Leadership Team

about us

Christopher Botten

President & CEO

Christopher Botten is a seasoned behavioral health executive with over 12 years of experience within the Los Angeles County Substance Use Disorder (SUD) system of care. He brings extensive expertise in nonprofit and public sector leadership, specializing in financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational transformation.

Chris holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University, Channel Islands. Throughout his career, Chris has led multimillion-dollar initiatives and spearheaded successful financial turnarounds, helping providers recover unbilled revenue, strengthen internal controls, and align operations with evolving county, state, and federal requirements. His approach emphasizes data-informed decision-making, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for underserved communities.

Doreen Garcia

Director of Finance & HR Administration

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With over 35 years in the field of addiction recovery—and a personal recovery journey that began in 1986—Doreen Garcia brings both professional leadership and lived experience to her role as Director of Human Resources. She leads with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to staff development and organizational culture. A graduate of UCLA’s Alcohol and Drug Studies program, Doreen has received multiple honors for her service and leadership, including awards from the California Non-Profit Association, KCET Studios, and Senator Jack Scott. She has also served as a Human Services Commissioner for the City of Pasadena and is recognized for her advocacy in the Native American Wellbriety community. Doreen fosters a workplace rooted in compassion, equity, and purpose—supporting the people who make recovery possible.

Karen Marder

Director of Contracts Management and Quality Assurance

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Karen Marder has been a dedicated member of the NCADD SFV team since 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II. In her current role as Director of Contracts Management and Quality Assurance, Karen oversees regulatory compliance, contract administration, and quality improvement initiatives to support excellence in client care and program operations. With over 17 years of experience at NCADD SFV, Karen brings a deep commitment to the mission of helping individuals and families by substance use.

Lizbeth Vivar

Director of Prevention Services

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Lizbeth Vivar is a public health professional with over 7 years of experience in substance use prevention. As Director of Prevention Services, she leads efforts to implement evidence-based prevention programs across the San Fernando Valley. Lizbeth strives to empower youth through education, community engagement, and mentorship to reduce substance use in underserved communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Northridge and is a recent graduate from Boston University with a Master of Public Health.

Nicholas Russi

Supervisor of Clinical Services

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Nicholas Russi serves as the Supervisor of Clinical Services, bringing over 23 years of experience in addiction and mental health. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership roles, including Clinical Director, Executive Director, and owner, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the field. Nicholas holds an LAADC-S credential in California and a CADC III in Oregon, underscoring his dedication to professional excellence. Passionate about helping individuals break free from addiction, he strives to create compassionate and effective treatment environments for all we serve.