Welcome to Royal Palms, where our team is as diverse as the individuals we serve. We’re thrilled to introduce four exceptional additions to our family, each bringing a unique blend of experiences, passion, and dedication to their roles:
JAMIE SCOTT
Primary Aide
Jamie’s journey from Louisiana to California has been a testament to resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth. Growing up in an environment where family members struggled with drug addiction, Jamie understands firsthand the challenges and complexities of addiction.
Graduating from Lakeshore High School with distinction, Jamie’s passion for the arts led her to the renowned New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. However, it was during her exploration of real estate that Jamie encountered personal challenges, ultimately leading to a transformative period of self-discovery.
Amidst these challenges, Jamie found solace and inspiration through education, immersing themselves in courses offered by HarvardX and uncovering a newfound passion for the medical field. This epiphany propelled Jamie to enroll in the Medical Assistance and Phlebotomy program at the Southern California Health Institute. Drawing from her experiences supporting sex workers and individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, Jamie brings a unique blend of empathy, understanding, and a drive to make a difference to her role at The Royal Palms. With a long-term goal of exploring the psychological aspects of addiction, Jamie’s dedication to continuous learning and personal development aligns seamlessly with our organization’s values. As she embarks on this new chapter with us, Jamie is committed to building meaningful connections, fostering a supportive environment, and implementing innovative strategies to empower our residents on their journey to recovery.
JUSTUS AKINS
Primary Aide
With a diverse background spanning the realms of Hollywood film editing and nonprofit development, Justus brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for helping others to The Royal Palms. His journey has been shaped by a commitment to personal growth and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Justus’ immediate goal of completing his associate degree in Substance Abuse Counseling reflects his dedication to professional development and his long-term aspiration of becoming a substance abuse counselor. By creating a safe and uplifting environment where individuals feel heard and supported, Justus embodies our organization’s mission of providing care to our residents.
Through effective communication and collaboration, Justus aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and compassion within the team, further enhancing the quality of care we provide. With a shared commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for serving others, Justus’s presence enriches our community and strengthens our collective resolve to empower individuals on their journey to recovery.
MICHAEL SCHLUETER
Group Facilitator
Michael’s journey to becoming a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at The Royal Palms is deeply rooted in personal experience and a profound commitment to helping others overcome addiction. With over nine years of sobriety and a steadfast dedication to the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, Michael brings a unique perspective and a wealth of empathy to his role.
Having personally navigated the challenges of addiction for over two decades, Michael’s journey to sobriety has instilled in him a deep sense of compassion and understanding for those grappling with similar struggles. His short-term goal of becoming a primary counselor and long-term aspirations of advancing within the agency reflects his unwavering commitment to growth and impact. By embodying integrity, professionalism, and collaboration in his interactions with both colleagues and residents, Michael sets a powerful example for our team. Through his tireless efforts to support and empower others, Michael not only enhances the quality of care we provide but also inspires those around him to strive for excellence in their work.
CHANDA WATTS
Medication Aide
Chanda’s story is one of transformation and unwavering determination. With over two decades of experience behind the scenes in Hollywood, Chanda’s life took a tragic turn when she received news of her father’s passing due to an accidental fentanyl drug overdose. This devastating loss served as a catalyst for Chanda’s profound shift in purpose.
In September 2022, Chanda made the courageous decision to return to school, attending AUMT to obtain her Phlebotomy License and Certificate. It was during this time of personal growth and reflection that Chandra’s calling became clear—to help individuals like her father who were struggling with addiction.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Chanda brings a wealth of love, kindness, and healing energy to every interaction with our residents. Her commitment to supporting and uplifting others is palpable, both inside and outside the med room. As she embarks on her journey with us, Chanda plans to further her education, aspiring to become a licensed Phlebotomist II. Her goal is not only to provide medical support to our residents but also to play a pivotal role in her journey to recovery.
Chanda’s passion for her work is evident in the joy she derives from witnessing the transformation of our residents. From brokenness to newfound purpose, Chanda finds fulfillment in seeing individuals walk through our doors and emerge with renewed hope and determination.
As Jamie, Justus, Michael, and Chanda embark on their respective journeys with us, we extend a warm welcome and our heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable contributions they bring to our team.
Together, we will continue to uphold our commitment to providing compassionate care and empowering individuals on their path to recovery.
