The team at the Riversource is made up of experienced, caring indiviuals dedicated to your recovery. At the River Source, we strongly advocate the use of holistic recovery encompassing mind, body, & spirit as well as emphasize life experiences in recovery & residential alcohol and drug treatment.
Our Staff
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Experienced & Caring
Dr. Walmer, 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
Dr. Dave Arneson, 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 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. Terranella, Naturopathic Medical Director, Mesa Center
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. Fred Arnold, Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Fred Arnold, NMD, DC has treated patients for over 20 years and is one of the few physicians in the nation with both naturopathic and chiropractic degrees. He integrates conventional medicine and state-of-the-art holistic therapies to best meet the needs of each individual patient. Dr. Arnold attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and graduated in 1983. From 1983 to 1999, he had a private practice in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine from 2003-2006 and graduated 2006, Dr. Arnold has received extensive post graduate training in prolotherapy and Anti-Aging Medicine from the University of Wisconsin, Naturopathic Association of Therapeutic Injectors, the American Academy of Neurobiology with Dr. Detrich Klinghart, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Arnold has had the honor of being trained in prolotherapy by Dr. Kent Pomeroy, MD who is one of the few recognized prolotherapy specialist in the nation. Dr. Arnold is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anti-aging Health Practioners and is Certified in Acupuncture. He is currently in the process of completing his Fellowship with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Regenerative & Functional Medicine.
Dr. LaCoss, N.M.D.
Dr. LaCoss completed her undergraduate education in 2006 at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she earned her Bachelor of Science with a major in Human Biology. As part of her studies at Carroll College, Dr. LaCoss initiated her own research project that looked at the effects of acute and chronic stress on the body. After graduating from Carroll College, Dr. LaCoss moved to Arizona to attend the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2010. Although Dr. LaCoss originally planned on pursuing Women’s Medicine, she became intrigued with Addiction Medicine. During her clinical education at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. LaCoss interned at The River Source for a year and a half, worked one on one with Drs. Terranella and Kim, and also worked with Dr. Arneson at his private office. During these experiences Dr. LaCoss learned the importance and effectiveness of using Acupuncture, Nutrition, IV Therapy, Botanical Medicine, and Homeopathy to treat patients who are undergoing drug/alcohol detox and rehabilitation.
Kris Berkner, N.M.D.
Kris Berkner N.M.D.is licensed in Arizona where she has lived for 45 years. She received her BS from the University of Arizona in 1988. While attending Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine she did extensive training in drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation. She combines her abilities to work well with the patients with her knowledge of botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, bio identical hormones, weight loss, and acupuncture. Dr. Berkner also has a private practice in Queen Creek as well as being a professor of medical ethics at Chandler Gilbert Community College.
Liz Martin, Vice President of Operations
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 over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry working at various operating levels throughout the Pacific NorthWest. Her own personal struggle with addiction is what brought her to The River Source several years ago. Today she has a new life filled with hope, faith and courage. Liz is dedicated to helping others and being of service to those struggling with addiction and wanting to change their life.
Jenny Cilwa, Clinical Director - Casa Grande
Jenny Cilwa has 10 years experience, personally and professionally, working extensively in the areas of addiction, chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, trauma, group and family therapy.
Jenny’s professional career includes working with families struggling with the impact of addiction and working with men and women in addictions, specific to substance abuse, co-dependency, and grief and loss. Jenny applies special skills and knowledge in the areas of mental health, as well as multi-cultural issues. Her own journey of healing serves as an example to those who need to see that courage is the rudder by which they can steer their own course of healing. She gently puts clients at ease as they confront the many fears and uncertainties of lifestyle change and recovery. She is an efficient leader and excellent role model for follow-through and self-responsibility.
Jenny’s professional career includes working with families struggling with the impact of addiction and working with men and women in addictions, specific to substance abuse, co-dependency, and grief and loss. Jenny applies special skills and knowledge in the areas of mental health, as well as multi-cultural issues. Her own journey of healing serves as an example to those who need to see that courage is the rudder by which they can steer their own course of healing. She gently puts clients at ease as they confront the many fears and uncertainties of lifestyle change and recovery. She is an efficient leader and excellent role model for follow-through and self-responsibility.
