Meet Our Team

Medical Director 

Dr. Venice Sanchez serves as the Medical Director at Rooted Stillness, bringing deep expertise, clinical leadership, and an unwavering commitment to those navigating addiction and mental health challenges. With a career dedicated to healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—Dr. Sanchez plays a central role in guiding Rooted Stillness’s integrative approach to care.

Specializing in addiction medicine and psychiatric support, Dr. Sanchez is responsible for overseeing all medical aspects of treatment. This includes developing individualized care plans, managing medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and ensuring clinical protocols are safe, evidence-based, and aligned with each client’s unique recovery journey. Her work is grounded in both science and empathy, recognizing the complexity of co-occurring disorders and the need for compassionate, personalized care.

Dr. Sanchez brings years of experience working in detox, residential, and outpatient settings. Her medical leadership is instrumental in creating a safe and structured environment where clients can stabilize, heal, and rebuild their lives. She works closely with the clinical and therapeutic teams to ensure that every patient receives holistic, trauma-informed care.

What distinguishes Dr. Sanchez is not only her medical knowledge but also her deep understanding of the emotional and psychological components of addiction. She believes that healing happens through connection, trust, and a commitment to long-term wellness. Her presence at Rooted Stillness reflects the program’s core values of integrity, compassion, and whole-person healing.

Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Sanchez is passionate about ongoing education and staying at the forefront of advancements in addiction psychiatry. She is an advocate for reducing stigma around mental health and substance use, and she actively supports efforts that promote equity and access in behavioral healthcare.

As Medical Director, Dr. Sanchez is a vital force behind Rooted Stillness’s mission—to provide expert, compassionate care that helps individuals reclaim their lives and thrive in recovery.

President 

As the current President of Rooted Stillness, Desirae Sheldon leads with a powerful blend of compassion, clarity, and operational excellence. With over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction treatment, Desirae now channels her extensive background into guiding the overall vision, growth, and daily operations of the organization.

In her role as President, Desirae is responsible for ensuring that Rooted Stillness remains a place of healing, safety, and progress—for both clients and staff. She oversees strategic planning, clinic operations, and team coordination, always with a focus on creating a supportive, effective environment where meaningful treatment can take place.

Prior to stepping into this leadership position, Desirae served in various clinical and administrative roles, including Program Director and Nursing Supervisor. These experiences helped shape her leadership style: grounded, collaborative, and deeply empathetic. Her background as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) gives her a unique, hands-on perspective on both patient care and staff needs.

What sets Desirae apart as a leader is her ability to balance high-level decision-making with an on-the-ground understanding of what it takes to support healing. She values team culture, open communication, and above all, the mission of helping others find stability and purpose in their recovery journey.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Desirae stays grounded by prioritizing her own mental well-being. She finds balance in nature—through hiking, yoga, beach walks, and time with her dog—activities that help her recharge and lead with authenticity.

As President of Rooted Stillness, Desirae is not only shaping the present of the organization—she’s building a future where recovery is accessible, compassionate, and truly transformative.

Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operations Officer for Rooted Stillness – Lea is a seasoned operations leader with both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Lea brings experience from working in global corporations as well as fast-paced small businesses. Lea’s expertise lies in developing and executing scalable operations strategies that streamline workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and drive measurable business performance. From process mapping and SOP development to cost reduction and KPI tracking, Lea focuses on building systems that support sustainable growth.

Lea specializes in team and resource management, building high-performing teams through effective org design, streamlined communication, and tailored hiring and onboarding practices. Lea has also lead systems and technology integration, identifying and implementing the right tech stack—from CRMs to automation tools—to boost efficiency and enable data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Case Manager 

Molly is an experienced behavioral health professional with a strong background in supporting individuals through recovery and wellness journeys.  She is known for her innate ability to connect with others as well as her unique patience and understanding.  Molly strives to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to achieve lasting stability and growth.  Dedicated to guiding each person with empathy, advocacy, and care, Molly brings both expertise and genuine warmth to every interaction. 

Speech Therapist  
Hillary Crow is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Crow Autism & Speech Therapy Consulting Services, Inc. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed communication therapy that supports individuals in recovery and mental health treatment. Hillary’s approach is warm, collaborative, and strength-based, helping clients build practical communication, self-advocacy, and connection skills for everyday life.

Dietitian 

Kelsey Baca is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and personal fitness trainer with a passion for blending evidenced-based nutrition with holistic wellness. With a strong foundation in clinical dietetics and a passion for integrative health, Kelsey uses nutrition to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases and mental health conditions. Her goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and tools they need to nourish themselves fully- inside and out. When she is not working with clients, you will find her cooking and baking, spending time with family, exercising, hiking, and relaxing at the beach!

APCC

I am an associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University’s School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various mental health treatment settings, supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that true healing happens when we treat the whole person—mind and body. I draw from person-centered therapy, somatic practices, and polyvagal theory to help clients reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and feel safe in their own bodies. I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported in their unique process.

Outside the therapy room, you can find me enjoying time at the beach, exploring nature, hanging out with my rescue dogs, or winding down with some reality TV.

Yoga Instructor

Lindsey is a trauma-informed yoga teacher specializing in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, breath work, and sound healing. Her practice weaves movement, mindfulness, and stillness to create a safe and supportive space for self-discovery and healing.

At the heart of her teaching is a simple intention: to help others find comfort through the discomfort of life. Whether guiding an energizing flow, a grounding yin practice, or a restorative sound journey, she encourages students to connect with their inner strength, cultivate resilience, and embrace ease both on and off the mat.