Staff
Samuel Bierman, Executive Director, BS, CAP. ICADC, CNDAI
Sam Bierman is the Executive Director for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. A graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management, Sam has worked for the highest revenue non-profit treatment center in the country for the past 5 years before departing to start his own company and bring the philosophies he learned at Caron Renaissance to the Maryland area. Having held down three different positions at Caron Treatment Centers, Sam has a wide range of knowledge and experience of the full continuum of care that treatment centers provide. Starting in the field as a counselor assistant working directly with patients suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse issues, Sam worked his way up to become the Director of Operations for Caron Renaissance Ocean Drive, a program catering to a high-end clientele in terms of influence and affluence. As Executive Director of MARC, Sam is responsible for overseeing the entire clinical and administrative operations of the program. Sam’s clinical philosophies center around developing a strong therapeutic alliance between the therapist and client, as well as treating addiction as a family disease. His entrepreneurial spirit has always led him on a personal mission: to open a treatment center where he can use his personal and professional experience to implement a clinically driven philosophy where the client’s best interest is always the top priority, and Maryland Addiction Recovery Center has become that vision realized.
Zachary Snitzer, Director of Business Development, BA
Zach Snitzer is the Director of Business Development at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is responsible for the business development, marketing, public relations, and social media strategies of the organization. Born and raised in Owings Mills, Maryland, Zach is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications and Marketing. He previously worked as Director of Communications and Online Marketing for a local company, Maryland Amateur Sports (MAS) Communications, where he focused on growing the new business to expand the opportunities for youth athletes to compete in local, regional, and national leagues, tournaments, and events. Most recently, as an Associate Producer/Creative Director for United States Media Television in Coral Springs, Florida, Zach was in charge of creating educational and business programming for television and working with national and regional companies on their marketing, branding, and social media across multiple communication platforms. His time as a resident in South Florida’s abundant recovery community opened Zach’s eyes to exciting and innovative drug and alcohol treatment philosophies that he knew weren’t readily available in Maryland. Due to his own personal journey of recovery, Zach has a passion for helping others and always wanted to bring a high quality of substance abuse treatment to his hometown. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center is just such an enterprise, filling that personal passion as well as an important local community and social need. Zach and his wife, Aura, MARC’s Director of Community Development, are proud to be able to offer a forward-thinking, innovative quality treatment program to this area of need in Maryland. In addition to his duties at MARC, Zach also serves on the Board of Directors of The Nikki Perlow Foundation.
Aura Arslanian, Director of Corporate Development, BA
Aura Arslanian is the Director of Corporate Development and Special Projects for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is responsible for furthering the company footprint locally and regionally as well as funding and developing special company projects. Born and raised in Manhattan, New York; Aura is a graduate of Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont and graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. She has previously worked in the field of addiction treatment for five years. She began as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) and a Patient Relations Advocate at The Watershed in Boynton Beach, FL as well as a Resident Manager and worker in the Office of Business Development at Caron Renaissance in Boca Raton, FL. Most recently, Aura worked in the world of fine art in Manhattan for Vito Schnabel, selling fine art and curating art galleries, pop up art shows, event planning, and production for the company’s stable of young, contemporary artists. For MARC, Aura’s experience and insight will guide the company’s corporate philosophy in terms of community outreach, future growth strategy, and fundraising. Aura, along with her husband Zach (MARC’s Director of Business Development) have always wanted to bring the high quality treatment they found while living in other areas of the country to Maryland, offering important drug treatment solutions to such an area of need. As a personal passion and growing up around the world of fine art in SoHo in Manhattan, Aura believes that art can hold an important place for a person in their journey of recovery and will make sure that MARC will be a place where a client can find creative and spiritual inspiration through different forms of art.
Jennifer Richards, PsyD, Clinical Director
Dr. Jennifer Richards, PsyD, is the Staff Psychologist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Loyola University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Richards completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital in Connecticut where she was awarded the Dr. Cornelis Boelhouwer Award in Education & Research. Dr. Richards is a creative and dynamic leader with expertise in the development of addiction and trauma-informed treatment programming, clinical management, clinical supervision, and psychological assessment. She is an experienced clinical director and has managed both private/insurance-based as well as state funded residential programs for patients suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis issues. Most recently, Dr. Richards provided clinical leadership and management at a 56-bed detox and residential treatment facility specializing in addiction and trauma treatment for a dually diagnosed population. She was the Clinical Director of Adolescent Residential Services at Rushford/Hartford Healthcare in CT where she oversaw two residential addiction programs for adolescent males as well as a state-accredited school. On an outpatient basis, Dr. Richards has provided individual, family, and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults at her practice in Wethersfield, CT as well as in St. Thomas, USVI. Dr. Richards’ interests include program development, addiction and trauma, ACT, group therapy, psychological assessment, experiential therapies, and mindfulness-based practices. Outside of work Dr. Richards spends her time with her husband and son and enjoys hiking, music and watching football.
