With a background in psychology and a passion for lifelong learning, Gina Buccola is dedicated to guiding families through the complexities of addiction and recovery. Having grown up in a household impacted by alcoholism and addiction, she intimately understands the challenges that arise within family systems. Her own healing journey led her to Al-Anon, where she found a community of strength, hope, and invaluable tools that transformed her relationships and overall well-being. Through these principles, Gina was able to mend and rebuild many of the relationships that had been affected by the disease of addiction.

Committed to deepening her expertise, Gina returned to Stanford Medicine to study psychology and addiction and attended the Arizona Trauma Institute, where she earned her certification as a Certified Trauma Specialist for Addiction. This advanced training allows her to address addiction recovery through a trauma-informed lens, helping families navigate complex emotional dynamics with greater understanding and effectiveness.

At START UP WELLNESS, Gina provides compassionate yet structured guidance to the families of clients, recognizing that true, lasting recovery requires collective healing. She helps families navigate the emotional terrain of addiction with empathy and accountability, offering new perspectives, tools, and strategies to foster meaningful change. By addressing the family dynamic as a whole, she empowers loved ones to break cycles of dysfunction, cultivate healthier communication, and create a foundation for long-term sobriety and harmony. Through her work, she ensures that healing extends beyond the individual—transforming entire family systems and fostering deep, lasting transformation.