ABOUT US
Transforming Lives Through Care
Diploma
Executive Post Graduate in Addiction Studies
Certifications and Specialization
Certified Recovery Specialist
Certified Treatment Specialist
Gambling and Gaming Treatment Associate
Life Skills Coach
Relapse Prevention Coach
Memberships
Member of ISSUP – International Society of Substance Use Professionals
ACARS -
Training & Teaching Experience
Head of Student Assistance Program in Westfields International School
About Second Chances Recovery Center
Who We Are
At Second Chances Recovery Center, we believe that healing from addiction begins with compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to begin again. We are an outpatient program designed to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder through ethical, evidence-based care.
We understand that addiction is not a moral failing—it’s a complex health issue that affects the mind, body, and spirit. That’s why our approach combines clinical support, coaching, and community-based outreach, so recovery becomes not just possible, but sustainable.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Minnalyn McCormick Ricafort
Certified Recovery Specialist | Educator | Mental Health Advocate
Minnalyn began her journey in addiction recovery in 2015. Early in her career, she realized that helping others required more than empathy—it required structure, education, and ethical practice. She pursued advanced studies in addiction and mental health, completing certifications across various fields, including:
Recovery Coaching
Family Intervention
Co-Occurring Disorders
Crisis Management
Treatment Planning
“Second Chances is about helping people realize that they have a choice. They are not defined by their past, but by the courage they show today.”
Minnalyn Ricafort
MEET THE SENIOR ADVISOR
Dean Fajardo Sese
Emeritus in Addiction Studies | International Certified Addiction Specialist
Dean Fajardo Sese
Dean brings decades of expertise in addiction treatment, counseling, and recovery support. His career has been dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and behavioral addictions through evidence-based approaches and compassionate guidance. Dean is also a proud member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), contributing to global initiatives that promote ethical, effective, and stigma-free addiction care.
International Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist
International Certified Addiction Recovery Specialist
Professional Achievement in Counseling, Theories, and Practices
Specialized Course in Treatment for Gambling Disorder and Other Behavioral Addictions – University of Gibraltar, Center for Excellence in Responsible Gaming
Course in Stigma of Addiction – Dell Medical School, University of Texas
“Recovery is not just about breaking free from addiction — it’s about rebuilding a life worth living, with dignity and purpose.”
MEET THE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Brigette McCormick
Graduate Student in Clinical Psychology | Behavioral Support Specialist | Child Development Expert
Brigette brings a unique blend of educational leadership, behavioral support, and clinical psychology training to Second Chances. With years of experience working with diverse populations from children in foster care to students in Montessori programs, she specializes in creating safe, supportive, and growth-oriented environments. Her professional journey includes leadership roles in program development, crisis intervention, and case management. Brigette is known for her ability to connect with individuals from all backgrounds, fostering trust and collaboration while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Brigette has worked with multidisciplinary teams—including psychiatrists, therapists, and medical professionals—to ensure that individuals receive comprehensive, compassionate care. Her work extends beyond the clinical setting, providing training for educators, families, and caregivers to strengthen the support network around each client. Holds a CPR Certification, and is a Certified Mandated Reporter ensuring safety, compliance, and culturally sensitive service delivery.
Behavioral Observation & Documentation
Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
Individual & Group Support Facilitation
Case Management & Program Implementation
Family Communication & Community Engagement
“I believe in meeting people where they are. Recovery and growth start with understanding, compassion, and the right support at the right time.”
Brigette McCormick
Our Journey
Second Chances Recovery Center was born from a deep recognition: addiction is not a moral failing, but a chronic condition that requires compassion, education, and community support.
November 2015
Beginnings in Recovery Coaching
Our story began in November 2015, when our founder began her work in addiction recovery as a coach. What started as a passion to help soon revealed significant gaps in local mental health care—gaps caused by stigma, misinformation, and lack of access.
2016–2019
Community Service and Outreach
She led community-based programs for individuals who could not afford private treatment. She offered free training and workshops in churches and faith-based groups, empowering communities to provide early intervention and peer support. Family sessions and interventions became a vital part of her work, recognizing that addiction affects entire families—not just individuals.
2019–2020
Mental Health in Schools
She expanded her efforts into educational settings by launching WISSAP (Westfields International School Student Assistance Program), a structured mental health support initiative tailored to students within an international school environment.
2021 - 2022
Mental Health Support
She expanded her efforts into educational settings by launching WISSAP (Westfields International School Student Assistance Program), a structured mental health support initiative tailored to students within an international school environment.
2023
Forming Second Chances
Alongside a team of professors and certified recovery coaches, the vision of Second Chances took full shape:
• A place that delivers evidence-based outpatient programs
• A center focused on family healing, relapse prevention, and ethical recovery practices
• A team committed to gentle, compassionate care, free from shame and full of hope
2024
Integrated, Ethical Addiction Services
Second Chances expanded its collaboration with licensed psychologists and psychiatrists, ensuring each client is matched with the appropriate level of care. For individuals requiring residential treatment, we now work closely with trusted referral partners.
HOW IT WORKS
Understanding Our Approach
We believe in a step-by-step, person-centered approach that empowers individuals to reclaim their lives through education, support, and compassionate care.
OUR VALUE
Why Choose Us?
Certified, International-Level Specialists
Compassionate, Stigma-Free Care
Flexible Outpatient Options
Trusted Referrals for Residential care when needed
We chose to establish Second Chances Recovery Center in Bonifacio Global City for its accessibility and professional environment. In a space often associated with corporate success, we’ve created a safe haven for healing—a place where individuals from all walks of life can seek treatment without judgment or delay.
