The Alta Mira Team

Cherlyne Short-Majors, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Dr. Majors is a well respected and highly accomplished behavioral healthcare professional with over 24 years of experience ranging from clinical practice to senior executive administration at prestigious, nationally renowned treatment facilities such as the Betty Ford Center, Cirque Lodge, Charter Behavioral Health’s Provo Canyon School, and most recently as Executive Director for Casa Palmera.  Holding both a Doctorate and two Master’s degrees , Dr. Majors has a robust history of developing successful start-up businesses and being an agent of change in existing businesses that want to make an investment in continuous improvements and expect immediate results as well as long-term strategies to maintain achieved gains.  As a consultant and both a national and international speaker, Dr. Majors focuses on innovation in behavioral healthcare.

Dr.  Majors has a proven track record of achieving results starting early in her career. Dr.  Majors developed and marketed the Statewide Technical Assistance and Training Services (STATS) program, which is a Texas prevention program for high-risk youths which she grew from 20 to 101 programs in 3 years, positively impacting the lives of more than 20,000 youths across Texas.

Dr. Majors completed her Ph.D. in Addiction Studies as well as post-graduate training in Family Systems Theory.  She is a Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Master Addiction Counselor (National) and licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (Texas), and holds a Lifetime Teacher’s Certificate from the state of Texas. Additionally, she has obtained certification from the Small Business International Trade Association in Small Business International Management. She sits on numerous Boards and Advisory Councils.

William Hanna, Psy.D., BCRPS

Clinical Director

Dr. Hanna is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist and a Registered Art Therapist. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in Pt. Richmond, California, and a master’s degree in Creative Art Therapy from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Hanna has been working in the field of addiction for 20 years.  He was most recently the Assistant Clinical Director at Bayside Marin Residential Substance Abuse Program, where he also worked as a Primary Therapist. Prior to Bayside, he worked at the UCSF Aids Health Project-Outpatient Community Clinic in San Francisco, where he completed a Post-Doctoral Clinical Internship.

As Clinical Director, Dr. Hanna will be responsible for managing Alta Mira’s treatment programs, clinical staff and program curriculum. In addition, he will serve as a member of Alta Mira’s executive leadership team.

Adriana Popescu, Ph.D.

Director of Outpatient Services

Adriana Popescu, Ph.D., is our Interim Deputy Clinical Director and Director of Outpatient Services.  Dr. Popescu is a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She received her Ph.D. in 2006 from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, a program that takes a holistic approach to the training of psychotherapists, teaching them how to help clients self-actualize and reach their highest human potential. Here, in addition to traditional clinical psychology, Dr. Popescu learned about Eastern philosophies, shamanic traditions, creative expression, somatic psychology, and even had courses in Aikido and Yoga. She is also a certified hypnotherapist and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Practitioner, having discovered that Energy Psychology provides incredibly powerful tools to identify and eliminate the deep-rooted causes of suffering and distress.

Dr. Popescu brings the best of these innovative techniques along with traditional psychology approaches to her work, which has always involved complex issues and populations. She’s worked with a wide range of clients in psychiatric hospitals, residential programs, group homes, and outpatient clinics. She developed her specialty in treating addictions and co-occurring disorders over 8 years at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, where she managed the Adult Substance Abuse Program, and 2 years as Director of Outpatient Services at Marin Services for Women. Dr. Popescu maintains a small private practice in San Francisco, and enjoys traveling, snowboarding, music, dancing, and playing and laughing with loved ones in her free time.

Patti Weiss, Ph.D

Program Neuropsychologist

Patti Weiss is the Program Psychologist at Alta Mira responsible for psychological testing of all our clients, supervising MFT and Ph.D interns and serving as a primary therapist for our clients.  Patti received her  Ph.D in Clinical Neuropsychology in 1999.  She did her pre and post doc studies at St. Mary’s Medical Center, in San Francisco, on their Adolescent Psychiatric Unit.

Patti has 21 years of experience in working with Substance Abuse; starting in 1990 at Centerpoint in San Rafael,  an outpatient recovery program, and continuing at St. Mary’s Hospital on the Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Unit, where she has been since 1995. She also spent two years working at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco, in 1993-94, where 50% of the patients she treated were hospitalized due to the effects of substance abuse. Patti was licensed in 2002, and spent the last five years at St. Mary’s, while also conducting weekly psychological assessments at Juvenile hall, specializing in abuse and injury cases.  She also has extensive experience with substance abuse, murder, kidnapping, attempted murder and rape cases, mainly with juveniles. Patti maintains a private practice in San Francisco, and continues to consult with Juvenile Hall and the Nueva School, specializing in gifted children and teens.

