Dr. Mark Walmer, MD, Medical Director

Dr. Mark Walmer has a passion for treating people with chemical dependency. He has education and vast experience to address all types of chemical addictions. One of Dr. Walmer's goals is to have people live a life free of chemical dependency.  

Certifications: 

American Board of Internal Medicine, diplomate, Certificate No. 113415; American Board of Addiction Medicine (formally American Society of Addiction Medicine); American Society of Addiction Medicine, Certified Addictionologist, Certificate No. 005069; National Board of Medical Examiners, Diplomate, Certificate No. 299132 

Training: St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ., Medical Degree from Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. 

Specialty Areas: Internal Medicine; Addicationology. Other areas of expertise are: Preventive medicine, Hypertention, Hypercholoesterolemia, Diabetes mellitus 

Professional Associations: 

East Valley Internal Medicine, PC, President; Integra Physicians Network, President; Medical Director, Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program, St. Likes Behavioral Health Center; American Society of Addiction, Member; Former Medical Director (2000-2003), Chemical Dependency Program (Inpatient), St. Luke’s Hospital; Former Medical Director, Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program, Samaritan Behavioral Health Center; Former Medical Director(1991-1998), Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program, Charter Hospital of the East Valley and Charter Desert Vista.  

Licensure: 

Arizona Medical License No. 15974 

DEA License No. BW0365456

 

Dr. Kim, NMD

Dr. Kim completed her undergraduate work at the University of California, Riverside 2004, with degrees in Biochemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry and Music. While pursuing these degrees, she decided to enter the Naturopathic profession for fulfill her dreams to treat the patient’s mind, body and spirit using non-invasive, natural means to help patients find their way back to healing the way nature intended. This led her to pursue Naturopathic Medicine as opposed to traditional western medicine, as it offered her the best tools to address and treat the root cause of disharmony within individuals needing aid. She received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2008, graduating from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. During her training, she developed an interest in Addiction Medicine and actively pursued clinical rotations with this emphasis as well as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to help bring the body back to balance.

 

Dr. Arneson,

NMD, Naturopathic Medical Doctor

Dr. Arneson started his education at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1992 (with Honors) with a double major in Biology and Psychology. From 1994 to 1996, he continued his education at the University of Texas at El Paso and the El Paso Community College where his focus was on organic chemistry. In 1994 he received the necessary training to be certified by the American Board of Hypnotherapy in clinical and regression hypnotherapy. In 1996 he entered into his medical training at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine where he received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in August 2000. From 1988, he has worked in both the volunteer and employee capacity in the field of addiction, as well as with the seriously mentally ill, working extensively with both adult and adolescent populations. Since October of 2000, to July 2002, he served in the capacity of Medical Director at the Naturopathic Detox Program, a non-profit 14-28 day residential naturopathic drug and alcohol detoxification facility. Since February of 2003 to March of 2007, he held the position of Medical Director of The River Source Naturopathic Detoxification and Treatment Program (a 30 day program) in Mesa, Arizona. From November of 2007 until June 2008 he was medical director of the World Addiction and Health Institute (WAHI) in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a part time Clinical Instructor (since 2001) of Naturopathic Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences where he supervises and trains student doctors in clinical settings. He also maintains a private practice, focusing on treatment of alcoholism, drug dependency, and chronic disease.

 

Dr. Robin, NMD

Naturopathic Physician with a primary care focus and strong background in integrative medicine. Passionate for finding integrative health care solutions to those in need. Special interests, training in diabetes, cardiovascular and addiction disease. Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine 2001-2006 Bastyr University Kenmore, WA Research 

·  Methadone clinic treating patients for drug and alcohol addiction.

·  BCNH Retrospective chart analysis- Helped compile Hgb A1C’s on diabetic patients treated at BCNH. Primary researcher was Ryan Bradley, ND Diplomat of Acupuncture 2003-2006 Wu Hsing Dao Seattle, WA Internship

·  Mark Tibeau, L.Ac, 5 Element Acupuncture. Discussed and evaluated many patients using Traditional 5 Element Acupuncture diagnosis.

