Tabatha Christopherson, CADC II, QMHA-I, CCTP
Executive / Clinical Director — Women's ASAM 3.7 & 3.5 Treatment Services
With a career in addiction treatment services since 2015, Tabatha brings over a decade of clinical and leadership experience to her role as Executive Clinical Director. Her leadership is built on a strong foundation of direct clinical service as a Primary Addiction Counselor, which continues to inform her compassionate, client-centered approach. Tabatha has a unique ability to create emotional safety — allowing space for vulnerability, healing, and authentic connection in both group and one-on-one sessions. She specializes in operations management, program development, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on women's addiction treatment at the ASAM 3.7 and 3.5 levels of care. Her expertise includes relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, family systems impacted by addiction, and recovery for women. She has facilitated impactful workshops such as the Recovery Enrichment Program and Awakenings' Family Program, and holds extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy through The Portland DBT Institute. Tabatha is passionate about building cohesive, empowered teams and cultivating a culture of accountability, inclusion, and clinical excellence.
Serenna Beers, MS, MAC, CADC III, CCTP
Program Director
Serenna brings extensive experience in treatment programming and leadership to her role as Executive Consultant and Utilization Review Coordinator. Active in the addiction health field since 2007, she has held several key positions at Awakenings by the Sea, including Clinical Director and Executive Director. She is dedicated to supporting the organization through utilization review and preparation for CARF and state audits, and is currently implementing a program at ABTS to facilitate IOP groups and EMDR therapy through Telemedicine — bridging the gap from residential to outpatient care. Serenna combines her training in DBT, relapse prevention, and motivational interviewing to advocate for patients with insurance providers. She holds a Master's Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and is a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) with CADC-III certification. She has previously provided education for individuals seeking to become certified alcohol and drug counselors.
George Eaton, LPN
Nurse — ASAM 3.7 & 3.5 Levels of Care
George has been serving the coastal community for decades, bringing both heart and humor to his work in addiction treatment. A proud graduate of Clatsop Community College, George became a licensed nurse in 1997 and has worked in substance use treatment since 2012, supporting patients in both ASAM 3.7 and 3.5 levels of care. Health and nutrition have always been central to George's life, and his dedication to wellness carries through in his compassionate nursing care. Known among staff and patients as the guy with a fun fact for any occasion, George brings warmth, wisdom, and levity to every shift. When he's not at work, you'll find him catching up with friends or lending a hand to neighbors as a talented and resourceful carpenter.
Dr. Craig Turner
Medical Director
Dr. Craig Turner earned his medical degree at UC San Diego and completed his internship and residency at the University of Chicago. He has been practicing medicine in Portland for over two decades and is board certified in addiction medicine, with experience across residential, outpatient, and tele-health settings. Dr. Turner is passionate about bringing patient-centered, empathetic care to people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, and competing with his two Bernedoodles for a space on the sofa.
Raquel Varnado, LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse — ASAM 3.7 & 3.5 Levels of Care
Raquel has been a Licensed Practical Nurse since 2015, beginning her career in pediatrics and general medicine before discovering her passion in recovery and addiction medicine. Over the past year, she has found her true calling at Awakenings, where she supports women through compassionate, trauma-informed care. Raquel brings not only clinical expertise but also lived experience, allowing her to connect deeply with the women she serves. Her empathetic approach and unwavering encouragement make her a trusted presence during some of the most vulnerable moments in recovery. She is especially passionate about supporting sleep hygiene, often reinforcing mindful practices and sharing the calming benefits of chamomile tea with residents. Outside of work, Raquel finds peace and spiritual connection on the beach.
Allison Myers, CADC I
Primary Counselor
Allison has been working in addiction treatment since 2015, bringing a wealth of experience from detox, residential, and outpatient settings. Her compassionate approach and deep understanding of recovery make her a trusted support for the individuals and families she serves. Allison specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on helping women reclaim their lives and reconnect with their families. She believes in the power of healing through connection, walking alongside her clients with empathy, encouragement, and respect for each unique journey. When she's not at work, Allison treasures time with her husband, kids, and grandkids — usually with a cup of coffee in hand.
Robyn Spear, CADC
Counselor
Robyn Spear joined Awakenings in December 2019. Born in New Hampshire and raised in Idaho, she has called the Oregon coast home since 2006. She started her own journey into recovery at Awakenings in June of 2016 and is currently pursuing her CADC I. Robyn credits Awakenings with saving her life. She is passionate about addiction treatment and incredibly grateful to be helping other women on their journey into recovery.
Keith Forney
Admissions Director
Keith has been in recovery for over 10 years. He worked in corporate America for 15 years before realizing his true passion was helping people receive the same gift of sobriety he's received. He takes pride in walking alcoholics/addicts and their families through the admissions process. His goal is to offer solutions no matter what the circumstances of each individual are — recognizing the positive in every situation and formulating a plan to achieve successful sobriety. His motto: "Call Me Anytime." And he means that. Direct line: 732-771-6297.
Marvel Hyder, CADC-II, QMHA-I
Primary Counselor
Marvel is a devoted primary counselor serving women in ASAM 3.7 and 3.5 levels of care with compassion, authenticity, and a deep connection to the recovery journey. A lifelong member of the coastal community, Marvel brings a personal and grounded presence to her counseling work, rooted in her own lived experience, strength, and hope. She is actively engaged in local recovery efforts, serving on the Seaside Hall Board of Directors and frequently organizing conventions such as She Thang. Her specialties include guiding meditation groups and utilizing the Staying Sober curriculum by Terrance Gorski to support relapse prevention and emotional regulation. One of her most beloved therapeutic rituals is taking patients on beach walks to release "disappearing paper" reflections into the ocean — a symbolic gesture of letting go and moving forward.
Candi Balabon, CADC, QMHA II
Counselor
Candi has been working in the recovery field for 8 years and enjoys supporting the community and seeing the miracles of recovery for individuals and families.
Brenda Sandstrom, CADC-I
Recovery Advocate
Brenda has been working in addiction treatment since 2021 and currently supports individuals in both ASAM 3.7 and 3.5 levels of care. Since earning her CADC-I in 2023, she has brought a deep sense of empathy, experience, and heart to her work as a Recovery Advocate and Counselor. Brenda is known for the genuine connections she builds with clients, offering hope and encouragement through every step of their recovery journey. She finds joy in witnessing the moment a spark of light returns to a client's eyes — the moment hope begins to take root. Deeply involved in the local recovery community, Brenda models connection by showing up in the everyday moments that make recovery real. Her presence is a reminder that recovery is not just possible — it can be vibrant, connected, and full of life.
Ann Martin
Executive Consultant
Awakenings by the Sea was designed by our Executive Consultant Ann Martin. Ann has over 30 years of sobriety. She worked for the Betty Ford Center providing relapse and relationship workshops for 17 years, along with continuing care work, while managing a private practice in southern California. She is an imago/relationship therapist, workshop presenter, and a PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) presenter. She has presented nationally and internationally for lawyers and physicians in recovery. Ann is also a SEP practitioner (somatic experiencing) for trauma work, as well as a certified addiction counselor in Oregon and California. She teaches relapse prevention and facilitates our couples' workshop at Awakenings, while conducting workshops and consulting nationwide.
The journey to addiction recovery is never easy. This team is eager to stand by you to find a better day. Our staff is convinced our small, family-owned program is right for you, or the woman you love.
