An Interview with Dr. Craig Franke Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinFebruary 2, 2015“My ideal day consists of seeing hope in others,” says Dr. Craig Franke, medical director at Promises Austin. “That’s all I need. I gladly accept more.” Born in Uvalde, Texas, as the youngest of three siblings, Dr. Franke lived in Leakey as a child before moving to Houston with his mother. He went to grade…
An Interview with Jeremy Stalbird, Residential Manager at Promises Young Adult Program Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinApril 14, 2014Jeremy Stalbird was on a troubled path for the early part of his life, but it led him “right where I’m supposed to be,” he said, helping those with drug and alcohol addictions as Residential Manager of Promises Young Adult Program. Coming up on his sixth year of sobriety, Jeremy uses his hard-earned knowledge to…
An Interview with Ilana Zivkovich, LCSW, LCDC, Executive Director Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinMarch 13, 2014Ilana Zivkovich has an inner beauty that radiates through and is visible to everyone around her. Some might say this is because she sees the inner beauty in others. “All people have an inner truth that is beautiful,” says Ilana. “So often we feel we’d be good enough ‘if only’ we could make certain changes.…
An Interview with Elizabeth Wilkinson, LPC, LCDC, Program Therapist Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinMarch 7, 2014One of the first things people notice about Elizabeth Wilkinson – “Izzy” to those who know her – is her clever sense of humor. She’s quirky. She’s passionate. And she makes people laugh – not only in passing moments as she greets her clients or colleagues, but also as part of the therapeutic process. “I…
An Interview with Jay Plotkin, Admissions Director Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinSeptember 20, 2013When people prepare for their first day of drug or alcohol rehab, they are usually filled with uncertainty. “What should I bring?” “What will the process be like?” Admissions Director Jay Plotkin answers all of these questions but reassures clients, “All you need is a suitcase of willingness and you’ll be just fine. Give us…
An Interview with Bettina Ottenstein, Family Therapist Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinMarch 15, 2013Bettina Ottenstein focuses on rebuilding relationships. As one of two full-time family therapists, Bettina works closely with clients and their families and also has specialized training to treat substance abuse and trauma.
An Interview with Dr. Alexander Bacher, Primary Therapist Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinMarch 12, 2013Alexander Bacher went from Wall Street investment banker to therapist and hasn’t looked back since. Open-minded and determined, Dr. Bacher believes if you work hard enough and want it badly enough, you can do anything.
Doc Talk – What is Holistic Medicine? Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinAugust 7, 2012Dr. Jason Powers, M.D. Chief Medical Officer, Right Step, Promises Austin, and San Cristobal Among the first doctors certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). H Magazine Texas’ “Top Doc” in Addiction Medicine, 2007-2009. 2008 winner of Sierra Tucson’s Gratitude for Giving, Compassion Award. Dr. Powers has worked in drug and alcohol addiction…
An Interview with Michele Jackson, Director of Alumni Services Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinJuly 27, 2012When clients come to Promises and meet Michele Jackson, they find a partner in recovery for life. On any given day, Michele can be found making follow-up calls to alumni, checking in on how they’re doing and offering help as needed, and coordinating in-state and out-of-state alumni meetings, events and reunions. In all of her…
Doc Talk – Dr Powers on Promises Austin Staff StoriesBy Promises AustinJuly 11, 2012By Dr. Jason Powers Chief Medical Officer, Right Step, Promises Austin, and San Cristobal Among the first doctors certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). H Magazine Texas’ “Top Doc” in Addiction Medicine, 2007-2009. 2008 winner of Sierra Tucson’s Gratitude for Giving, Compassion Award. Dr. Powers, Right Step Chief Medical Officer, has worked…
