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Professional StaffDr. Michael Rudolph, M.D. – Consulting Physician, License #G48974 “As individuals recover from the disease of addiction, they need personal and professional dedication. Individual attention and care is an integral part of the healing process at Synergy Treatment.” Dr. Rudolph received his Medical Degree from Columbia University in 1981 and has since worked in emergency medicine and addiction medicine. He is also active in teaching emergency medicine at Western University and a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and California Society of Addiction Medicine. “Participating in each client’s recovery is so exciting and the compassion in this program is unparalleled.”
Edward Kaufman, M.D. – Consulting Psychiatrist  With more than 30 awards, publications, and academic appointments to his name, as well as, an extensive career that has spanned over 45 years, Dr. Kaufman has made some of the most important and creative contributions to the treatment of substance abuse in the last hundred years. Dr. Kaufman's combination of a deep understanding of the psychology of those stuggling with addiction and great insight into the process of dynamic psychotherapy make him an asset to anyone seeking help with substance abuse.
Treatment StaffMary McKenzie, L.M.F.T., M.Ed. – Therapist  "It has been a long time dream of mine to work at a center where caring, respect, and treatment of the whole person is the bottom line. This climate creates a place of safety, where causes, as well as symptoms, can be explored and healed. I have found that home, and am thrilled to be a part of the exceptional treatment team at Synergy Treatment." In the counseling field for 20 years, Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College, and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Idaho. Mary is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. "Empowering other in their healing and recovery is on of my life's greatest joys."
Wendy Buchholz, M.A. – Therapist  Wendy is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Concordia University Irvine. She has training in Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, PTSD, Emotional Coaching, and Codependency. Her Master’s degree (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy is from Alliant International University in Irvine, California. She is also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and recently co-founded the AAMFT-CA Orange County Networking District, a division of the national professional organization of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. "My goal is to help individuals access their inner resources and find strength through life’s challenges."
Don Keith, C.A.T.C-i – Counselor  “I am grateful to be part of the solution here at Synergy Treatment, helping clients from varied pasts build a new, bright future.” Don brings the special gift of humor to our clients and keeps everybody laughing. He has spent the past 15 years working in the Social Service/Human Service field, including 6 years working for the Orange County Probation Department. He is currently working on his C.A.T.C. at Saddleback College. Don is trained in Primordial Sound Meditation; is active in his 12-step program; and shares his experience, strength and hope. “I really appreciate the compassion and understanding our clients receive. They are all treated with dignity, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
Extended Care StaffThurman Hines – Counselor  Thurman says that addiction gave him the gift of complete desperation which caused him to completely cease fighting anyone and anything. Working a 12-step program provided structure and discipline so he could effect positive change. He has a strong foundation both with Synergy and with the A.A., N.A. and C.A. community as a whole. His real world experience makes him excel at dealing with all clients still in the infancy of recovery.
Jesus Magana, C.A.D.C.A. – Extended Care Counselor  “I always had a passion for helping others. It’s what I was meant to do and I knew I definitely had the experience.” Jesus joins Synergy at the Green Level Resource Center. He took the route to recovery through legal intervention and a hard knocks treatment program, which he credits for getting him to the point of surrender. “I was tired of the lifestyle, my next step was to die.” Jesus cut off all contact with his old friends and made new friends with people in recovery. His hard work paid off and just received his CAADAC Counselor certification. “I’ve found working at Synergy to be beneficial in every area of my life in terms of working with different clients and programs – the dual diagnosis and holistic treatment has expanded my horizons. Learning what I have has helped me grow as a person and overcome a lot of my fears so I can help others do the same.” Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate License #18320110.
Lori Cattern, C.A.T.C. – Extended Care Counselor  “I’ve always had the passion to help people and have found that my gift lies in the ability to empathize with any situation while gently leading someone to find their way.” Lori is a native of the south Orange County area who found her way into the recovery field when a moment of clarity led her to realize that she was not the person she was capable of being. Prior to joining Synergy Treatment as a CATC Counselor, Lori worked in behavior medicine at SouthCoast Hospital for six years as well as various treatment centers and is referred to by co-workers as a crisis intervention specialist. “I see my purpose as leading an individual back into an integrated person through mind, body and spirit – with my focus being on the spirit.” Lori focuses on incorporating realistic thinking with building self esteem, finding balance and setting goals with clients at the Green Level Resource Center. Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor License #071522.
Wellness Center StaffGrant Collins, M.S. – Acupuncturist, Oriental Herbalist, License #AC9668  “The clients at Synergy Treatment have a special place in my heart. It is great to watch the transformations that occur as a result of such an amazing program.” Grant graduated with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Southwest Acupuncture College. He is California Board Certified and has been in private practice since 2003. His administration of acupuncture allows clients reduced cravings, reduced chance of relapse, better sleep and a calmer mind. Grant has also spent many years instructing and competing in martial arts. He is a member of the Elite Doctor’s Speakers Bureau, educating the public on health and nutrition. “It is a joy to help clients achieve optimum health through Chinese Medicine.”
