Meet the Alternative to Meds Team

Dr Motl is currently certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry, and Board eligible in Neurology and licensed in the state of Arizona.  He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in biology and minors in chemistry and philosophy. He graduated Creighton University School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine.  Dr. Motl has studied Medical Acupuncture at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and at U.C.L.A.

Dr. Michael Loes is board certified in Internal Medicine , Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978.  Dr Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally he is a well published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.

He was the medical director of ATMC between 2014 and 2016. He now is a consulting physician and provides relief for the current medical director. Prior to Alternative to Meds Center, he was a medical provider at Hazelton.

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Jessica has been interested in addressing the root cause of psychological maladies since members of her close family were diagnosed with psychiatric illness. As contemporary psychiatric care in the US is heavily medication based, she was dissatisfied with these interventions for those close to her, and believed there had to be another way. Jessica graduated with the Nursing Student of the Year Award from Yavapai College in 2013 and was the President of the Student Nurse Association, creating educational opportunities for her fellow students that brought in practitioners with more holistic interventions and ideals, to show that there was more to nursing care than just the allopathic model taught to students.

She began working at ATMC immediately after passing her nursing boards, and currently is a staff nurse who provides medication management and works closely with each resident to optimize their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Jessica’s favorite part of being a nurse at ATMC is seeing the nursing interventions and supplementation address the root cause of emotional or physical dysfunction, and knowing that she is contributing to a sustainable, effective, and healthy way of life that can provide lasting change that works with the body’s natural systems.

Sacheen received her AAS in Nursing from Yavapai College, Clarkdale campus and also holds a paralegal certificate and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Arizona State University. She received her RN license in 2012 and worked for over 5 years as a correctional nurse. Her experience seeing patients in the correctional system slip between the cracks inspired her to try to make a difference in people’s lives and be a part of ATMC. The past couple of years of Sacheen’s life have been incredibly transformative and helped prepare her to jump into ATMC’s cutting-edge mental health treatment.

During her own personal journey to health she began seeing how traditional Western medicine has failed in the areas of disease prevention and she began to see the role nutrition plays in all of the body’s processes. Sacheen greatly appreciates how dedicated the entire ATMC staff is, to meeting the needs of the residents and she finds it rewarding and refreshing to be able to chat with and get to know the residents more closely.

Abbie has over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working as Critical Care RN/Supervisor, RN Case Manager in Hospice and Home Health settings and other supervisor roles as an RN. Throughout her career she has embodied a holistic body-mind-spirit approach to the care of others. Her passion for holistic care led her to gain certifications in Interactive guided imagery, Healing touch, Holistic Cancer Educator.

As Nurse Manager she, along with the Physician and other nurses, manage the medical care of our residents. Her focus throughout her career is to support people during difficult transitions, whether through a critical illness, trauma, facing end of life or assisting those transitioning from addiction to recovery.

Adam Da Virro offers group acupuncture treatments biweekly for the residents of ATMC. In 2006 Adam graduated from Yo San University in Los Angeles, California with a Master’s of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Adam moved to Northern Arizona in 2006 and has maintained a private practice in the area for the past five years. His passion is Internal Medicine specializing in auto immune conditions, Men’s Health and Digestive Health. He has devoted his practice to the study of Chinese Herbology and formula construction as well as state of the art nutritional protocols. He is honored to be serving the residents of ATMC with Chinese Medical Principles, supporting their path to a full recovery.

As Clinical Director at ATMC Mare provides care, oversight and guidance to residents and staff. She has utilized training and wisdom of East-West healing modalities for over 30 years. These include yoga, Aikido, Chinese Medicine, Auyrevedic foods and philosophies. Formally, her training includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Education from State University of New York at Brockport.

Mare holds credentials as a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and a Masters of Science degree from California State University at Sacramento in Counselor Education, holding licensure as a Marriage, Family Therapist in Arizona and California. Other formal training includes DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitzation and Reprocessing) used in the treatment of PTSD, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Transactional Analysis and NLP to name a few. Her most recent education has been learning, and experiencing, the powerful healing approach of HeartMath.

Robert has many years’ experience working with addiction and co-occurring conditions in a variety of therapeutic settings. He has worked as the clinical director of a residential care facility as well as in private practice and as a private contractor for the U.S. government. Bob has additional trainings and certifications in substance abuse, sex addiction, mindfulness and meditation.

Robert is a therapist that embraces concepts of self-discovery through non-judgmental curiosity and exploration. He works closely with residents to educate, empower, and challenge them along their healing journey. Along with his regular practice with ATMC residents, Bob has also introduced an Equine therapy program to the curriculum.

Malia has spent over 16 years working with multi-disciplinary teams in support of clients with co-occurring conditions. She was educated and previously licensed in Honolulu, Hawaii and she is presently licensed in Arizona. She is experienced at providing counseling, group therapy, rehabilitation and support services to residents in recovery. She is culturally diverse, having been raised around several different ethnic backgrounds.

