Meet the Alternative to Meds Team

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative methodologies. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

He serves as the medical director at Alternative To Meds Center. Through an emphasis on breathwork and other natural healing techniques, he helps residents to feel empowered to overcome their programming, conditioning, and traumas so that they can realize the greatness that lies within themselves. He empowers each resident to discover the best version of themselves. He educates clients about the natural healing modalities that can treat the root cause of their issues, rather than focusing on symptomatic management. His goal is to give clients tools to take them to the next step on their healing journey so that they are empowered to treat themselves. He also helps clients to overcome the stigma of their programming of diagnoses and helps them to see beyond labels. By treating the root cause, he helps clients to see the true cause of their illness rather than the labels they may have been given previously. He enjoys working at ATMC because of the passion that all staff members have to help residents to succeed in their goals. He also enjoys the family environment of the team and the positive intention and commitment of each staff member to truly help residents to get better.

Julia Britz is a licensed naturopathic doctor who received her training from Bastyr University in San Diego, CA. She specializes in supporting people who are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, OCD and eating disorders; as well as a chronic illness like autoimmunity and mold toxicity. Her passion for working with individuals suffering from these lonely conditions is that she too was a “hopeless case”, but got better.

Dismissed by doctors, she was told over and over there was nothing else she could try beyond pharmacotherapy, and so was inspired to create myocddiary.com, a site dedicated to documenting the daily life of OCD and related disorders. Through this project and holistic therapies, she found new levels of wellness, and in 2014 did a TED talk called “MyOCDdiary: an imperfect story.”  

She utilizes natural and integrative modalities including targeted amino acid therapy, peptide therapy, micronutrient therapy, NAD+ and IV therapy, botanical medicine and epigenetic analysis. Dr. Britz listens to her patients and respects where each person is on their healing journey. She understands that each individual has unique needs and she is passionate about finding creative ways to support them and optimize their health. She is passionate about the work being done at ATMC, by the healthcare team and the residents, because true healing happens when we all heal together. 

In her personal life, Dr. Britz loves to paint, go backcountry camping with her siblings, bake and explore ghost towns. Originally from Las Vegas, she now enjoys living in Arizona with her adorable cat, Icky Thump.

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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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.

Libby Smith or “Dr. Libby” as many of her friends and clients affectionately call her, is an educator, counselor, author, Chair of the Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals, and an Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Practitioner. Libby as two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and is currently working on third Master’s in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University.  She holds two doctoral degrees: One in Holistic Theology and the other in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on health and sociology, from Northern Arizona University. 

She has been teaching at colleges and universities for over twenty-five years including  Northern Arizona University and Wichita State University and has written and published several books including her most recent, “What’s the Matter?” She has been an international speaker at the  International Conference for Science and Consciousness. Dr. Libby is certified in Regression Therapy, Life Coaching, Hypnosis, Reiki (level 1) and as a Heartmath Practitioner. Her Equine Therapy Business is called Wind Horse Wellness LLC – 

Over the past eight years, she has worked as a counselor in both Behavioral Health and Substance Use arenas and currently works as a Therapist at Alternatives to Medications Center. She is the owner and CEO of Wind Horse Wellness LLC located in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has a heart for service and is honored to be working with the administration, staff, and patients at Alternatives to Meds Center.

Linda Cathcart, M.A., LISAC, has worked as a mental health clinician for 30 years.  She is licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as an Independent Substance Abuse Counselor.  Linda received her Masters in Counseling from Northern Arizona University and her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from Arizona State University. Linda began her career working as a therapist and program supervisor for the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, where she was awarded the Governors Award for Excellence in Government.  Linda also worked at Copper Canyon Academy as a therapist and then Clinical Supervisor, and as  Clinical Supervisor at Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, and Red Rock Correctional Facility.  In 2004, Linda published  The Authentic Life Workbook, A Manual on Addictions, Compulsions and Avoidance for Teens.  ” One of the things I love about working at Alternative to Meds is the deep kindness and respect that I feel from the staff.  I know that the clients are receiving care from folks who are truly generous, loving, and committed to the highest quality of care.” 

Krystal graduated college with a degree in Healthcare Administration and worked as a Healthcare Administrator for 13 years. She has acquired numerous certificates in the field of healthcare administration over the years, and she passionately continues her research and study of the many varying approaches and applications to healthcare administration.

Krystal decided a couple of years ago that she wanted to help people dealing with addiction and behavioral issues, which led her to her current job here at ATMC.  She enjoys ATMC’s outdoor activities and loves to help our residents smile and laugh. Working at ATMC is definitely her favorite of all her past jobs.

