Professional Teen Addiction
Treatment Staff
Phone 866-889-3665
M. David Lewis MD, FSAM - Medical Director/Psychiatrist
Dr. David Lewis is a psychiatrist and is certified in Addiction Medicine as well as certified by the American Association of Medical Review Officers. The American Society of Addiction Medicine has elected him a fellow. Dr. Lewis has served as Chief, Department of Mental Health for the United States Air Force Academy and was the past Medical Director for Anacapa Adventist Hospital. He has also held distinguished positions at U.C.L.A. as Clinical Professor and holds medical licenses in California, Colorado, and Texas. Dr. Lewis is the Founder of the ASAP Family Treatment Program. In addition, he is also the Founder and Co-Director for the NBA, Major League Soccer, and NHL Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Programs.
He has been honored as a select member of the White House Conference on a Drug Free America and is a distinguished author. Dr. Lewis has appeared numerous times as an expert in both behavioral health and substance abuse for programs such as “Nightline” and “Oprah Winfrey.” Dr. Lewis is also the Co-Founder of the nationwide non-profit Make a Difference organization.
Bill Hoban, MFT – Director of Clinical Services
bhoban@visionsteen.com
A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bill Hoban, MA, M.F.T. has over 16 years experience in the fields of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency treatment. He has served as Director of Program Services, Clinical Director, Program Director, Primary Therapist, and Continuing Care Coordinator for both inpatient and outpatient programs. Prior to coming to Visions Adolescent Treatment Center, Bill held the position of Program Director for the inpatient Adolescent Treatment Program at Anacapa Adventist Hospital. In addition, Bill has serves as the Clinical Preceptor for the United States Navy Counseling and Assistance Center at the CBC Naval Base in Port Hueneme, California for the past fourteen years. In this position Bill is responsible for the supervision of Naval Alcohol and Drug counselors. He was awarded Navy Preceptor of the year for 2001.
Robert Waldman MD – Addiction Medicine
Dr. Robert Waldman is Board-Certified as Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine by the National Board of Medical Examiners. He has held faculty appointments in internal medicine at Temple University and has served as Medical Director for the nationally recognized Chemical Dependency Treatment Center at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital in Marina del Rey, CA. Dr. Waldman is also a distinguished author in the field of Nephrology.
Heather Colligan, M.A., LMFT, Latigo Program Director
hcolligan@visionsteen.com
Heather is the Program Director of out residential facility at Latigo. She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Heather's specialty lies in working with adolescents and their families in areas such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and issues of dual-diagnosis. She has worked with teens as a credentialed teacher, case manager, and family therapist. Prior to joining Visions, Heather served as family therapist on the adolescent unit at Aurora Vista Del Mar Hospital in Ventura, CA.
Her strong affiliation with Visions’ current Program Director, Bill Hoban, MFT, and Visions' Medical Director David Lewis, M.D., from previous work at Anacapa Hospital, creates a unique, clinical synergy which helps facilitate Visions' efficient and effective environment for recovering teens. In addition, Heather is an active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Her comprehensive work history, skills, and resolve reflect Visions' dedication to an unparalleled recovery experience.
Lori Fox, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Fox is a clinical child and adolescent psychologist specializing in diagnosis and assessment. Dr. Fox has extensive experience working with adolescents in recovery and has been working with Visions' adolescents and their families for the past three years. Her expertise includes providing dual-diagnoses and creating comprehensive treatment plans for families with a special emphasis on aftercare.
Dr. Fox received her Ph.D. in Child Psychology from the University of Southern California, and her Bachelor's Degree from the University of California at Berkeley. While at USC, she published research on implicit cognition and substance use. She has served as a visiting professor at USC and taught courses for the Department of Psychology on adolescent development.
Brian Wildason, Residential Counselor
bwildason@visionsteen.com
Brian joined the Visions team in 2005. He received his Alcohol and Drug Specialist Certificate from Glendale College. Brian is also a registered member of the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE), and has several years of experience working in the adolescent community. Brian is currently working towards his LMFT, and has a heartfelt passion for working with young adults.
"It is my goal to help adolescents in their recovery and reach their full potential."
Laurel Shires, Counselor
lshires@visionsteen.com
Laurel Shires is currently a Chemical Dependency Counselor at Visions residential facility. She joined the Visions team in 2004 as a Program Aide and has also held positions as the Lead Program Aide and Program Aide Supervisor. Laurel is currently in the process of becoming a state certified AOD Counselor while attending courses at Santa Monica College. With over five years of sobriety, she is able to empathize with struggling teens and help them find hope for recovery.