In her spare time Patti is a respected concert violinist who has toured with Josh Groban, the Gipsy Kings, and the TransSiberian Orchestra, among others.  Patti speaks six languages, including French, Italian, Hindi, Spanish, and Urdu.  She is currently studying Arabic, and also ballet, hip hop and jazz dance.

Tracy Thomas, Ph.D.

Program Counselor

As a psychologist, Dr. Thomas helps people transform their thinking and their self-experience. Her enthusiasm, authenticity, compassion, and expertise in present- focused solutions to psychological problems, helps clients who have struggled for years without relief from their distress.

With a doctorate in Psychology and Master’s in Organizational Development, Dr. Thomas has spent the last 20 years working in the area people development, empowerment and wellness; at both the organizational level, and therapeutically with individuals, couples, families and groups.  With an extensive research background in the area of self-efficacy, Dr. Thomas has dedicated herself to helping people explore their thinking, regulate difficult emotions, and free themselves from undesired compulsions,  Dr. Thomas helps people evolve from using of maladaptive coping mechanisms and self-destructive behaviors into higher functioning individuals with an arsenal of healthy coping choices, who make decisions that are aligned with their life goals.

As the an outpatient program counselor Dr. Thomas uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational and Mindfulness based approaches to help clients to learn to self-regulate, modify behavior, communicate effectively, and build  self- efficacy; thus equipping clients with the internal resources to optimize their life, manage difficult life challenges, and respond to people and circumstances intuitively, authentically, strategically, and intentionally.

Benjamin M. Eiland, MA, CATC

Hear Ben discuss Alta Mira’s treatment philosophy.

Director of Integrated Healing

Ben Eiland has been in the chemical dependency treatment field for over 35 years, Throughout his career he has had the privilege of being a director of both inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency treatment programs, for both adults and adolescents. He is the past director of substance abuse treatment services for the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic and was the co-founder of Integrated Counseling and Consulting Services, specializing in relapse prevention and domestic violence.

Ben has been a trainer and consultant in such areas as chemical dependency treatment, co-occurring disorders treatment, domestic and workplace violence. He has provided training and consulting for such diverse organizations as the American Indian Training Institute, Maui Social Services, the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Bar Association.

Ben has taught at a variety of educational institutions over the last 32 years and is currently an adjunct faculty member at JFK University in Orinda, and the College of San Mateo, where he teaches courses for individuals who are pursuing a career as a certified addiction counselor. He is currently on the board and is the President of the California Association of Alcohol/Drug Educators.

Richards Ayala MSW, NCAC, RAS, CCS, ACRPS

Head Counselor

Richard Ayala has worked in the chemical dependence field with adult and adolescent populations for over 11 years. He has contributed to the successful program development and individual treatment at several recovery programs both nationally and internationally.  Prior to joining Alta Mira as Head counselor, Richard served as Consulting Clinical Director for Smith and Jones Inc, the first full service abstinence based substance abuse and process addictions clinic in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  Before Smith and Jones, Richard was Clinical Director and co-founder of A. Lujan Recovery Programs and Program Manager of the VA hospital’s Homeless Veterans Emergency Housing Facility (HVEHF) in Menlo Park, California.  He was the Founder and President of Bound to Change and Clinical Supervisor of Golden Gate Recovery Program in San Francisco, California.  In addition, Richard has served as a Consultant, Trainer and Recovery Coach for Free Life Enterprises, VIP Recovery Coaching, Ontrack Program Resources as well as several other programs in California.  Richard serves on the Board of Directors for The Latino Commission on Drugs and Alcohol of Alameda County and is a current member of the Merced County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board.

Erin Brown, MSW

Counselor

Erin has been providing services to individuals struggling with mental health , substance abuse, immigration, and legal problems for many years. Her experience in the field includes working as an expert witness in criminal court, a program manager at a GED school, and a case manager in Unified Family Court. Erin specializes in transitional planning and aftercare for treatment facility residents prior to their return home.

Erin received her Master of Arts in social work from the CSU East Bay, and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish and Portuguese from UC Berkeley and speaks both languages fluently. She has participated in dozens of trainings and conferences covering a range of topics, and has designed curriculum for and facilitated groups that teach life skills, healthy relationships, positive choices, and educational and vocational advancement.