DustieLynn White, Director of HR and Compliance
DustieLynn is the Director of Human Resources and Compliance for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is a vital asset to the day-to-day operations of the organization. Besides being the friendly voice greeting patients, families, and colleagues when they call MARC, her incredible organization skills keep both the clinical and residential teams running smoothly and in constant communication. Dustielynn completed her Associates of Science Degree from Harford Community College. She also graduated from Sanford Brown Institute with her Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Certificate and completed her student externship at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Before coming to MARC, Dustielynn worked at Michael Kors, one of the nation’s fastest growing luxury retailers. There she excelled through five positions from Sales Associate to Assistant Store Manager in four years. Dustielynn was responsible for the daily operation of the store including sales, operations, administration, marketing, and merchandising. She provided the highest level of customer service by building and maintaining repeat clientele and organizing special events. Outside of work, Dustielynn can be found traveling, boating, enjoying time with those dear to her, and cheering on her beloved Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles.
Jennifer Ulibarri, Director of Support Services
Jennifer Ulibarri is the Director of Support Services at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Jennifer studied at Elmhurst Ballet School and Laine Theatre Arts, where she earned a diploma in Performing Arts and degrees in both Art History and Drama. She began her career in the addiction treatment industry at Caron Renaissance in Boca Raton, Florida. During her employment with Caron Renaissance, Jenny initially worked directly with the patient population as a Counselor Assistant (CA). Eventually, she was promoted to Medical Coordinator, where she held that title for both Caron Renaissance and Caron Ocean Drive. Jennifer has extensive experience working directly with patient populations suffering from alcoholism, substance use disorders, behavioral health issues, and dual diagnosis. As Director of Residential Services, Jennifer is responsible for the overall residential care and well-being of patients as well as managing MARC’s Residential Managers (RM). She believes establishing a residential community that is an extension of the strong clinical philosophy at MARC is vital in order to support patients as they take steps towards recovery. Jennifer’s top priority is to work hand-in-hand with both clinical staff and residential staff to insure that all MARC patients are receiving the best clinical, life skills, and community living care possible.
KAREN MOORE, Director of Vocational Services, LCSW-C
Karen Moore is the Director of Vocational Services at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from University of Maryland-Baltimore County (Cum Laude). Following her undergraduate education, Karen worked in San Diego, CA as a psychiatric technician at a group home for adolescents with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Karen returned home to Maryland to pursue her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore and graduated in the top ten percent of her class. She worked at a Maryland Veteran’s Hospital in the suicide prevention unit, substance abuse unit, and inpatient psychiatry unit where she worked extensively with veterans with dual diagnosis issues. In addition to individual counseling with both inpatient and outpatient clients, Karen led a weekly relationship/family group and a weekly suicide prevention group with adult veterans. Karen has a strong working knowledge of 12-step recovery programs and believes that every individual’s road to recovery is unique. As MARC’s Director of Vocational Services, Karen works with patients in the extended care program that have transitioned beyond their initial phase of treatment to identify specific goals and purpose. This includes working with patients to build the necessary skill set and then begin the practical process of enrolling or reentering college, a vocation or the workforce while they are still in the treatment continuum and receiving clinical support. Outside of work, Karen enjoys hiking with her dogs and spending time with family.
DAWN JENNINGS, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, CSC-AD
Dawn Jennings is the Director of Admissions at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. At MARC, Dawn is responsible for establishing the initial clinical relationship between a patient, their family, and the treatment staff. She handles the bulk of the intake, admissions, evaluations, and initial assessments for all patients entering treatment. Dawn completed her Associates Degree in Applied Science with a concentration in Chemical Dependency at The Community College of Baltimore County, Magna Cum Laude. Dawn has extensive experience working with adults diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. Most recently, she worked at a nationally accredited treatment center in Maryland providing specialized outpatient substance abuse treatment that focused on opiate dependent adults with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. She is well versed in utilizing a variety of evidenced- based practices to include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. Dawn prefers to take a client-centered approach in working with patients and their families by aiding each individual to maximize their full potential in every area of their lives. In her free time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, live music, and skydiving.
