Meet the compassionate and qualified Sobriety Works team serving the Santa Cruz area. Our certified professionals are dedicated to supporting outpatient addiction recovery treatment and long-term wellness. We use a recovery-focused approach tailored to each individual’s needs.
Explore our programs to see how we support recovery every step of the way.

Sarah Cooper (x1112)

Sarah is the Executive Director at Sobriety Works. She makes everything work! With a long history in treatment services, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to the organization. Over the course of more than two decades serving the community, Sarah has been a tireless advocate for those struggling with substance use disorder. She has been instrumental in shaping county systems, ensuring that treatment services evolve to meet the diverse needs of individuals from all walks of life. Her leadership has been central to major shifts in equity within the treatment landscape, helping to dismantle barriers and expand access to vital services for historically underserved populations. Sarah’s work has helped create a more inclusive and compassionate system—one where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can find the support they need.

Meghna Agarwal, ASW, CADC-III (x1103)

Meghna Agarwal is the Clinical Director at Sobriety Works where she began her recovery journey as a client. Meghna has provided services in variety of settings: County of Santa Cruz Substance Use Disorder Services, The Homeless Garden Project, and the Safer Use and Overdose Prevention Program. She earned her MSW from San Jose State University, is an Associate Social Worker, is EMDR trained in process of certification, and integrates CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing into her practice.
Meghna is a registered associate MSW with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and practices under supervision of Holly Hughes, LCSW #22877.

Jannece Link (x1105)

Jannece is the Chief Financial Officer at Sobriety Works. She began her journey with Sobriety Works in 2018 as an intern. What started as a practicum for her degree quickly became something much more meaningful—Sobriety Works became close to her heart, and she never left. Jannece has experienced the effects of generational trauma, substance use, and mental health challenges firsthand. These personal experiences fuel her passion for the work she does and make it deeply meaningful to witness others break harmful cycles and begin to heal. Jannece is an integral part of the team, bringing consistency, heart, and dedication to everything she does.

David Brewster, RADT (x1106)

David is the Program Coordinator and AM Outpatient Counselor at Sobriety Works. He got into the recovery field in 2017 after his own recovery journey led him to becoming a Sober Living house manager. From there, David continued his work and education journey. He has worked in many environments with many different populations. His main goal is to meet clients where they are and support them in making the changes they want to make in a specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely manner. He has trained in several evidence-based practices and continues to expand his knowledge to better understand different modalities and support our clients in an impactful way.

John Wasielewski, SUDCC-III (x1102)

John is the AM Intensive Outpatient Counselor at Sobriety Works. John views addiction as a behavioral condition that extends beyond substance use, and he believes that lasting recovery is built on three key foundations: changing unhelpful thought patterns, forming new and healthier habits, and embracing the ongoing work required to sustain recovery from addictive behaviors. His clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, as he is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction. In addition, he is a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator. John holds a BA in Human Services and is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) at Louisiana State University. With a background in the performing arts, John integrates creativity into his practice to inspire motivation, teach teamwork, and demonstrate that joy and playfulness are important parts of recovery.

Shawn Fialho, SUDCC-I (x1111)

Shawn is the PM Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Counselor at Sobriety Works. In the past, he has worked with Transition Age Youth, was a Treatment Technician at Janus of Santa Cruz, and began counseling at Sobriety Works in 2022. He works with clients using a variety of treatment styles including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Recovery Monitoring, Positive Psychology, community resources, and encouragement. Every client that he works with is equally respected and important to him. Outside of work, he enjoys drawing, building his brand, selling his apparel, motorcycle riding, and giving back to the community.

Celeste Lopez, RADT, PSS (x1104)

Celeste Lopez is a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist and Outpatient Counselor at Sobriety Works. Celeste’s own recovery journey has shaped her belief that healing is possible for anyone no matter how far they have fallen. She believes in helping others see the light within themselves and discover their purpose. Celeste began her career as a peer support specialist, where she used her lived experience to support clients in navigating their own unique recovery journey. Through the experience and knowledge she gained working in peer support, Celeste decided to pursue the goal of becoming a certified substance use disorder counselor. Celeste combines clinical knowledge with the empathy that comes from lived experience to create a safe, judgment-free space where healing and growth are possible. She believes in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them with compassion, respect, and hope.

Karen Silva, PSS (x1109)

Karen is the Parent Mentor and a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist at Sobriety Works. She is a mother of four children, ages 18, 11, 6, and 5. Karen has lived experience in Family Children Services as a youth, parent, and provider; in the court systems; and in recovery from addiction, as well as mental health and trauma. She works with an open mind, integrity, empathy, love, and compassion. She has the privilege of working alongside clients who are struggling with addiction and are involved with open dependency cases. She provides support through one of their collaborative court programs, named Family Preservation Court. She also provides support for clients who are monolingual, in both dependency cases and for recovery support.

Katherine Friedman (x1108)

Katherine is an Office Coordinator who keeps everything running smoothly. She lives in Santa Cruz and loves music, the ocean, learning, and life. Katherine has been in recovery since 2021 and is grateful and committed to serving the community. She is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician, completed Cabrillo College’s Drug and Alcohol Studies certificate program, and is in the process of becoming certified as an EMT.

Claire Friedman (x1110)

Claire is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a practical, directive approach to treatment. She earned her BA in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and a Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. With over 12 years of experience in SUD treatment, she has worked with organizations like Adolescent Counseling Service, Camp Recovery, and Summit Estate.