Tom Buckley is the Executive Director of Aspire Counseling Services. He graduated from CSU LA with a degree in social work and is a CADC III. He has been a pillar in the Southern California social services community, working for programs in group homes, county mental health, Skid Row Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Jails, and residential/outpatient behavioral health services.

Full Bio

Tom Buckley is the Executive Director for Aspire Counseling Services, San Luis Obispo. Tom has spent 20 years living in Southern California, where he graduated from Cal State University, Los Angeles with a degree in Social Work.  Tom then pursued his certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, first as a CAS (Certified Addiction Specialist) , then CADC (California Alcohol and Drug Counselor), and now is a CADC III. Tom has been a pillar in the Southern California social services community, having worked for and developed programs in group homes, county mental health, Skid Row Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Jails, residential and outpatient behavioral health services, etc.

Mr. Buckley is a sought-after speaker and presenter on various topics related to mental health, addiction, prevention/early intervention, recidivism reduction, harm reduction, Naloxone, community advocacy, etc. Tom is a third-generation San Luis Obispo native, having graduated from SLO high in 1996. Tom also is a husband and father of twin 23-year-old sons, which aids him in understanding the struggles of our young clients, as well as their parents. Tom believes in transformation and giving people the chance to change. Tom lost his father to addiction and brother to suicide, has overcome his own addiction and mental health issues, and lost over 200 pounds, all in which help him guide those he works with to find their own recipe for happiness, health, and success.

Cal State LA, Social Work BA