DOUGLAS WOODRUFF, MD, MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Douglas Woodruff is the Medical Director at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Dr. Woodruff graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1973 and went on to complete a psychiatry residency at UM in 1976. Dr. Woodruff has extensive experience caring for patients in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, for both public and private facilities, as well as overseeing mental health services in the industrial EAP setting. Dr. Woodruff was also previously a staff psychiatrist for Sinai Hospital for the organization’s outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He also has worked at a community mental health center and has ran his own private practice for over twenty five years. Dr. Woodruff also received the honor of being the psychiatric editor for the 27th and 28th editions of Steadman’s Medical Dictionary. Dr. Woodruff’s true passion comes from working with dual diagnosis patients, especially those with ADHD or Bipolar Disorder diagnoses. For a decade he has been able to use an experimental bio-indicator, a blood test not yet FDA approved, which based on the years of data available seemingly would make diagnosing and treatment both mental health issues more efficient and effective. Dr. Woodruff’s experience in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology has given him the belief and perspective that appropriate psychopharmacological treatment can provide the foundation on which a person using various psychotherapeutic modalities may build the mental and emotional household in which they live, in a way that allows a person to achieve their highest potential. He believes that medication is a starting point in recovery, but it can only act as a foundation upon which therapy and treatment can build on to allow true holistic recovery. At MARC, Dr. Woodruff works with Dr. Alfred Forrester, Sam Boateng and the entire clinical staff to create a seamless, collaborative environment to support the best patient care for all MARC clients.
ALFRED FORRESTER, MD, LFAPA, STAFF PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Alfred Forrester is a staff psychiatrist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Dr. Forrester received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Yale University in 1975 and graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, in 1979. He went on to complete an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA; and a residency in Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, followed by a clinical fellowship in Affective Disorders at the same institution. He has received academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Forrester has a breadth of clinical and research experience encompassing both public and private sectors, in academic, inner city clinic, hospital, and outpatient private practice settings. He has provided internal medical support on the inpatient services at the Bon Secours Hospital in Baltimore, MD; he has been a full-time attending psychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital; he was the first Director of Psychiatric Services at the Chase-Brexton Health Services; and he addressed mental health and addiction issues among the undergraduate population while serving as a Consulting Psychiatrist at the Towson University Counseling Center. Dr. Forrester has multiple published research articles in the area of affective disorder among populations of patients following myocardial infarction, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury; he is a Lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the Maryland Psychiatric Society and the American Medical Association; and his achievements have been recognized by Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and the Continental Who’s Who Registry. After having provided general adult psychiatric services in a private office setting for the past 20 years, with a focus on the pharmacologic management of mood and anxiety disorders and ADHD, Dr. Forrester for the past 2 years has shifted his clinical attention to the management of co-occurring conditions in the context of a comprehensive addictions program. His having joined the staff of MARC in 2017 is indicative of his commitment to working in a multidisciplinary treatment community in which the pertinent biological, environmental and psychosocial influences on patient functioning can be recognized, addressed and remediated, to promote optimal clinical outcomes.
JUDITH FOSTER, RN, MSN, CRNP, NURSE PRACTITIONER
Judy Foster is the nurse practitioner at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Judy has been practicing as a nurse practitioner in the medical field for 20 years and received two Master’s degrees from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has experience in the fields of cardiology and cardiac surgery for many years, as well in the ER/Urgent Care area of medicine. Just has additional prior clinical experiences is a Nursing Professional, as a clinical consultant to the Maryland Board of Nursing, as a medical consultant to three law firms and also co-developed the first EMT-P program in the state of Maryland. In 2014, Judy changed her clinical focus towards the area of addiction and substance use disorders. It was during her initial involvement in this area of medicine that Judy learned how complex and multifactorial addiction issues are and the issues patient dealing with addiction and mental health face on a regular basis. She found it concerning that in all her years working in ICUs and ERs as a nurse, she has little idea how detrimental substance use disorder is to the individual and the family unit, let alone why addiction is such a challenge to reconcile. This is what drives her passion to work with an addicted population. Before coming to MARC, Judy had experience working with patients in a residential level of care setting. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau, and several Nurse Practitioner organizations.