Jasmine is a valued team member at the Alternative To Meds Center she comes to us with 14 years of patient care experience. 13 of those years have been as a behavioral health tech in a traditional hospital setting. Jasmine personally lives a holistic lifestyle that includes exercise, healthy eating, and treating herself and family with natural remedies. She understands the importance of a holistic balance to mental health and models that here for our residents. Jasmine’s qualities include compassionate care, enthusiasm to be of service and overall professionalism while assisting our residents through the detoxification process at the Detox Shoppe.

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.

Rob comes with 13 years in behavioral and mental health having worked with conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental and cognitive disabilities, psychosis, and addiction in all ages. A firm and avid believer in practitioner of the holistic process. Rob has over 20 years of personal education in herbology, homeopathy, Ricky, psychology, and meditation.

ATMC, Rob offers residence experience, compassion, and knowledge in a wide range of therapeutic modalities. Being in the professional service of others, Rob sees this as more than just an occupation, but a way of life.

Matthew comes from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, where he received his degree in Psychology from University North Carolina Ashville. A devotee of natural living and holistic healing, Matthew has spent several years learning the art of organic gardening, permaculture, and sustainable living, while immersing himself in the knowledge of detoxification, herbal medicine, and emotional balancing. With several years of work in holistic and alternative health under his belt, Matthew comes to ATMC eager to be of service and to help along the healing journey.

Melissa received her 200 Hour Hatha Flow Yoga Instructor Certification from Yoga Yoga in Austin, Texas and her 100 Hour Children’s Yoga Instructor Certification from 7 Centers Yoga Arts here in Sedona, Arizona. She teaches vinyasa, meditation, pranayama, restorative and kid’s yoga sessions. Melissa is the author of the independently published children’s book Cosmic Yoga for Children: Vedic Astrology Mantra and Flow. Melissa loves working at ATMC and providing compassionate service for our residents. She advocates for the holistic approach of ATMC as tools for deepening self-love and healing.

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.

Debbie Nelson is an activist in the mental health and addiction world. She is the founder of Addiction Recovery Revolution, where she features revolutionary ideas for the mental health and addiction community. She is passionate when it comes to educating the world about highly-effective holistic addiction treatment methods. Debbie has been trained in amino acid therapy through the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition. She is on the board of multiple non-profits including the Alliance for Addiction Solutions, and Steps to Recovery Homes. She is trained in amino acid therapy for mental health and addiction, a certified mental health and addiction recovery coach, a sobriety coach, and trained in the Simply Healed energy healing modality.

Debbie is ATMC’s public relations outreach specialist and also works in the education component of amino acid recovery for clients. She loves helping others achieve long-term success on their road to recovery from addiction and medication dependence. With her own history of recovery, she cares deeply for seeing people have lasting results, using multiple modalities of healing and an integrative approach.

Eric has dedicated his life to the culinary arts. He started cooking in restaurants at the age of fourteen. He quickly discovered he had a natural talent and love for food. After earning his Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management and becoming a Certified Chef through the American Culinary Federation, he went on to manage several kinds of kitchens and restaurants. As his career progressed, he became increasingly interested in nutrition and natural foods. This interest led him to work at hospitals, retreats, natural food stores, and organic restaurants. In 2014 he joined the ATMC team to serve clients and help support their recovery process with nutritious foods and education. Eric is also a lifelong Martial Artist. When he’s not cooking healthy meals, he’s empowering people through movement and breathing exercises. 

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.

David joined West Midlands (England) Fire Service when he was 20, retiring 26 years later when his wife Cindy and he married and moved to the USA. He then worked for Detroit FD for 12 years and retired again, and in 2014 became an American citizen. Cindy and David moved to Sedona in 2015 and recently joined ATMC. David “enjoys the job immensely, the workplace atmosphere is very friendly and my role in housekeeping is perfect for me, no stress and I also hope that my small contribution helps people reach their goals.”

Retired Fire-Fighter/ Paramedic

Certifications: Fire-Fighter, Paramedic, Incident Command, PTSD counselor both in the UK and Michigan. Fire prevention officer, and training instructor. Advanced trauma life support, Aviation liaison officer. Retired as a Divisional Commander in England, retired again as a Battalion Chief at the Detroit Fire Dept

Degrees: English Language & English Literature both obtained from South Warwickshire College of Further Education, Stratford on Avon, England.
Emergency Medicine obtained from West Midlands Ambulance Service, Birmingham, England.
Fire Science obtained from UK Fire College, Moreton-in-Marsh, England.

38 years dealing with numerous patients suffering from mental health concerns, all from an EMS perspective.