With over 20 years experience in working with addictions, George brings a breadth of experience to his position as Program Director. George has worked in a variety of addiction settings and is often called upon to provide training throughout the Lakeview system. He has been instrumental in designing and improving services to dually diagnosed patients. "We meet people where they are at, so they feel in charge of their change process."

As Director of Nursing, Faith makes it a priority to see each patient every day. She monitors their medical and emotional needs, assuring that they get what they need. The nurses in this department are all very experienced in working with addiction and consistently get perfect scores in our Patient Satisfaction survey. "We work hard to assess and give the patient what they need but we don't medicate their feelings. They need to learn to deal with those."

Dr. P's blend of expertise and compassion bring our patients the best medial care available. In his role as Medical Director he works closely with the treatment team to assure that total patient care is achieved. "When people stop abusing drugs and alcohol it's amazing to see how the body can heal."

Melanie's past experience at a community mental health center gives her a broad background in mental health and working with dually diagnosed patients. Her focus on Interpersonal process and Cognitive Behavioral therapy helps patients learn new ways to cope with life. "I see the whole person and not just the problem that brings them here. That's just one part of it. To be successful in recovery, mind, body and spirit all must be addressed."

Rita is our trauma specialist, using Experiential techniques to help patients address core issues. She also conducts the Family Aftercare program and maintains contact with many alumni and their families. "We are all a part of our past experiences. We need to come to peace with our past in order to be comfortable in the present."

Penni rejoined The Friary staff after a ten year absence. During this time she worked in Japan as a civilian contractor with the USAF mental health clinic. She then spent 5 years as a team leader at dual diagnosis programs in Memphis and New Orleans. Her position in a New Orleans area psychiatric hospital was lost, along with personal property in Hurricane Katrina. "I have seen addiction affect all aspects of a person's life and feel we must first identify the impact within clients before we begin the healing process."

Don's treatment at The Friary in 1986 was life changing. In sobriety he decided to change careers from a successful insurance salesperson and return to school for a Masters degree in Counseling. He initially returned to The Friary as Continuing Care Coordinator and then as a therapist. "This place saved my life. I hope to give some of that back."

Wadell is in charge of our Continuing Care program and works to strengthen our alumni network. He lives what we teach. "We'll love you till you can love yourself."

Stacy brings to the position experience in individual and family addictions counseling as well as in crisis intervention and aftercare treatment planning. In addition, Aberle has provided victim's assistance counseling.

Sharon has more than twenty years of experience in counseling individuals with addiction and impulse disorders. She has worked extensively with individuals with co-occurring disorders in both residential and outpatient programs. She has a special interest in women's issues with addiction. Sharon started her journey working in addiction and her love for The Friary in 1982.

As Admissions Coordinator, Rebecca brings her experience from other regional treatment centers. Growing up surrounded by addiction, she has seen firsthand the power of addiction and the damage it can cause to individuals and families. "The spirituality and sense of peace at The Friary help to make this place special. People can begin the process of healing here and move ahead to brighter days."

Paul's initial contact with The Friary was as a student. He completed a semester of Directed Studies here in 1999. After working in children's psychiatric programs, Paul returned here. He sees his role in admissions as a client advocate both in securing insurance coverage and helping the patient see their recovery needs. "I wanted to come back to The Friary. I get to see people enter treatment at their bottom and leave looking healthy and with a new attitude towards life."

Janet is the newest member of our Admissions team. She comes to us with a degree in psychology and experience in mental health and addiction admissions and assessments. "I feel passionate about this work. I want to help others help themselves. Treatment does work."

Ben joined the staff 6 weeks after his birthday on Christmas Eve of 2004. He belongs to one of the therapists but spends much of his time at The Friary, greeting new patients and offering unconditional love and acceptance to all. Ben has achieved a Good Citizenship award and is working towards his certification as a Therapy Dog.