Staff

Patrick Kilbane, originally from Seattle WA, has been involved in 12 Step recovery for the last 18 years. Following a relapse after several years of sobriety, Patrick had the opportunity to enter Taylor Made Retreat as a guest in the fall of 2020. It was there that he was immersed in the 12 Steps- a set of simple, spiritual principles and a design for living- that offered him an entirely new perspective and outlook on his life. Patrick’s background as a professional dancer, performance artist, and fitness instructor helped him to develop a unique approach in working with newly sober alcoholics and addicts. He was brought on as a staff member after he successfully completed the program offered at TMR. He stays connected by bringing recovery focused movement and yoga classes to the guests of Taylor Made Retreat.

Prior to joining us at Taylor Made, Chef Heather worked in a variety of different kitchens around the country. From working on a 175-foot Yacht to a Juvenile Detention Center, she has spent years crafting her culinary knowledge to create truly meaningful experiences and seriously delicious meals. While working in the Juvenile Detention Center, Heather realized it was communities like these she felt compelled to serve. Many of the boys had been repeat offenders that grew up with absent families and food scarcity. They ran a culinary program teaching the boys with the basics of cooking while building a foundation of work ethic.

When asked about the opportunity at TMR, she said, “I instantly knew I was getting ready to embark on the most important culinary journey of my life this far. I knew that everything I had ever done had been preparing me to be here.”

Rebecca Gurney has been working in concerts and events for nearly a decade, beginning as the Promotions Director for the Portland offices of Salem Media Group. In her 6 years there, she promoted concert tours with 104.1 The Fish and led as the Festival Director for Fish Fest in Salem, OR. In 2020, she transitioned to Hope Media Group where she served as Sr. Manager, Special Events, managing shows throughout Texas and Florida for KSBJ, Vida Unida, & WayFM. She is thrilled to return to her roots in Oregon and to have the opportunity to manage concerts that support the incredible recovery work at Taylor Made Retreat. 

Sarah Levin has been in recovery since September of 2014, guided by the principle of “Tikkun Olam,” which translates to “the repair of the world.” Her core values of service to others, compassion, and integrity shape her actions, and working at Taylor Made Retreat allows her to live these values daily. Sarah finds immense joy in connecting the community to the life-saving care provided by Taylor Made Retreat. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, spending time with her partner and their dogs, cooking, and actively participating in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Amanda was born and raised in Seattle, but it was in New Mexico where she made her passion for art and nature into a career. As a client of Taylor Made, she was particularly inspired by the healing aspects of the grounds here, and now works daily to create spaces for people to heal and shares her passion for the beauty of nature.

Acacia was born and raised in Portland, OR. Before coming to Taylor Made Retreat, Acacia earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing.

With two parents in long term recovery she was exposed to the world of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 steps from early childhood. When the time came in her own life to ask for help she knew where to turn. Acacia completed the program at TMR in June 2023 and joined the staff as a House Manager upon graduation. The 12 steps have transformed her perspective on life and her relationships with her family and five year old daughter. She is active in the recovery community and in her spare time likes to read, sew, and attempt to skateboard.

Matthew was born and raised in Morgantown, WV. As a resident at Taylor Made Retreat, Matthew had a life changing and transformative spiritual awakening through working the 12 steps. Upon graduating, he had the opportunity join the Taylor Made team as a House Manager; he now finds great purpose in sharing his experience with all those who come through our program.

Linda is one of the newest additions to our team, but has quickly become the spiritual leader of our community. Linda is enrolled Assinaboine/Sioux (Dakota) from the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation. She has been in recovery for 45 years and her sobriety date is 8/11/78. Linda was hired at Native American Rehabilitation Association as a Counselor 1 in 1981. When she retired as a Counselor in 2006,  she became Counselor 111 and was treatment director at NARA outpatient. Most of Linda’s work has been working in the recovery field. She spent 6 years 2017-2023 working as the Elder Project Manager for Mother Nation (part-time) and Case Manager for Catholic Community Services running their recovery house. She presided as board chair for Mother Nation for 3 years when starting their non- profit, and since 2016 she has served as the President of the Northwest Council of Water Protectors. In addition to her work in the recovery field, Linda is the mother of 6 beautiful children and grandmother/great-grandmother of 34. Linda is glad to have been involved in the native communities throughout the NW and enjoys the work she is doing now as a House Manager at Taylor Made Retreat.