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Administrative Staff

David Sack, MD
Chief Executive Officer

David Sack, MD currently serves as CEO, at Promises Treatment Centers. Prior to joining Promises, Dr. Sack has enjoyed successful careers in clinical, research and administrative psychiatry. After receiving his medical degree from Rush Medical College, he completed his residency in Psychiatry at the UCLA-Neuropsychiatric Institute. Dr. Sack served as a senior clinical scientist at NIMH where his research interests included affective disorders, seasonal and circadian rhythms and neuroendocrinology. More recently, Dr. Sack served as Senior Vice President for Clinical Research for Comprehensive Neurosciences where his research included investigations in schizophrenia, depression, insomnia, cognitive disorders and alcohol dependency. Dr. Sack is board certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, and is a certified Medical Review Officer. His experience in substance abuse treatment includes implementing comprehensive ambulatory detoxification within general medical settings, substance abuse treatment of adjudicated youth and adults, and developing specialized residential and outpatient treatment programs of dually-diagnosed clients in both rural and urban settings.

Richard Rogg
Director of Development/ Founder

“When I founded Promises, 20 years ago, my vision was to provide the best treatment and environment for healing from alcoholism and other addictions. I am happy to say this has become a reality. As we continue to help those of you who come to us to create a new life, my gratitude deepens.”

Elissa Weisberger-Cohen
Vice President of Administration

Elissa Weisberger-Cohen comes to Promises with an extensive background in Human Resources and Office Management. She is a graduate of The Institute of Psycho Structural Balancing, and is currently finishing her Human Resources Certification at UCLA. Elissa has witnessed first hand through family members the perils of alcohol and drug addiction.

“I am very excited to be part of the team at Promises. The honesty and courage I’m witnessing is truly a blessing.”

Ted Shumway
Director of Operations

Ted Shumway has been an alumnus of Promises since 1997. Before beginning his career in chemical dependency in 2000, he had over twelve years of managerial experience in both the manufacturing and television industries. Having worked as a Technician and Residential Supervisor before taking in this current position, Ted has a unique understanding of how to run a structured program that comes from a loving and caring place.

“We have a dedicated staff that truly cares about our clients. Working in this type of environment on a daily basis is an amazing experience.”

Lee FitzGerald, CADCI
Director of Clinical Outreach

Lee Fitzgerald joined the Promises staff after 7 years as a successful entrepreneur who owned her own Marketing company here in Los Angeles. A Boston native, Lee brings dedication and hard work to the team here at Promises as a National Outreach Executive.

“When I was closing my company to change careers,I wanted to do something in the recovery field or help people in general. I had faith that whatever was supposed to happen, would happen. Within one week I was offered this job at Promises, and when I met the staff and learned the philosophy of the program, I thought the sky had opened up and this position fell out just for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work.”

“You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.” -Abraham Lincoln

Susanne Tarleton, Psy.D., CADC
Director of Psychological Services

Dr. Tarleton is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialization in co-occurring disorders, a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Master’s Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. For over 20 years, she has worked in addiction treatment helping clients and families address a wide variety of concerns.

“For many years I referred clients to Promises with assurance of the most consistent, quality care. For the past 8 years I have been on staff at Promises for that very same reason.”

Chester Williams
Court Liaison / Transportation Coordinator

Chester Williams has fifteen years of experience working with chemical dependency patients and currently serves as the Promises’ Court Liaison, working closely with area judges and district attorneys. With the Alternative Sentencing Program at Promises, he helps to encourage and educate all sides of the court system regarding the value of sending people to treatment instead of jail.

“I enjoy the challenges that working in the drug and alcohol treatment field bring on a daily basis, but what I like the most is the loving care and concern of the people that I work with.”

Michelle Waters
Alumni Coordinator

Michelle Waters is proud to be part of the team at Promises. As an alumnus since 2002, she is is particularly honored to serve as Alumni Coordinator for WLA. She is currently enrolled at UCLA, working her way toward a certificate in Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling.