Presently Malia is a Care Manager and Counselor at ATMC. She loves the philosophy of addressing the whole person, utilizing a holistic approach. Her approach to treatment is to meet with the client where they are at, taking into consideration their history, present situation and cultural values.

Lauren earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art from Johnson State College in Vermont. She’s gained experience with multiple populations having worked as a Domestic Violence Counselor/Advocate and as a Psychiatric Technician at group homes for at-risk teens. She began her journey at ATMC as a Care Provider and has since been promoted to the position of Care Manager. She is currently enrolled in a master’s program at Prescott College to pursue a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree with a concentration in Expressive Art Therapy.

As a Care Manager, Lauren’s primary purpose is client advocacy to ensure our client’s needs are being met. Additionally, she acts as a family liaison and works closely with the clinical team to relay pertinent information to the Care Providing staff. Lauren takes a Person-Centered approach within her role at ATMC. She feels that empathy, authenticity, and non-judgment help to foster a sense of validation and, ultimately, empower clients to self-advocate. She feels that ATMC’s program is unique in that it serves to heal the mind, body and spirit as mental health is addressed from a holistic perspective.

Sandy has over 20 years building positive relationships with children, adults and families, utilizing humor, empathy and clear communication to develop personal and academic growth with clients. Sandy holds a BS degree from the University of New Hampshire with focuses in both Behavioral Science and Elementary Education. While working as a Case Manager and Parent Educator she continued studies in domestic violence, depression, trauma, and healthy family education.

Sandy has also recently completed 2 years of Feminine Power Coaching and Facilitation Training with Dr. Claire Zammont. Sandy is a gifted yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner and intuitive energy worker. Alternative to Meds Center is grateful to have Sandy’s steadfast compassionate presence on staff.

Necole is originally from Augusta, GA and is honored to call Arizona her home. She has over 20 years of experience in accounting and business operations. Necole has worked as an independent agent for various types of companies and has truly found her passion at ATMC.

Necole has a compassionate heart for others who have also struggled with the negative effects of prescription medications and fully supports the ATMC mission of holistic health and detoxification. She is dedicated to serving the needs of staff, clients and their families to support the continued growth and success of the ATMC program.

Lyle Murphy is the founder of Alternative to Meds Center.  Lyle did his pre-med scholastics at West Georgia University receiving the only recommendation for advancement to medical school in his class. Though accepted to Emory Medical School, he instead chose to attend LIfe University school of Chiropractic because of their naturalistic approach. 

Immediately after completion of chiropractic school, Lyle suffered a low blood sugar event that resulted in a crisis. Hallucinating for no known reason, Lyle was justifiably concerned and went to the emergency room.  While at the hospital and trying to differentially diagnose himself, Lyle insisted on a blood sugar test as it seemed the only logical conclusion. The result was 39 mg/dL, which is deathly low, yet instead of the hospital appropriately treating an obvious medical situation, he was instead given a Haldol injection and soon after dropped into a low blood sugar coma for 2 weeks. He suffered stroke-like residuals and had to re-learn how to talk, walk, and communicate all over again without any professional help or hope. Still highly impaired after ten years and looking forward to at best living a disabled life, he made a full recovery after engaging in some of the modalities similar to those offered at Alternative to Meds Center.  This gave him a potent exposure to how inadequate the mental health system truly is. 

He has now dedicated his life to holistic mental health and furthered his education to receive a post-doctoral certificate from SpiritMed in environmental medicine. He trains doctors in medication reduction techniques and has authored much of the philosophy of Alternative to Meds. 

Isaac is one of the founding members of ATMC and he has worked with the organization in numerous capacities. Over the years, he has worked as a Care Provider, Care Manager, and Massage Therapist, among many other roles. His experience allows him to have an intimate understanding of each facet of the organization. He has training and certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician, Sober Coach, and Empathic Coach. Isaac prides himself on providing impeccable service to each and every resident. On any given day he is onsite at the residence or at the Detox Shoppe, making himself available to address the concerns of residents, whether big or small.

As Chief Administrator, Isaac is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the program and supervising the staff. He takes the time to work with each staff member to ensure the ATMC team is cohesive and effective.

As Director of the Detox Shoppe, Lotus ensures that everything at the Detox Shoppe runs smoothly and that all of the residents receive top-quality care and attention as they go through one of the most important parts of their process of returning to health and wellness.

Lotus has extensive training and work experience in nursing, end-of-life care and medication management. She brings her interest and understanding of the importance of holistic healing, healthy diet and detoxification treatment to her work environment. Her own life path includes an organic, vegan diet, yoga, hiking, nature and family. She is a valuable member of ATMC’s staff and a great fit to the team.