Erin maintains a private practice as a consultant for defense attorneys in the Bay Area. She also works at the Youth Guidance Center Improvement Committee, a vocational and education program, as a program coordinator. In her leisure time, Erin enjoys traveling, salsa dancing, theater, and independent films.

Rev. George L. McLaird

Spiritual Counselor

Author, counselor, teacher and lifelong student of the spiritual path, Rev. George L. McLaird  “walks his talk” when it comes to spirituality, learning, exploring, growing, and living a life of purpose, kindness, love and inspiration.  His work is easily accessible whether you are new to spiritual study or an experienced scholar.  In his 42  year career, his work has included counseling hundreds of individuals as well as couples who are preparing for marriage, are happily married or are in marital crisis.

George was the Pastor of Sausalito Presbyterian Church, across the street from Alta Mira, from 1975 to 2001 and he currently serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  At Alta Mira, currently George serves as Spiritual Counselor and leads a monthly workshop on spiritual living.

David Motta

Program Assistant

David is a graduate of St. Mary’s College where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He recently completed CAADAC course studies from California State University East Bay under Roland Williams., and is in the process of receiving his counseling certificate. He doesn’t view this as just “another” job, but rather the beginning of a career path into the filed of treating drug and alcohol addiction. “Alta Mira is a loving, caring and safe environment for those wanting to free themselves from addiction, and I feel blessed and honored to be part of the process”.

Erik Moren

Program Assistant

Erik was born and raised in Marin County. He spent much of his youth in Sweden, learning the language and culture. His passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures has given him an insight to people of all walks of life that no book can teach. Early on he understood that he was going to help people in any way he could. He realized this calling through working as a Firefighter/EMT. Working in the field he saw firsthand the pain and suffering of people suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. Having personal experience with this pain he decided to embark on a different career path, and this decision led him to the Alta Mira where he has been since June 2011. From the moment he started he has been impressed by the quality of care the residents receive, and feel lucky to be part of the staff here. He looks forward to continuing his education, and to being an integral part of the healing process that happens at Alta Mira.

Minor Hamilton

Program Assistant

Minor was born in Costa Rica and came to Los Angeles, California,  at a very young age. When it came time to decide what he was going to do with his life, he decided to be the first in his family to pursue a college education. He left Los Angeles seeking a different kind of environment, and came to Northern California and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. His initial work experiences after college allowed him to begin learning about addiction with youth in dual diagnosis programs levels 10-14. After a few years as a Youth Counselor, he moved on to a career as a Bilingual Counselor in a DUI program. From there, he enrolled in the Police Academy and worked as a Police Officer, and later a Sheriff’s Deputy.

Currently he is a Bilingual DUI Counselor and the Senior Overnight Program Assistant for the Alta Mira Treatment Program. He feels fortunate and privileged to have an opportunity to be of help to individuals who are suffering from addiction and battling with recovery.

David Smith, MD

Chief of Addiction Medicine

Dr. David E. Smith is recognized as a national leader in the treatment of addictive disease, the psychopharmacology of drugs, new research strategies in the management of drug abuse problems, and appropriate prescribing practices for physicians. He teaches that addiction is a primary medical illness which is best treated in a multidisciplinary fashion, utilizing the group process, individual psychotherapy, and the 12-Step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous.

Dr. Smith brings to Alta Mira 45 years of experience treating addiction as a medical disease.  He develops and manages our detox protocols and is responsible for quality assurance within our medical department.  In addition, Dr. Smith lectures at Alta Mira on the neurobiological aspects of addiction, treating addiction as a brain disease, and the medical management of psychoactive drug dependence, including cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs.

Dr. Smith founded the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics in 1967, inaugurating the principle of “Health Care is a Right, not a Privilege.”  He is a Fellow and former President of The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).  He lectures extensively and is the author/co-author of over 350 professional articles and books, including Unchain Your Brain: 10 Steps to Breaking the Addictions that Steal Your Life, with Dr. Daniel Amen.

Alethea Fournier, NP

Alethea completed the MSN/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Addiction Treatment Program at Seattle University. She received her MBA and BA at Pacific Lutheran University majoring in both Psychology and Women’s Studies.  She has gained experience in a variety of settings including: opiate replacement, acute dual diagnosis inpatient hospital, faith based intensive outpatient and has provided counseling and psychopharmacology to specific populations, working with geriatric, child/adolescent, and women patients psychopharamcology.  She has a private practice in Marin, does telepsychiatry for a remote facility providing dual diagnosis treatment to youth and families, and provides detox and psychiatric services in Alta Mira’s dual diagnosis treatment facility.   Her passion and experience stems from supporting individuals who struggle with addiction and mental health to create the life they desire.  She loves to say “In a single moment you can change everything” and she is committed to helping her patients find and stay on their path.