 

Dr. Todd Smith, NMD

Dr. Todd Smith's experience with doctors and hospitals began at an early age. At the age of 8, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, which then returned at age 12. While growing up dealing with childhood cancer and spending hours, days, and weeks in medical offices and hospitals, he knew someday he wanted to become a doctor to help people. He started college as a “pre-med” student but his pathway veered and he graduated with a business degree. He entered the business world and was successful as a VP of operations and head of the Quality Control and Environmental Safety departments of manufacturing companies. A personal trainer since college, he even started his own 5,700 sq. ft. personal training center in Chicago. But he never felt he was doing what he was meant to do.  

After another life threatening event with cancer, he decided that life was too short and he was on the wrong path. He had a family meeting and decided it was time to make a change. He explored medical schools remembering how he felt as a patient, as well as, the experience’s his family went through. He felt strongly that he wanted to practice medicine, but in a different way. This led him to decide to become a naturopathic physician and attend Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, Arizona.  

Four years later, Dr. Smith graduated first in his class receiving the Highest Academic Achievement award. He was also honored with receiving the prestigious Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his service to the school, community, and advancement of the profession. After graduation, he knew what type of practice he wanted to open. He founded AZ Integrative Medicine, in North Central Phoenix near Paradise Valley, AZ, focusing on hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and obesity in a place that provides a different healthcare approach – integrative and functional medicine.

In addition to maintaining his practice, Dr. Todd Smith teaches at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and volunteers in medical missions.  

Dr. Smith is married to his wife, Deb, and has two children, Bri and Derek.  

He is now doing what he loves and his path has come full circle. 

 

Interest in Addiction: 

Grew up w/ alcoholic Father and experienced first-hand the effects of addiction both on my father and the rest of the family. He went thru an in-patient rehab program and has been clean since ~1993. 

Did several rotations as med student w/ Dr. Goetz at RALC/River Source and one w/ Dr. Arnesen. 

Dr. Smith is now part of the River source team.

 

Liz Martin,

Operations Manager - Bachelor of Science

Liz Martin received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Washington University in 1999 with emphasis in Human Resource Management and Organizational Theory. She also has 15+ years experience managing restaurants at various operating levels throughout the Pacific NorthWest. Her own personal struggle with addiction is what brought her to The River Source just over a year ago. Today she has a new life working in recovery filled with hope, faith and courage. Liz is dedicated to being of service to those in addiction and wanting to live a life in recovery.

 

Colleen LeBlanc, Counselor - LMSW, LISAC

(Masters Level Social Worker, Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor) Colleen completed her undergraduate BSW Degree at Madonna College in 1986 in Michigan. Colleen relocated to Arizona in 1986 and in 1989 she became the director of chemical dependency program at a psychiatric facility, where she gained a great deal of respect for the team approach of doctors, nurses, therapists, spiritual personal and families of the patient. Colleen completed her Masters in Social Work at Arizona State University in 2002. Colleen encourages a 12 step recovery program and practices her strong belief in healing the whole person, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. She especially enjoys working with the families with addiction issues and adult children of alcoholics. Colleen also specializes in dealing with depression, anxiety, stress and anger issues. She has lectured on recovery topics and uses a variety of therapeutic modalities for example, guided imagery, relaxation and anger management. She has had experience working as a crisis counselor with the local police and fire departments on the scene of "critical incidents" or traumatic events. Some of the methods Colleen's uses are: Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT): Through CBT Colleen teaches how to manage your thoughts, feelings and behavior. Another method that Colleen uses is Relaxation Techniques: Example, is she uses music, and body control exercises to practice relaxation techniques. Visualization, Guided Imagery, and Role Play (Gestalt Therapy) an other effective methods that Colleen uses in her therapy sessions.

