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.