CHERYL CAPLAN-ZALIS, Primary Therapist, LCSW-C
Cheryl Caplan-Zalis is the Clinical Director at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Cheryl has her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and minor in Art; and Masters in Clinical Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with an abundance of experience working with various challenges that one may face in their lifespan, Cheryl focuses on cognitive/behavioral, psycho-dynamic, or family therapies as approaches used to provide a successful outcome. Cheryl has provided clinical supervision to other therapists in the field for both mental health and substance abuse. She has created and delivered workshops to colleges, schools, and other organizations on topics ranging from ADHD and self-mutilation/self-injurious behaviors to stress management. Cheryl has spent the last 10 years working and developing the clinical program at the Mountain Manor Treatment Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She also spent time as Clinical Director at Resource Connect, an outpatient treatment program in Baltimore. Philosophically, Cheryl believes in the mind, body, and spirit connection and avoiding “cookie cutter” strategies. She has proven successful when working with opiate addicted young adults and their families to foster recovery. Cheryl’s warmth and compassion is clear in her passion to work not only with those suffering from Substance Use Disorders but also their family members. Additionally, she uses the clients’ strengths, devising empowering strategies that are individualized for each person and situations, helping to challenge patients but also ensuring that they feel safe as they embark in their journey to recovery. As MARC’s Clinical Director, Cheryl works closely with MARC Executive Director Sam Bierman to clinically manage MARC’s dual diagnosis and addiction treatment programs as well as provide clinical oversight and supervision of the clinical team and provide oversight of new program development.
RACHEL MARKUS, PRIMARY THERAPIST, LCSW-C
Rachel Markus is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Rachel received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/Pre-med from University of Maryland- College Park. Rachel then pursued her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore and graduated in the top ten percent of her class. Throughout this time, Rachel worked in the field of substance abuse at Gaudenzia, an inpatient treatment center, as well as for Jewish Recovery Houses. After graduating with her MSW, Rachel worked for 4 years at Carroll County Youth Service Bureau (CCYSB), where she did a combination of individual and family mental health counseling with children, adolescents, and adults. Rachel also worked with substance abuse clients during her time with CCYSB, including counseling in school settings with adolescents, as well as with adults at Phoenix House, an inpatient rehabilitation program. Rachel also ran weekly substance abuse groups for both adults and adolescents. Rachel has a strong working knowledge of 12-step recovery programs and is committed to supporting individuals along their varied paths to recovery. She uses an integrated, person-centered, motivational-interviewing approach when treating clients. Rachel is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDR of Greater Washington, which she utilizes for treating clients with a history of trauma, as well as experiential and mindfulness techniques to aid in her work. Outside of the office, Rachel enjoys running and loves hiking with her dog Josie Markus.
Arielle Seidler, Primary Therapist, LCSW-C
Arielle Seidler is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Arielle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and gender studies from the University of Pittsburgh (Cum Laude). While pursuing her studies as an undergraduate, she volunteered for the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape crisis hotline and interned with the Sexual Assault Services section of the college counseling center to raise awareness on campus about sexual assault. After completing her undergraduate education, she traveled throughout the West Coast with AmeriCorps, working with a variety of state and city initiatives to build homes and assist high school students with their studies. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University Pennsylvania (Summa Cum Laude). She most recently worked at a community mental health facility in Philadelphia, where she worked with clients struggling with addiction and a variety of other mental health conditions. Arielle led a weekly outpatient group that focused on recovery maintenance, and then she began a weekly men’s group with a focus on recovery and building relationships. Arielle recognizes that all individuals are unique and so are their recoveries from addiction. She uses an eclectic approach to treatment, pulling from a variety of therapeutic styles with her clients to strengthen their personal recoveries. Outside of work, Arielle enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, spending time with loved ones and participating in Crossfit.
CORINNE BURNETT, PRIMARY THERAPIST, LGSW
Corinne Burnett is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, where she studied dance and theatre. After returning to Maryland, Corinne began working in special education and spent three years at Kennedy Krieger Institute serving children with severe-to-profound autism. Her time at KKI ignited a passion for the behavioral science, prompting a return to school to study psychology. While earning a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, Corinne interned and was later hired at TurnAround Inc’s Anti-Trafficking unit where she provided case management and counseling to victims of domestic sex trafficking. Corinne continued her education at University of Maryland and earned a Master’s Degree in clinical social work, where she was selected for a specialized trauma-informed track, which allowed for additional experience and course work in trauma. Previously, Corinne worked as a primary therapist for Resource Connect, an intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program in Baltimore County, Maryland. Corinne combines her background in the arts and her trauma-informed education to incorporate experiential therapies while treating clients. She believes that movement, art, and drama can be powerful tools in healing when combined with other treatment modalities.