"I try to help adolescents find themselves and come to appreciate who they are. Guiding their transformation into young adulthood is my primary goal."
JuliAnn Crommelin, Counselor
jcrommelin@visionsteen.com
JuliAnn was a resident at Visions’ Inpatient, Outpatient and Scholastic Academy in 2004 when she was 17 years old. JuliAnn had so much gratitude for the program and how it changed her and her family’s relationships that she has been working at Visions every since she took a year of sobriety. She started as a Program Aide but went back to school to get her certificate to be a chemical dependency counselor and has been working as a counselor since 2007. JuliAnn’s main ambition is to give back to the residents and their families the compassion, guidance and hope that she was given during her stay at visions.
Cheryl Lindsey, Outpatient Counselor
Cheryl is an east coast native and a talented musician whose life has been changed by the 12 step process. She joined the Visions Team in 2005 as a program aide. She is committed to helping others and helps kids to see there is a different way to live based on her own experience. She attended Santa Monica College and graduated last year as a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and currently holds that position at Visions Latigo. Cheryl is a strong addition to the Visions Team and passionate about the work she does.
“Digging in deep and allowing kids to have self awareness and make some changes in their life is my primary goal”.
Dawn Theodore, LMFT - Eating Disorder Specialist
Dawn Theodore is a specialist in the area of eating disorders. She currently works as a primary therapist and group facilitator at Monte Nido Residential Treatment Center with women suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and exercise addiction. In addition, Dawn works as an eating disorder consultant at Visions Adolescent Treatment Center. Dawn also works in a private practice with adults, adolescents, couples and families on a variety of issues, including eating disorders, addictions, and relationship issues. Dawn is recovered from anorexia nervosa herself and is an advocate for healthy body image with young dancers. In addition to being a therapist, Dawn owns her own dance studio.
Karen Deck, MS, RD, Dietitian
Karen is a registered dietician with a focus on nutrition therapy for the treatment of eating disorders. Karen holds a BS degree in human nutrition from Rutgers University and a MS degree in nutrition from California State University at Los Angeles. Karen is certified in pediatric and adolescent weight management with the American Dietetic Association. Karen has extensive experience in medical nutrition therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings including Northridge Hospital, City of Hope Medical Center and St. Joseph (Burbank) Medical Center and the Nutrition Clinic of Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, Ca. Currently, Karen has a private practice, located in Westlake Village, CA that focuses on the treatment of eating disorders.
“Eating disorders jeopardize health, wellness and quality of life.” Each day becomes a challenge of food choices, nutrition myths, body image, guilt and shame. I believe that those struggling with eating disorders need accurate, positive nutrition information that enables the individual to have a healthy relationship with food for the rest of their life.
John D. Lieberman - Director of Operations
jlieberman@visionsteen.com
John Lieberman began his career in the field of addiction treatment in 1985. John has held the position of Floor Supervisor, Intake Coordinator, Youth Counselor, Crises Counselor, Intervention Specialist, and Director of National Outreach for two nationally recognized addiction treatment facilities. John has traveled internationally evaluating adolescent treatment centers. John played a vital role in beginning stages of Visions Adolescent Treatment Center.
John has been an expert contributor to: US News and World Report, The Today Show, Teen Vogue, and will be featured on Inside Edition. John is committed to promoting evidence based treatment and providing families with up to date critical information.
“I joined the team at Visions Adolescent Treatment Center because, the program, the staff and the environment promotes family healing and recovery.”
Daniel Dewey – Teacher/Director of Education
ddewey@visionsteen.com
Daniel has been an educator for the past five years. His experience began in a special education school for at risk kids. His undergraduate degree is in English Literature. Additionally, he is able to assist his students across the interdisciplinary spectrum. Daniel works as a liaison between incoming residents and their home school. He helps coordinate and implement an individualized lesson plan, allowing students to stay current with their education. Working directly with the clinical team, he communicates any concerns that will help his students succeed in treatment and in school.
“Watching teenagers in recovery regain their sense of self-worth is incredibly rewarding.”
Solange Petrosspour - Educator (Latigo)
spetrosspour@visionsteen.com
Solange started as a program aide at Visions in 2006 and has been the Educator at the Latigo facility since 2007. Her undergraduate degree is in Fine Arts and she began her teaching career in the arts at various private elementary schools. In addition, she has experience teaching adolescents. She describes her teaching experiences as incessant opportunities that adjust and expand her perceptions which in return can be shared and utilized with the residents as tools to enhance their education.
Roger L’Hereault, B.A., Program Aide Supervisor
rlhereault@visionsteen.com
Roger has been an active part of Visions Adolescent Treatment Center for more than five years. Roger brings with him an attitude of excitement and determination.
