LEGACY VILLAGE - Key Persons
Amanda Perez was born and raised in Santa Maria, California near the Central Coast region of the state. Mrs. Perez developed a passion for treatment after her own struggles with addiction. After years of personal struggle, Mrs. Perez made life changing decisions in 2015, and has enjoyed sustained recovery ever since. She is an active member of Narcotics Anonymous and attributes the tools she learned in this program of recovery to her daily success.
Wanting to further her education, and begin a career in the field of behavioral health, Mrs. Perez enrolled in Allan Hancock College pursuing an Associate of Science degree. In 2017, while still completing her studies, she began working in the field of treatment and joined the Legacy Village team in 2020. Mrs. Perez has a passion for sharing with, treating and helping those who struggle as she once did. In 2021, Mrs. Perez completed her studies and obtained her degree, becoming certified by The Addiction Treatment Certification Board of California (ACCBC) as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
Today, after many years of yard work, Mrs. Perez has vastly changed her life. She is happily married, and together with her husband they are raising their children in Orcutt, California. In addition to her passion for recovery and wellness, Mrs. Perez enjoys spending time with her family, going on hikes, staying active at the gym, and reading. Mrs. Perez is a member of the Counseling team at Legacy Village Wellness Center.
Job Titles:
- Leader Author Speaker MS, MA, ORD, M. Mindfulness & Irest / Yoga Nidra Teacher Entheogen Integration Specialist
Job Titles:
- Veterans Services Manager
David "Doc" Oliver was raised in the tiny town of Orcutt, on California's Central Coast. He earned the nickname Doc from stitching up wounded soldiers and civilians alike during his deployments to Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy medic. Doc spent nearly two years in the Middle East until a tragic attack took the lives of three of his comrades. Doc was medically retired and struggling with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Docs mental and emotional limits were taxed when, at just 57 years old, his mother passed away from cancer. "All my emotions and mental compression sort of hit me like a tidal wave," he said of his mother's passing. His heart for helping others was something instilled in him by his mother, not just other Veterans, but all people. "I think I was trying to be tough for my wife and family with the military stuff and hiding it way down inside. Once my mother passed, so much emotion overcame me, and it was almost too much to bear."
According to Doc, while the deployment in Afghanistan was just a short period in his life, the trauma of his service and the loss of his mother had the potential to be catastrophic. So, he turned to non-traditional help for both, music. Music was in his family, starting with his grandfather, and in it, Doc found an escape - and therapy. "Music gave me a way out; writing gave me a way to let is seep out."
Dennie Watson, Spiritual Director for Legacy Village is the Founder, and Senior Pastor of Vanguard Christian Center in Bakersfield, California. Pastor Watson was raised in Kern County and has devoted his life to community outreach through ministry, sports, coaching and life skills training. Throughout his life, coaching has taken a prominent role allowing him to mentor kids of all ages through a variety of sports.
This passion provided the inspiration for a unique combination of sports and ministry. Pastor Watson's vision of a truly integrated church with respect to community, sports and preaching the Gospel came together in with the recent opening of Vanguards Field of Dreams. This much needed sports facility allows all members of the community, especially children, to have a safe, healthy and positive place to engage in a variety of sporting events. It also allows the team at Vanguard to fellowship with the community and engage with those in need.
The broad scope of Pastor Watson's experiences has made him an invaluable member of the Legacy Village team. His coaching experience gives him an approachable nature, allowing our clients the freedom and ease to explore spiritual questions. His understanding an patience with those who struggle has led many clients to realize their own need for a deeper spiritual connection.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Founder
Dennis S. Farmer, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Legacy Village, LLC, was raised in Shafter, California, a small farming town in the Central Valley area of the State. At 24, he took an entry level position with the State of California and was promoted through the budgetary and accounting fields to become the Head of Accounting for Kern Valley State Prison. Experiences during his tenure included the activation of two prisons, management of budgets and fiscal policy, coordination with legislative accounting and budgetary affairs, internal control development and implementation, financial security audits, executive level administration of accounting, finance, and budget policy.
