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Pride Institute Team

Start Your Recovery Journey

The decision to seek treatment is a big step,
but you don’t have to do it alone.

The LGBTQ+ community often faces unique and nuanced challenges regarding addiction and mental health treatment. When looking for professional help, it is vital that you find a facility and staff that understands this. The Pride Institute staff of treatment specialists is ready to guide you on your recovery journey—all you have to do is reach out. Call 888.408.1625 or fill out our confidential online form today for more information about Pride Institute.

Meet the Pride Institute Staff

Al Updike

Al Updike (he/him/el)

CEO 

l was previously the Director of Outpatient programs for Maple Grove and Chaska clinics with Hazelden Betty Ford and has worked with his former organization for 14 years.

After earning a degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School in 2009 he has worked in various roles, starting as a clinician in residential and outpatient settings before moving into Clinical Supervisor position, then became Program Manager and was most recently the Director of Outpatient Programs for both Maple Grove and Chaska locations.

Al worked with multiple departments to help launch the One counselor model of direct Intensive Outpatient Care, has been a champion for building a Spanish Virtual Intensive Outpatient program (launched in 2023) for the LatinX community, piloted and successfully launched the first PHP program, and championed Twin Cities PRIDE Festival events. 

Meghan Bang

Meghan Bang
(she/her) 

LADC-S – Clinical Director

Meghan Bang has been with Pride since 2016 when she started as a ADC-Intern and has held several clinical roles over the years, most recently as the Residential Program Manager. In May of 2023 she stepped into the role of Direct of Clinical Services.

Bang graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelors of Science in Community Psychology and Chemical Dependency and she is a BBHT board-approved supervisor for licensed alcohol and drug counselors.

Kaylee Hoaby 2023

Kaylee Hoaby (she/they) 

Director of Marketing and Business Development

Kaylee Hoaby started at Pride in 2019 as part of the Marketing and Business Development team where she used her person-centered approach to help over 2,700 individuals find treatment. She is excited to continue her journey with Pride after accepting the Director role in 2023.
Hoaby received their bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a focus in chemical dependency.

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Jessica Rice
(she/her) 

Admissions supervisor

Before joining the team in 2021 Jessica started as a chemical dependency tech in the substance use field. After starting in the admissions department with us, Jessica quickly worked her way into the admissions supervisor position by being attentive to client needs for the duration of the admissions process. She uses her understanding of the addiction treatment field to assist clients with starting or continuing their recovery journey. Jessica is a certified peer recovery specialist which gives her the ability to support clients with aftercare plans and education on resources specific to the LGBTQ+ community. Jessicas attention to detail and love for her work shines through giving each client an individualized intake process. 

Dr. Zhao

Dr. Patrick Zhao
(he/him)

MD – Psychiatrist and Medical Director

Sandstrom joined Pride in May 2015. Before her arrival, she served in several HR roles in various industries, including hospitality, maDr. Patrick Zhao has served as Pride Institute’s Medical Director since 2014 and sits on the Board of Directors. As the champion behind LGBTQ-affirming, comprehensive psychiatric consultation (ACPC) at Pride, Dr. Zhao has completed more than 1,000 sessions. Zhao emphasizes LGBTQ development history and its interweaving relationship with mental health and substance use disorder, drawing on knowledge and wisdom from psychiatry, psychology, philosophy and spirituality. Dr. Zhao has been a part of SAMHSA’s LGBTQ curriculum project, and he has recommended the broader adoption of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) screening tools and ACPC in clinical settings. Sandstrom graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a human resources management concentration.

Ann L

Ann Leible
(she/her)

Director of Utilization Review

Ann Leible has been with Pride Institute since 2001. During this time, she held positions in Pride Institute’s intake department and still provides critical support for the staff with her professional counseling and assessment experience. She has spent most of her time at Pride as a member of the leadership team as Director of Utilization Review and Co-Director of Performance Improvement. She is grateful to be part of the process of hope and recovery for community members that struggle with the pain of addiction.

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Manuel Garcia
(he/him/el) 

IOP Director

Manuel (Him, He, His, El) received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Anahuac University in Mexico City, where he is licensed as a Clinical Psychologist. Manuel received his Master’s in Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies and now works at The Pride Institute as Director of Clinical Services. He is also an adjunct professor for the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School. He is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. He has great passion for giving back to the world through his work in Substance Use Disorder recovery. Manuel also is a board member for Dissonance, an organization promoting Mental Health and well-being in the arts community. Special interest in helping remove barriers and providing services to underrepresented communities.

Find Professional LGBTQ+ Addiction and Mental Health Treatment at Pride Institute

The Pride Institute staff of treatment professionals can help you break the cycle of addiction and address your mental health. Reach out today at 888.408.1625 or via our online form.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)