“You never know when someone is truly listening, until one day out of the blue, you see something click, or you get pulled aside and thanked for your compassion, perspective and guidance. Those are the moments that make the job for me.”
Patrick Schettler, Lead Program Aide (Latigo)
Patrick started at Visions as a Program Aide in 2006, and has since earned the position of Lead Program Aide. He has experience working with teens in youth programs, and is committed to helping young people grow and succeed. Patrick is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at California State University Northridge, and strives to be a positive influence on today's youth.
Robert Bracaliello, B.S., Head Chef
Robert has been with Visions since January of 2005. He obtained a B.S. at Rutgers University in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and then obtained his A.A. in Culinary Arts in California. Prior to culinary school, Robert was a Residential Counselor for adolescents in New Jersey. He started with our program as a part-time chef and is currently the Head Chef, managing the dietary program and personnel at both facilities.
Susan Lynch-O’Connor, B.A., Art Therapist
An artist and educator, Ms. Susan Lynch-O'Connor, otherwise known as The Art Lady, is the creator and founder of Art as a Language ©. Art as a Language© workshops are a powerful way to tap the unconscious, release blocked emotions, face vulnerabilities, and acknowledge addictions. This form of art is a visual language that accesses the inner self when the ability to use verbal language has shut down.
For the past 12 years, Ms. Lynch-O'Connor - The Art Lady, has facilitated over two thousand workshops at drug and alcohol residential recovery facilities. She has taught thousands of people to use Art as a Language © in their recovery. Additionally, she now trains and certifies artists/ teachers to utilize Art as a Language© to help others. She also provides kits of all her projects.
Ms. Lynch-O'Connor has a B.A. in Studio Art and in Education. A long time resident of Los Angeles, she lives with her husband. She is a working artist and creative mentor. Susan has 15 years of sobriety.
Kelly Kagan, LMFT, Council Group Facilitator
Kelly is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has led council groups for adolescents for the past nine years. She has initiated council programs at Open Charter Magnet School, The Odyssey School and New Village Charter School. In addition, she has facilitated youth retreats and councils for Crossroads School, Brentwood School and The Archer School for Girls.
Kelly is a council trainer certified by the Center for Council Training. The Center is part of the The Ojai Foundation, which has been training council leaders and facilitating council programs in schools, communities and places of business for more than 25 years. Kelly has been on the Ojai Foundation's Board of Directors since 2001 and is presently one of its co-chairs. She is currently working on her Ph.D. at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
"Council gives adolescents an opportunity to learn to listen to each other. They practice authentic sharing and create ceremony together. A profound experience, I am honored to be a part of their circle."
Jean M. Campbell, M.S.W., Psychodrama Group Facilitator
Jean has utilized action methods in clinical and business settings since 1993. She is certified as a Trainer, Educator and Practitioner in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy, is a Masters Level Certified Experiential Therapist and is the only Practitioner and Trainer of Psychodramatic Bodywork® in the United States. Jean has worked in the substance abuse and mental health field for over 12 years, in a variety of clinical settings, including as Director of the Family Program at Inter-Care in New York City, and as Clinical Director of Clearview Treatment Programs in Los Angeles. Jean specializes in working with addiction, codependency, trauma and bodywork, and she has trained clinicians on a national and international level.
Jennifer LaCorte, M.A., Body Esteem Group Facilitator
Jennifer is a psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA, specializing in eating disorders/disordered eating patterns, body esteem and relationships that are affected by other substance abuse. Her interest in treating eating disorders originated from her own committed recovery from bulimia and anorexia, and then formally grew while working at the Eating Disorder Center of CA. During her tenure there, she had the opportunity to train with one of the nation's leading EDO specialists, Carolyn Costin. She also is a member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and the See Jane organization (a program of Dads and Daughters), which strives to increase the number of female characters and reduce stereotyping in young children's media.
With an undergraduate degree from New York University in Theatre Arts, and a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Jennifer's varied educational experience has been a great formula for her passion: uncovering and honoring the human condition. For years, she has worked at great length with children of all ages, in various settings, and is a proud mother herself.
Sean Geary, M.A., LMFT , Outpatient Program Director
sgeary@visionsteen.com
Sean is Program Director for both the Visions Intensive Outpatient Program and the Scholastic Academy. He holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing psychotherapy for over six years. Sean has extensive experience in working with diverse issues that accompany recovery.. His passion for the well being of adolescents and their families has led him to Visions, where his unwavering commitment has guided many down the road to recovery. During the difficulties of managing sobriety, emotional unrest and reconciliation, Sean provides an environment complete with the proper nurturance and boundaries necessary for setting the foundation for a successful recovery. Sean's enthusiasm, determination, and skill make him a vital asset to the Visions team.