Mckevin Fang, LVN

Mckevin is Alta Mira’s full time Charge Nurse. During his career he has provided a high level of customer service and client relations based on outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, provided superior customer service and work quality while demonstrating attention to detail, flexibility and innovation in resolving problems. He is known to go above and beyond all expectations and exhibits professionalism at all times. He has in-depth knowledge of the medical terminology, assessments, patients evaluation, clinical medicine, and he shows profound ability to analyze, interpret and relate medical data. Mckevin has worked as a nurse directly after obtaining his license and has gained excellent experience in skilled nursing, geriatrics, treatment nursing, and in medical detox. He has a love for holistic health. His exceptional ability to communicate and interact with individuals, showing compassion is a great ability to provide direction, leadership, to serve people, and to develop a relationship with clients.

Mckevin obtained his Associates in pre-nursing at the College of San Mateo and Graduated from NCP College of Nursing for his LVN. He is currently an LVN working towards obtaining his RN specializing as a nurse anesthetist. He is currently supervising the nursing department at Alta Mira and teaches a class in the curriculum on how meditation helps the brain. He is very happy to be part of the exceptional team at Alta Mira.

Lora Olney, LPT

Nurse

Lora has worked in the behavioral health and chemical dependency field for over 22 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings and is passionate about providing compassionate, integrated care for dually diagnosed individuals. During her career she was one of the founding members of a mobile crisis outreach pilot program at San Francisco General, pioneering client directed services for the mentally ill with the highest rates of hospitalization. Lora has also provided private case management for families with loved ones with addiction issues with many having co-occurring disorders. During the last 4 years. Lora has been providing detox services and care in cliential treatment settings with an addiction and co-occurring disorder focus, including disordered eating, chronic pain, trauma and substance abuse and mental health. Lora is also a member of AASAP (Aging Adult substance Abuse Prevention Coalition) of Sonoma County which provides education and information to the community and heath care providers about the growing issues regarding aging adults and substance abuse.

Tracey Scalise

Nurse

Tracey has been a nurse for several years and her primary experience has been working in recovery centers such as at Alta Mira and Bayside Marin. Prior to her work in recovery, Tracey was a wellness director for an assisted living community. She has a passion for nursing and holistic health. She is an LVN and currently working on obtaining her RN. She has obtained a Bachelor’s in holistic nutrition and is working on a Ph. D in Naturopathy through Clayton College of Natural Health. She has been a clinical massage therapist for over ten years for a physical therapy clinic in which she still sees clients. She has a love for working in recovery and is glad to be a part of the team at Alta Mira.

Kevin Griffin

Author and Mindfulness Teacher

Kevin Griffin is the author of the seminal 2004 book One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps and the recent A Burning Desire: Dharma God and the Path of Recovery. Kevin teaches in Buddhist centers, treatment centers, professional conferences and academic settings, and is an internationally recognized authority on the convergence of mindfulness, Buddhism and addiction treatment.

A co-founder of the Buddhist Recovery Network, he has worked as a consultant on NIH studies of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP), mindfulness-based eating awareness training (MB-EAT), and on developing an online meditation coach. He has presented at 12 Step conventions and taught meditation in prisons, homeless shelters, and elementary schools. He specializes in helping people in recovery connect with mindfulness meditation and a progressive understanding of the 12 Steps.

At Alta Mira, Kevin leads a bi-monthly workshop with our clients on incorporating mindfulness into their recovery programs. For more information, please visit Kevin’s web site at www.kevingriffin.net.

Randy K. Sugawara, Ph.D.

Qigong and Tai Chi Instructor

Dr. Randy Sugawara merges the art and science of recovery from chemical dependency into a series of teaching modules based on the meditative healing practices of Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan. Dr. Sugawara’s experience as a primary therapist for some of the nation’s leading chemical rehabilitation treatment centers has led to the creation of a unique relapse prevention program based on holistic and complementary healing methods. During Dr. Sugawara’s internships he specialized in treating agoraphobia, anxiety and panic attack disorders, and administered neuropsychological tests and evaluations. Among his professional activities, he helped to coordinate the first Asian & Pacific Islanders Users Board for the National Library of Medicine.

