BAKERSFIELD ADDICTION STAFF

Jessica Cason, a Taft native, boasts a decade-long tenure in the field of alcohol and drug counseling, commencing in 2011. Drawing from her personal battle with alcoholism, Jessica harbors a profound commitment to aiding individuals in their journey to recovery, particularly focusing on the needs of young adults. Her educational background includes the successful completion of the Drug and Alcohol Studies program at Cal State University Bakersfield in 2013.

Jessica currently holds esteemed certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II) and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC), accredited by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Additionally, she carries the designation of Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC-II) under the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) and is a recognized provider on the DUI provider list.

With a wealth of experience working with diverse populations in residential and intensive outpatient treatment environments, Jessica’s professional journey led her to the distinguished Aspire team. Past roles include serving as a detox program manager, partial hospitalization program director, and intensive outpatient program director. Currently, Jessica assumes the pivotal role of Executive Director at Aspire Counseling Services in Bakersfield.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica finds solace in spending quality time with her husband and children, actively engaging in community recovery initiatives, and cherishing moments of relaxation.

Gage Horn is a native of Bakersfield CA. Gage is an Aspire Counseling Services alumnus who decided he wanted to give back by becoming a counselor to help those still battling addiction. Gage has been in the drug and alcohol counseling field since 2019. Gage completed the CSUB Drug and Alcohol Studies program in 2020. In 2023, he became state certified as a CADCII. With ambition, Gage began working in Admissions in 2021, putting him in contact with families and potential clients from the beginning, offering guidance and referrals, and setting up appointments, consultations, and intakes. Gage enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and giving back to the community, spending his free time organizing events and supporting local meetings.

Lisa grew up in Kings County and suffered from substance abuse and alcoholism for many years. She came to Bakersfield in 2006 to attend rehabilitation. Since then, Lisa has been a part of the recovery community in Bakersfield. Lisa watched the disease destroy families for many years. Wanting to help people and give back to her community, she enrolled at Cal State University, Bakersfield in the drug and alcohol studies program, graduating in 2020. After graduating, Lisa became a counselor at Aspire Counseling Services. In her free time, she enjoys live music, comedy, and her large family.

Meet Kimberly Beatty, SUD Counselor at Aspire Bakersfield! Kimberly is a Southern California native and was born and raised in Granada Hills, CA. Kimberly obtained a liberal arts degree at Pierce College with her primary focus on psychology. Kimberly worked in the Medical field and specialized in geriatric care where she was able to be of service for the elderly.

Kimberly struggled with alcoholism for years, but with the help of treatment professionals she was able to stabilize and maintain long term sobriety and has been sober since 2010. Having been inspired by the dedication of her counselors, Kimberly decided to refocus her career and become a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor to help others obtain long term sobriety. Kimberly returned to school and graduated Valedictorian of her Addiction Studies program in 2013 and has been working in the treatment community since 2012.

Kimberly is passionate about working with people and utilizes a client-centered approach when working with the public. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in individual and group settings and she brings compassion and dedication to the Aspire team. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son and advocating for Autism awareness.

Jessica Griffith is a substance abuse counselor from Bakersfield, CA, committed to helping her community overcome addiction. A first-generation Bakersfield native, Jessica holds an associate’s degree in psychology from Bakersfield College and completed the Drug and Alcohol Studies program at CSUB in 2022. She became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADCI) in 2024.

With years of experience working in the behavioral health field, including with children, the general public, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Jessica brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. Having grown up surrounded by substance abuse in her own family and struggled with addiction herself, Jessica is passionate about showing others that a sober life is possible. She believes in the power of empathy, compassion, and second chances, striving to guide her clients toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Cynthia was born in a small military town in Okinawa, Japan, and was raised in Oceanside, California. For the last 20 years, she has called Bakersfield home. She is the youngest of five siblings. She knew very early in life that she had a calling to help others and unwavering compassion for those in need. She has contributed many volunteer hours to various organizations within our community and has years of experience working with at-risk adolescents. Her passion for working with clients who suffer from substance abuse issues, specifically adolescents, derives from her own troubles as a young adult. She began her internship with Aspire in June 2021 and, in 2023, became CADC II certified. Cynthia has had great success helping her clients in their recovery.

Paul grew up in California’s Central Valley before relocating to Arkansas at the age of 21. For 13 years, he worked as a towboat captain on the Mississippi River, until a life-changing accident left him partially paralyzed. Throughout much of his life, Paul struggled with addiction, which ultimately led him back to California in 2021, where he entered his first outpatient treatment program. Inspired by the support he received from counselors and motivated by his own experience living with a disability, Paul decided to pursue a career in counseling. He enrolled at California State University – Bakersfield, and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I). Paul is dedicated to giving back to his community and in his free time he enjoys CrossFit and going to the movies.

Arianna Cruz serves as the Administrative Assistant at Aspire Counseling Service, frequently offering the first warm welcome to clients. Arianna was born and raised in Bakersfield, California.

Passionate, empathetic, and hardworking, Arianna thrives in Aspire’s supportive environment and genuinely enjoys her role. She particularly values the daily opportunities to communicate and connect with clients.

Committed to continuous personal and professional development, Arianna is a first-generation college student currently pursuing an associate degree at Bakersfield College. She also holds a certification as a phlebotomy technician.

In her time away from Aspire and her studies, Arianna enjoys spending time with loved ones, baking, and exploring new coffee shops.