Joshua Pierce, MDiv, RADT
President, pastoral Counselor
Joshua Pierce is the president and founder of Cornerstone Center for Counseling and Discipleship. In March of 2020 Joshua opened Cornerstone Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, but due to COVID had to temporarily close in December of the same year. Joshua continued to work and dedicate himself to reopening the substance abuse treatment program, which reopened in May 2022. Joshua was born and raised in Tehachapi and was an active member of the high school band. After graduating, Joshua spent the next ten years studying to become a minister, but in 2012 after a mental breakdown caused by depression, he shifted his ministerial focus to fighting the stigma against mental health. Joshua’s focus on mental health aided him as he served in ministry, especially to high school and young adult groups. Joshua earned a Masters in Divinity with a graduate certificate in pastoral counseling in 2017 as well as being ordained in the Church of the Nazarene the same year. In November of 2017, Joshua returned to Tehachapi and opened Cornerstone as a way of providing affordable mental health care to a community in need. After a year of working in the local prison as a substance abuse counselor Joshua began to see the need of a full service substance abuse treatment program in Tehachapi. While working on Cornerstone’s programs, Joshua also began serving as a chaplain at the local hospital in August of 2019. During that time he aided the patients and families of those with COVID as well as helped the staff with their mental health. There is no doubt that Joshua has a heart and desire to serve our community.
Specialties: Relationship Counseling, Grief Counseling, Depression Counseling, Communication, Discipleship
CCAPP RADT #R1336370119
Teri Strahan, LCSW
Lead Psychotherapist
Teri has lived in Tehachapi for over forty years. Teri has served the East Kern area for over twenty years. She has worked as a social worker/behavioral health therapist for the last ten years. Teri has seen first hand the destructive nature of addiction on families and communities as she has worked with those dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse issues. Teri earned her masters degree in Social Work from California State University. Over the years Teri has become a staple in the community and serves the Tehachapi community faithfully. Teri joined the Cornerstone staff in March of 2022 and provides oversight of counseling staff and ensures that clients are receiving quality care. Teri enjoys spending her time with her husband, children, grandchildren as well as gardening and traveling.
LCSW #80182
Veronica Corona, CBIF, CAMS-II,RADT
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern, Case Manager, Anger Management Specialist, Batters Intervention Specialist, Domestic Violence Advocate
Veronica grew up in Tehachapi and has worked in various areas of healthcare for 10 years. Veronica’s passion for the substance abuse field comes from the loss of multiple loved ones who died from overdose. Veronica is passionate about helping her home town and looks forward to helping her community overcome the stigma that is associated with addiction. Veronica is working toward an associate degree in human services and is working toward a certification in addiction studies at Cero Coso Community College. Veronica also has a passion for advocacy, specifically those who have been victims of domestic violence. Veronica is also certified to provide court ordered classes.
Specialization: Anger Management, Domestic Violence Advocacy, Batterers Intervention (court ordered)
CCAPP RADT #R1465680422
Elsita Barnes, ACSW, MSW
Psychotherapy Intern
Elsita has been in social work for more than 10 years. She received her MSW (Master of Social work) from Cal State University East Bay and prior to graduating she completed two internships one at Sutter Hospital and one at a continuation school. Her undergraduate work was a double bachelors in Business Administration and Communications from Holy Names University. Elsita worked in an in-house advertising agency and became dissatisfied with the work and soon after redeveloped herself for the field of social work. Elsita managed a Family Resource Center(FRC) at an affordable complex where she focused on program development, grant writing, program management, supervision, facilitating workshops, case management and information referral. She also worked with clients struggling with addiction, domestic violence, dysfunctional family issues, at risk youth, disabled residents and seniors. A major accomplishment experienced at the FRC was establishing an after school program with wrap-around services, parental engagement, volunteer tutors (from community and tenants), field trips and academic achievement. In addition, Elsita worked with at-risk youth at a middle school and developed a life skills workshop. Elsita’s life mission is to uplift those needing inspiration and provide empowerment.
Specialization: Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems
ACSW #105838
Jasmine Enriquez, RADT
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
Jasmine was born and raised in Ventura CA. She moved to Tehachapi four years ago and has enjoyed engaging in a slow-paced lifestyle. Jasmine has spent a decade working in medical services, but after seeing the need within our community for substance abuse treatment she transitioned her career focus to helping others through their recovery. She has watched addiction plague her immediate family and feels the desire to help enact generational change. Jasmine is very passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and addiction, so everyone struggling will be able to receive services without the fear of judgement. For Jasmine, bringing awareness to a disease that consumes a large portion of the population, is a personal and professional dream. Jasmine is currently attending the Los Angeles Training Institute for Alcohol & Drug Counseling.
Specializations: Psycho-education of Addiction, Recovery Issues, Relapse Prevention
CCAPP RADT #R1498610223
Rick Morris, RADT
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
Rick had completed a forty year career as a Union Carpenter in Washington before moving to Tehachapi a year ago. While in Washington, Rick volunteered and helped start programs with several local nonprofits. Facing his own physical challenges Rick had to slow down and found himself Enrolled in a Pain Management Clinic. This began a shift in Rick’s life that has led him to serve in recovery. After moving to Tehachapi, Rick became heavily involved in the local Alano club and regularly participates in the activities there. Rick also began a recovery group through the church he attends. Rick brings over three decades of experience and understanding of recovery and mental health to Cornerstone. Rick is studying to become certified as a substance abuse counselor through Cerro Coso Community College.
Specializations: Life Skills, Grief and Loss, Mindfulness, Communication
CCAPP RADT #R1498600223
Jonathan Ross-Tohill, RADT
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
Jonathan is a recent addition to Tehachapi, having moved from Colorado in 2019, and he and his wife love the small community. Jonathan has worked in several industries throughout his career including construction, tech fields, sales, and service industries. Throughout his time in various industries, Jonathan saw the mental health and addiction issues that plagues his coworkers. Out of a desire to help those he saw struggling, Jonathan began to pursue a career as a substance abuse counselor. Jonathan began attending Sober College’s School of Addiction Studies in 2022. As a counselor, he is dedicated to bringing a positive, healing experience to any he can serve at Cornerstone. Jonathan approached clients with openness, and without judgment. Jonathan’s goals in life are to help others anywhere he can, to positively influence others, and improve the lives of those around him.
Specializations: Communication, Conflict Resolution
CCAPP RADT #R1495880123