Staff
Samuel Bierman, BS, CAP, ICADC, CNDAI
Executive Director, Co-Founder
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.
Zach Snitzer
Director of Business Development, Co-Founder
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, the D.C. Maryland Virginia Professional Liaisons’ Association (DMV-PLA), and the national advisory board for the National Conference on Alcohol & Addiction Disorders (NCAD.)
Jennifer Richards, PsyD
Clinical Director
Dr. Jennifer Richards, PsyD, is the Clinical Director 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.
Molly Ashcroft, CAC, CAI-I, ICADC
Corporate Director of Admissions and Development
Molly Ashcroft is the Corporate Director of Admissions and Development for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She is a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC), an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) and trained as an ARISE interventionist with a CAI-I certification. Prior to working at MARC, Molly worked for a non-profit sober living organization based in Amherst, Massachusetts providing care for young adult men and women. Most recently, she was the Director of Admissions and Business Development for Westport House, a sober living recovery residence and intensive outpatient (IOP) in Westport, Connecticut specifically serving a young adult male population suffering from addiction, mental health and failure-to-launch issues. Molly’s passion for working with those suffering from addiction and mental health comes from a desire to offer hope for families and patients in need. Her own personal recovery journey began in 2008 after many family interventions and treatment experiences. She attributes her success to the care and support she received from helping professionals, 12 Step support and the amazing people she has met along the way. Molly is a tireless advocate for individuals and families impacted by addiction, spending time educating communities, advocating for those in addiction and recovery and helping those in need find the right clinical services and treatment placement to ensure they receive the best care possible. At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Molly works with MARC’s Executive Director, Director of Business Development, Clinical Director and the admissions team to make sure all operations, communication and collaboration between departments runs as efficient and productive as possible to support best practices and best patient care. In her free time Molly enjoys vacationing with family and friends and spending time at the beach.
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.
Alfred Forrester, MD, LFAPA
Medical Director
Dr. Alfred Forrester is the Medical Director 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.
Douglas Woodruff, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Douglas Woodruff is a staff psychiatrist 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 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, the rest of the medical staff and the entire clinical staff to create a seamless, collaborative environment to support the best patient care for all MARC clients.
Gayle Blum, CNP
Nurse Practitioner
Gayle Blum is the Nurse Practitioner at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Gayle received her undergraduate Bachelor’s of Science degree from Towson University and her Master’s in Nursing from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Previously, she worked as a registered nurse on a psychiatric unit where she was responsible for providing direct care to patients and then as a Registered Nurse Charge on a medical unit where she provided ongoing and emergent medical care to youth and young adult patients. Before coming to Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Gayle worked as a family nurse practitioner at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Towson, Maryland, providing care to patients that admitted to Sheppard Pratt’s Crisis Unit as well as observed and managed patients in the medical detox process of the outpatient units to the Behavioral Observation Services (BOS) program. At MARC, Gayle’s role is to work with the medical team to provide direct patient care, medical coverage, medications and consults for patients in all phases of treatment and treatment programs. Gayle is also a published author, publishing the books “Baltimore County (Images of America)” and “Reisterstown (Images of America)” that are available on Amazon.com.
Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
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, LGSW
Primary Therapist
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, LGPC
Primary Therapist
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, LGPC
Primary Therapist
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.
Chris Donaldson, LCPC, NCC
Primary Therapist
Chris Donaldson is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Chris received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Workforce Education from South Illinoi University and in Psychology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and his Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling From Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. Chris comes to MARC with extensive life experience including military service and a previous career in the corporate world. While pursuing graduate training, he served in a variety of clinical milieus including inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, and community health agencies working with those struggling with a broad spectrum of mental health and co-occurring issues. He has had the privilege to walk with and guide patients hailing from many cultures at both the beginning, middle and nearing the end of their life journeys. Chris’ therapeutic approach is firmly grounded in evidence-based practices stemming from a bio\psycho\social\spiritual perspective recognizing the “whole person” in treatment. Person-centered and individualized approaches might include partnering for change by invoking and strengthening motivation, traditional or more recent contextualized cognitive-behavioral approaches including mindfulness perspectives and practice, an existential focus on meaning making and values-informed behavior, and an exploration and integration of personal spiritual beliefs and praxis where appropriate. Outside of work, Chris enjoys his other roles as husband, father, stepfather, son and brother while attending live music events, hiking/camping, cooking and being active in his faith community.
Alison Merrifield, CAADC, LPC
Primary Therapist
Alison Merrifield is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Ali received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania. From there she attended graduate school at Grand Canyon University where she received two Master’s degrees, one in Addictions Counseling, and one in Professional Counseling. While pursuing her graduate degree, Ali worked at Pyramid Healthcare MAT program providing group, individual, and family therapy services to her clients. From there, she worked at a duel diagnosis inpatient facility with a focus on trauma informed care and other specialized therapies. Her creative and upbeat personality aids in keeping her clients engaged and motivated to succeed. Ali’s approach for treatment is highly concentrated on person centered and strength based approaches understanding and believing every person is unique with incredible potential. She also uses her background as a college athlete/coach to encourage and support patients to step outside of their comfort zones in hopes to achieve greatness. Ali is committed to reducing the negative stigma against mental health and the disease of addiction by trying to educate everyone affected and not affected by addiction or mental health. Outside of work, Ali loves spending time with her family, engaging in physical activity around the sports she loves, being the best aunt she can be, and spreading love and kindness to as many people as she can.