Through his late 20's a struggle with alcohol became more pronounced, and by his early 30's alcohol began to affect his personal and professional life. Mr. Farmer's addiction to alcohol had resulted in two failed marriages and was taking an increasing toll on his professional life and personal health. It was here that he entered rehab for the first time but was clearly not convinced he had a drinking problem. A second failed attempt at sobriety would lead him on a dangerous and destructive two-year path, that would almost cost his life. At 135 pounds, with serious health troubles, Mr. Farmer found his way into treatment a third and final time. "I truly began a real process of recovery, embracing the concepts of recovery and most importantly, reconnecting with my faith in God," said Mr. Farmer. "I was lost, and I knew without help I wasn't going to make it much longer."
It was during this final treatment experience, that despite sound advice against making long-term plans, Mr. Farmer had a vision for more accessible and affordable care in his own community. Born of his personal experience having a difficult time finding help, he felt led to the design and building of Legacy Village. "It is my belief that my experience was not solely, or even predominantly for me - but rather so I would be equipped to help others" said Mr. Farmer, who went on, "God has saved me from this affliction, literally from the threshold of death for a reason, and that reason wasn't to keep it to myself!"
Legacy Village soon became a primary professional pursuit. Since that time, it has developed into an exemplary model for addiction treatment and recovery services. "We are proud of our commitment to individualized care, and we are proud to be part of so many success stories," said Mr. Farmer. "It is with an unapologetic faith in God, and a daily adherence to the principles of recovery, that I remain sober - just for today, and that I'm able to actively participate in the work of Legacy Village, and in life." According to Mr. Farmer, "Through the services we offer I am able to give back, give away the solution that I found to others who still suffer. We're not just providing help or a way to get clean or sober - we're giving people a chance to recreate a Legacy, for them and their families."
With the success of the flagship location of Legacy Village, LLC - the Oregon Street Recovery Center - doors opened and the opportunity to relocate was presented in late 2020. The new location, with more than 25 acres of land and ample therapeutic spaces was an answer to prayer and soon, with some bittersweet moments, the entire operation was relocated to Nipomo, California and renamed appropriately from "Legacy Village - Oregon Street" to simply "Legacy Village". Mr. Farmer's love of Country, and his unwavering gratitude for those who served this Nation, led to a fundamental shift in program philosophy in 2020. It was at that time Legacy Village became an exclusive veteran and active-duty only facility. In his words, "it is a way to give back - to be of service to those who have served."
A psychologist is an individual who is licensed to practice psychology which is defined as the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health.
The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; and psych-educational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, and the public.
Dr. Arden is a proud Veteran, who served as a combat medic in the Air Force. https://jeffreyarden.com
Jason Geis, originally from Seymour, Indiana, became a resident of Bakersfield after retiring from the Army as a Sergeant Major in 2012. He has over 20-years of active-duty service. Jason has five overseas deployments and was awarded a Bronze Star for actions during operations taken place in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served 21-years as an Airborne Combat Medic and has served in the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 101st Airborne Division - Air Assault, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, and the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
Jason met his wife, Jamie, in Bakersfield and they have 3 children, Payton - 19, Clay - 17, and Madison - 9. Jamie is also an RN for the Rosedale Union School District.
Jason has a master's degree in business administration as well as a master's in leadership and management from Webster University. Mr. Geis works for Chevron's Environmental Management & Real Estate Company as a Facilities Engineer/Facilities Site Representative and has done so since he retired from the Army in 2012. He also serves as a leadership team member of the Global Chevron Veterans Employee Network.
Jason was a founding member of the Board of Directors for Wounded Heroes Fund Kern County as well as its President for 10 years. Mr. Geis is an active Team Leader for the National Non-Profit organization, Mighty Oaks Warrior Program, which assists Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. He is the founder and lead instructor of the local Outpost at Valley Baptist Church, Bakersfield for the Mighty Oaks Warrior Program. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Honor Flight Kern County and has been on over 11 flights, many of which he was the trip lead.
He is a founding member of the Board of Directors for Operation Hunt 4 Heroes, a 501c3 in San Miguel, CA which provides adventure therapy for disabled Veterans to hunt in a controlled environment. Jason is also a certified instructor for ReBoot Combat Recovery which is a 13-week course that focuses on helping servicemembers and their families heal from service-related trauma.
Jason actively serves on the Synergy Wellness Rise Up Recovery Board of Directors as well as Cole's Comrades. Coles Comrades is a non-profit organization aimed at helping families of Veterans who died from suicide, as well as other non-combat or non-service-related incidents. Jason also co-founded and established, alongside his wife and Lili Marsh, the gem of the community, the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery (POWG). The POWG is a 501c3 veteran's non-profit art gallery located in downtown Bakersfield. The gallery honors all the fallen Veterans from Kern County and highlights the 27 Post 9/11 servicemembers who died in service to our country.
