Meet
your
team
We have a team of experts across the country who we uniquely select to form your supportive recovery team.
We value your voice in your journey and are here to work side by side with you to define what recovery looks and feels like for you, your lifestyle and your family. We show up everyday without judgement or agenda so you can have the space to explore what journey feels best for you.
SHIRLEY WANTLAND
founder
View Bio
Shirley Wantland is the Co-founder & Principal of Recovery Consultants, LLC, which provides a bespoke recovery services to individuals & families struggling with substance use disorder, mental and behavioral health issues.
She has been described by friends as “a scientist and a truck driver, trapped inside the body of a princess.” As someone who doesn’t fit in any one box, she is dedicated to serving and advocating for those who feel shamed and stigmatized by addiction or mental health issues. She believes in compassionate, non-judgmental care and helps illuminate a path for people to reach their true potential. She helps people create their own box (or parallelogram, oval or squiggle!) through unique and individualized treatment recommendations.
She is skilled in coaching people through their perceived limitations.
As Shirley navigates her way through life’s infinite labyrinth, she has enjoyed her relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area from Oklahoma and Texas. She resides in Mill Valley with her husband, 2 daughters and dog, Mochi. She enjoys cooking, entertaining, hiking, traveling, all things fashion and beauty-related, spending time with friends and family, and making the most of her time in the labyrinth.
JOANNA ARENSTEIN
case manager
View Bio
Joanna has worked in the drug and alcohol recovery industry for over 20 years with experience in crisis intervention & outreach, harm reduction, and community advocacy. She bridges the practical and the humanistic to guide individuals navigating personal challenges by teaching emotional intelligence and utilizing confident communication.
Joanna graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Political Science. She also has a Master Certification in Energy Medicine from the Academy of Intuition Medicine in Sausalito, California.
Over the past 15 years, Joanna has explored numerous healing and wellness methods as part of her path. She draws upon her experience and the processes she has created when working with clients. She works collaboratively to create meaningful recovery plans; with a tailor-made approach that resonates with the client, their lifestyle, their family, and their specific goals. This approach empowers the client to not only make a positive change in their life but sustain it as well.
Joanna is a lifelong activist who grew up in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by a family who believed in civic engagement and taking an active role in service to the larger community. She has been involved in many grass-roots community organizations and national political campaigns. She currently serves as Vice Chair on the Board Of Directors of KFS School in San Francisco, which takes a progressive and holistic approach to education for twice-exceptional students who have struggled in traditional school settings.
She lives in Oakland, California but loves getting out of town and exploring any city, state, or country she’s never been to before. She has travel aspirations of visiting all 50 states, all seven continents, and scuba diving each of the Seven Seas, except the Arctic.
NIKOLE LENT
case manager
View Bio
Nikole believes that a multi-faceted journey of recovery can not only transform a person’s life, but also open doors of infinite possibilities for their human potential.
Nikole has worked as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Case Manager and Client Services Coordinator at a perinatal women’s residential facility. This experience, coupled with Nikole’s personal recovery from substance use, inspires her commitment to empower others on the path of healing and activating their authentic selves.
A passion for being of service to others has woven together her eclectic work
history. Prior to working in recovery and mental health, Nikole devoted twelve years as chef for diverse groups of musicians, activists, and artists.
She collaborated with a San Francisco-based collective of fashion designers, utilizing performance to fundraise for grassroots organizations focused on ending violence against women. She has served as a Sexual Assault Counselor, Survivor Advocate, and assisted
families impacted by police violence. Colleagues and employees have celebrated Nikole’s ability to “embody and emanate a sense of calm during
moments of crisis or chaos.”
Nikole lives in Oakland, CA with her dog Rocco. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She enjoys hiking, camping, and cooking elaborate meals with her partner, friends and family. Dancing and tending to her plants are her favorite ways to recharge.
ERIN LEVIN
case manager
View Bio
Erin has been working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and
mental health issues as a Case Manager and Sober Companion for the last seven
years.
She has extensive experience working in treatment as a certified drug and alcohol counselor for men and women that struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, and other maladaptive behaviors such as chronic homelessness, unemployment, and legal issues.
Erin has transitioned into working solely as a case manager for individual/private clients, she finds that it is more effective for people in need as individualized care is beneficial for maintaining rapport, sustainable connection, and often times the long-term support that is imperative for sustained recovery.
Her approach consists of showing, first and foremost, empathy, love and compassion. Erin utilizes deep breathing, mindfulness practices, healthy
communication, and exercise to promote healthy emotional regulation. She finds that the best way to establish mental and emotional balance is through interventions that include motivational interviewing, client-centered care, cultivating healthy
boundaries, and maintaining the utmost respect for the work that is being done.
Erin’s ultimate goal is to assist individuals with discovering their passions and establishing independence that is sustainable and aligns with their future goals and overall well-being.
KIREN CHUMBER
director of executive support
View Bio
With over 10 years of experience as an executive assistant, Kiren has worn several hats throughout the years and supported small start-ups to government agencies in the UK. She has a true passion for helping others and felt her values aligned with Recovery Consultants, Kiren enjoys communicating with all stakeholders, offering support where required, and generally being that linchpin every organization needs. She hopes to utilize her network and spread the word on alternative therapy methods and raise awareness
Kiren has worked with recruitment agencies, a layer one blockchain, and social media companies. She has learned many skills along the way and enjoys speaking with absolutely anyone. Start ups and SMEs offer a huge amount of potential which is why Kiren is determined to help them in any way she can.
Kiren is a go-getter and loves to travel. She is from the UK but has spent the last 5 years traveling the world with her husband. Her favorite continent is Asia but her favorite city will always be London.
LINDA MBAGWU
director of strategic business development
View Bio
Linda is a highly regarded coach whose PINNACLE program and tools have transformed the lives of individuals around the world. Her approach to coaching is both frank and fearless, yet rooted in love and compassion. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve emotional freedom and personal and professional success.
Linda’s coaching draws on her own personal and professional experiences including her journey from homelessness, depression and failed suicide attempts to building a multi-million-pound executive recruitment business and transforming herself and her relationships. Her clients appreciate her ability to relate to their struggles and understand their pain.
As a strategic Advisor for Recovery Consultants, Linda brings her expertise in supporting clients to transition from addiction to empowerment. For her it’s not just about overcoming addiction, but about helping individuals meet their full potential and power so that they can live a life fulfilled.