Liza Palmes, LCPC
Primary Therapist
Liza Palmes is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Liza received her Bachelor of Science degree from Towson University in Psychology and Master of Arts degree in Psychology in 2007. Throughout Liza’s career, she has worked with children, adolescents and adults, in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient community mental health, residential services for adolescents, correctional institutions, and school settings. With a diverse clinical background, Liza has provided therapeutic services to individuals, families, couples, and groups. Liza has worked with individuals of all ages focusing on mental health, addiction and co-occurring disorders. Before coming to Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, she worked at her last position as a therapist for more than three years, focusing on the LGBTQ community at a FQHC. Her approach to therapy includes a person-centered, strength-based approach, specific modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and including the entire family unit in the treatment experience whenever possible. Liza is dedicated to meeting the needs of her patients and is open to creative, eclectic approaches to therapeutic relationship building. Outside of work, Liza enjoys volunteering for a local animal shelter, spending time with loved ones, attending art and music events, and traveling.
Hobart Blankenburg, ADT
Vocational Specialist
Hobart Blankenburg is the Vocational Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Hobart grew up in Towson, MD and is a graduate of Stevenson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Video, Film, and Theatre. He is also graduating from CCBC this year with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Prior to the spring of 2016, when Hobart’s career at MARC began, he was a craftsman for his stepfather’s woodworking business. Hobart worked there for most of his life until he decided it was time for a change. He quit the family business and went back to school pursuing Chemical Dependency Counseling in tandem with working for MARC with the direct patient care staff. Hobart worked as a Therapist Assistant (TA) at MARC for 2 years before moving into his current role in the company. As Vocational Specialist, Hobart is responsible for showing patients the skills needed to transition into a life of balance between recovery, work and school. MARC’s vocational program adheres to their clinical philosophy that living a good life is not only about being free from addiction, but also free from being dependent on loved ones for life’s basic needs and life skills. Hobart’s role is not to simply aid patients in finding employment, but to find employment that meets their skill set, passion and gives them excitement, direction and purpose. While patients focus on furthering their education and pursuing their dream jobs, Hobart believes that living a life of recovery should still be every patient’s top priority. In Hobart’s spare time he writes music and performs with several different projects. Hobart is also married, has a daughter, and lives local to the area.
Mike 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.
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.
Colleen Waterfield
Medical Services Coordinator
Colleen Waterfield is the Medical Services Coordinator for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Colleen is the hub that operates internal and external scheduling of medical appointments for MARC patients. She works closely with the medical staff to schedule patient appointments for MARC psychiatrists and nurse practitioner as well as scheduling any necessary outside medical or specialty appointment. Colleen also works closely with the pharmacy regarding patient medications and ensures all medical matters are communicated across all departments within the company. Colleen initially joined Maryland Addiction Recovery Center in 2015 and has previously held the positions of Therapist Assistant, TA Weekend Supervisor and Alumni Coordinator. Prior to joining the MARC team, Colleen worked in the recovery field as the manager of a women’s sober living residence for the group One Promise where her responsibilities included providing live-in supervision to the house residents, organizing recovery activities, and providing guidance, support and resources for clients in areas of daily living and early recovery. Colleen is passionate in her commitment to help those struggling with addiction which is driven by her own personal experience with addiction recovery. In her down time Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, reading and watching football.
Sean O’Brien
Evening Support Services 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.
Sarah MacDonald
Office Manager
Sarah MacDonald is the Office Manager at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Sarah’s duties and responsibilities include supervising administrative staff, maintaining and coordinating relationships with key vendors, overseeing office systems, supporting key company personnel and assisting with special projects. Prior to coming to working at MARC, she was employed as a nanny and personal assistant where she discovered and developed a passion for helping others. In 2016, Sarah joined the team at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center as a Therapist Assistant in the extended care community living treatment program, working directly with MARC patients and supporting and collaborating with MARC’s clinical and medical teams. Currently, Sarah is pursuing her education, working toward a degree in chemical dependency counseling. She is excited to continue learning about addiction treatment through her continued education and work experience and growing with the MARC team. In her free time, Sarah enjoys dinners with family and road trips with her husband.
Erin Kelley
Office Assistant
Erin Kelley is the Office Assistant at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Erin’s responsibilities include providing administrative support to staff, maintaining client and guest relations, answering general admissions calls and questions and program inquiries, ensuring clinical office upkeep, supporting the office manager in vendor relationships, along with many other duties. Erin received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from Elon University. After completing school, she pursued a career in Human Resources where she partnered with individual clients as well as organizations to assess and fulfill their staffing needs. Erin’s position at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center allows her to integrate her desire of working with others with her passion for recovery from addiction. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her son. She also enjoys being active, including running, playing and also watching sports.
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 Education 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.