Pacific Pathways

Field: Mental Healthcare

Title: Partner, Director of Marketing

Role: Business Startup, Marketing & Sales

Dates: January 2020 - August 2020

Project Description

FIRM DESCRIPTION

Pacific Pathways is a residential program for young adults navigating primary mental health diagnoses, often alongside co-occurring substance use challenges. The program emphasizes recovery through evidence-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrated with comprehensive psychiatric care. Set in the scenic Bay Area, Pacific Pathways also offers residents a rich array of experiential, educational, and wellness activities designed to support holistic growth and long-term wellbeing.

PROJECT SUMMARY

I joined Pacific Pathways at its inception in 2019, initially consulting on financial modeling at the request of a mutual colleague. The founder, Brooke, a seasoned clinician who had recently sold a successful practice in Maryland, brought me on as a junior partner to support the launch and growth of the company.

Throughout the early stages, I played a key role in shaping the business concept—from evaluating a potential campground acquisition in Maryland to ultimately launching a program in California’s Northern Bay Area. My focus was on non-clinical business development, where I led the creation of operational infrastructure, developed the sales and marketing department, and was responsible for financial planning, modeling, and strategic analysis to support long-term growth and sustainability.

In the first year, I helped build Pacific Pathways from the ground up into a thriving program with 24 active clients living across two residential houses. With monthly revenue ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 per client, upon leaving we had a planned annual revenue of between $3.5 million to $5 million annually. This growth was the result of effective regulatory compliance, operational design, targeted marketing strategies, and financial oversight.

Accomplishments:

Sales & Marketing Development

Designed and managed a high-touch, multi-channel outreach pipeline, executing an 8-stage communication strategy with over 20,000 touches in 3 months, utilizing calls, mailers, gifts, and virtual tours to drive engagement.

Client & Referral Retention

Maintained an active pipeline of 2,200 referral partners, converting 120 into active relationships. This resulted in a steady flow of high-acuity client referrals, contributing to consistent admissions growth and a strong Bay Area brand presence.

Business Development

Generated $5–6 million annually by developing a sustainable revenue stream through strategic admissions, pricing models, service delivery, and operational scaling. Integrated referral pipelines, marketing, and high client retention to drive growth.

Responsibilities:

Sales & Marketing

Led the go-to-market strategy, including sales staff management, scalable process design, CRM systems, and marketing collateral creation. Established KPI frameworks for performance tracking.

Business Development

Directed early-stage operations, market research, service model design, and strategic partnerships, aligning clinical vision with operational infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Tenant Improvements

Managed the design and construction of residential and office spaces, ensuring regulatory compliance and therapeutic suitability while overseeing contractors and project timelines.