Leading Recovery and Rehabilitation Experts

Elizabeth Rubin, MD is a board-certified physician with advanced fellowship training in Medical Simulation, specializing in education, patient safety, and systems innovation. She currently practices at a Level I Trauma Center in Los Angeles, California, where she cares for critically ill and injured patients. She also serves on the clinical oversight team at The Embers Treatment, a drug & alcohol treatment center in Arizona. Dr. Rubin earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and went on to pursue a fellowship in Medical Simulation at the University of Chicago / NorthShore University HealthSystem. Her professional interests include simulation-based education, quality improvement, patient safety, and developing innovative approaches to emergency medical training. Through her work, she strives to improve both clinician performance and patient outcomes in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

James "Jim" Reidy is a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP #10266), member of the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS), and founder of Intervention365.com and Addiction Treatment Group. Based between Pennsylvania and Florida, Jim has spent nearly 15 years helping families navigate addiction, alcoholism, mental health challenges, dual diagnosis, and treatment resistance. He has personally conducted more than 750 professional interventions and is recognized for his hands-on, family-centered approach to crisis intervention and recovery planning. Unlike many professionals who operate primarily from an office setting, Jim works directly with families in homes, hospitals, treatment centers, and crisis environments. His expertise includes alcohol addiction, fentanyl and opioid addiction, methamphetamine addiction, cocaine addiction, executive and professional monitoring cases, elder addiction, family systems, treatment placement, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery support. Jim's professional work has been featured in connection with A&E's Intervention, where his field-tested approach to helping families confront addiction gained national visibility. He is widely known for combining structured intervention models, including Johnson Model principles and family systems education, with practical real-world guidance that helps families move from crisis to action. A person in long-term recovery himself, Jim brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to every family he serves. His philosophy is simple: addiction impacts the entire family system, and recovery begins when families stop waiting, start setting healthy boundaries, and take informed action. Today, he continues to work with families throughout the United States, helping loved ones access treatment while providing education, accountability, and hope during some of life's most difficult moments. Areas of Expertise: • Addiction and Recovery • Alcoholism and Elder Alcoholism • Fentanyl and Opioid Addiction • Family Interventions • Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis • Family Systems and Enabling Behaviors • Treatment Placement and Recovery Planning • Relapse Prevention • Substance Use Disorder Trends • Professional and Executive Interventions • Crisis Management and Family Communication Website: Intervention365.com James "Jim" Reidy, CIP #10266 Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) Member Founder, Intervention365.com 750+ Professional Interventions Conducted

Rebirth Recovery Center offers personalized care as a leading addiction treatment center in NJ. Clients receive recovery support through our outpatient treatment programs, medication-assisted treatments, and partial hospitalization programs in NJ. We also provide inpatient and outpatient addiction rehab, dual diagnosis treatment, and MRT therapy, all delivered by an experienced team with over 15 years in the field. Clients benefit from various levels of care and individualized treatment plans designed for long-term stability and peace of mind. As a JCAHO-accredited center serving the local NJ area, we are committed to quality, safety, and compassionate support. Take control of your recovery and experience renewed strength with our dedicated team today. Visit our addiction treatment center to learn more about our partial hospitalization program, outpatient treatment program in NJ, and medication assisted treatment in NJ — all designed to support lasting recovery.

Behavioral health and addiction recovery contributor focused on mental wellness, rehabilitation topics, and recovery support education. I work with content and insights related to substance use disorders, treatment approaches, and long-term recovery processes. My goal is to provide clear, practical perspectives that help improve understanding of addiction and mental health challenges.

Aliya B. Pasik, MS, PA-C is an addiction medicine clinician at the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine and author of The Sobriety Manual. She teaches a practical, ADHD-friendly journaling method that helps people separate the sober self from the urge voice and make the next right choice in under 10 minutes. Her focus is shame-free, realistic recovery for patients and families. Available for expert commentary, interviews, and bylines.

Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps pilot, recovery coach, speaker, and trainer specializing in veteran mental health, resilience, addiction recovery, and the challenges of post-service transition. After leaving the military, Garret experienced many of the same struggles that affect veterans across the country, including loss of identity, emotional turmoil, and dependence on alcohol as a coping mechanism. That lived experience, combined with years of work in recovery and training environments, now fuels his mission to help veterans and the professionals who serve them better understand the deeper challenges of transition, healing, and growth. Garret is the founder of Diamond Mind, LLC, where he develops and delivers strengths-based, trauma-informed trainings and presentations for clinicians, peer support professionals, organizations, and veteran-serving systems. He is also a NAADAC-approved education provider, a trainer for NAADAC, and a training consultant with the Opioid Response Network. In addition, he serves as Founder and Executive Director of Realize U 252, a North Carolina recovery nonprofit supporting individuals rebuilding their lives in recovery. His work sits at the intersection of lived experience, professional training, addiction recovery, positive psychology, and veteran-specific insight. Garret is especially known for speaking on veteran transition, identity loss after service, resilience, substance use, post-traumatic growth, and the internal barriers that can keep people from fully engaging in recovery or support systems. He is the creator of veteran-focused training and recovery programs designed to help people move beyond survival and reconnect with meaning, self-worth, and sustainable growth. Garret has presented for addiction professionals, treatment and recovery organizations, higher education audiences, and veteran-serving communities, and is valued for bringing practical insight, emotional honesty, and a fresh perspective that bridges personal experience with actionable strategies. Media, podcast hosts, and event organizers often turn to Garret for credible commentary on veterans, recovery, resilience, trauma-informed growth, and how to better support those navigating major life transitions.

Co-Founder, StartYourRecovery.org. The site provides easily digestible, relatable information for people who are facing substance abuse issues. Prior to StartYourRecovery.org, I led the digital strategy for numerous national mental and behavioral health initiatives (Veterans Crisis Line, NFL Life Line, Dept. of Veterans Affairs).

Dr. Shernell Surratt-Gary, D.O., is a Tulsa, Oklahoma native whose journey reflects both determination and dedication. She graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, where her interest in medicine and the human body deepened. Before matriculating to medical school, Shernell gained valuable hands-on experience at Ascension St. John, working first in the pathology department and later in the catheterization lab. These formative roles not only strengthened her technical skills but also gave her a deep appreciation for the teamwork and precision required in healthcare. She went on to earn her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from OSU Center for Health Sciences, furthering her commitment to understanding health, science, and the human experience. In addition, she served as a Family Medicine Content Author for Rosh Review, LLC, contributing to medical education and board review resources for resident physicians. Dr. Surratt-Gary currently serves as a clinical advisor for Aura Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Kentucky. Beyond her academic and professional path, Shernell embraces family life with joy. She lives with her husband and their two children, cherishing the laughter, love, and everyday moments they share together.

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, M.S.P.H, M.D. is a physician, clinical scientist, and associate professor dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical health solutions. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, Dr. Bryant is recognized for her contributions to perioperative outcomes research, preventive medicine, and quality-of-life improvement. She currently serves as a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Maryland. She completed her medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Emory University, with additional training in epidemiology and public health. Her research has been featured at major national and international conferences, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Bryant’s expertise spans functional medicine, AI-driven healthcare algorithms, and national clinical data registry research. She is passionate about combining evidence-based medicine with real-world wellness strategies to improve patient outcomes and preventive care. In addition to her academic work, she has written for Rupa Health, where she shares insights on how readers can live healthier, more vibrant lives.

As the Program Director at Marietta Springs, I am dedicated to helping individuals build lasting recovery and meaningful lives. Since beginning my own recovery journey in 2015, I have devoted my career to supporting those facing substance use and mental health challenges, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to my role. Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of positions within behavioral healthcare, including Behavioral Health Technician, Admissions Coordinator, Admissions Manager, and facility operations and management. My diverse background has given me a well-rounded understanding of the recovery process and the importance of providing compassionate, client-centered care. I am passionate about helping clients rediscover hope, develop resilience, and create lives filled with purpose. I believe that sharing my personal experience in recovery helps inspire others and demonstrates that lasting change is possible. Outside of work, I am a devoted father to my five-year-old daughter, who is my greatest joy. I also prioritize health and wellness through fitness, believing that caring for both physical and mental well-being is an essential part of living a balanced, fulfilling life.

