Joshua Mayer

Executive Director

Bio of Joshua to come.

Eric Deno, SUDP

Director of SUD Services

Eric has been with STARS since 2014 and holds an AAS degree in Addiction Studies from SFCC. Eric has held nearly every position in the Withdrawal Management Program, which gives him a unique insight into the needs of his team and the patients they serve. Eric loves being proactive and working with the community to problem solve behavioral health needs for our most vulnerable and underserved populations.

In his free time, Eric enjoys watching sports, playing basketball and spending time with his family.

Kristen Sobkowiak LMHC, SUDP, MHP

Director of Co-occurring Services

Kristen joined Spokane Treatment and Recovery Services in 2016. Kristen is a Gonzaga University alumna who grew up as a military dependent and traveled all over the USA before finally settling down in Spokane. She has dedicated the last 20 years of her professional life to serving Spokane’s vulnerable population and acting as a servant leader and mentor to behavioral health professionals entering the field.

Kristen is the mother of two grown children, four grown stepchildren, a fast-growing 16 year-old boy who loves to play football, and has 8 grandchildren. She enjoys supporting her son’s football team, gardening, landscaping, camping, and hiking our beautiful Spokane area trails.

Ryan Kent

Director of Operations

Ryan joined the STARS team in 2014. He discovered his passion for helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders in 2009 while working as a Life Skills Coach at Fresh Start, a treatment facility located just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. While there, he became a Registered Addiction Specialist and held many positions from Withdrawal Specialist to Senior Director of Rehabilitation. Prior to moving into his current role as Operations Manager, Ryan  worked as the Sobering Services Supervisor. He has also spent time as Behavioral Health Technician and Hospital Diversion Case Manager for STARS.

When Ryan isn’t in the office or connecting with the healthcare community, it’s a safe bet you can find him on the river fly fishing, or up in the mountains snowboarding.

Joseph C Peloso III, SUDP

Hospital Diversion Program Manager

Joseph has been an employee of STARS since July 2005. He began as a Sobering Technician and has worn many hats over the years, such as Discharge Planner, Sobering Supervisor, and Case Manager prior to landing in his current position as Program Manager of Hospital Diversion Services. Joseph is currently working on finishing his degree in Addiction Studies and plans to continue his education at Whitworth University studying Public Service Administration.

Joseph enjoys hiking, biking, working out, rafting, water skiing, wave runners, self-care, and spending time with family and friends.

Chelsea Thulean

Human Resources Manager

Chelsea joined the STARS team in February 2022 and recently moved into the Human Resources Manager Role. In her new position, Chelsea gets the opportunity to serve the  employees of STARS who are serving the community, something she is very passionate about. She is currently finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Health Psychology at EWU with a minor in communication.

Chelsea enjoys floating the river, spending time with her dog, and anything that involves sunshine!

Simon Lazar

Accountant

Simon joined the STARS team in March 2023 in the Senior Accountant role. He enjoys serving the STARS business functions so the professionals can best serve the community, which he enjoys greatly. Simon currently holds a B.S. in Accounting and a minor in Finance from Central Washington University, while currently pursuing his CPA License and eventual Masters degree.

When Simon is not working, you can often find him playing guitar, reading, snowboarding, or enjoying the sunshine with friends and family.

Brittany Wheeler, BA, SUDP

Cub House Clinical Supervisor/Program Manager

Brittany joined the STARS team in October 2021. She currently holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Addiction Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, while also working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brittany has been a licensed Substance Use Disorder Professional since 2015 and has loved every minute in the field. She has worked with an array of clients from outpatient to intensive inpatient, as well as the incarcerated population. Her passion for this field comes from wanting to help individuals develop in their potential and progress to be the person they want to become in recovery and to learn more about themselves in the process. Through her passion and dedication in the field she has been able to increase her knowledge and experience, leading her to the opportunity to work at Cub House as the Program Director/Clinical Supervisor.

Brittany is a dog-mom of 3 who occupy most of her free time. She enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and adventuring during her free time. She is also committed to continuing to learn and improve herself both at and outside of work.