Background

Since starting as a therapist 40 years ago I have specialized in those struggling with addictions, either personally or among their loved ones. Past training in massage has prompted me to work with individuals with chronic pain. I have worked with most every type of issue and across the continuum of care. I prefer working with adolescents, adults and families. Ongoing training includes CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care in addition to the Johnson Institute's Intervention techniques. I have experience in admissions and held a supervisory position before I started a family.

Job experience

• July 2012 - May 2019
  Addictions Therapist/Admissions Counselor
  Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery
  

  Brighton, MI, USA

  Worked in the admissions department completing assessments for level of care and facilitating admission, including securing insurance authorizations. Previously served as a primary therapist and a family therapist in a residential treatment setting treating adults with substance use disorders. Specialized in helping those with chronic pain or co-occurring mental health concerns.

• July 2011 - July 2012
  Outpatient Therapist
  Easter Seals of Michigan
  

  Southfield, MI, USA

  Provided therapy to adults with a variety of mental health issues.

• February 2011 - July 2011
  Substance Abuse Therapist
  Oakdale Recovery Center
  

  Canton, MI, USA

  Provided therapy and education to adults in residential and day treatment programs for chemically dependent adults.

• June 1996 - September 1997
  Admissions Counselor
  Forest View Psychiatric Hospital
  

  Grand Rapids, MI, USA

  Facilitated admissions to a mental health hospital that included a special unit for eating disorders.

• August 1991 - May 1995
  Outpatient Therapist
  Synton/Psychological Health Systems
  

  Lansing, MI, USA

  Employed as an outpatient therapist with a group that managed substance abuse and mental health services for a major HMO. Specialized in treating adolescents, substance abuse disorders and mood disorders.

• February 1989 - August 1991
  Evening Supervisor/Staff Psychologist
  Bay Haven/Bay Medical Center
  

  Bay City, MI, USA

  Senior staff member in an 80-bed substance abuse facility but also provided services in its outpatient facility. Hired as the Evening Clinical Supervisor and later became the Staff Psychologist. Cross-trained to every clinical position from admissions and treatment to consultations, training, presentations and supervision.

• October 1986 - February 1989
  Hearing Impaired Specialist
  Central Michigan Community Mental Health Services
  

  Mount Pleasant, MI, USA

  Responsible for the development of services for the deaf and hearing impaired in a four-county area. Duties included treatment, case management, consultations, community education and inter-agency networking. Presented at a national conference on mental health and the deaf.

Education

• Eastern Michigan University
  MS
  

  1980 - 1982

  Obtained a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Was awarded a graduate assistant position.
• University of Michigan - Dearborn
  BA
  

  1974 - 1979

  Majored in Psychology, Minor in Sociology. Graduated with Distinction.

• Certified Advanced Alcohol and Addiction Credential
  MCBAP
  C-02456
  

  January 2011 - February 2020

  This is the most recent credential; I have been getting credentialed since Michigan began offering it in 1982 or 1983.
• Master Addiction Credential
  NAADAC
  n/a
  

  December 2016 - December 2020