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OUR TEAM

There is a reason that past clients, the world’s most noted behavioral health institutions, sports team owners, Forbes 100 families, and people of note continue to refer clients to CCM.

They do so because of the professionalism, attention to detail, experience, and compassion of our team.

FOUNDER

MIKE APPEL

Mike began his career as an independent interventionist more than 25 years ago. As a solo practitioner, his tireless dedication to clients and willingness to share the impact addiction has had on his own loved ones quickly made him the go-to person for families in crisis.

Mike began his career as an independent interventionist more than 25 years ago.

As a solo practitioner, his tireless dedication to clients and willingness to share the impact addiction has had on his own loved ones quickly made him the go-to person for families in crisis.

With a wealth of connections and an impeccable reputation for absolute discretion, Mike has worked with hundreds of families, family offices, and people of note facilitating the best possible care available.

He has also worked with homeless alcoholics and addicts, and was once a staff member at the Hazelden Foundation.

In the late 1990s, Mike developed The Substance Abuse Diversion Initiative of Lowell (SADIL), a groundbreaking program that encouraged law enforcement officials to divert chemically dependent individuals into treatment modalities instead of jail.

Though Mike’s initial idea to help people navigate their way to wellness has grown into a world-class organization beyond his wildest dream, he is still most happy, and most grateful, when he is working one-on-one with clients, helping them get the help they need.

Mike and his family live in Miami and Boston.

CEO

MICHAEL BERBA

Michael Berba is one of the nation’s preeminent family coaches. His professional focus is on family systems work and those in substance abuse and psychiatric distress. For more than a decade, Michael has been leading some of the most skillful case management teams in the industry.

Michael Berba is one of the nation’s preeminent family coaches. His professional focus is on family systems work and those in substance abuse and psychiatric distress. For more than a decade, Michael has been leading some of the most skillful case management teams in the industry.

Michael attended Loyola Marymount University’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling program. He also studied under his mentor, Gestalt therapist and best-selling author Dr. Allen Berger, PsyD. at the two-year Institute for Effective Psychotherapy training program.

Michael is also a Certified Life Coach who focuses on building crucial life skills and the self-discovery necessary for clients with chemical dependency and behavioral disorders as they begin recovery.

A former professional chef, expert-level snowboarder, and mountaineer, Michael spends his rare free time in mountain ranges worldwide, searching for deep snow.

Michael and his family live in Los Angeles.

PRINCIPAL INTERVENTIONIST • DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL OUTREACH

MICHAEL WALSH |MS, MCAP, CIP

Michael Walsh is a skilled interventionist with 20-plus years of industry experience in a multitude of settings that include many of the country’s premier treatment facilities.

Michael Walsh is a skilled interventionist with 20-plus years of industry experience in a multitude of settings that include many of the country’s premier treatment facilities.

The former President and CEO of The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) also served as a liaison to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has played a key role in shaping policy on the national level, and in developing strategies for growth and innovation in the burgeoning recovery industry.

Michael is a tireless advocate for those in recovery, strongly emphasizing the importance of matching each client with the perfect treatment center for their specific needs. He is also a huge proponent of education, developing a client-specific plan, and, most importantly, post-discharge monitoring.

In addition to being a Certified Intervention Professional, Michael holds an M.S. degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. degree in Social Sciences from Boston College. Michael lives with his family in Scottsdale, AZ.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

ANNA LIPMAN

Anna Lipman is the Director of Operations at CCM. She has extensive experience in optimizing organizational processes across various industries. She excels in streamlining operations and driving efficiency, ensuring exceptional results.

Anna Lipman is the Director of Operations at CCM. She has extensive experience in optimizing organizational processes across various industries. She excels in streamlining operations and driving efficiency, ensuring exceptional results.

Anna's personal journey of recovery has deeply influenced her perspective on life and work. Her firsthand experience has provided her with valuable insights into resilience and holistic well-being, shaping her approach to both personal and professional challenges.