Jason has worked tirelessly to serve God, his country, and his fellow comrades. He continues to do so for his community, and his veteran comrades.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Manager
- Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Justen Wiggins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a psychotherapist. He obtained his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2018 and his BS in liberal studies from Excelsior University, NY.
Justen Wiggins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who previously worked with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a psychotherapist. He obtained his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2018 and his BS in liberal studies from Excelsior University, NY. Mr. Wiggins has worked and volunteered in many clinical settings, including substance use and MAT facilities, at-risk housing and support, and multiple Veteran centered services.
He is now providing support for first responders and their families through partnering with local NPOs 911 At Ease International and One805. He interned for a year with Peoples Self Help Housing, creating, and actioning a Veterans support group for identified Veteran tenants. He is also a long-time volunteer with Operation Surf, since 2016. As an alumnus of the program, he now assists as Veteran support for participants and advises the organization on best practices concerning mental health and wellbeing incorporated in staff training and program operations. He additionally volunteers as a mentor for the San Luis Obispo Veterans Treatment Court, providing support for Veterans being afforded the opportunity to participate in the program.
Mr. Wiggins is a 20-year retired military veteran. He served 4 years in the Marine Corps (1987-1991) then later the remaining service was in Nevada and retiring from the California Army National Guard as a Logistics Officer. He served in Iraq 2004-05 as a convoy escort team leader providing security for convoys for over 20,000 miles. Other positions held included Training NCO, Recruiter, Field Executive Officer 2010 border mission, State Excess Property Manager, and Company Commander. Justen continues to serve past his 2017 retirement volunteering in the California State Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer.
Justen enjoys keeping track of his 4 children and 7 grandchildren. His passions are riding and working on Harley Davidsons and surfing. Justen is a California native growing up in the San Gabriel Valley. Life travels and the military have taken him many places across the globe. Home port is now Morro Bay, CA for Justen, his 9-year-old son and Archibald, their 2-year-old Queensland heeler.
Micki Walker is a native Californian who attended junior and senior high school in Washington State. Upon returning to California, she began her journey through higher education where she obtained two Associate Degrees, in Criminal Justice from Cerritos College and Human Services from Alan Hancock College. Her pursuit of higher education did not stop there. Ms. Walker obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology and master's degree in psychology from Chapman University.
Ms. Walker returned to an alma mater, Alan Hancock College where she teaches in the Drug and Alcohol Studies program.
Prior to obtaining her LMFT, Ms. Walker spent more than 17 years managing drug and alcohol treatment centers in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo. During her career, she focused heavily on access to treatment courts, including Drug Court, Mental Health Treatment Court, Dual Diagnosis Treatment Court, and Veterans Treatment Court. She currently serves as a board member for a women's sober living facility in the Five Cities area of the Central Coast. Her passion and commitment are to the recovery of those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.
With the birth of her son, almost forty years ago, Ms. Walker relocated from the Los Angeles area to the Central Coast. Today, she enjoys the time spent with her three grandchildren, along with motorcycle riding, traveling, and attending rock concerts with her partner of 33 years.
Job Titles:
- Veterans Services Officer
Mr. Boyd is a native of the Central Coast where he grew up working on his family's sustainable farm in Arroyo Grande. Throughout his 12-year military career he obtained the rank of Captain, served as Platoon Leader, Company Commander, and Regimental Assistant Intelligence Officer. He was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, serving as a Cavalry Trooper conducting reconnaissance operations.
Mr. Boyd is a Cal Poly graduate with a master's degree in Public Policy where his primary research focused on the causality of Veteran unemployment and underemployment. Mr. Boyd has experience serving as a Criminal Justice Business Analyst for the County of San Luis Obispo's Adult Drug Court.
Mr. Boyd currently serves his community as the County of San Luis Obispo's Veteran Services Officer.
Mr. Adam White was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in a military family. Growing up primarly on military institutions from Yakota Air Station and Johnson Air Force Base in Japan to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. Mr. White graduated from Cabrillo High School in 1984 and went on to Taft College, in Taft, California.