 

Geffen Liberman, Counselor - Masters Level, LISAC

Geffen Liberman, Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor is a substance abuse counselor and an interventionist in private practice in Gilbert, Arizona. Geffen is a LISAC in Arizona and is also board certified in the state of Missouri. Geffen has been counseling substance abusers and their family members for over 11 years and has been performing the art of intervention for over 10 years. Geffen has worked with thousands of families in that time period. As a recovering addict himself, Geffen has a unique ability to connect with people and help them achieve the freedom and joy that comes with recovery. Geffen has been a guest speaker at high schools, colleges, and hospitals nationwide. Below are lists of services provided.

·  Individual Counseling

·  Family Education

·  Assessment and Evaluation

·  Recovery Coaching

Intervention Services:

·         Consultation

·         Education

·         Coaching

·         Assisted intervention

·         Complete intervention

·         Treatment placement

·         Personalized follow up

·         After Care Counseling

·         Pre-treatment Counseling

·         Escorts to Treatment

·         Phone Sessions

 

Leonard W. Days, Counselor, MA - LISAC

Leonard has been a substance abuse counselor for over twenty-five years. He has specialized in relapse prevention for the majority of his career in the recovery treatment filed. Leonard has facilitated both primary care and aftercare groups. He is a past faculty member of the Symposium of Addictive Disorders, and of the Southwestern School of Behavioral Health Studies. The enthusiasm and momentum that Leonard adds to our groups stems from his desire to help good people become well people along with his desire to reunite families.

 

Teresa Whitney, Counselor- MHS, ICADC, ICCS

Teresa received a Masters Degree in Human Services (with honors) from Lincoln University in 2008. In addiction, she is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug counselor and an Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor. Teresa has worked in the field of addictions and mental health for 12 years. She recently relocated to Phoenix, Arizona from Pennsylvania where she worked as a Clinical Supervisor for a 95 bed therapeutic community. In her previous position, she led drumming groups, facilitated women’s empowerment groups and enjoyed conducting spiritually healing ceremonies with the clients.

Teresa has worked in a variety of settings with diverse populations such as: criminal justice, mental health, adolescents, adults and other special populations. She has experience as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, crisis counselor, outreach worker, HIV counselor, EMDR trained therapist and administrator.  Teresa specializes in working with PTSD, trauma and addiction utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Psychotherapy (EMDR). Teresa uses a blended model of therapy that includes Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems and Feminist Therapy with a holistic approach. She believes in dealing with the whole person- the physical, emotional, mental and the spiritual. This comprehensive approach leads to self realization and the development of human potential.  The essential aim of the holistic approach to healing helps people to discover their true spiritual nature, then to effectively utilize this discovery in everyday life.

  

Teresa’s passion for working with chemically dependent individuals began with her own personal journey in recovery over 14 years ago. Teresa believes that addiction is a disease and that even the most hopeless individuals and families can heal because treatment works. She believes strongly in the 12 steps recovery program and teaching individuals how to live a pro-social lifestyle one day at a time. Teresa has dedicated herself to social change and building a better world one individual at a time.  

(Master's Degree in Adult Education) Rusty Ackerman received his M.A. in 1995 from the University of Phoenix with a 4.0 GPA. He had 14 years experience working for Pima Community College's Adult Education Program (PCAE) before resigning to pursue a career in treatment/recovery programs three years ago. While at PCAE, Rusty managed multicultural and multilingual programs, developed curriculum and specialized in assessment and evaluation, and he wrote grants and contracts for services. In 2002, he was honored by the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association (an 8 state region) as the Educator of the Year. That year he was also the president of the Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning. As a recovered alcoholic and addict, Rusty has lived through many of the devastating consequences that can accompany the disease of addiction, and he has found new hope and a new way of life through living and working in recovery at the River Source.

 

Sharmyn, Asst. Program Manager

 

Paula Owens, Nutrition and Fitness Instructor / Author

Paula is the author of THE POWER OF 4 – Your Ultimate Guide Guaranteed to Change Your Body and Transform Your Life. She is a highly sought-after expert and respected professional for holistic nutrition, exercise and lifestyle transformation. In addition, she provides services for blood chemistry analysis, physique transformation, personalized nutritional food plans and supplement protocols. Her clientele includes those with hormones imbalances, food cravings, depression, adrenal fatigue, digestive distress, obesity, diabetes, cancer and many other health conditions. Paula holds a Masters degree in Holistic Nutrition, a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and numerous professional health and fitness certifications.