Beyond her role in operations, Anna is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Certified Life Coach (CLC) through the International Coaching Federation, in addition leveraging her deep understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics gained from her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from New York University (NYU).

Based in Los Angeles, Anna resides with her husband and two young children. Her passions extend beyond her professional pursuits, as she finds solace and inspiration through motherhood, scuba diving, and skiing. Additionally, Anna actively advocates for prenatal birth and maternal health equality, driven by her commitment to improving the well-being of expectant mothers.

DIRECTOR OF REFERRAL RELATIONS

GEORGIA RODMAN

Service, study, courage and compassion: these themes define Georgia’s story and describe her philosophy of life in recovery. A registered yoga teacher certified to teach special needs yoga to children, Georgia seeks inspiration in the world around her, bringing the spirit of exploration, acceptance and adventure to her work in behavioral health. Georgia takes a mindful approach with all her clients, meeting individuals where they are and embodying the message that “all parts are welcome".

Service, study, courage and compassion: these themes define Georgia’s story and describe her philosophy of life in recovery. A registered yoga teacher certified to teach special needs yoga to children, Georgia seeks inspiration in the world around her, bringing the spirit of exploration, acceptance and adventure to her work in behavioral health. Georgia takes a mindful approach with all her clients, meeting individuals where they are and embodying the message that “all parts are welcome". Rather than demonize substance-use and other maladaptive functioning, Georgia recognizes the positive intention behind every behavior and creates framework and boundaries to shape those intentions toward a client’s goals.

Studies in meditation and Buddhism under the guidance of Choekyi Nyima Rinpoche in Kathmandu, Nepal complement Georgia’s professional training, from ARISE Comprehensive Care Interventionist Training to training as a Certified Addiction and Recovery Counselor. Georgia will soon join her colleagues as a clinician in 2025 when she receives her LMHC, and is currently advancing in her training to be a Certified Trauma Professional.

An avid traveler, Georgia has visited over 30 countries. Whether volunteering as a primate caregiver in South Africa working with orphaned baboons and vervet monkeys or voraciously reading Pema Chödrön, Alan Watts and Stephen King, Georgia stays grounded in gratitude. Reflecting upon her own history of alcohol/substance-use and disordered eating, Georgia has built and developed programming for communities and individuals in recovery to capture what is best in us, identify and accept what may no longer serve us, and ignite what we have yet to discover within us.

Sober since March 2014, Georgia was raised in NYC. Georgia studied arts management at The College of Charleston in South Carolina and at just 16 years old helped restore Marcel Vertes’ murals at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

ALEXIS HAINES

Alexis has dedicated the past eleven years to the field of addiction recovery, utilizing her expertise to support individuals on their journey to healing. In 2011, she completed her CAADAC schooling and embarked on her career as a compassionate case manager and counselor, providing guidance to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges.

Alexis has dedicated the past eleven years to the field of addiction recovery, utilizing her expertise to support individuals on their journey to healing. In 2011, she completed her CAADAC schooling and embarked on her career as a compassionate case manager and counselor, providing guidance to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges.

Driven by her passion for making a difference, Alexis co-founded Oro House Recovery Centers alongside her husband Evan Haines and their partner Jared Valentine. During her time there, she discovered a profound affinity for admissions and outreach, enabling her to connect with individuals seeking help and extend a helping hand.

In 2019, Alexis's commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding led her to launch the highly successful podcast, "Recovering from Reality." This impactful platform has garnered immense popularity, amassing over 1.5 million downloads worldwide. By addressing crucial topics surrounding mental health and addiction, Alexis has become a trusted source of support and inspiration for countless listeners.

Before joining the exceptional team at CCM, Alexis established a private coaching and intervention practice. Through this venture, she diligently served families and individuals profoundly affected by the pervasive addiction epidemic. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication have positively impacted numerous lives.

