Staff

A Story of Inspiration

Everyone has their story, and ours started with the vision of now Executive Director, Deborah Miranda. Her passion was the family unit, and carrying out the goals of original House on the Hill Director, Stephanie Graham Bianco. Ms. Miranda’s journey working in the drug and alcohol field was a personal one. “We all have some sort of addiction within ourselves and our own families, she says, I’m no exception; it is an equal opportunity disease.”

Staff Diversity

Because Parisi House on the Hill staff is diverse (approximately 34% Latino, 11% African American, 50% Caucasian, and 5% other), and trainings are offered in gender/age/cultural competence, we are able to reach the needs of the multiethnic community we serve. Staff language skills are reflective of those of our clients, and many program materials are available in Spanish, some in Vietnamese. Clients are able to participate in their own meal planning as part of their treatment, allowing for culturally appropriate and ethnically diverse meals. Our buildings are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Training, Philosophy and Certifications

Parisi House on the Hill staff has learned that effective treatment must target the multiple needs of the individual, not just her addiction. Our staff intertwines their knowledge and experience with the everyday recovery of self, clients and family to break the cycle of addiction so that the babies will have a healthier start to a life free of drugs and alcohol.

Our staff is trained to recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the children of our clients. In 2004, the California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment estimated that 100,000 infants are born prenatally exposed to alcohol, and an estimated 20,000 to 60,000 are born prenatally exposed to illicit drugs. Of women in treatment, 35% had children 5 years of age or less.

Parisi House on the Hill has a long-standing history of exceptionally low turnover rates, with several employees having been here for over 10 years! All staff is internally certified with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services (DADS) of Santa Clara County. We are trained in dual relationships, 42 CFR, ethics, first aid/CPR, compliance issues and HIV-TB management. Clinical staff also receives CAADAC certification as drug and alcohol counselors. They understand the challenges faced in early recovery including: cognitive deficits, trauma, FASD, securing affordable housing, and addressing our methamphetamine epidemic. Our clinical team works with pre-contemplation clients and works closely with staff in client-child treatment and care.

At Parisi House on the Hill, we provide the skill set, education and guidance toward the path of Hope, Healing and Recovery; our clients do the rest!