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) and 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 a list of services provided:
- Individual Counseling
- Family Education
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Recovery Coaching
- consultation
- education
- coaching
- assisted intervention
- complete intervention
- treatment placement
- personalized follow up
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.
Scott Payne, Counselor, Master's level, LISAC
Scott Payne, counselor - Masters Level, LISAC Scott Payne, Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) is a substance abuse counselor and an interventionist. Scott has been working with individuals with addiction problems since 1997. Scott has been certified since 2001. Due to Scott also being in recovery himself, it make it very easy to connect with an individual with a drug or alcohol problem, it also helps the person getting counseling to feel very comfortable. Scott has helped thousands of families in the years he has been a counselor. Scott has also done speaking engagements for probation officers, police officers, high schools, and many others. He is a very dedicated and passionate person when it comes to helping people find the freedom and happiness that comes as a result of living a sober life.
John Carter, L.I.S.A.C.
John Carter has been a Substance Abuse Counselor for the past 34 years. He started working at Terros, inc. through the C.E.T.A. program in November of 1974. John worked in the crisis unit, working on drug overdoses and other drug related problems. He also worked on the suicide hotline. John went to school and excelled. In February of 1976 he was asked to come to work at St. Luke’s Hospital, where he worked as a counselor’s aid until he became certified through the Arizona Board of Certified Alcohol Counselor (ABCAC) in 1977. Since that time John has worked as an administrator in several programs in Phoenix, Arizona. John has started several programs working with DUI offenders, Probationa and Parole. He is an educator and lecturer teaching about Dysfunctional Family Systems, Substance Abuse, DUI education, and Substance Abuse Treatment. John is also an interventionist helping families with loved ones who need treatment. Author of the book: God get me out of this one…, and addict’s prayer. John is a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (L.I.S.A.C.) in the state of Arizona where he now resides.
Holli Adsit, Counselor – LMSW, LISAC
Holli completed her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1995, and her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1997, both degrees were obtained at Arizona State University. Through college Holli worked at a Valley East Counseling Center as an intern to an employee. This agency gave her a broad experience in working with families, children, adolescents, couples, groups for adults and children, and individual work with a variety of issues including sexual abuse victims and perpetrators, domestic violence, sexual addictions, family dynamics, substance abuse, conduct disorders, shoplifting, mental health disorders and alcohol abuse and dependence. She worked for Arizona Child Protective Services after obtaining her Master’s degree for almost two years. She also worked for over 10 years running groups and individual sessions for court ordered substance abuse clients in Mesa, AZ eventually taking over the small private practice for the last three years. During that time, she also worked as a Social Worker at the Paradise Valley School District with the Alternative Education Students in Middle School and High School. She then moved on to become the Clinical Director of Justice Service, the largest outpatient diversion program in Arizona, overseeing over 200 weekly groups, and over 20,000 clients per year for three years. Holli found an opportunity in Riversource to get back to direct client services. Holli’s counseling approach is based not only on her educational background but on the 16 years of experience in working with clients in recovery and their families. She also draws upon personal family and friend experiences with addiction. She encourages the 12 step program. Holli reinforces this program with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), strength based therapy, and whole person (mind, body and spirit) approach to therapy. Holli encourages family participation in the recovery process. Holli serves as the Secretary and Treasurer for Passages a non-profit organization for children in the Arizona foster care system; this helps her to accomplish one of her lifelong goals to give back to a system that helped her as a former foster child.
Charles Ackerman, M.A., Program Manager
(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 Townsend, Asst. Program Manager & Life Coach
Sharmyn Townsend, Assistant Program Manager and Life Coach, has been working in recovery for the River Source for over 2 years. Sharmyn has worked with hundreds of recovering addicts and alcoholics to help them find their way out of the darkness and chaos of addiction to the joy and freedom of a new life in recovery. Sharmyn is uniquely qualified since she herself struggled with heroin addiction for 12 years and today lives a full, happy, joyous and free life in recovery, which started at the River Source. In addition to working with addicts and alcoholics at The River Source Sharmyn sponsors several women, is of service to her home group meetings and serves on several boards and committees for CA(Cocaine Anonymous) and HA(Heroin Anonymous). Recovery has not given Sharmyn her life back, it has given her a life she could have never imagined and she believes that every day she lives in recovery is a gift and an opportunity to give back what was given to her!
Paula Owens, Nutrition and Fitness Instructor
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 hormone 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.