Alexis's unwavering commitment, extensive experience, and profound understanding of addiction recovery make her an invaluable asset in the pursuit of helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.

FOUNDER

MIKE APPEL

Mike began his career as an independent interventionist more than 25 years ago. As a solo practitioner, his tireless dedication to clients and willingness to share the impact addiction has had on his own loved ones quickly made him the go-to person for families in crisis.

Mike began his career as an independent interventionist more than 25 years ago.

As a solo practitioner, his tireless dedication to clients and willingness to share the impact addiction has had on his own loved ones quickly made him the go-to person for families in crisis.

With a wealth of connections and an impeccable reputation for absolute discretion, Mike has worked with hundreds of families, family offices, and people of note facilitating the best possible care available.

He has also worked with homeless alcoholics and addicts, and was once a staff member at the Hazelden Foundation.

In the late 1990s, Mike developed The Substance Abuse Diversion Initiative of Lowell (SADIL), a groundbreaking program that encouraged law enforcement officials to divert chemically dependent individuals into treatment modalities instead of jail.

Though Mike’s initial idea to help people navigate their way to wellness has grown into a world-class organization beyond his wildest dream, he is still most happy, and most grateful, when he is working one-on-one with clients, helping them get the help they need.

Mike and his family live in Miami and Boston.

CEO

MICHAEL BERBA

Michael Berba is one of the nation’s preeminent family coaches. His professional focus is on family systems work and those in substance abuse and psychiatric distress. For more than a decade, Michael has been leading some of the most skillful case management teams in the industry.

Michael Berba is one of the nation’s preeminent family coaches. His professional focus is on family systems work and those in substance abuse and psychiatric distress. For more than a decade, Michael has been leading some of the most skillful case management teams in the industry.

Michael attended Loyola Marymount University’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling program. He also studied under his mentor, Gestalt therapist and best-selling author Dr. Allen Berger, PsyD. at the two-year Institute for Effective Psychotherapy training program.

Michael is also a Certified Life Coach who focuses on building crucial life skills and the self-discovery necessary for clients with chemical dependency and behavioral disorders as they begin recovery.

A former professional chef, expert-level snowboarder, and mountaineer, Michael spends his rare free time in mountain ranges worldwide, searching for deep snow.

PRINCIPAL INTERVENTIONIST • DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL OUTREACH

MICHAEL WALSH |MS, MCAP, CIP

Michael Walsh is a skilled interventionist with 20-plus years of industry experience in a multitude of settings that include many of the country’s premier treatment facilities.

Michael Walsh is a skilled interventionist with 20-plus years of industry experience in a multitude of settings that include many of the country’s premier treatment facilities.

The former President and CEO of The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) also served as a liaison to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has played a key role in shaping policy on the national level, and in developing strategies for growth and innovation in the burgeoning recovery industry.

Michael is a tireless advocate for those in recovery, strongly emphasizing the importance of matching each client with the perfect treatment center for their specific needs. He is also a huge proponent of education, developing a client-specific plan, and, most importantly, post-discharge monitoring.

In addition to being a Certified Intervention Professional, Michael holds an M.S. degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. degree in Social Sciences from Boston College. Michael lives with his family in Scottsdale, AZ.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

ANNA LIPMAN

Anna Lipman is the Director of Operations at CCM. She has extensive experience in optimizing organizational processes across various industries. She excels in streamlining operations and driving efficiency, ensuring exceptional results.

Anna Lipman is the Director of Operations at CCM. She has extensive experience in optimizing organizational processes across various industries. She excels in streamlining operations and driving efficiency, ensuring exceptional results.

Anna's personal journey of recovery has deeply influenced her perspective on life and work. Her firsthand experience has provided her with valuable insights into resilience and holistic well-being, shaping her approach to both personal and professional challenges.

Beyond her role in operations, Anna is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Certified Life Coach (CLC) through the International Coaching Federation, in addition leveraging her deep understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics gained from her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from New York University (NYU).