Alexandros Kourmoulakis is the Founder and Lead Architect of drugrehabilitationnearme.com, a national digital infrastructure project dedicated to democratizing access to addiction treatment data. Blending high-performance web architecture (Next.js) with critical public health analytics, Alexandros engineers tools that visualize complex SAMHSA datasets to identify and eliminate healthcare access deserts. His work focuses on bridging the "digital divide" in recovery by providing real-time, verified intelligence on treatment availability, insurance transparency, and clinical specialization across 12,000+ U.S. facilities.

I am the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Wellness Retreat, where I've dedicated over 12 years to advancing behavioral health and helping individuals find their path to recovery. My journey in this field has been driven by a hands-on approach and a commitment to innovative strategies, making Paramount Wellness Retreat a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse. My background in marketing, research, and team-building has been invaluable in navigating the substance abuse treatment industry, allowing me to build effective leadership teams and enhance the operational efficiency of our programs. I am deeply passionate about behavioral health and am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals seeking recovery.

I am the co-founder of Epiphany Wellness, bringing over five years of experience in the Behavioral Health industry, with a focus on Outreach and Business Development. My journey in this field is deeply personal, as I am in long-term recovery myself, a perspective that allows me to connect meaningfully with those suffering from Substance Use Disorder. I firmly believe that helping others is essential to lasting recovery and personal growth. At Epiphany Wellness, my goal is to create an environment that inspires our staff to support clients as they find their way back to a life of health and happiness. Drawing from my previous experiences, I am dedicated to shaping the future of our organization by implementing the latest clinical strategies and improvement indicators. This commitment ensures that we provide the highest standard of care, ultimately supporting the success of both our clients and Epiphany Wellness as a whole.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

Mick is the founder of Primal Recovery Melbourne, a centre that redefines what recovery should look like in an era when mainstream wellness has lost its edge. Instead of candles, fluff, or surface-level “relaxation,” Mick built Primal Recovery as a space where recovery is treated like training: intense, effective, and absolutely essential. The centre combines ice baths, saunas (steam and infrared), red light therapy, vibration training, compression boots, and contrast therapy into structured systems designed to do one thing — deliver results. What sets Mick apart is his philosophy. He isn’t another coach pushing buzzwords or a clinic hiding behind white coats. He’s a straight-talking operator who believes recovery must tackle the root causes of fatigue, and pain — not just paper over the symptoms. Mick’s perspective comes from experience across multiple domains. With a background in bodybuilding, construction, psychology, natural health modalities, and music, he knows firsthand how the body and mind respond to stress, overload, and adversity. He has seen the toll that inflammation, poor circulation, shallow breathing, and nervous system fatigue can take on performance — not only for fighters, but also for everyday people trying to survive high-pressure lives. At Primal Recovery, he channels this knowledge into recovery protocols that mimic what the human body evolved for: cycles of heat and cold, stress and rest, exertion and recalibration. An athlete stepping into the Ctrl + Alt + Del protocol — vibration plate → sauna → ice bath → sauna → ice bath → red light therapy → compression boots — experiences a complete reset of circulation, inflammation, and mental state. It’s not theory, it’s not placebo — it’s physiology applied with precision. Beyond the tools, Mick has become a voice on the importance of nervous system regulation in trauma recovery, stress resilience, and performance. He is outspoken about how mainstream health systems often chase quick symptom relief while ignoring the underlying dysfunctions. For him, modalities like ice baths, breathwork, red light therapy, and contrast cycles are not gimmicks — they’re gateways to genuine adaptation and healing. Mick continues to push a movement that’s bigger than a single centre. It’s about proving that recovery, done properly, is not soft, indulgent, or optional — it’s the hard, primal reset that keeps people sharp, unbreakable, and ready for whatever fight life throws at them.