TYLER HOWARD, PRIMARY THERAPIST, LGPC, MA
Tyler Howard is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Tyler received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas (Cum Laude). During his undergraduate career, he served as a research assistant for an eating disorders prevention laboratory. He also volunteered as a suicide and sudden death bereavement support group facilitator at the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and advocated for less stigmatized access to mental health resources for children and their families on behalf of Clarity Child Guidance Center. Tyler then pursued his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University and graduated top of his class. In his last year of graduate school, Tyler interned at Carroll County Youth Service Bureau (CCYSB), where he worked with a variety of children, adolescents, and young adults in individual and family counseling sessions. While at CCYSB, Tyler trained in Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT) protocol and split his caseload between regular psychotherapy cases and PCIT coaching cases. Tyler views clients from a strengths-based and solutions-focused perspective, harnessing each client’s unique talents and resources to help them find their own solutions. He uses an eclectic family systems approach in treatment, but emphasizes cognitive-behavioral and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) techniques to challenge client’s dysfunctional beliefs and interpretations. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys hiking, going to spin class, and listening to independent radio.
Megan O’Shea, Primary Therapist, LGPC, MS
Megan O’Shea is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Megan received her Bachelor of Science degree from Stevenson University in Business Communications and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkin’s University’s School of Education. While she pursued her graduate degree, she worked at Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, a community outpatient center that focuses on co-occurring disorders. While at Upper Bay Counseling, Megan worked with families, couples, and individuals of all ages with emotional and behavioral difficulties, relationship issues, serious and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders. She also ran a weekly group for Upper Bay’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program that provided a variety of supportive rehabilitation services for adults with persistent mental health issues both on-site and in the community. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based with a focus on getting in touch with a person’s inner truth and uncovering their level of motivation to change. Megan firmly believes in the importance of the therapeutic alliance; meeting clients where they are and tailoring approaches and techniques as necessary depending on the nature of the client’s situation. Her counseling philosophy is influenced heavily by mindfulness, with a particular emphasis on the need for individuals to have meaningful connections in life. Megan is deeply committed to having a role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction on a global scale. Outside of work, Megan enjoys playing music, spending time with family and friends, and being in nature any way possible.
Michael Moshili, Admissions Specialist
Mike Moshili is the Admissions Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, assisting Director of Admissions Dawn Jennings with the intake and admissions process of new clients at MARC. Mike’s responsibilities include conducting initial telephone interviews, speaking to concerned family members and those individuals seeking treatment, making proper referrals to specialized treatment providers, verifying insurance benefits and scheduling intake appointments. Before his employment at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Mike most recently worked as an Admissions Coordinator at an inpatient residential treatment center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore that specialized in treating substance dependent adults with co-occurring disorders. Through his professional experience and own personal journey of recovery, Mike is passionate in his desire to help others who struggle with substance abuse, chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders and their family members find the necessary help and treatment they need in order to start the process of recovery.
Caroline Peredes, Admissions Specialist, CSC-AD
Caroline Peredes is an Admissions Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, working alongside Admissions Specialist Michael Moshili and Director of Admissions Dawn Jennings to assist clients and families with the intake and admissions process. Caroline graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County in 2015 with a degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling and continues to pursue her education, currently enrolled in classes at U.M.U.C to finish her Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Caroline’s responsibilities at MARC include conducting initial telephone interviews, speaking to concerned family members and individuals seeking treatment, making proper referrals to specialized treatment providers, verifying insurance benefits, scheduling intake appointments, and assessing clients through conducting a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and evaluation to determine to most appropriate level of care for each individual. Prior to joining the Admissions team in September 2016, Caroline worked at MARC’s residential facility as a Resident Manager. In her spare time, Caroline enjoys exercising, being with her cats, and spending time with friends and family.
Mallorie Schwartzman, Community Relations Specialist
Mallorie Schwartzman is the Community Relations Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Motivated by her passion to help others, Mallorie takes a grassroots approach to her work, creating important relationships with families, organizations and professionals within the community. She spends her day-to-day cultivating new and strengthening existing relationships in the community and fostering deeper connections to those valued by MARC. On most days you can find her somewhere in the DMV meeting with local professionals, collaborating with other treatment facilities or speaking with families in order to better their education and awareness about addiction and help navigate the treatment process. After studying Health and Wellness and Business, Mallorie went on to develop multiple new marketing regions for the beverage company Bai Brands. She created and successfully executed plans to build out the brand and foster new growth opportunies in the MidAtlantic region, Southeastern region and Texas. Most recently, she worked at Lululemon where she led Community and Personnel Development work out of Bethesda, MD. Mallorie’s professional experience coupled with her personal experience as a person in long term recovery makes her the perfect community maven for MARC, our professional partners and individuals and families in need. In her time out of the office, Mallorie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, cycling, juicing and trying out new healthy recipes.