“It is rewarding and fulfilling to work with the Promises’ alumni in this way. You’re able to see how much they truly care for each other and their recovery. The Promises’ alumni know how to have fun together! There is definitely life after sobriety and it’s evident in the fellowship that the alumni have created.”

Adrian Parris
Office Manager - Malibu

Adrian Parris comes to Promises with broad experience on both coasts in Advertising, Marketing, and Entertainment. He started as a Residential Technician at Promises WLA in 2003. He later transferred to Promises Malibu as Assistant Residential Supervisor. Presently, he is the Office Manager of Promises Malibu.

“Having worked at both main Promises facilities; I can truly say the staff here is some of the most amazing, brave & compassionate people I have ever met. Being a part of the daily life-saving here has been a humbling and inspiring experience. I’ve found that applying the principles and concepts of recovery to work and life can be fulfilling to anyone whether alcoholic, addict or not.”

Clinical Staff

Chris Weber, CADC II
Outpatient Counselor

Chris Weber has been with Promises since 2002. An alumni of Promises, Chris left a successful career in the music industry to work in recovery. After completing UCLA’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling program, Chris became Outpatient Counselor at Promises Continuing Care program. Having both experiential and didactic tools, Chris offers a very pragmatic and solution-based approach to recovery.

“I look at each individual client as having an opportunity to arrest their self-destructive behavior, and begin a new life. Recovery is more than just stopping the use of alcohol and drugs. It’s becoming a functional, happy person and regaining the parts of ourselves lost through our addiction. Helping others achieve that is what nourishes my soul and motivates my emotional and spiritual growth.”

Darren Haber, MA, MFT
Marriage and Family Therapist, West Los Angeles

Darren Haber is a graduate of Antioch University and is committed to providing the best counseling possible. He believes that Promises provides an opportunity that is truly unique in terms of level of care. In recovery himself, he tailors his clinical approach on a case-by-case basis, while maintaining his sobriety. Each client is slightly different in that he/she has a specific narrative with personalized “demons” that arise once drinking/using stops. Identifying these cunning challenges both within and without, and co-creating solutions to those challenges (with the help of counseling, twelve-step and peer support) is what recovery is all about. Darren has a private practice, where he treats individuals, couples and families. He is also a playwright and author. An article on addiction and families appeared in the July/August ‘07 issue of The Therapist magazine.

Donna Markus, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Malibu

Donna Markus has her doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She began working in the addiction field in 1976. Since that time, she has worked in outpatient and residential programs providing clinical, program development and administrative services for adolescents, adults, and women & children programs. She has provided consultation and training services for individuals and treatment programs in addition to presenting papers on addiction and addiction-related issues internationally. Donna is also a core faculty member of UCLA's Alcohol and Drug Studies and Counseling Certification program where she has taught since 1992.

Joanna M. Ceppi, Psy.D., MA, BA
Clinical Director, Malibu

Joanna Ceppi has a BA in psychology, a MA in clinical psychology, and a Psy.D. in clinical psychology. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, hospitals, and residential treatment. Joanna has focused on substance abuse treatment throughout her clinical work but has also done extensive work with co-occurring disorders as well as psychiatric and personality disorders. In addition, she has done and great deal of work (i.e. setting up and running smoking cessation clinics) and published original data on treating nicotine dependence in substance abuse treatment.

Martin Rips
Therapist, Malibu

Martin Rips came to the field of chemical dependency after a successful career in the entertainment industry. His own positive experience in recovery allowed him to re-evaluate his life goals and he went from writing television comedies to university teaching and producing educational videos on addiction. He ultimately began counseling recovering alcoholics and addicts and joined the Promises team in January, 2005. He is currently completing graduate work in clinical psychology.

