John O. Whitaker, Jr. CATC II
President/CEO at Paso Por Paso, Inc.- Claim this Profile
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Portuguese Native or bilingual proficiency
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Spanish Native or bilingual proficiency
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French Professional working proficiency
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AMESLAN Professional working proficiency
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Italian Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Elisabeth Anne Gatelein
John is a wonderful coordinator and friend. He is a teacher who helps so many and includes those of us who have also helped ourselves. John took time for me and because of his leadership and care, I was able to do the same for others. I bless his heart. John was the one that made it happen for me. I wish I wasn't so far away to not be able to help at Tarzana, however, I carry the message to Orange County in the best way possible. With dedication.
Hank Gillespie
Focus, focus, focus. These three words aptly describe John's ability. He will be on you like a T on Texas if you are not pulling your weight but is willing to stay after hours to help you get a point across. John is a wonderful, sensitive and empatheic man
Elisabeth Anne Gatelein
John is a wonderful coordinator and friend. He is a teacher who helps so many and includes those of us who have also helped ourselves. John took time for me and because of his leadership and care, I was able to do the same for others. I bless his heart. John was the one that made it happen for me. I wish I wasn't so far away to not be able to help at Tarzana, however, I carry the message to Orange County in the best way possible. With dedication.
Hank Gillespie
Focus, focus, focus. These three words aptly describe John's ability. He will be on you like a T on Texas if you are not pulling your weight but is willing to stay after hours to help you get a point across. John is a wonderful, sensitive and empatheic man
Elisabeth Anne Gatelein
John is a wonderful coordinator and friend. He is a teacher who helps so many and includes those of us who have also helped ourselves. John took time for me and because of his leadership and care, I was able to do the same for others. I bless his heart. John was the one that made it happen for me. I wish I wasn't so far away to not be able to help at Tarzana, however, I carry the message to Orange County in the best way possible. With dedication.
Hank Gillespie
Focus, focus, focus. These three words aptly describe John's ability. He will be on you like a T on Texas if you are not pulling your weight but is willing to stay after hours to help you get a point across. John is a wonderful, sensitive and empatheic man
Elisabeth Anne Gatelein
John is a wonderful coordinator and friend. He is a teacher who helps so many and includes those of us who have also helped ourselves. John took time for me and because of his leadership and care, I was able to do the same for others. I bless his heart. John was the one that made it happen for me. I wish I wasn't so far away to not be able to help at Tarzana, however, I carry the message to Orange County in the best way possible. With dedication.
Hank Gillespie
Focus, focus, focus. These three words aptly describe John's ability. He will be on you like a T on Texas if you are not pulling your weight but is willing to stay after hours to help you get a point across. John is a wonderful, sensitive and empatheic man
Credentials
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CATC II
CAADEApr, 2005- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Paso Por Paso, Inc.
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Individual and Family Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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President/CEO
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Feb 2003 - Present
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - EVERYTHING. Mainly helping individuals find treatment resources, going to courts to advocate for treatment in lieu of incarceration. Go to LA City Hall, LA County, Sacramento, other Capitals and Washington DC to fight for Treatment - I also have begun a documentary on the Portuguese Drug Policy
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President & Founder
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Feb 2003 - Present
We do support services for those individuals for whom English is NOT their primary language and/or Spiritual Language. With Paso Por Paso, it is our mission to help the Hispanic Addict/Alcholic find treatment and recovery in their own language.Tratamiento y Recuperacion en Su Idioma
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Director - A New PATH LA
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Jan 2011 - Present
Returned from Washington D.C. where A New PATH received the Joel Hernandez Award from Faces and Voices of Recovery! A New PATH works to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness through education and compassionate support, and to advocate for therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies. We are a non-profit advocacy organization of parents, concerned citizens, individuals in recovery, healthcare professionals and community leaders working together to educate the public, media and decision makers about the true nature of the disease of addiction, and to expand access to treatment services. We advocate to end discriminatory drug policies that serve as roadblocks to recovery.A New PATH strives to assure access to quality cost-effective addiction treatment services, lessen the harms associated with addictive illness, reduce recidivism, save lives and move towards a healthier society, free from discriminatory drug policies, violent crime and wasted lives."
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Alcohol Justice
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United States
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Public Policy Offices
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1 - 100 Employee
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Member of the Board of Directors
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Sep 2011 - Dec 2020
Formerly on the executive board, but mostly supporting the LADAPA and CAPA and putting in my $0.02 when asked and sometimes when not asked Formerly on the executive board, but mostly supporting the LADAPA and CAPA and putting in my $0.02 when asked and sometimes when not asked
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Amity Foundation
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United States
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Individual and Family Services
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200 - 300 Employee
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Amity @ LAC Lancaster Prison - Re-Entry Program Counselor
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Jul 2014 - Jul 2015
My first IN CUSTODY Counseling Position. We will be working on this Level IV Yard helping the guys learn about Therapeutic Community and how we can help them to Re-Enter the REAL WORLD.Unfortunately, due to new projects and new horizons I had to leave working with these guys that just want a change and a chance to show their resolution to change. Let's give it to them, PLEASE!! My first IN CUSTODY Counseling Position. We will be working on this Level IV Yard helping the guys learn about Therapeutic Community and how we can help them to Re-Enter the REAL WORLD.Unfortunately, due to new projects and new horizons I had to leave working with these guys that just want a change and a chance to show their resolution to change. Let's give it to them, PLEASE!!
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Special Projects Coordinator
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Jan 2013 - May 2014
A Fellowship of Men and Women who share their experience strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and recovery from addiction to all mind-altering substances.Work includes all special projects including but not limited to facilitating the translation of all C.A. approved literature. Working on organizing of literature and publishing of new literature projects. A Fellowship of Men and Women who share their experience strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and recovery from addiction to all mind-altering substances.Work includes all special projects including but not limited to facilitating the translation of all C.A. approved literature. Working on organizing of literature and publishing of new literature projects.
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Tarzana Treatment Centers
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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400 - 500 Employee
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Counselor III - Alumni Coordinator/AWARE Liaison
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Oct 2005 - Jun 2012
No longer working for this organization No longer working for this organization
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Former SFVCA Delegate
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2000 - 2008
Helped the 12 Step program create norms and suggested rules and regulations regarding working with the public Helped the 12 Step program create norms and suggested rules and regulations regarding working with the public
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Brigham Young University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Student
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1978 - 1986
Studying and making films and theatre
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Student
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1978 - 1986
Was in the Provo Actor's Studio led by Tad Danielewski. Worked in the BYU News Department as Director and Chryon Operator. Directed and Produced a Series Pilot and Directed and produced a few plays and perforances.
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Education
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2002 - 2004
Pierce College
CDS, Addiction Studies -
1982 - 1986
Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communication and Media Studies -
1977 - 1986
Brigham Young University
BA, Communications - Television/Film Studies
Community