Based in Los Angeles, Anna resides with her husband and two young children. Her passions extend beyond her professional pursuits, as she finds solace and inspiration through motherhood, scuba diving, and skiing. Additionally, Anna actively advocates for prenatal birth and maternal health equality, driven by her commitment to improving the well-being of expectant mothers.

DIRECTOR OF REFERRAL RELATIONS

GEORGIA RODMAN

Service, study, courage and compassion: these themes define Georgia’s story and describe her philosophy of life in recovery. A registered yoga teacher certified to teach special needs yoga to children, Georgia seeks inspiration in the world around her, bringing the spirit of exploration, acceptance and adventure to her work in behavioral health. Georgia takes a mindful approach with all her clients, meeting individuals where they are and embodying the message that “all parts are welcome".

Service, study, courage and compassion: these themes define Georgia’s story and describe her philosophy of life in recovery. A registered yoga teacher certified to teach special needs yoga to children, Georgia seeks inspiration in the world around her, bringing the spirit of exploration, acceptance and adventure to her work in behavioral health. Georgia takes a mindful approach with all her clients, meeting individuals where they are and embodying the message that “all parts are welcome". Rather than demonize substance-use and other maladaptive functioning, Georgia recognizes the positive intention behind every behavior and creates framework and boundaries to shape those intentions toward a client’s goals.

Studies in meditation and Buddhism under the guidance of Choekyi Nyima Rinpoche in Kathmandu, Nepal complement Georgia’s professional training, from ARISE Comprehensive Care Interventionist Training to training as a Certified Addiction and Recovery Counselor. Georgia will soon join her colleagues as a clinician in 2025 when she receives her LMHC, and is currently advancing in her training to be a Certified Trauma Professional.

An avid traveler, Georgia has visited over 30 countries. Whether volunteering as a primate caregiver in South Africa working with orphaned baboons and vervet monkeys or voraciously reading Pema Chödrön, Alan Watts and Stephen King, Georgia stays grounded in gratitude. Reflecting upon her own history of alcohol/substance-use and disordered eating, Georgia has built and developed programming for communities and individuals in recovery to capture what is best in us, identify and accept what may no longer serve us, and ignite what we have yet to discover within us.

Sober since March 2014, Georgia was raised in NYC. Georgia studied arts management at The College of Charleston in South Carolina and at just 16 years old helped restore Marcel Vertes’ murals at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

ALEXIS HAINES

Alexis has dedicated the past eleven years to the field of addiction recovery, utilizing her expertise to support individuals on their journey to healing. In 2011, she completed her CAADAC schooling and embarked on her career as a compassionate case manager and counselor, providing guidance to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges.

Alexis has dedicated the past eleven years to the field of addiction recovery, utilizing her expertise to support individuals on their journey to healing. In 2011, she completed her CAADAC schooling and embarked on her career as a compassionate case manager and counselor, providing guidance to individuals facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges.

Driven by her passion for making a difference, Alexis co-founded Oro House Recovery Centers alongside her husband Evan Haines and their partner Jared Valentine. During her time there, she discovered a profound affinity for admissions and outreach, enabling her to connect with individuals seeking help and extend a helping hand.

In 2019, Alexis's commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding led her to launch the highly successful podcast, "Recovering from Reality." This impactful platform has garnered immense popularity, amassing over 1.5 million downloads worldwide. By addressing crucial topics surrounding mental health and addiction, Alexis has become a trusted source of support and inspiration for countless listeners.

Before joining the exceptional team at CCM, Alexis established a private coaching and intervention practice. Through this venture, she diligently served families and individuals profoundly affected by the pervasive addiction epidemic. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication have positively impacted numerous lives.

Alexis's unwavering commitment, extensive experience, and profound understanding of addiction recovery make her an invaluable asset in the pursuit of helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.

CONTACT US

References available upon request.

Confidential questions? Call 855-467-3226, or email us with any questions.

 

CCM is here to help.