Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, CCTP, C-PD

Dr. Courtney Tracy is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Exist Centers. She is a USC-trained, licensed doctoral-level clinician with over 10 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Dr. Courtney developed Exist Centers because for a long time, she didn't want to exist (due her own personal substance use and mental struggles.) Now, she serves the team by ensuring every decision made in our programs is made with excellent clinical client care in mind.

Dr. Courtney is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider (C-PD). She holds a Masters in Social Work and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Courtney has a proven track record of success in founding and directing co-occurring (mental health + substance use) treatment centers, developing and implementing evidence-based and purpose-driven clinical programs, and advocating for mental health reform. 

Dr. Courtney is also an award-winning mental health public figure who has spoken at national conferences, been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times and the LA Times, and is respected by both her clinical field and the general population.

 A SoCal native (born, raised, and currently residing), Dr. Courtney prides herself on treating the communities she and her family live, work, and play in. Dr. Courtney has been with her husband for 18 years and they have two young children.

Max Tracy, BA

Max Tracy, our esteemed Chief Operating Officer, brings a wealth of experience to our organization, particularly from his significant contributions to behavioral health organizations, mental health non-profits, and start-up facilities. His educational background in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, along with his entrepreneurial focus, has imbued him with a deep comprehension of human behavior and organizational dynamics. This foundation enables him to adeptly navigate complex challenges, from strategic planning to fostering environments where both individuals and the organization can thrive.

Max is not only celebrated for his leadership and innovative solutions to operational issues but also for ensuring the company and its staff and clients are always well-treated, maintaining a high standard of care and service. His history of successfully leading behavioral health organizations alongside his work with mental health non-profits and startups highlights his versatile ability to drive positive change in various settings. Max's unique combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience is a driving force behind our organization, making him an invaluable asset as we continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.

Dr. Kayla Brown, PhD

Kayla Brown is our Clinical Director, starting her career as an intern therapist in 2013. Since then, she's held various positions in the behavioral health sector, including Therapist, Program Director, Clinical Director, Admissions Director, and Executive Director. Her work has covered substance abuse and mental health facilities, the CDCR prison system, and psychiatric facilities, demonstrating her broad expertise.

Kayla has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, focusing on Trauma and Crisis, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her education and experience equip her well for her role at Exist, where she is a key player in our mission to prioritize human care and support. Kayla is known for her passion and dedication to this mission, making her an invaluable part of our team.

Her leadership is instrumental in guiding our efforts to provide compassionate and effective care, aligning with our core value of putting humans first.

Dr. Randall Turner, DO

Dr. Randall Turner embarked on his distinguished medical career after receiving his degree from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, further specializing in Psychiatry with a residency at Loma Linda University. Recognized for his expertise with board certifications in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, Dr. Turner has become a cornerstone in his field. As a founding member of the Progeny Psychiatric Group, he is deeply committed to understanding and treating various aspects of human psychology and psychopathology, focusing on general adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine. His holistic approach aims to alleviate suffering and foster the growth of his patients, combining compassion with comprehensive care.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Turner is also a passionate musician, proficient in guitar, piano, and drums, which complements his medical profession by offering a unique blend of creativity and healing. His interests extend to reading, bird watching, and traveling, enriching his personal and professional life with diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for nature and cultures around the world. Residing in Southern California with his wife and four children, Dr. Turner's life is a testament to a balance between professional dedication, artistic expression, and family, embodying excellence, talent, and integrity that resonate both within and beyond the medical community.

Emily Forotan, LMFT

Emily is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience specializing in addiction treatment and mental health recovery. Throughout her career, she has worked in various treatment centers, refining her skills and understanding of addiction, mental health, and the journey to recovery. Emily is deeply committed to supporting individuals in their recovery journey, offering compassionate guidance and evidence-based interventions to promote healing and resilience.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Emily works collaboratively with clients to address not only substance use and addiction but also co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. She believes in a holistic approach to recovery, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

In her therapeutic practice, Emily integrates mindfulness-based techniques and solution-focused strategies to empower clients to overcome challenges and build fulfilling lives in recovery. She provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop coping skills, and cultivate hope for the future.

Steven Shaw

Steven has dedicated the past seven years to the treatment profession, bringing a wide range of skills and passions to his role as a facilitator. He leads groups on various topics, including music therapy, art, meditation, and relapse prevention, and specializes in sound healing and connection groups. Steven is compassionate and believes that infusing each interaction with kindness and understanding is crucial for guiding clients towards self-love, sobriety, and a fulfilling life.

In addition to his treatment work, Steven is a seasoned musician and producer, integrating his artistic talents with his professional endeavors to offer a unique blend of creativity and therapeutic healing. He also serves as a pastor and worship leader, providing spiritual guidance and inspiration. With 18 years of experience as a business owner, he understands the significance of leadership and innovation in effecting positive change.

In his personal life, Steven is a committed husband and father to two children, with a strong advocacy for adoption and foster care. His dedication to his family complements his professional life, emphasizing his overall commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Maggie Scotto, BS, RADT, RYT-500

Maggie is our Somatic Practitioner and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in mental health. Her work in the field of substance abuse over the last five years has been driven by her belief in the importance of creating a safe place for individuals to return to their bodies.

In several local facilities, she has been involved in implementing somatic modalities such as Somatic Experiencing, Reiki, Yoga, Sound Healing, Breathwork, and Meditation. Her passion for bridging the gap between the mind and body stems from her firm belief that everyone deserves to feel connected and at home within themselves. 

Maggie's professional journey is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences. Having navigated through her own battles with mental health and substance abuse, she found her calling in this field. This firsthand experience has equipped her with profound empathy and compassion, enabling her to connect authentically with each individual she encounters. Maggie's approach is guided by her heartfelt commitment, making her an integral part of the Exist team.

Dr. Jerry Vaccaro, MD

Jerry Vaccaro's professional journey in the healthcare and psychiatry sectors is marked by significant leadership achievements and strategic insights. His role as the Chief Executive Officer at United Behavioral Health exemplifies his capacity for guiding prominent healthcare organizations towards substantial growth and success. Jerry's extensive experience is further demonstrated in his academic contributions as a Director and Associate Professor at UCLA, where he influenced the development of future healthcare leaders and professionals through his expertise and mentorship.

Moreover, Jerry has effectively led as President at All Points North and as CEO of Prospect Integrated Behavioral Health, illustrating his adeptness in steering organizations within the behavioral health space towards achieving their strategic objectives. Currently, serving as an Operating Partner with Sun Healthcare Capital, Jerry is actively engaged in fostering growth and innovation in behavioral healthcare. His distinguished career and leadership acumen make him an invaluable member of the Exist Center team, where he continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare delivery and services.