San Diego, CA – November 5, 2015 – The board of directors of Stepping Stone of San Diego is pleased to announce that Cheryl Houk has been re-hired as Executive Director of the organization. Houk brings decades of experience in alcohol and drug treatment program management, including her seventeen years as executive director of Stepping Stone. Cheryl will join the organization full-time on November 16, 2015.
“On behalf of the board of directors of Stepping Stone, I am very excited to welcome Cheryl Houk back as executive director,” said board chairman Michael Moore. “Her incredible experience, organizational skills, status in the community and vision helped build the organization into what it is today. Cheryl’s heart and soul is as much a part of Stepping Stone as the buildings themselves.”
As executive director of Stepping Stone, Houk will oversee an organization that provides critical services to those seeking recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. She will oversee operation of the residential treatment facility located at 3767 Central Avenue, which provides long term addiction treatment programs targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered population and support services for those living with HIV. She will also oversee sober living services. Cheryl will also work to re-establish a day-treatment program that will serve those who can benefit from outpatient services.
Houk shared, “We are truly blessed to have the services Stepping Stone provides to the LGBT people in need of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. I am happy to help assure we are serving the community of San Diego for many years to come and that the reputation, services and integrity of the agency operate at the high standards the Board of Directors and I are committed to. I look forward to connecting with all of the past, present, and future graduates and supporters of Stepping Stone.”
During Houk’s 17 years with Stepping Stone she led the efforts to purchase the property in City Heights and build the current state-of-the-art facility, all while operating without a budget loss. “Her vision and fiscal responsibility are both critical to help Stepping Stone grow and thrive,” said Moore.
Houk has a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and has certifications in Non-Profit Management and Fund Raising Management. She has been a twelve-year board member and 2-term chair of the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources, (CAARR) based in Sacramento, CA and Ten year appointed member and past vice-chair and chair and of the San Diego Joint City/County HIV/AIDS Housing Committee. She is the author of What Are You Thinking, to offer positive solutions to assist people with living a more meaningful life.