Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center Names New Leadership

The Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Pasadena has appointed a new executive director, first associate director and clinical director, marking its first executive leadership change in four decades, the organization announced Friday.

Don Faris will take over as executive director, replacing Jim Stillwell, who is retiring after 45 years with the treatment center, Impact said in a written statement.

“The Board of Directors of the Principles Inc. asked Mr. Stillwell to remain close to the organization in retirement and conferred the title of Executive Director Emeritus in honor of his 45 years of visionary leadership of Impact,” according to the statement.

Faris had previously served as clinical director at the facility since 2008. He has been involved in the organization since 1980.

Christina Gonzales has been named first associate director, according to Impact. She joined the organization in 2011 and most recently serves as chief operating officer.

Replacing Faris as clinical director will be Shanna Jacobsen. She has been with Impact since 2009 and most recently held the role of family services coordinator.

Shanna Jacobsen LMFT, has been appointed Clinical Director and was previously the Family Services Coordinator. Shanna has been with Impact since 2009.

“Don Faris, Executive Director and Christina Gonzales, Associate Executive Director, take over at a time of rapid growth for the organization,” the statement said. “More than ever there is a great need for treatment and case management services for the formerly incarcerated and formerly homeless patients that Impact serves.”

“Currently, Impact employs nearly 150 clinical and administrative staff and serves approximately 500 adult men and women every day across all modalities,” the statement continued. “Several new transitional housing facilities have been opened and later this year we will be breaking ground for a new Outpatient Facility in East Pasadena and that will double our Outpatient capacity in Pasadena.”

More information on Impact can be found on the facility’s website at impacthouse.com.