Meet Laura Love, Executive Director, Aegis Treatment Centers on Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, California
What was your role prior to becoming the new executive director for the Truxtun Avenue location?
I started as a counselor at our center on 21st Street in Bakersfield and was later promoted to executive director when we opened our 2nd Bakersfield location on Columbus Street. I then moved back to 21st Street as the executive director there. I spent time as acting executive director at our Delano clinic as well, so I’ve gotten to be a part of all the facilities in our county. It is an honor to be able to open our 3rd Bakersfield location on Truxtun Avenue.
My hope for our Truxtun clinic is to take all of the special components of our other Kern County facilities and wrap them into one. I want to improve the services we deliver in order to positively impact our patients’ recovery process. I want our community to recognize the great work we do, and for Aegis to be the preferred medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provider of choice.
How long have you been in the addiction treatment field? What is your work history before coming to Aegis? When did you join Aegis?
I’ve been in the addiction treatment field for 10 years, starting with Aegis in 2011. Prior to working with Aegis, I spent two years in applied behavioral analysis, working with autistic children in their homes, and eight years in retail, working at Home Depot as a department supervisor.
What do you love most about this field, about the work you do?
What I love most about the work I do in this field, is getting to see change take place in the lives of so many. Seeing people go from rock bottom to mountain top is a beautiful thing, and an absolute gift to be a part of. This is the most humbling experience I have ever had.
What is your hope for our patients?
That they see their unique beauty, worth, and capabilities. That they make the changes they desire to live a happy and healthy life.
What is your education?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State University Bakersfield. I am also a certified alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor.
What are your primary responsibilities at Truxtun?
Opening and maintaining a successful new location that increases access to care to the members of our community who need it. I ensure a safe and therapeutic treatment environment for the lives that come to us.
Why should someone come for treatment there? What makes Truxtun special?
It is a special thing to open a new location “from scratch.” Our team is small but mighty, and we are anxious to welcome new and transferred patients into our doors. We offer a family feel when you are here, and have a beautiful and inviting location inside and out. Our patients will be pleased with this new and improved environment and can expect quality care and kindness from our team.
Where are you from? Tell us a little about your personal life.
I am originally from Iowa and am a small-town girl at heart. I am married to my best friend, and we have the happiest baby boy on the planet. I love to spend time with my family and friends, to go outdoors, travel to new places, and take dance cardio classes at the gym. I’m a terrible dancer but I love it anyway.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am so excited to be a part of this new opportunity for our patients!
Laura can be reached at laura.love@pinnacletreatment.com.