Celeste Seiler – Massage Therapist  “No other program that I have worked for can match Synergy Treatment’s revolutionary holistic approach to rehabilitation.” Celeste, owner of A Touch of Heaven Massage and Holistic Healing, has witnessed the devastating effects of addiction on the body, mind and spirit both in her family and her clientele for years. These events inspired her to bring her gift of touch to all those struggling with this disease. Celeste specializes in “detoxification massage,” Ayruvedic and Oriental techniques and nutritional therapy. These methods restore proper organ function, relieve pain and get clients back in touch with their bodies. “It’s great working in a program where clients get real skills to change their lives.” Bernie Wolfe – Certified Trainer and Nutritionist  An International Sports Sciences Association Certified Fitness Trainer for the last 18 years, Bernie Wolfe believes in "developing your fitness from the inside out." Bernie will work on not only the proper exercise program to get you looking better, but also the proper course of diet to help you start feeling better. In addition to Bernie's work as a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, over the last 25 years Bernie has been working in the Fitness and Nutrition fields while concentrating on Afro and Latin-American studies. Bernie's study of Afro-American and Latin-American cultures led him towards the world of percussion, a result of which has brought Bernie around the world as an instructor to students interested in traditional forms of drumming. As the leader of Synergy's drum circles, Bernie brings both his background as a Afro-Cuban based drumming expert, as well as a key awareness to cultural sensitivity necessary for making a drum circle experience more spiritual for its participants.
Intake StaffErnest Templeton – Intake Director  “Having graduated from Synergy Treatment, I know that the program works to restore lives and dreams. I am living proof!” Ernie manages the Sales and Intake Department here at Synergy. This is his way of giving back to the program that helped him get back on his feet. He had 20 years of experience in technology sales and marketing prior to bringing his talents to the team here. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Long Beach, Ernie values the opportunity to be active in the 12-step recovery community. “Bringing others into the 12-step community is one of the greatest gifts I could give. I am proud to be reaching out to others in need through my work.”
Ryan Schrier – Intake Coordinator  “Synergy Treatment changed my life and gave me back the relationships and goals I had lost in my active addiction.” In 17 years of addiction, Ryan lost everything – his wife, his son, his career and his soccer scholarship. When he surrendered and became willing to accept the help of his family and the Synergy program, he turned his life around. He now answers the Synergy hotline to help people who are looking for the same thing he was – freedom from active addiction and alcoholism. Ryan is trained in Meditation and is active in Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous. He also speaks on H & I and detox center panels. “Getting others into recovery to build their new life gives me purpose.”
Native American StaffJacque Tahuka-Nunez  A California Indian whose ancestors built the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Jacque has made a successful career out of sharing her Acjachemen culture, history, and love of the creator. Recently chosen by the state of California as the 2009 Indian Educator of the Year, Jacque prides herself on preserving and passing her culture along through the oral Native American tradition of storytelling. "When Creator opens a door for a person to use their God Given gifts whether it's Native American basket weaving, soapstone carving, or traditional shell necklace making it is important to let the craft making open the clients heart to honest communication and the healing of the soul. In our sessions we give the clients another avenue to reach for their Higher Power. It is an honor to be a part of the staff at Synergy Treatment path as clients move towards sobriety."
Peter Macias  A Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate recipient, Pete's primary focus is on Alcohol relie. Pete feels that spiritual ceremonies have many healing properties, believing that old traditions can help people get back to their roots. Pete is a member of the Pala band of Mission Indians and works on healing and recovery through traditional Native American ceremonies.
Samanatha Crane – Administrative Assistant  Samantha Crane grew up on the Umatilla (Cayuse-Umatilla-Walla-Walla) Indian Reservation near Pendleton, Oregon, and joins the Synergy family as an administrative assistant at the Green Level Resource Center. “I was living in San Francisco when my sister and my Mom found Synergy Treatment through the AAIR program. I really didn’t want to come here.” When Samantha finally arrived after months of hesitation, the staff members were pleasantly surprised. She initially agreed to one month and stayed for three months. “It was the first time I’d been sober since I was 15-years-old. I started listening and learning a lot about myself.” Samantha volunteered at Big Sur where she helped make clients more comfortable through the initial detox phase before working at the Green Level Resource Center. “Initially, I was hesitant. But once I started working here, I liked the environment and the ability to give back what was freely given to me. I said, 'I think I’ll stay.'”
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