At Alta Mira Dr. Sugawara’s goal to teach a central concept that the human body contains a rich reservoir of self-healing resources. Clients who practice Qigong and Tai Chi are able to access these resources to more effectively manage compulsive behavior, reduce cravings, and in turn alleviate the psychological urges that can cause relapse behaviors. Empirical results further suggest clients may cope more effectively with anxiety and depression through consistent practice that in turn augment their dedication to recovery. For more information, please visit Dr. Sugawara’s web site at www.qirecovery.com.

Dawn Angel, CMT

Massage Therapist, CMT

Dawn Angel has a natural gift for healing. Dawn has completed extensive studies in the healing arts, drawing on both ancient and modern modalities. Her passion for this work and her desire to facilitate healing drives her to explore and discover new paths toward health and wellness. For over six years, Dawn Angel has been the lead massage therapist at Bayside Marin Drug Treatment Center and recently joined Alta Mira’s holistic staff. With her unique ability to work with clients who are depleted emotionally, mentally, physically and/or spiritually, she helps our clients reconnect with their body and revitalize their mind/body connection.

Natasha Marcy, LMT, Medical Qigong Practitioner

Massage Therapist 

Natasha has been engaged in the healing arts for over 10 years. Her initial massage training at the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe led to further studies in Holistic Health and Medical Qigong. She believes in educating clients about self-regulation through diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Detoxification of mind, body and energy fields can greatly reduce the toxic emotions that drive many to substance abuse.  She finds great joy in empowering individuals with skills that can be called upon at any stage of recovery and with the knowledge that healing can be in their own hands at any moment. She has worked at three drug treatment centers, currently at Alta Mira in Sausalito, Bayside Marin in San Rafael and Recovery Without Walls in Mill Valley.

Bill Morrison

Hear Bill talk about his business experience and passion for recovery.

Chief Executive Officer

Bill co-founded Alta Mira with the vision of creating one of the world’s leading addiction treatment centers. As CEO, Bill manages the center’s marketing, finance, and operations.

Prior to Alta Mira, Bill worked for eight years as a Wall Street research analyst focusing on consumer Internet/media businesses. Most recently, Bill was a partner and senior analyst at ThinkEquity, where he re-launched their Internet and media franchise. Prior to ThinkEquity, Bill was a director and senior Research Analyst at JMP Securities and a senior associate at Salomon Smith Barney.

Before working as a research analyst, Bill worked for a venture capital firm and a Chicago-based healthcare startup. Bill holds a BA from Colgate University and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Rosemary O'Connor

Business Development Director, Western United States

Rosemary O’Connor is the Business Development Director for the Western United States at Alta Mira.   Rosemary holds a BA degree in psychology from St. Mary’s College.  Later she received her real estate license and spent the next twenty-two years as a successful salesperson in loans, new home developments, home warranty, and the title business.  In 2006 she earned her certificate as a life coach from The Coaches Training Institute and started her own business. Rosemary coached individuals and couples on how to improve their lives and relationships. She also worked at Bayside Marin Recovery Center, presenting workshops and co-leading the family program.  In 2009 Foundations Recovery Network acquired Alta Mira Recovery Center where she served as an outreach manager until they closed in 2010.  For the next two years she continued her work as an outreach manager with Hazelden Springbrook.   Rosemary returned to Alta Mira in 2012 to help lead our business development efforts in the Western U.S. and to pursue her life’s passion to heal and save lives for those suffering from addiction.

Rosemary is currently writing two books on supporting sober mothers and using the twelve-step model to create an abundant life.

Albert Pantoja

Facilities Operations Manager

Albert’s first introduction into the building industry was over 30 years ago. In the past 10 years, Albert Pantoja has worked on custom cliential projects as well as commercial store building projects such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Victoria Secret, Macy’s, Starbucks, Pet food Express, Forever 21, Bebe, to name a few. His commercial building project experience had led him to work alongside Trinity Properties, San Francisco’s largest landlord maintaining and renovating properties, Fisher Development, one of California’s largest contractors who build countless shopping mall stores. Albert Pantoja has served as a tool “bags on” Working Supervisor, Contracts Administrator, Project Manager. Albert Pantoja is certified in Building Inspection, graduated from the University of San Francisco and went on to work for Law Offices of Melvin Belli upon discharge from military. Albert’s extensive construction experience in all phases have provided him with excellent managerial skills as well as hands on expertise that have created a perfect fit within Alta Mira.  In addition to his significant building and maintenance experience, Albert has over 20 years in recovery and serves on his off days as a Reiki Master, professional photographer, Neuro Linguistic Programmer (NLP), and Certified Life Coach.  Albert also has extensive knowledge and practice of Native American traditions and beliefs, and has been honored and deemed “Kahuna” while practicing Native Hawaiian healing energy work in Hawaii under the guidance of Kahuna Ho’okahi.