“We can learn something new anytime we believe we can” — Virginia Satir

Noreen Lawlor, RN, MSN
Family Therapist, West Los Angeles

Noreen Lawlor is a nurse psychotherapist who has worked with families for over twenty years. She focuses on co-dependency issues and grieving in her group sessions. She believes in treating the whole family. She supports clients and family members to begin healing and working in recovery together.

“Promises provides a supportive environment to families who are experiencing the crisis and confusion of dealing with a chemically dependent member. In our family groups and individual sessions we begin to communicate and heal old wounds. We also provide referrals and on-going support.”

Patricia Womack, CCDC
Residential Counselor, West Los Angeles

Patricia Womack began her career at Promises 12 years ago as a Residential Technician and then went on to be Residential Supervisor. With the encouragement of the staff, she pursued her education an became a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

“I truly enjoy working in recovery. To give back what was given to me has saved my life.” “The Promises family cares about the welfare of each individual that comes through these doors”

Barry Mannion, MA
Executive Director of West Los Angeles

Barry Mannion received his Master of Arts degree in Education. Barry worked as a teacher for five years before joining Promises. He is a credentialed School Psychologist and School Counselor who has worked with the K-12 population. Barry has worked with people in recovery for ten years, he joined Promises to help educate clients in early recovery about the nature of their disease.

Reza Nabavi, Ph.D.
Family Therapist

Dr. Reza Nabavi is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working for over six years with clients and families suffering from alcohol and chemical dependency, chronic mental illness, and co-occurring disorders. His experiences have included individual, group, couples, and family therapy.

He is a certified domestic violence and abuse counselor. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Nabavi also teaches doctoral level courses, including psychology of men and masculinity, theories of personality, assessment and treatment of substance abuse, group process, and child abuse.

Wendy Adamson, CCDC
Director of Outpatient Services

Wendy Adamson is a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor who has worked in this field for over six years. Wendy has over 12 years of sobriety and her passion for recovery led her to this field. “My vision was to work at a facility that is twelve-step based, that provides ethical treatment, passionate staff and dynamic facilitators.”

Trish Becker, LCSW, MSW, BA, AS
Therapist

Trish Becker has a BA in psychology, an AS in Chemical Dependency and a Master of Social Work degree. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in Boston for the past 10 years.
Trish relocated to California when offered the position of Residential Therapist at Promises Malibu. Her specialization is in treating individuals with alcohol and other chemical dependencies along with co-occurring disorders. She has worked extensively with those who have chronic mental illness and has spent the past 5 years working with addicted individuals who are also survivors of childhood trauma.
Trish is enthusiastic about the work, connects well with clients and is a valuable part of our clinical team.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage" - Anais Nin

Julie Mermelstein, M.A., IMFT
Family Therapist

Julie Mermelstein is a graduate of Antioch University and has been working as a Marriage & Family Therapist for over 13 years. She also has her own practice as a recovery coach. Julie has been in recovery herself for 13 years and is very devoted to helping her clients to heal and discover how meaningful life can be sober. Julie has an eclectic approach when working with individuals, couples and families. She utilizes a diverse number of techniques to facilitate change and is of the belief that the most important aspect of therapy is the connection and trust that is developed between the therapist and client. Her goal is to help people to let go of all that gets in the way of their ability to be authentic and to achieve serenity, which in turn will allow them to create healing in their families. Being able to work in an environment where she gets to share her recovery as a part of her work is beyond what she could have ever imagined for herself in her professional life. She is deeply grateful, proud and excited to be a member of the Promises team.

Julie is a former actress and comedienne and still feels humor is vitally important for the human experience. Julie continues to express her creativity through writing and reads her work at various storytelling salons around LA.

She would like to dedicate her service to the clients at Promises to her father who did not survive his struggle with addiction.

Elizabeth Clopton
Outreach Co-ordinator

Kimberly Mitchell

I have worked for Promises for almost 3 years and love every minute of it. It’s hard to see clients come in so broken and hopeless but to see the transformation they make during their stay here at Promises reminds me why I enjoy doing what I do. I truly love working in recovery and enjoy planting the seed of sobriety and watching our clients blossom.