Fiona A. Ray, M.A., LMFT Intern, Outpatient Program Coordinator
fray@visionsteen.com
Fiona serves as Program Coordinator and Chemical Dependency Counselor for both the Scholastic Academy and Intensive Outpatient Program at Visions. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Behavior. Fiona provides support in day-to-day operations and administration in an effort to maintain an environment conducive to learning and the recovery process. She also acts as liaison between the educational institutions and the academy ensuring students are maximizing both potential and productivity.
Introduced to 12-step recovery in 1998, Fiona facilitates group process as well as provides one-on-one counseling, determining substance abuse issues, educating on relapse prevention, and supporting clients in their process. Fiona has worked in the field for four years and her passion lies in witnessing the growth and transformation in the lives of both adolescents as well as their families. Her commitment and quality of work is unparalleled. Fiona is currently working toward licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist and is an active member of the Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment, the American Counseling Association and the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.
Brian Carey, Outpatient Counselor
bcarey@visionsteen.com
Brian Carey is currently a chemical dependency counselor at Visions Outpatient Program in Brentwood, CA. He joined the Visions team two years ago and continues to develop a greater desire to work with adolescents. Brian is in the process of earning his CDAC certification. He has over eight years of experience in the Al-Anon family groups, and began his own personal recovery process over three years ago.
"The best part of my job is participating in the growth and development of these adolescents during this critical stage in their lives."
Joseph Rogers - Lead Instructor At the Scholastic Academy Outpatient
jrogers@visionsteen.com
Joseph has a strong love for learning and a passion for teaching. He is currently receiving his teaching credential from California State University Northridge, with an emphasis in Social Science. He received undergraduate degrees in Psychology and German Language from Humboldt State University. Joseph is a member of the California Council for the Social Sciences, has worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a classroom volunteer at Marshall High School, and is a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society.
He works with students on a daily basis to achieve their educational goals, designs individual lesson plans for struggling students, and communicates regularly with parents to ensure that students are on track with their education. With over nine years of personal experience in recovery, Joseph also brings understanding to his work with students who are new to recovery, helping them deal with their own issues surrounding addiction.
"The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards."
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
Eric J. Day, Ph.D.
Dr. Day is the Director of the Antioch University Counseling Center, supervising and directing the training of Masters and Doctoral-level interns. For the past eleven years, he has been an Associate Professor at Antioch University, teaching Masters coursework in Professional Ethics and Law, Chemical Dependency, Child and Adolescent Treatment, Couples Therapy, Psychopharmacology, Human Sexuality, Sexual Compulsion and Offending Behaviors, and Psychological Assessment.
Dr. Day received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado and has more than twenty-five years of experience in the mental health field with extensive experience working with children and adolescents as well as adults. He has evaluated and treated hundreds of individuals with compulsive behavior problems.
Dr. Day is Board Certified in Forensic Psychology, and has served as a consultant and expert witness in the area of compulsions and sexual offenses.
In addition to his teaching and training, Dr. Day is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Beverly Hills. He is nationally known for his work in the treatment of sexual compulsions and sexual offending behaviors.
Dr. Philip Goglia, Nutritional Educator
Dr. Goglia is the founder of Performance Fitness Concepts, the premiere nutrition and fitness clinic in Los Angeles. Dr. Goglia has been a registered nutritionist for over 20 years and also serves on the board for The Madison's Foundation and The City of Hope Medical Center's Board of Governors.
Philip designs realistic and achievable nutrition and exercise programs that focus on an individual's own unique metabolic needs, lifestyle, eating habits, stress, and workload. Viking Penguin recently published his book, Turn up the Heat - Unlock the Fat Burning Power of Your Metabolism. Dr. Goglia has been featured in numerous magazines and television programs including People, Allure, Elle, Self, Men's Fitness, First for Woman, and CNN.
According to Dr. Goglia: "Nutritional education provides recovery support for relapse prevention and a renewed and revitalized immune and metabolic system. It also provides a way to promote and support sobriety, health and well-being."
Steve Dansinger
Steve has been working intensively with young people for over 15 years. He began as a high school teacher and quickly became involved in prevention and intervention issues. He helped to design and implement several local, national and international programs dealing with violence prevention, conflict resolution, and diversity issues. His work in New York City received high marks from the Mayor's Office and the Clinton White House. As an educator with FCD Educational Services, he has worked with thousands of students, teachers and families internationally on substance abuse prevention and intervention. His work with adults includes Life Coaching, training and education, and two years as a facilitator at Promises Day Treatment Center. His 17 years of personal recovery and 15 years of the study and practice of Zen meditation enhances his work with young people. He is currently finishing his Masters in Counseling Psychology.