Owen Rosenberg

Head Chef

Owen has been working in Restaurants and catering Kitchens since 1989. While originally focusing on vegetarian Macrobiotic healing diets, his philosophy on food has expanded to Healthy Gourmet. He received a Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management, where he was trained and educated in multiple aspects of hospitality and restaurant management, including, Hotel Operations, Restaurant Management.

Jennifer Cobb

Human Resources Manager

Jennifer Cobb brings over 15 years of Administrative experience as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager to Alta Mira. Her experience ranges from corporate settings to small start up companies. In these settings she has assisted in all aspects of Business Administration, including Project Management, Human Resources, and Finance. She holds a BA from the University of Maryland and a MA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Terry Eagan, MD

Consultant and Advisor

Terry Eagan, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.  He has served as Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Medicine and he also helps shape healthcare policy in the United States as a consultant to the Physician’s Advisory Board of the National Republican Congressional Committee, serving as Honorary Chairman for the State of California. Having treated over 20,000 patients during the course of his career, many of whom have been at the extremes of celebrity, Dr. Eagan is sensitive to the complexities that arise from being in the public eye.  Dr. Eagan is sought out as a lecturer and consultant for public school systems, financial institutions, community health centers, television and film productions, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and universities.  He has extensive experience working with research clinical trials, having been involved in numerous psychopharmacology studies for eight international pharmaceutical companies. He also serves on the National Speakers Bureau for the Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Forest Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth-Ayerst, Inc., and Sepracor Pharmaceuticals, among others, lecturing on psychopharmacology to physicians of all specialties across the nation.

Brigitte L. Lank M.A.; Ph.D.; CSAT

Strategic Advisor

Dr. Lank is a licensed psychologist who holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She has two decades of direct clinical service to include specialization in addiction medicine, substance related disorders, process addictions, eating disorders and co-existing psychiatric disorders. With a commitment to addictions field and treatment development she has conducted original research of personality variables and alcohol abuse and dependence. Dr. Lank has taught Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Substance-Related Disordersat both the undergraduate and graduate level and has worked in a range of local hospital, residential and outpatient settings including: Haight-Ashbury Psychological Services, Ohlhoff Recovery Programs, Kaiser Permanente Chemical Dependency Recovery Programs and the University of California San Francisco, Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine. Her work has included clinical coordination and oversight for a federal and state-approved pilot program for opiate replacement treatment supported by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Dr. Lank is the past two-term President of the Board of Directors for the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions (NCADA-Bay Area) in San Francisco, CA. and past committee member of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) Diversity Committee New York, N.Y.; Founder of The Northern California Chapter and Education Chair for the Womens’ Association for Addiction Treatment (WAAT) and Founder of the Lank Institute for Sexual Addiction and Recovery (LISAR), Dr. Lank is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and provides local and national information on Sex Addiction on both radio, print and television.  Lastly,  Dr.Lank  provides substance abuse and sex addiction assessment and individual, couple, and family psychotherapy in private practice in Marin County, California.

Roland F. Williams, MA, ICADC, NCAC II, CADCII, ACRPS, SAP

Founder & Strategic Advisor

Roland co-founded Alta Mira, designed the unique Alta Mira Treatment model, and served as Executive Director of the program during our first year of operation.  Roland recently transitioned away from day to day management of Alta Mira’s clinical program into a strategic advisory role with the company.  In this capacity, Roland advises Alta Mira’s CEO and Board on strategic business issues including referent relations, business development opportunities and long term business planning.

Roland has over 25 years of substance abuse and behavioral health treatment experience.  Prior to founding Alta Mira, Roland ran an outpatient treatment clinic in Sonoma County, provided consulting services to domestic and international treatment facilities, and founded VIP Recovery Coaching.  As a consultant, Roland has worked with some of the world’s best treatment facilities, and as a Recovery Coach, Roland has worked on site with high profile-clients on three different continents.

Prior to these roles, Roland was a co-founder and Clinical Director of Bayside Marin and was the Director of Behavioral Health Services at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose.  Roland specializes in working with impaired professionals, and he currently runs Relapse Prevention groups for physicians, attorneys, and high achieving business people in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Roland has published numerous recovery books and articles and taught recovery classes at universities throughout the US.  He is a frequent speaker at recovery and treatment seminars and events.