I also enjoy working with my co-workers they are the most loving and dedicated people I have ever worked with. I consider working at Promises a privilege and I feel very blessed to be part of such a wonderful organization.

Culinary Staff

Timothy Howe
Executive Chef

Tim Howe graduated from the Los Angeles Culinary Institute in 1992. Before coming to Promises, Tim had worked as a pastry chef and executive chef in the entertainment industry for 8 years.

“I really appreciate the residential environment and meeting so many interesting people.”

Terrence Howard
Executive Chef

Terry Howard has been in the culinary arts for over 20 years and has his degree in culinary arts from Newbury College in Boston. Terry has been in recovery for over eight years. He really enjoys working with people. Prior to Promises, Terry worked in the Health field for over five years. Terry is committed to doing what he does best and that is to ensure that our clients receive the very best nutrition.

“I have been with Promises for almost four years and it has been a great experience. I really enjoy working in this field. It has given me the opportunity to get to know the clients and to see the incredible changes in them. Sharing in Promises’ dedication to our clients is fantastic. The love is unconditional, and to see how someone who was so hopeless comes alive is a MIRACLE. I find that this is not just a job, but a fulfilling adventure.”

Beverly Jerricks
Chef

Beverly Jerricks has relished many experiences in the world of culinary delight since her certification in 1996. She has worked as "lead baker" in one of the largest convention facilities in Los Angeles and as "head crew" member in the catering department for both Sony and Raleigh Studios. She has directed events such as the "MTV Awards", "Midsummer’s Night Magic", political dinners and movie premiers.

“With each experience I have come to fully appreciate the expectation that exquisite cuisine not only denotes delectable foods but also embodies excellent service. Serving as Chef for a world-renown center such as Promises is indeed a privilege that affords me the opportunity to provide exquisite cuisine and all that it encompasses.“

Admissions Staff

Patrica Meyers, CCDC
Director of Admissions

Patricia Meyers began her career with Promises in 1996 as a Resident Technician. Within three months, Patricia was promoted to Resident Technician Supervisor and then went on to serve as the Admissions Coordinator.

In 2001, Patricia left Promises to pursue her interest in Crisis Intervention and Recovery Coaching. Now with five years experience in the field as an Independent Interventionist and Recovery Coach, Patricia reunites with the Promises Team as their Director of Admissions. Her renewed passion and enthusiasm for facilitating clients and their families in making life-altering changes is precisely the kind of strength that the community would expect and benefit from.

Patricia is a certified CCDC and is trained in Family Crisis Intervention, Relapse Prevention and the Reintegration Process of clients returning to their communities. After five years in the field as an Independent Interventionist and Recovery Coach, Patricia brings her own unique brand of passion, enthusiasm and, warmth to prospective clients and their families.

Danny Smith
Admissions Co-ordinator

Danny Smith is a graduate from the University of Southern California. He comes to Promises with a personal journey of recovery that has driven his dedication for helping others. Danny began his career in the field here in Los Angeles working as a counselor and sober companion in a local treatment center, helping those suffering with addiction. He then spent three years as the Admissions coordinator for a dual-diagnosis facility in Malibu, where he was able to develop and strengthen his knowledge and experience within the field.

Danny brings to Promises his personal mission of assisting those suffering from addiction find relief in treatment and discover the world of recovery. His compassion, understanding and dedication for the individual extend beyond the clients to their family members and loved ones. As a member of the Admissions Team at Promises, Danny’s supportive and encouraging nature is a valuable quality of comfort for those seeking treatment.

“I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Admissions Team at Promises. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such a distinguished organization, and it is a blessing to witness and be a part of the miracle.”