Heidi has taught special interest groups for 5 years now. She started as a volunteer teacher, and has worked for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Program as a nutrition educator for the last 18 months. In addition to teaching nutrition, she also teaches pilates and marathon training classes around the valley. The Extension Food and Nutrition Education classes include 6 topics. They are: The Food Guide Pyramid - this lesson teaches the basics of what we should include in our daily diet and the related portions. Key Nutrients - this lesson is an in-depth look at the specific nutrients our body needs and why. It also covers the foods that contain these important nutrients. Food Safety - this lesson covers how to buy, store, and cook meats, poultry, and dairy products safely. Meal Planning on a Budget - this lesson teaches participants about planning and budgeting groceries. What is a Calorie? - this lesson covers what a calorie is, how our foods break down in our bodies, and how to make wise food choices. Osteoporosis - participants learn the risk factors, how to prevent, and how to treat osteoporosis in this lesson. We use food models and work together in groups, the lessons are very hands-on and fun!

 

Belinda Russo, Massage Therapist

Belinda Russo is a nationally certified massage therapist and is licensed in Washington and Arizona. Having personally experienced the emotional and physical pain of the addiction recovery process, she is particularly sensitive to the needs of individuals in all phases of detoxification and recovery. She is passionate about the use of massage in addiction recovery, and will incorporate various massage modalities to aid in the client’s detoxification as well as increase their emotional and physical comfort. In addition to her focus on addiction recovery, she may utilize deep tissue, orthopedic treatment and neuromuscular techniques to aid in treating musculo-skeletal dysfunctions in those individuals who are suffering from underlying pain issues. Belinda strongly believes that massage is healing to the body, mind and spirit, and therefore, vital in the holistic mind-body treatment approach to addiction recovery. No matter where you are on the road to recovery, she will “meet you where you’re at”.

 

Deborah Pierson, Massage Therapist

Deborah Pierson is a Licensed Massage Therapist who utilizes her knowledge of a variety of therapeutic and energetic techniques to support wellness. In addition to therapeutic massage which helps to detoxify muscle tissue, she practices Manual Lymphatic Drainage. The lymphatic system supports the immune system by processing and eliminating toxins from the body. MLD encourages lymphatic fluid to flow more efficiently and unblocks any stagnant areas to aid in detoxification. It is particularly important to remove any residual substance buildup in the system for complete rehabilitation. Deborah practices a holistic lifestyle herself and believes that clearing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual blockages are necessary to create harmonious flow in one's life. She is dedicated to helping others find their own inner strength.

 

Brad, Behavioral Health

 

Koichi, Behavioral Health

 

 Phil Westbrooks, CEO

Multi-faceted Health Care administrator with strong corporate and academic achievements in managing businesses, organizational development, high-level administration, and adult education and training. Focused and highly developed skills in health care management, education administration, and public service. Extensive experience managing and planning critical strategies, benchmarking programs and using interpersonal relations techniques to enhance quality. Strong background in high visibility environments. 

• Strategic oversight and accountability • Increase customer satisfaction  

• Budget Development and Fiscal Management  

• Educational Program Design and Execution 

• Research & Development & Evaluation of effectiveness  

• Effective communication in diverse environments 

• Public policy and Advocacy  

• Promoting and marketing programs 

 

EDUCATION 

Doctorate of Higher Education (ABD process of completing dissertation) 

Emphasis/Concentration: Adult Education 

Nova Southeastern University, North Miami Beach, FL. 

Master of Public Administration Degree  

Emphasis/Concentration: Human Resources & Public Finance 

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 

Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Programs & Urban Recreation 

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 

Elementary Education - Bilingual Instruction Assistant - Spanish Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