Brad Coupens, Behavioral Health
Brad Coupens is a Licensed Caregiver who has worked as peer support at The River Source since 2008. He began his life in recovery as a River Source client, and finds working in a treatment setting to be a very special and important part of his own recovery. For over two years he as been a part of the River Source staff and currently works as overnight floor and peer support for the majority of the week. Brad is a Nationally Registered EMT-B and is continuing his education in the areas of emergency medicine and nursing.
Brenda Emerick, Program Manager
Brenda Emerick, Program Manager in Casa Grande, AZ., has been working in recovery for the River Source since March of 2010. She came to the River Source after working full time for an Alcohol/Drug and Gambling Counseling office in the Casa Grande area. She also attended Rio Salado Community College getting her Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. She herself has been in recovery from alcoholism and has maintained her sobriety for 24 years. She sponsors many women in Alcoholics Anonymous and has a passion to continue sharing her experience, strength and hope with others. By choosing recovery she has a life today that is far better than she could have ever imagined.
Thera Chatman, Administrative Assistant
Thera Chatman, Administrative Assistant, has been working for The River Source in Casa Grande, AZ since April, 2010. She started in housekeeping, moved up to Behavioral Health Technician and recently Administrative Assistant. She is also a full time college student studying Healthcare Administration. Although this is her first time working in Behavioral Health she is no stranger to the medical field. She has been working in the medical field as a CNA since 2003. She feels that she can use her own life experiences with loved ones who have struggled with addiction, to help someone else along in their recovery.
Wayne Hartnett, BHT
Wayne Hartnett, BHT, after struggling with his addiction and the 12-step program for years, Wayne, came to the River Source in Casa Grande, as a client. His being a client has turned out to be a life changing process for him. He realized that he had a passion to work in the field of helping others to achieve sobriety. His position as BHT has begun a new chapter in his life.
Niles Weaver, BHT
Niles Weaver, BHT, is extremely grateful to be a part of The River Source family. To be able to work with others, and help others to overcome chemical dependency is his true passion. He has developed this passion through his own personal journey in recovery that began over 1 year ago. He strongly believes in the 12 Steps recovery program and teaching others how to live a new way of life one day at a time. “It is an honor to be in this position today and for that I am truly grateful”.
Shelly Dye, BHT
Shelly is a certified Med Aide and CPR certified. She has seen the devastation that the disease has done to herself and her family. From there is where the passion she has for helping people get their lives back on the right track comes from.
Santos Pena, BHT
Santo has 28 years of personal addiction experience as well as experiencing the effects of others family members addictions. He has been working the 12 step program since Jan. 2010 and has been amazed by the personal transformations as well as that of others. Santos is currently working towards his associate’s degree in Sociology. “I am always willing to share my experience, strength and hope with fellow addicts and their families."
Tina Christensen, Housekeeper
Tina Christensen, housekeeper, enjoys working for The River Source because she has a true passion for people in recovery. She feels it helps her in her own journey. After struggling with her own addiction for 8 years, she has been in recovery for 5 months. She is grateful for this program and looks forward to a career in helping others achieve this new life of opportunity.
James Shirey, Cook
James Shirey, cook, has cooked ever since he could stand at the stove on a milk crate. So you could say he has a passion for being in the kitchen. He has always wanted to cook and help at the same time. He received his SERVSAFE in 2007 and loves cooking different things. Here at THE RIVERSOURCE, he gets a personal satisfaction cooking and helping others. Having his own experience in recovery, he knows firsthand how hard it is when trying to change your life around. James has been in recovery for 5 years now, and it is the best thing he has ever done in his life. Maybe he can help pass the message to others that have similar struggles.
Phill 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
Nathan Martinez, Certified Nursing Assistant
Nathan is a Licensed Care Giver and Certified Nursing Assistant who just joined us at The River Source in August of 2011. He has been working overnight floor and peer support. His friendly attitude and experience in recovery helps his love for helping others. He is continuing his education in the Nursing field.
Tony Renello, Licensed Care Giver
Tony Renello is a Licensed Care Giver who joined the River Source Team August 2011. Tony is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Psychology to become a substance abuse counselor.
Zach Lynch, Licensed Care Giver
Zach is a former client who obtained his Caregiver License shortly after graduating from the River Source. He gratefully shares his experience, strength and hope with current clients.