John D. Camillieri is a graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Psychology with a focus in Behavioral Neuroscience. He is a certified Grief Counselor through the Grief Recovery Institute and a Suicide Counselor for New York Help Line through Marble Collegiate Church. John is also on the panel of MATFORCE, the Verde Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, runs numerous 12 Step Meetings for Central Valley and is a Certified Mentor with the Yavapai County Reentry Project.

As the Residential Program Director at ATMC, John takes a hands on approach to working with the residents and staff, to ensure that each person involved with the program is supported, heard, and encouraged. John brings a mind, body and spirit approach to personal growth and recovery. His life mission is helping others in recovery through harnessing and cultivating the hero within.

Sonia has been assisting ATMC’s residents achieve success in their ATMC program since 2011 through B.E.S.T. (Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique). Approaching the residents with unconditional love and compassion, she helps them become free from unconscious habits and patterns of negative thinking and acting, along with false beliefs about themselves that have resulted in the challenges that are impacting their lives. Through B.E.S.T., a person can more readily achieve the experience of health, success, and happiness in all areas of life.

Originally from Ohio, Sonia lived in Albuquerque, NM, for 20 years where she worked full time while completing her Bachelor degree, an M.A. in Human Resources Development, and certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She moved to Arizona in 1990, and from 1993 through 2011, she was assistant to and Chief Editor for Dr. David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D., a world-renowned psychiatrist who wrote a number of books about human consciousness research and spirituality. In 2007 Sonia become a B.E.S. T. practitioner and advanced to the level of Elite Master. She teaches B.E.S.T. at all levels of the training and has instructed students all over the world.

A healing practitioner at ATMC since 2015, Sarah is committed to providing each resident with a sacred space for deep healing. Sarah is a certified Reiki Master /Teacher, trained in the ancient and traditional form of Usui Reiki healing. She uses the gentle yet powerful energy of Reiki to help people relax, reconnect, and center themselves so that they may heal physically, mentally, and emotionally during their detox process. Residents often walk out of a session with Sarah feeling more grounded, hopeful and restored.

Sarah is an Arizona native, with a deep spiritual background. She also works with the herbal medicine-making facility in Sedona that supplies ATMC with their herbal formulas. Sarah’s path with energy work began in 2012, and she is deeply devoted to assisting the residents at ATMC on their journey of healing and recovery.

Rachel Nez has been a member of the ATMC team since 2012. She concurrently works as an herbalist, and as an herbal medicine maker for the company that supplies ATMC with their herbal formulas. Rachel has spent many years among various indigenous cultures including, Navajo, Mayan, Rapa Nui and Shipibo tribes – to name a few – and brings those teachings into her work with clients.

Rachel is a certified Reiki practitioner. She has also studied extensively with Sandra Ingerman and The Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Rachel offers healing sessions at the Detox Shoppe, combining Trauma Release with her Reiki skills and indigenous teachings. During their stay at ATMC, residents often report profound healing shifts from Rachel‘s sessions.

Michelle is a dedicated professional with nearly twenty years of experience working in the healing arts. Her knowledge in managing expectations and delivering results was honed as a licensed Massage Therapist in California, working with Chiropractic and sports medicine clients. Having received credentials as a Life Coach in 2011, she has helped many individuals create winning strategies to succeed with life’s challenges.

Her experience as a business professional has been heavily involved with the learning arts for both adults as well as children. She holds a B.A. in English and is currently pursuing a Graduate Degree in Instructional Technology Design.

Ayande works with the residents by drawing their focus to their own natural ability to tap into the source of their creativity through collage, painting, photography and music. Ayande feels that with the support of these creative mediums, the residents are better able to move and live freely, in harmony with their true nature.

Through his therapeutic drum classes, he encourages the residents to breathe deep of the life-giving breath that sustains us all, while also exploring their inner sense of rhythm. As it is said in an African proverb; “when someone is sick, it is because they are out of rhythm with their body, spirit and soul”. He considers it a gift to work at ATMC, helping people regain a healthy relationship with themselves, with their families, and with their community

Brendan began employment with ATMC in June of 2013 after 16 years of working in American and Italian fare restaurants. At ATMC he quickly developed a passion for helping people heal, through lovingly prepared, nutritious, organic, flavorful foods.

Brendan has been trained in the Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) diet, the most cutting edge diet for gut and body healing and continued health. He has streamlined the diet at ATMC to fit in the parameters of the SIBO diet without compromising comfort or flavor. He enjoys working with residents to pass on this knowledge so they can make educated choices in their future to keep their body as healthy as possible.

David has been working with ATMC since 2016, helping to prepare the nutrient dense, organic cuisine that makes up the ATMC diet. He has been a certified chef for 20 years, channeling his passion for a health-conscious lifestyle and the culinary arts into delicious vegan, ayurvedic and paleo cuisines.

For David, the most rewarding part of his position as a chef at ATMC is having the ability to help individuals access healthy nutrients through natural, organic foods, prepared with integrity and love.