The Brick House Team
Jason Coombs
President / Founder
Jason Coombs is a keynote speaker and corporate consultant on Mental Wealth and Emotional Prosperity. With a Masters of Professional Communications degree, he is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Unhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover, Jason is the CEO and Founder of Brick House Recovery, a renowned treatment chain for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. His company received the national Excellence in Treatment award, and the Idaho’s Best in Mental Wellness award three years in a row. Jason currently serves as the Southwest Regional
Director for the Idaho Association for Addiction Professionals board. Beyond work, Jason enjoys
skiing, competing in Ironman events, and traveling with his family.
The high-quality, behavioral-health professionals employed at Brick House have received the:
- Idaho’s Best in Mental Wellness 2022, 2023, 2024
- Awarded Best Places to Work in Idaho 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Inspire Excellence Award 2021
- Awarded Three Best-Rated Addiction Treatment Centers in Boise
- CARF Nationally Accredited 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Meridian Business of the Year 2018
- Healthcare Business of the Year by The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
Shayla Ward
CEO / Chief Clinical Officer
Shayla Ward is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the Chief Executive Officer at Brick House Recovery. With over 18 years of experience in the field of substance use disorders, Shayla specializes in helping individuals overcome addiction by addressing its underlying causes. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Education and a Master's in Counseling from Idaho State University, along with an Advanced Certification in Addictions Counseling.
At Brick House Recovery, Shayla leads her team with passion and dedication. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors in warm weather, traveling, and reading.
Justin Haight
Director of Business Development
Bio Coming Soon
Amy Peden
Clinical Director
Amy Peden, MHC, LCPC is a compassionate mental health counselor with expertise in trauma recovery and substance use disorder treatment. With over 23 years of experience, Amy specializes in empowering individuals to overcome addiction and life trauma. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Utah Valley University and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix in Salt Lake City. Amy known for her empathetic approach to therapy, community outreach efforts, and commitment to mental health advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, painting, and spending time with her family.
Chris Brayton
Clinical Director
Chris Brayton's life has been profoundly shaped by his early encounters with addiction, sparking his dedication to helping others navigate similar struggles. Chris has immersed himself in specializing in addiction therapy after graduating with a Master's degree in Social Work from Eastern Washington University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor. His powerful influence on others combines Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Chris's passion lies in igniting a sense of self-worth and value in those he assists, empowering them to overcome obstacles and reclaim their lives. Beyond his professional commitments, Chris also serves on the Idaho Behavioral Health Board in his region. Chris is a Spartan Trifecta finisher and a competitive shooting expert with his wife. His family holds a special place in his heart, evident in the time he spends building Legos with his son and coloring with his daughter. Embracing a spirit of adventure, Chris relishes exploring new places, meeting people, and understanding the interconnectedness of humanity through travel.
Shawn Grischkowsky
Clinical Manager
Shawn’s journey into substance use treatment began as a Certified Recovery Coach and Peer Support Specialist at a nonprofit community recovery center, laying the foundation for his deep-seated passion for guiding individuals towards recovery. Building on this experience, Shawn pursued and successfully attained a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in Social Work, specializing in co-occurring disorders.
Driven by a profound commitment to helping individuals overcome addiction and discover spiritual and emotional sobriety, Shawn draws inspiration from his personal path of long-term recovery, where he found solace and grace in the 12-step recovery rooms. His goal is to impart this transformative wisdom to all who seek healing within the walls of Brick House.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Shawn cherishes quality time with his loving wife and daughter in the picturesque Pacific Northwest. In his leisure moments, he can be found seeking the perfect powder for snowboarding or embarking on invigorating hikes with friends and family, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.
Archie Swensen
Director of Client Success
Archie Swensen is the Director of Client Development at Brick House Recovery and a dedicated advocate for those in recovery from alcohol, drug addiction, and co-occurring disorders. With years of experience, Archie has committed his life to helping individuals overcome addiction, offering hope and guidance through his own journey of recovery. His work exemplifies the transformative power of personal experience in leading others from darkness into light.
Mikael Hatfield
Brick House Manager
Mikael is a native of the idyllic ski town of Sandpoint, Idaho. Years ago, he made a pivotal decision to embrace sobriety, setting in motion a transformative journey that continues to shape his life profoundly.
Having been nurtured amidst the serene beauty of Idaho's natural landscapes, Mikael developed a deep appreciation for nature and a resilient spirit. It was his personal struggle with addiction and subsequent path to recovery that unveiled his inner strength and unwavering determination.
This voyage towards sobriety has not only tested his endurance but has also revealed a wellspring of empathy and understanding within him. Armed with his own experiences of overcoming adversity, Mikael finds himself perfectly positioned to offer support and guidance to others on their own journeys to recovery.
Each day presents a new chapter in Mikael's quest for personal growth and his commitment to making a positive impact on those around him. With a compassionate heart and a wealth of experience, he stands ready to walk alongside individuals facing similar challenges, providing them with support, encouragement, and a beacon of hope during their darkest hours.
