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

Dr. Arneson 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.

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.
 

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.

Mario Howell N.D., M.Ed., is a board certified and state licensed Naturopathic Physician. Dr. Howell offers Holistic Family Medicine to the public using an integrative approach, blending the best of both natural and conventional medicine. He is committed to individualized as well as total family care. His discovery into complementary and alternative medicine began more than 20 years ago. His passion for this type of medicine grew as a consequence of discovering that there were other options and choices that one could make on the road to wellness. Dr. Howell was born in Quito, Ecuador and came to the United States as a young boy. He grew up in a rural farming and ranching community in southwest Kansas, and received a degree in biology from Fort Hays State University. Dr. Howell moved to Texas to work with troubled youth, and while there studied massage therapy and nutrition. Eventually he opened his own massage therapy and wellness business. To further develop his ability to help his clients, he received a masters degree in professional counseling from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.  In 1995 Dr. Howell discovered that there were medical schools that offered a degree program in naturopathic medicine. Dr. Howell chose Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine from which he eventually received his doctorate.  Dr. Howell specializes in cardiovascular disease prevention, weight management programs, bio-identical hormone replacement and natural pain management. He has had the privilege and honor of being trained and associated with one of the most respected prolotherapy specialists in the nation, Dr. Kent Pomeroy. Dr. Howell believes that the path to wellness is a journey to be taken by the physician and patient as a team, working together toward a common goal. He is committed to guiding you on that journey.
 

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

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.

(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, 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

Intervention Services:
• consultation
• education
• coaching
• assisted intervention
• complete intervention
• treatment placement
• personalized follow up

After Care Counseling Pre-treatment Counseling Escorts to Treatment Phone Sessions

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

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

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

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

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.

(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, 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 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.
 

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

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

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

Jill has been practicing yoga for ten years. In April of 2009 she completed her 200 hour teacher training in the Anusara style with Martin and Jordan Kirk in Scottsdale, Arizona. She enjoys teaching to all levels and is passionate about helping people heal their mind, body and spirit through the practice of yoga. Jill believes every individual can benefit from yoga and she tailors her classes to provide each student an opportunity for learning and growth. Jill is grateful to all of her wonderful teachers, and thankful for the role teaching and practicing yoga has played in her bettering her own life.

Multi-faceted Health Care administrator with strong corporate and academic achievements in managing businesses, organizational development, high-level administration, and adult education and training. Focused and highly developed skills in health care management, education administration, and public service. Extensive experience managing and planning critical strategies, benchmarking programs and using interpersonal relations techniques to enhance quality. Strong background in high visibility environments.
• Strategic oversight and accountability • Increase customer satisfaction
• Budget Development and Fiscal Management
• Educational Program Design and Execution
• Research & Development & Evaluation of effectiveness
• Effective communication in diverse environments
• Public policy and Advocacy
• Promoting and marketing programs

EDUCATION
Doctorate of Higher Education (ABD process of completing dissertation)
Emphasis/Concentration: Adult Education
Nova Southeastern University, North Miami Beach, FL.
Master of Public Administration Degree
Emphasis/Concentration: Human Resources & Public Finance
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Programs & Urban Recreation
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Elementary Education - Bilingual Instruction Assistant - Spanish Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