I am James Scribner, co-founder of The Freedom Center and Chief of Corporate Operations at USR Holdings, the parent company of TFC. In this role, I oversee systems integration, compliance oversight, and operational performance across all entities. With a business degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, I began my career auditing national insurance and nonprofit organizations, developing a detailed understanding of organizational systems, risk, and governance. Since entering recovery in 2010, I have become a passionate advocate for accessible, ethical treatment. My unique blend of financial expertise and lived experience has helped shape USR’s operational model, with a strong emphasis on transparency, individualized care, and results-driven recovery planning. I am a CCAR-certified Recovery Coach and co-founded The Freedom Center in Maryland, a treatment program built in the community where I began my own recovery. My professional mission is to ensure every client receives thoughtful, evidence-based, and compassionate support on the path to long-term healing.

I am the Executive Director and founder of Maplewood Treatment Solutions, a residential treatment program built on the belief that every individual deserves compassionate, individualized care, no matter where they are in their journey. With over a decade of experience spanning every level of the behavioral health field, I bring a rare combination of professional expertise and deeply personal understanding to my leadership role. My path into the world of treatment and recovery began not behind a desk, but as a client. From a young age, I struggled with addiction and behavioral challenges that many in the field might have written off as too difficult or too complex. It was through the support of dedicated treatment professionals and the transformative power of recovery programs that I found my footing, achieving sobriety at the age of twenty-one. That turning point ignited a lifelong commitment to giving back to others what was so generously given to me. Determined to understand the treatment process from every angle, I began my career in entry-level positions and steadily advanced through the ranks over the course of ten years. I have served in virtually every role within a treatment facility before earning my position as Executive Director. This hands-on experience gives me an unmatched perspective on what it takes to deliver truly effective care. At the heart of my philosophy is a simple but powerful principle: treat every client as you would your own family. I believe that dignity, respect, and genuine human connection are not privileges to be earned in recovery — they are rights that every person carries with them through the door.

Greg Doney is the Director of Goodsky Mental Health Retreat, a premium residential mental health programme on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. He has spent nearly 20 years designing personalised recovery programmes for people experiencing trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and burnout. Greg specialises in trauma recovery, integrating somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, nutrition, and metabolic psychiatry principles to support whole-person healing. He is the author of Healing Trauma at the Cellular Level and is known for translating complex mental health concepts into clear, practical strategies. His work focuses on PTSD, complex and developmental trauma, relapse prevention, and residential mental health treatment.

Dr. Lauren Grawert is a double board-certified addiction psychiatrist. She completed medical school, general psychiatry residency, and an addiction psychiatry fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. From 2014 to 2023, she served as Chief of Psychiatry and Addiction for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, where she oversaw the development and delivery of integrated behavioral health and addiction treatment programs. Dr. Grawert is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, an organization providing innovative in-person and virtual addiction treatment across more than 12 states. She also serves as a Clinical Advisor at The Garden New Jersey, where she contributes her expertise in addiction medicine and recovery-oriented care. Her leadership focuses on expanding access to evidence-based treatment and improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Outside of work, Dr. Grawert enjoys writing, traveling with her husband, and spending time with their seven-year-old son and bubbly three-year-old daughter.

Michael Anderson, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Clinical Director at Healing Pines Recovery, a residential addiction and mental health treatment center in Castle Rock, Colorado. He oversees the clinical program and works directly with adults in recovery from alcohol, drug, and behavioral addictions, including many who carry co-occurring trauma, anxiety, and personality-disorder presentations. His clinical lens is developmental. He frames substance use and behavioral compulsion as downstream effects of unmet emotional needs, insecure attachment, and limited capacity for self-soothing rather than as character problems. In treatment he leans on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and family-systems work, and he is candid about where each modality fits and where it does not. Reporters can ask him about relapse psychology and recovery identity; family dynamics in addiction and how loved ones can support without enabling; co-occurring conditions, including love addiction, complex PTSD, and behavioral addictions like gaming and compulsive work; cognitive behavioral therapy and personality-disorder treatment; and early intervention for children with conduct or antisocial patterns. He has been quoted in Psych Central, Healthline, Best Life, the San Francisco Examiner, Realtor.com, Well + Good, and Psychreg. He does not speak to medication management, prescribing, or pharmacological protocols, which sit outside an LPC's scope of practice.