A team of compassionate professionals dedicated to saving lives – one life at a time.

Program Directors

Deborah Snyder, MS, CADC II

Program Director
CDCR SUD Treatment Program
Richard J. Donovan State Prison

Deborah Snyder joined Phoenix House California in March 2020 as the Program Director at Richard J. Donovan State Prison. She was raised in a military family, lived in Hawaii and Guam, finished high school in Washington state, and has lived and worked in San Diego since 1984. She developed her love of counseling working for a national weight loss center counseling women and men to live healthier lifestyles. After being laid-off in early 2000 due to budget cuts, she decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies so she could continue her mission to assist others in need. Ms. Snyder worked for the mental health system in San Diego from 2008 – 2017, starting as a Counselor in drug court and moving up to Program Manager. As the Director of Recovery and Wellness of Interfaith Community Services, she was instrumental in opening their new Recovery and Wellness Center. Prior to joining Phoenix House, she was the Program Director for Amity Foundation.

Ms. Snyder is happily married with four children and three grandchildren. Her passions are her family, trying new restaurants, all things Wonder Woman and Marvel, and her three rescue dogs.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Human Services with an emphasis on Addiction as well as her Master’s in Human Services. She is currently working on her dissertation for her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Behavioral Health (Organizational Leadership) with an expected completion date in May 2022.