Independent Affiliates

Jack Kuo, MD
Independent Detox Specialist

Dr. Jack Kuo completed his addiction psychiatry training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He began working in the field of chemical dependency as a volunteer outreach worker for homeless teens in Waikiki. Dr. Kuo then did residential counseling for both at-risk youth in a group home as well as the homeless mentally ill at a transitional living program. He next worked as a community health outreach worker doing HIV prevention education and needle exchange with injection drug users.

During his medical training he helped start and run both adolescent and adult chemical dependency treatment groups. As an educator, Dr. Kuo teaches a course titled "Biological Perspectives on Co-occurring Disorders" for the UCLA Extension Program. He has also presented annually at the national American Psychiatric Association conference since 2002 on topics ranging from Ethnic Biodiversity in Substance Abuse and Mental Illness to an evidence-based review of Virtual Reality and other forms of Cybertherapy in Substance Abuse and Mental Illness.

Dr. Kuo has published an article on Club Drug Precautions for Pediatricians and has been awarded scholarships by many organizations including the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Association of Addiction Psychiatry, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the American Psychiatric Association, and the California Society of Addiction Medicine. He currently has a private practice in Westwood as well as providing independent psychiatric consultation.

Will Huang
Psychiatrist

Dr. Huang completed his Adult Psychiatry residency and served as Chief Resident of Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He stayed on and finished his fellowship training in the subspecialty of Addiction Psychiatry. He is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry.
His interest in addiction spawned during high school while working with the organization Students against Drunk Driving. He became very involved in the field during residency in providing trainings of alcohol withdrawal awareness and treatment protocol to medical students, interns, residents, and nursing staff. As a fellow at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he helped set up the Addiction Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic as well as provided psychiatric evaluation and treatment for Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program and Inpatient consultations. He also worked with Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers and Hollywood Mental Health County Clinic in providing evidence based treatment for minority and underserved patient populations.
His special interest in working with minority groups with Co-occurring Disorders was awarded the American Psychiatric Association/SAMHSA Substance Abuse Minority Fellowship. He has also been the recipient for Scholarships by American Psychiatric Association /Lily Chief Resident Executive Leadership Program, Ruth Fox from American Society of Addiction medicine. He has also been a participant of several California Society of Addiction Medicine’s legislative days in Sacramento to lobby for parity in addiction treatment and in support of Proposition 36.
Dr. Huang has been an active speaker for workshops and special lectures at international conferences and meeting in topics of Biological Perspectives on Co-Occurring Disorders, State of Substance Use Disorder Training, Suicide Prevention, Online Internet games, Virtual Reality and Cybertherapy, and Videogames Addiction.

Robert Saltzman, MD
Independent Detox Specialist

Robert L. Saltzman, MD, graduated from New York Medical College with a medical degree in 1971. He obtained his licensure in California and has had a private practice specializing in internal medicine/nephrology since 1976. He is affiliated with St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, and Daniel Freeman Marina Mercy in Marina Del Rey. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Nephrology.

"I believe that Promises provides a positive surrounding for help and healing. My hopes are to foster help and healing for every single patient at Promises. The changes seen in people are often quite dramatic."

Sarah Straub, RN-BC, CCDC, BA
Detox Specialist

Sarah Straub has worked in the field of adolescent and adult addiction treatment since 1988, and is an ANCC board certified specialist in Psychiatry and Mental Health. She coordinates detox treatments and other health issues for clients at Promises.

"The structure of the Promises program allows me to work closely, and at length, with each individual. My goal is to educate and assist each client in achieving optimum health and sobriety. One of my greatest satisfactions is seeing the transformation that takes place physically, psychologically, and spiritually in our clients."

Vivian Dungan, RN, CARN, CCDC
Detox Specialist

Vivian Dugan has over 19 years of Chemical Dependency experience in both hospital and residential treatment programs. She facilitates all client detox procedures and helps begins their transition into sobriety.

"I am excited to be a part of Promises as I continue to help support others emotionally, physically and spiritually through their journey of recovery."