Sean O’Brien, Evening Residential Manager Supervisor
Sean O’Brien is the Evening Resident Manager Supervisor at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Sean’s responsibilities include providing consistent supervision to RM staff, providing a supportive and guiding role to all clients as well as overseeing the evening staff at the MARC extended care residential location. Sean’s role involves him working closely with the clinical staff to ensure that the patients are receiving best-in-class clinical care while in treatment at MARC. Sean began his career in the treatment field working as a house manager for Weber Sober Homes of Carroll County, Maryland where his responsibilities entailed making sure that the tenants of the sober house followed all rules and providing an environment that is conducive to recovery. Sean joined the MARC team as a Resident Manager (RM) in July of 2015 and has consistently worked to aid the patients in life skills, relationship building and daily issues that need to be addressed in early recovery. Sean has a passion for helping those who are struggling with alcoholism and substance abuse, a passion that is driven not just from his experience working in the field of addiction treatment but also through his own personal process of recovery. Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid Baltimore sports fan.
Ben Hoffman, Medical Services Coordinator
Ben Hoffman is the Medical Services Coordinator at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Ben works directly with the Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner and local pharmacy to ensure and coordinate the treatment and medical services in conjunction with clinical services offered at MARC. Ben’s responsibilities include coordinating in-house and out of office medical appointments, ensuring prescribed medication delivery and compliance and coordinating communication between medical and clinical staff. Ben also works directly with multiple toxicology companies to ensure the most accurate information is being delivered to the clinical staff. Ben also assists MARC psychiatrist Dr. Doug Woodruff in implementing BrainPaint, a neurofeedback program for a more holistic approach to metal illness. Ben began his career at MARC as a Residential Manager in June of 2015. He had the opportunity to work directly with patients to aid them in developing life skills and helping them in their daily struggles in early recovery. Ben found his passion while working as an RM when he was asked to take on the responsibility of working directly with the pharmacy and medical team. He was promoted to his current position as Medical Services Coordinator in September of 2016. Outside of MARC, Ben can be found at his local Crossfit gym or in the kitchen preparing a healthy meal.
MARC COMMUNITY LIVING STAFF
The Maryland Addiction Recovery Center Community Living Staff of TA’s and CA’s work directly with MARC therapists and medical staff as a direct extension of the clinical team to assist them in providing structured, clinically appropriate patient oversight, patient care, education and maintaining a safe therapeutic community. The team work with patients to address challenges, strengthen tools, overcome barriers and enhance therapeutic work in order to aid patients in transitioning from addiction to recovery. It is the Community Staff’s job to create trust and ensure safety with patients, maintain communication with clinical staff and assist with patient issues, monitoring and continued life skills building while a patient is in treatment.
MIKE GIMBEL, TREATMENT SERVICES CONSULTANT
Mike Gimbel has been in the field of substance abuse education, prevention, and treatment for over 30 years. He is currently President of Mike Gimbel Associates, a nationally recognized substance abuse consulting company. In his previous roles as the Director of the St. Joseph Medical Center’s “Powered by Me!” anti drug program for athletes, the Director of the Baltimore County Office of Substance Abuse, and the Director of the Substance Abuse Education for the Sheppard Pratt Health System, Mike has won numerous awards, including 8 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards, the Director’s Community Leadership Award from the FBI, a Commendation from the National Commission on Drunk & Drugged Driving, and a Congressional Achievement award. Most recently, Mike received the Daily Record’s Health Care Heroes Outreach Award for 2011 and was presented with an Honorary Life Membership Award from the Maryland PTA. Mike has served on the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) national board of directors and is an advisor to the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene & Public Health’s Fellowship Program in Drug Abuse. Mike is certified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to provide substance abuse education to the nations college athletes. Additionally, he has been the host of the very popular substance abuse awareness television show, “Straight Talk,” for the past 25 years, and he is often called upon by local & national media to comment on substance abuse issues. In his spare time, Mike has completed 18 marathon races, including the Boston Marathon eight times.