"I feel like my work with teens over the last 15 years has been built on mutual warmth, humor and respect. With adolescents in recovery, these elements are essential in helping them to establish and maintain recovery that is healthy, meaningful and fun."
Allison Sackin, B.A.
Allison was born and raised in Los Angeles and obtained her degree in English Literature from UCLA. Allison began studying yoga in 1991. A particularly inspiring trip to South India in 1995 led her to a yoga teaching position at a local gym. From there, she went on to teach private lessons, group sessions at yoga centers, corporate classes and in elementary schools. Her specialty is teaching yoga to those in recovery for various addictions. She trained in Hatha yoga in India and is certified in Kundalini yoga, pre/post natal and children's yoga. Additionally, she received a certificate in meditative healing and utilizes its techniques for the healing of her clients. Allison's classes employ both yoga and meditation to achieve relaxation, detoxification and a connection to one’s inner spirituality.
Kurt Garbe, M.A., Director of Outreach
kgarbe@visionsteen.om
Kurt’s focus is to assist families in finding the right treatment program for their loved one. His insight and advice comes from twenty years of experience in the chemical dependency/mental health field where he served as Director of Crisis Intervention and Admissions for the A.S.A.P. Family Treatment Program, Director of Admissions for the Discovery Adolescent Treatment Program and Director of Intake and Referrals at Anacapa By the Sea.
Christina Howard, B.S., Outreach Coordinator
choward@visionsteen.com
Christina earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from San Diego State University. As Outreach Coordinator for Visions, she continues to build community relations in the treatment field. She also assists with the continued progress reports on Visions Alumni. Christina is currently a member of the Women's Association for Addiction Treatment and Membership Chair for the Orange County WAAT Chapter.
"I am honored and grateful to be a part of a team that provides a safe environment for adolescents to regain a voice, respect and the freedom to be seen as an accounted human being. We have all been adolescents and many of us discredited for our thoughts, so let's open the door of communication and listen to the ignored hurt and feelings of our youth. What we provide for our youth today will foreshadow the actions of our adults tomorrow."
Yael Neubauer, Operations Coordinator
yael@visionsteen.com
Yael, CAADAC Candidate and Operations Coordinator, is a vital member of the Visions Team. With a background in finance, management and corporate logistics, Yael assists in quality assurance, program planning, development and evaluation. Adolescent treatment is complex and requires insight and empathy; Yael's life experience and commitment to excellence combines the best of both.
Stan Weinstock, CPA, Controller
sweinstock@visionsteen.com
Stan is a Certified Public Accountant, and has been with Visions since 2003. He is responsible for the day to day financial operations at Visions Treatment Centers. Stan earned his CPA certificate in 1982, after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from UCLA. Stan also made the Dean's Honor List and his academic achievements earned him an invitation for membership in Phi Beta Kappa.
Amanda Shumow – Founder
ashumow@visionsteen.com
Amanda is the Head Counselor at Visions' Residential program and one of Visions' founders. She has worked in the field of recovery for nearly a decade and is dedicated to ensuring teens stay in the treatment model. A Certified Chemical Dependency counselor, Amanda specializes in adolescent issues of personal recovery, coping skills, aftercare plans, and substance abuse awareness. Her knowledge in these areas has helped guide countless adolescents and their families down the path to healthy, happy, and sober lives. In addition, Amanda's involvement in Visions Outpatient Program helps teens make the transition from residential to outpatient seamless, as well as increase the program's continuity of care. Amanda's passion, dedication and extensive capability, demonstrate Visions' promise of exceptional care.
Christopher Shumow – Founder
Chris is Co-Founder of Visions Adolescent Treatment Center and has worked in the arena of substance abuse rehabilitation for years. Prior to Visions, he was the director of operations for an adult substance abuse treatment center, where he further enhanced his extensive knowledge and groomed his skills in the field of recovery.
With his honed expertise, Chris envisioned creating a full continuum of care for adolescents and their families, where the effective treatment of substance abuse and behavioral disorders involves a holistic approach that includes attention to the adolescents' emotional growth, physical well-being, psychological health, and family relations. With years of his own personal recovery experience, Chris has a deep understanding of substance abuse issues and the means necessary to achieve successful healing. He has proven to be an inspiration and role model for the adolescents and their families.
