Member Spotlight: Nico

Alta Mira is a residential addiction and dual diagnosis treatment center that blends proven clinical therapies with extensive neuropsychological testing, customized treatment planning, and a broad range of holistic services and experiential therapies to deliver one of the most comprehensive recovery programs in the world. Located in a magnificent and serene setting overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay, Alta Mira offers a brain healthy treatment model supported by The American Society of Addiction Medicine which addresses the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of addiction.

I grew up in Litchfield County, Northwest corner of Connecticut in the Berkshires - Washing Depot was my home town. I now live in and work in Marin County, CA in the SAF Bay Area (just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco) and home to Mt Tamalpais - the birthplace of mountain biking with tons of open space (trails, coast line, heaven on earth!)

I am a Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist (CTAS), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and certified Verbal De-escalation Instructor through the Crisis Prevention Institute. My career has taken me across multiple disciplines, from filmmaking in Hollywood to guiding group white water rafting and sea kayaking adventures in some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes—including the mountains of Colorado, the rapids of the Grand Canyon, and international destinations like New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and Patagonia. These experiences deepened my appreciation for storytelling, human resilience, and the transformative power of nature.

From 2004 to 2012, I worked in film and television production at major studios, first as a Production Assistant and eventually being accepted into the Directors Guild of America as an Assistant Director, working on films like Indiana Jones, Terminator, Fast and the Furious, Sideways, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. My time in Hollywood sharpened my leadership, problem-solving, and crisis management skills—qualities that seamlessly translated into my work in experiential therapy and adventure-based recovery.
Driven by a desire to make a deeper impact, I pursued my Master of Social Work at Columbia University, which ultimately led me to serve as Program Director at High Watch Recovery Center, in Kent CT. In this role, I led a continuum of addiction treatment programs at this nationally recognized, 78-bed, dual-diagnosis facility, which was established in part by AA co-founder Bill Wilson. I helped integrate cutting-edge addiction therapy with the timeless teachings of AA’s 12 Steps to provide holistic care to those in need of recovery. 

In 2017, I joined Alta Mira as Experiential Program Manager, where I found my dream job—combining my love for addiction recovery with my deep connection to nature. Collaborating closely with our multidisciplinary clinical team, I design transformative offsite experiences that leverage the natural and cultural treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area.

My Experiential Program takes full advantage of Marin County’s extensive network of hiking, biking, and trail running paths, as well as the San Francisco Bay’s water-based activities like sailing, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. I also incorporate equine-assisted therapy, ropes challenge courses, and ziplining adventures—each thoughtfully designed to support the mind, body, and spirit. Through structured outdoor experiences, I provide clients with opportunities to confront challenges, discover strengths, and cultivate a renewed sense of resilience and self.

I am 12 years sober, a twin, I am proficient in Spanish and Italian and hold dual citizenship with Italy and the USA. 

The growing recognition in clinical circles of the intrinsic healing power of nature, the absolute integral importance of the work we all do and its therapeutic value and a recent academic focus on biophilia. 

My CTAS cohort and my wife.

Trail running, mountain biking or watching movies with my wife Justine or seeing live music with friends) and traveling! definitely traveling with Justine!

I think I was one of the first 15 CTAS and one of only 2 in CA? I have been certified for almost one year now - but was a member of AEE since September of 2023.

Being part of a vibrant, compassionate, talented and inspiring group of healers and helpers who share common goals and a love of the outdoors (and who understand its intrinsic healing powers!)

The inspiring time I had (I could sadly only attend one day even though it was held in my backyard here in Marin) at the 2024 Western Convergence. Also my time with my cohort at Adventure Therapist, LLC (My time with them in Ohio was nothing short of incredible (think nighttime zip-lining, campfire sing-alongs and many chances to practice group facilitation), and I continue to cherish the connections I made with my cohort, now trusted colleagues in the ever-growing field of adventure therapy.)

CTAS certification gave me the professional certification I had been seeking. It validated what I knew I knew - but it was super rewarding to be formally recognized in the field by such a well respected certification body as AEE.

The AEE certification process led me to get additional training from Kim Sacksteder, MSW, LISW-SV, CCAT and Nick Magle-Haberek, MS, MSW, LCSW, CCAT  - the co-owners and mentors at Adventure Therapist, LLC. Their unique six-day course secured me 60 hours of CTAS -eligible hands-on training, providing practical, real-world experience in facilitating adventure therapy. The curriculum they designed aligned seamlessly with AEE’s CCAT and CTAS credentialing requirement and was invaluable to my personal and professional development. This was huge in both helping get my credential but in validating my previous work experience and helping me grow and expand my therapeutic offerings.