AXIS RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
Alicia Amerson is a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She has spent time working in many areas of nursing but from the beginning of her career, Ms. Amerson knew she had a passion for working with those in recovery. After seeing firsthand the joy that comes from , she made it her priority to help all those seeking help . Ms. Amerson's goal is to ensure that the highest level of care and empathy is provided to each and every person in need. Alicia is furthering her education so she can pursue a career as a nurse practitioner specializing in drug and alcohol recovery.
Brad Keith began his career close to 15 years ago, working as a counseling technician for several Los Angeles area residential treatment centers. He provided empathic individual counseling to residents of diverse multicultural population to achieve corrective emotional experiences. Mr. Keith facilitated daily group therapy for residents to improve coping skills and interpersonal relations. He has worked extensively with dually-diagnosed, chemically dependent clients to promote personal responsibility and authenticity. As Director of Operations, he supervised and educated staff members and employees on the fundamental principles of recovery. Mr. Keith continues to counsel groups of 25 patients and family members, with an emphasis on breaking down the family dynamic as a way to better understand chemical dependency and alcohol abuse.
Mr. Keith's passion led him to open Axis sober living, a post -treatment center in Los Angeles. He recognized the importance of quality treatment and the lack of quality treatment across the country. A few years later, Axis Residential Treatment 30-90 day treatment was opened; from the beginning they utilized the same genuine approach Axis centers are known for. "We strive to be a solid platform and initiate a process to allow the alcoholic/addicts to live life and re-connect families that have been torn apart by alcoholism and addiction." Today, he is CEO and founder of Axis Residential Treatment.
Job Titles:
- Chef, Certified Food Handler
Cole Herrera started his life in the kitchen as a dishwasher at a country club. He soon realized that he was in the wrong spot, he wanted to be cooking. He then went from place to place learning and adapting to all sorts of creativity and cuisines from all over the world. He would work catering weddings and parties during the day, to being a chef de partie at night working the line, pantry and saucier stations still craving more knowledge. However, he was limited to the dishes he could prepare due to seasons and menu block-outs. But when he arrived at Axis he was excited to share his knowledge with clients and expand his limits on a daily basis.
Chef Herrera believes the fresher the ingredients the more flavorful the dish. When you have great fresh ingredients you don't have to mask them with other flavors or hide behind layers of tastes. And it's all about the love you put into the dishes that make them what they are.
Job Titles:
- Recovery Technician Supervisor
- Recovery Technician Supervisor, CATC - I
Doug Andrews is a Registered Addiction Specialist Intern. He has been working for Axis Residential Treatment since 2012, starting as a part-time overnight technician and now has earned the role of a supervisor. Doug has a passion for helping people early in recovery and has a special way of communicating with those who come to Axis Residential. Having been in the same place they are he is able to empathize and actively listen to the clients. He takes great pride and leadership in his work abilities and is seeking to further his education in the field.
Job Titles:
- Counselor
- Counselor, CADC - CAS
Dyllon is CADC-CAS certified and has been working with Axis since 2008. He believes that one of the finest things he can do in his life is helping others. The passion he has for working with people in recovery has inspired countless numbers of people who have come into contact with him, both in and outside of the Axis facility. As a recovering addict himself, Dyllon understands the challenges those struggling with their addictions are facing, especially in the early stages of recovery. Dyllon's primary goal at Axis is to instill in our clients the belief that they do not have to take this journey alone.
Job Titles:
- Member of Our Team Here
- Overnight Technician, CATC
John Connelly is the newest member of our team here at Axis Residential Treatment. He brings with him a knowledge and enthusiasm that is contagious. John has an Associates degree is Psychology from the College of the Desert and will soon be working towards his Bachelor's Degree. John plans on becoming CADAAC certified by the end of the year, as of now he is a CADAAC intern.
John has over 6 years of sobriety and is actively involved with the local 12 step community.
Job Titles:
- Utilization Review Manager
Mark Accomando is an ordained senior minister with the Centers for Spiritual Living. Formerly an Assistant Minister in Chicago, and then Director and Senior Minister for the spiritual community in Raleigh North Carolina. Mark has served as Director of Youth and Family Ministries at CSL Palm Desert, and then in 2010 founded EvokePeace focus ministry to serve in addiction recovery and in the community at large.
Mark has developed Spiritual Education curriculums using simple ancient practices and principles that he has combined with newer evidence based practices. He assist people in developing spiritual practices that have been proven to help those in addiction recovery in finding a connection with their inner-wisdom, and higher power. Marks intention is to assists clients in regaining purpose , a ground of inner peace, and self confidence with a greater ability to handle the challenges and changes that happen in life.
Mark started in 2009 with Axis and and his role here Is to educate, empower and encourage the clients by sharing simple daily Peace Practices and through meditation, practical evidence based exercises and by taking clients on outings so they may have an experience and connection with peace and nature.
I am very passionate about working with young people and their families in the process of recovering from addiction.
Job Titles:
- Recovery Technician, RADT - I
Patrick spent many years trying to find relief in the bottle, but after he truly surrendered to the fact that he had the deadly disease of alcoholism, he found himself instead. Fortunately, in treatment, he learned many tools to help battle the urges that came hand in hand with this disease.
After he left treatment, he was filled with a deep desire to give back to those still waging their own battles. He attended the CAARR Institute for drug and alcohol treatment, and aspires to be the best counselor he can be someday.
For Patrick, there is no more joy in life then seeing another human being who had once suffered just like him get color back in their cheeks, brightness in their eyes, and a smile in their hearts.
Job Titles:
- C.O.O
- C.O.O., MA Psychology
Sam Dekin has many years of experience educating clients about addiction and other pathological behavior with focus on cognitive processes, meaning, and emotional triggers and responses. Mr. Dekin provides guidance and support to enhance communication skills, goal setting, conflict resolution, and other tools for ongoing recovery, accountability and empowerment. As Chief Operating Officer of Axis Treatment Centers, Mr. Dekin focuses the Axis team on reducing recidivism and cultivating self-esteem and family healing by utilizing well-rounded and flexible therapeutic approaches. Mr. Dekin integrates staff and techniques from Psychodynamic, Existential, CBT, and Family Systems orientations to build rapport and intervene on destructive behavior. Mr. Dekin is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Axis Treatment facilities including design and alteration of treatment plans, family therapy, and crisis intervention.
Job Titles:
- Facility Manager
- Operations Manager
Tiffany is Axis Residential's indispensable Facility Manager, and has worked in that capacity for the past 6 years running the daily operations of the business. She received her AA degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and is currently working towards her bachelors degree in Human Services, with a concentration of family and children. Tiffany chose to be in this field because of her own meaningful experiences in recovery. She understands just what it takes to be happy, joyous and free, and thoroughly enjoys being able to share her knowledge and insight with our clients here at Axis East. She has a true passion for helping others and believes it is an honor to pass on what she has been so freely given.