In 1989 he began working with our at-risk youth population, including at the California Youth Authority in Paso Robles, California. Mr. White expanded his career to include working with special needs populations and spent time with the Vocational Training Center in Santa Maria. After a relocation to San Antonio, Texas, he continued a carrier with the special needs population and began working with the Wounded Warrior program. Returning to California in 2010, Mr. White returned to working with our communities at-risk and underprivileged youth. Mr. White cites his father's example as the driving force for his compassion, concern, and service to his community and to those in need.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Corporate Counsel
Thomas ("Tom") McCartney graduated magna cum laude from Saint Mary's College in 1972. He graduated with honors from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1975 where he was awarded the American Jurisprudence award in Property. Tom McCartney was also a member of the McAuliffe Honor Society and the Law Review. He served as an honors law clerk for the Hon. Ira A. Brown Jr.
Tom McCartney has successfully tried over seventy cases. Recently, a juror wrote an unsolicited letter to Mr. McCartney. It reads: Although Mr. McCartney continues to be primarily involved in litigation and trials, his practice has evolved to include litigation avoidance, business planning and development, and related business transactional work.
Mr. McCartney also serves as corporate counsel for Legacy Village, LLC. Tom is a San Francisco native, who has resided in Bakersfield, CA for the past 40 years. He is married, and the father of three grown children.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Supervisor
- Senior Counselor
Raymond Fisher, Clinical Supervisor for Legacy Village, grew up in Bakersfield, CA. Much of his youth was spent in active addiction, and as a consequence, Raymond spent many years in-and-out of prison or jail. At age 35 Mr. Fisher began a life of recovery, and through working a program of healing and positive action, he went from being a menace to society, to a thriving productive member of the community.
Mr. Fisher was the first employee hired at Legacy Village, LLC - Oregon Street Recovery Center, the first facility opened by our company. For more than six years he has worked diligently to pursue a higher education and a better understanding of addiction treatment. After obtaining his certification in drug and alcohol counseling, Mr. Fisher was promoted to Counselor. More recently, with the opening of Legacy Village, he promoted again to Clinical Supervisor.
A passionate advocate for recovery, Mr. Fisher brings unique experience and insight to the clients he serves. He is a wealth of information and resources and is truly dedicated to the healing power which lay in a life of recovery.
Job Titles:
- Chief Deputy Warden, Ret
- Peace Officer
Reba Grissom was born and raised in a large family, residing in the rural foothills of New Mexico. The humble upbringing would give Ms. Grissom an appreciation for hard work and dedication. As a young adult, she moved to California's Central Valley and raised her daughter Rebecca. She began her professional career as an Administrative & Clinical Medical Assistant, working predominately in private practice. Ms. Grissom would further her career goals in multiple positions with the Porterville Developmental Center.
In 1996, Ms. Grissom began working for the California Department of Corrections. She would enjoy numerous promotional opportunities throughout her career and was part of the state workforce fostering massive change within the organization, including a focus on rehabilitation. In addition to the shift in philosophy, the name also changed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Ms. Grissom held positions such as Associate Governmental Program Analyst, and various roles in accounting which allowed her to refine skills in auditing, state finance and budgetary policy. Her ability to solve complex issues and a compassion for the population she served, allowed her to raise through the ranks to Associate Warden, then Chief Deputy Warden, a position she retired from in 2013. The positions in the executive management would allow Ms. Grissom to exhibit a vast skill set on a daily basis, managing one of the most complex governmental systems in existence.
Ms. Grissom's career advancements and skills took her to a number of facilities, including the California State Prison - Corcoran, Wasco State Prison, Valley State Prison for Women - Chowchilla, Kern Valley State Prison, and the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo. Following retirement, Ms. Grissom served two terms on the Tulare County Grand Jury, serving her final term as Foreperson.
A distinguished Peace Officer, Ms. Grissom has earned the respect of her colleagues, and is a respected member of her community. She is held in high regard by those who have worked with her and is pleased to call many former co-workers, superiors and subordinates, friends.
Today, Ms. Grissom lives in the Manhattan borough of New York City, a move allowing her to be closer to family; including her daughter, granddaughters Neah and Haley, and now, great-granddaughter, Cali. In addition to spending time with family, she enjoys taking leisurely walks along the amazing New York City rivers, finding the best caramel latte in the city and vacationing. Ms. Grissom also enjoys returning to California when possible, reconnecting to several of her favorite places, Morro Bay, and Disneyland!