their journey of healing. Gwen brings 24+ years of extensive experience in the field of Mental & Behavioral Health, advocating for and serving individuals impacted with co-occurring disorders and substance abuse. Gwen holds several degrees; BA in Child & Family Services; BA in Behavioral Social Sciences; MA in Community Psychology. She has trained and worked in various components in the field of Addiction and Mental Health as a Substance Abuse Assessor; Substance Abuse Counselor; Housing Specialist; Case Management Supervisor; General Manager; Executive Consultant; Business Development Specialist; Outreach and Marketing Consultant/Contractor; Executive Director, CEO and Vice-President.

Gwen has also worked as a Recovery Coach and Life Coach. As a Coach, Gwen has been instrumental in assisting high-risk clients, adolescents, and their families with removing barriers and obstacles to achieve life skills, resources, recovery, behavior modification, education, short- and long-term goals. Ultimately, clients and their families have been able to achieve some sense of sustainability, mentally, physically, psychologically, spiritually, academically, financially, and/or socially.

Gwen currently serves on the Addicted Nation Solutions Board of Directors and formerly served on Women In New Recovery (WINR) Board of Directors; West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Board of Directors; MATForce Executive Board of Directors; Chapter 5 Board of Directors; Project Aware Board of Directors; Yavapai County Adult Drug and DUI Court Staff; Prescott Recovery Day Celebration Committee and chair-person for 2011 & 2012 Recovery Day Celebration; Northern Arizona Recovery Association (NARA); and Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA). Gwen was also a founding member of the former WAAT-Arizona Chapter (Women's Association of Addiction Treatment); and one of the originating committee members forming the Yavapai County Peer2Peer Recovery/Community Coach Program.

Gwen has a strong passion for helping individuals (adolescents and adults), and families on their journey of healing from substance abuse and mental health by providing hope and support towards overall wellness.

As Director of Program Development at P.O.W.E.R. Academy Dawn’s desire is that you will find hope and healing throughout your journey. Dawn has been working in the mental health and addiction field for 15 years. Additionally, She has been working in the education field for over 25 years. Her expertise includes working in the areas of trauma work, mental health, relationships, family, and addiction.

Dawn is an Alumnus of Northern Arizona University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Secondary English Education. She furthered her education and received her Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Christian Counseling at Ottawa University and a diploma from Phoenix Seminary.

Dawn trained under experts in the mental health field such as Pia Melody, Claudia Black, Stephanie Carnes, and Peter Levine when she worked at The Meadows and The Claudia Black Center for Young Adults at The Meadows. Her passion is working with adolescents and young adults where she spent time at the junior high and high school level teaching English, working as a guidance counselor, and a social worker.

Dawn is passionate about providing opportunities with education to our youth so that they may accomplish their individual goals and dreams in a sober environment. Working together as a community, our students have the power to do great things. Dawn believes it is an honor to walk alongside the faculty, staff, students, and families as the Director of Program Development at P.O.W.E.R. Academy.