Our Team
Vulnerable individuals caught at the intersection of mental health, substance misuse and legal infractions have complex needs and require specialized support. Our treatment team includes a program director, board-certified psychiatrist, licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed psychiatric technicians, reentry support specialists, and other qualified experts and practitioners.
Leadership
Executive Director
Patricia Gray, PsyD, J.D.
Dr. Gray is an expert and thought leader in the area of mental health and criminal justice involvement. Dr. Gray is an attorney, forensic consultant, professional mediator, and retired Criminal Trial Court Judge. She holds a doctorate in psychology.
Early in her career she worked as a psychiatric technician in California State Hospitals. Combining legal, forensic, and psychiatric expertise, Dr. Gray provided consultation to federal and state courts, government agencies and legal advocates. Dr. Gray also assisted federal courts in negotiating and monitoring post settlement consent decree compliance in the areas of correctional and institutional mental health.
As a state trial court judge, Dr. Gray convened a team of mental health professionals, law enforcement, lawyers, and probation staff to open the first mental health court in Northern California in 1998 in order to address the high recidivism rates of incarcerated individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Dr. Gray has devoted much of her career to advocating for those living with mental health challenges who are caught in the criminal justice system.
Program Coordinator
Lucas Young
Lucas Young brings his background as a health and fitness coach to Gray Haven. As the Program Coordinator he has worked to integrate a “whole human” approach into each level of Gray Haven programming.
His goals are to build relevant connections between levels of programming and to ensure that each resident’s path is curated just for them. Lucas believes that the best way to lead is to listen, and he strives to make sure every member of the Gray Haven community feels heard, valued and respected.
Administrator
Hannah Lapolla
Hannah has been with Gray Haven since the floors were still covered in plastic and the paint was drying on the walls after the historic renovation. Starting at Gray Haven as the Administrative Assistant, Hannah earned her Administrator’s certificate and is the current Administrator of Gray Haven.
With a background of 15 years in the hospitality industry, Hannah is known for her attention to detail, positive demeanor, and turning visions into reality. Hannah studied Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies at UC Santa Cruz and has a goal to return to graduate school to earn her license in Marriage Family Therapy.
The cherry on top of Hannah working at Gray Haven is she brings her 8 year old Boxer Dog, Lyrah, to work every day. Lyrah brings joy to everyone she meets and greets them all as if they are long lost friends. Hannah and Lyrah are a dynamic duo that add warmth and enthusiasm to Gray Haven’s daily operation.
Therapist & Case Manager
Sacia Novak, LCSW
Sacia Novak is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has over 30 years of experience working with people who struggle with forensic mental health challenges. She began her professional career with internships at the California Youth Authority, Napa State Hospital and at an adult mental health program in England.
After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, she continued her work at Napa State Hospital for decades, where she provided clinical services and treatment to patients that were committed to the hospital on civil and criminal commitments. For years she prepared patients for a safe and successful re-entry into our communities and now she has joined our program to continue her life work with the residents of Gray Haven.
Culinary Director
Rebecca Peizer
Chef Rebecca Peizer serves as the Culinary Director at Gray Haven Health and Wellness and is a seasoned culinary professional with 25 years of industry experience. She has held many roles such as Professor, Consultant, & Digital Media and Demonstration Chef at The Culinary Institute of America’s California Campus.
Her accolades include Top 10 Sous Chef in America by Food & Wine Magazine for her work at Roux Restaurant, which was awarded Top 10 Bay Area Restaurant by the San Francisco Chronicle and placing 1st in the National Pork Board Taste of Elegance Competition as well as the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners Sintonie Olive Oil Competition.
Chef Peizer has worked at some of Napa Valley's esteemed wineries and restaurants including Cakebread Cellars, Duckhorn Vineyards, Far Niente and Mustard's Grill, as a native of New York City she worked at the famed Sarabeth's Kitchen and Keen's Steakhouse, and served as the Executive Chef of the elite Resort Elk Creek Ranch in Colorado and Chef Instructor at Le Cordon Blue in Las Vegas.
Some of her pro-bono work is having written the Culinary Training Academy program for the Salvation Army nationwide, which gives education and job training to rehabilitees and those struggling with Homelessness and mental health challenges.
Staff
Our Program Director oversees all facilities, programs, and services. The Director ensures safety and compliance with state and county rules and regulations; hires, trains, and provides guidance to staff; coordinates with partners; and facilitates support services.
Our Board-Certified Psychiatrist and licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner provide medication expertise, education, training, monitoring, management, and oversight.
Our Licensed Psychiatric Technicians and vocational nurses implement and oversee services and activities, monitor the behavior and appearance of residents, execute treatment plans, encourage resident participation, compliance, and communication, and facilitate the self-administration of medication.
Our Reentry Coaches encourage and support residents to participate in all milieu-based activities and follow directions from medical and clinical staffing, and communicate concerns and/or ongoing challenges to superiors.