“I love High Watch, our people, and our program. My role is to spread the word about High Watch’s excellence in the field. My team and I partner with healthcare providers to get their patients into High Watch where we know they will receive best in class care.
I believe that strong ethical practices are the most important thing when sharing the message about the care we provide.”
Cynthia has over twenty years of experience in healthcare sales and outreach. She has been with High Watch for over a decade. She works to build strong relationships with healthcare providers who trust High Watch to give their patients the best chance at a successful recovery. She has developed a network of colleagues across the nation who trust her to do what is best for incoming guests and their families.
“I have been engaged in the process of recovery since 1987. In 2001, I relapsed and found my way to High Watch, lost and in need of treatment. I felt the spiritual energy on the Hill of Hope the moment I arrived. My experience at the farm transformed my life for the better. It is filled with amazing people who really understand the disease of addiction and taught me everything I needed to know to recover again and lead a productive and peaceful life. And that is exactly what I did.
Fast forward to January 2024, when a recruiter who did not know me or my history contacted me about an East Coast job opportunity. My wife Mimi thought it might be at High Watch, as we have often joked about it being a good role for me. A week later, I received confirmation that the new job opportunity would be to lead High Watch, the world’s oldest treatment center, with direct ties to Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. I knew then, and I know now that this is my calling.
In life, I believe we all strive to reach our full potential and be the best version of ourselves. This incredible opportunity is the chance of a lifetime to serve others. I feel honored to bring my experience and knowledge to a place that changed my life. I want to show the world what I and a legion of others see in High Watch and convey to everyone who needs it that recovery is not only possible, but in fact likely if they are willing to take the first step.”
Andrew’s professional journey is a testament to his leadership and commitment to serving others. He has held impactful leadership positions, including serving as the COO of Volunteers of America OH & IN, CEO of Central Ohio YMCA, and CEO of Greater Waterbury YMCA. His role as a health care consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, his consultancy at Triangle2 Solutions and his management of the strategy and operations for a national substance abuse resource center at Join Together at Boston University School of Public Health further highlight his expertise in leading and influencing other business leaders. Andrew holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University (MBA) and a master’s of management in human services from The Heller School at Brandeis University (MMHS).
Andrew loves spending time with his wife, Mimi Rivard, an award-winning nurse practitioner serving specialized populations, and their three children, Simone, Andre, and Derara. In his spare time, Andrew rides his road and mountain bike at ever-decreasing speeds and distances, and cheers on his three children, who all play soccer!
“My role is to break down barriers to recovery. When someone battling addiction comes to us seeking help, the admissions staff and I do whatever it takes to get that person into High Watch. I know this is the best place with the best people and we in admissions are the gateway to the help guests need.”
Rob has been with High Watch since 2007 and ensures that individuals in need of assistance can be placed with us immediately.
He works directly with guests, their families and caregivers to navigate the insurance approval process and to make arrangements for self-paying individuals. Rob believes that it is essential that individuals seeking help with their addiction not be turned away. The fact that they have come to High Watch seeking help is so important and there may not be another opportunity to get that person on the road to recovery.
This is an invite only, exclusive event for all registered participants. If you received an invitation to this year’s event, you were hand selected to be part of this amazing experience. This year’s invitees are eligible to use the registration link on this site, your full name and email address is required. Registrations will be at a first come first serve basis, once the event capacity has been met no additional attendees will be able to register for the event. We encourage you to register as soon as possible as we have sent more invitations than we have space for.
Jack Vaughan is the Chief Operations Officer of Youth Prevention Mentors. As COO, Jack has spearheaded many successful collaborations with the senior leaders of major behavioral health organizations. In addition to writing the YPM blog, newsletter, and handbook, Jack has also designed the innovative EF12™ program and curriculum which has become a staple of YPM’s services. As a professional coach and companion, Jack has worked on several long-term companion cases across the country and has coached/companioned individuals with a wide array of struggles.
Having faced his own personal struggles with ADHD, executive functioning, and bipolar, Jack is well-attuned to the trials and difficulties of late youth and early adulthood.
Above all else, Jack is deeply passionate about helping each and every family that comes to YPM and is relentless in his pursuit to provide them with the best possible support. He also has his Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) designation from CCAR and is working toward his CIP certification.
Born and raised in New York, Maks Ezrin had his own experience with early addiction. As a child, Maks enjoyed everything the city had to offer. He attended the best schools, maintained a rigorous course load, enjoyed a wide and varied social circle, and had the support of a loving family.
Despite these advantages, by age 14, Maks began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. His substance dependence worsened during college, eventually leading to a near-fatal overdose in his early-20s. Through the help of friends and family, Maks has been sober since 2016.
Recognizing the importance of early detection and support of sober mentors, Maks has dedicated himself to giving back by helping other young pre-addicts. His experience propelled him to connect with leaders in the addiction and recovery field to raise awareness and help mitigate the effects of addiction- the ‘silent problem’ most families don’t notice until it is too late. Together with Natasha Silver Bell, an internationally recognized figure in the recovery field, and Dr. Rami Kaminski, a renowned pioneer in the psychiatric field, Maks founded Youth Prevention Mentors.
In addition to his CARC certification, Maks has received a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Chantelle Thomas, Windrose Recovery’s Executive Clinical Director, is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in addiction treatment, trauma, and health psychology. Windrose Recovery’s family of treatment programs includes The Manor, Positive Sobriety Institute, and Integrata. Dr. Thomas began her career as the Program Director for a dual-diagnosis addiction and trauma treatment center in Malibu, California. After receiving her PhD in Clinical Psychology, she completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship in Health and Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Mental Health. While there, she gained specialized expertise in medical-surgical consultation, trauma-informed therapy, and chronic pain treatment.
Through the University of Wisconsin’s School of Family Medicine, Dr. Thomas then joined Access Community Health Center as a Behavioral Health Consultant to primary care physicians where she innovated the development of a substance use disorder consultation clinic embedded within primary care. Dr. Thomas is also involved in clinical research trials at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health investigating psilocybin for various substance use disorders and other clinical indications. Her background in research-supported treatment modalities directly informs her ability to ensure the most effective interventions are incorporated into Windrose Recovery’s treatment programs.
Robby Stempler is a pioneering figure in the realm of addiction treatment, renowned as the CEO and founder of Hygea Healthcare is a network of esteemed treatment centers dedicated to battling addiction and fostering recovery. Stempler’s journey into this vital field was inspired by a profound awareness of the gaps in existing rehabilitation services. Having battled his addiction to Vicodin, Stempler intimately understands the challenges and complexities individuals face on the path to recovery.
His introduction to the behavioral healthcare space began during his tenure at KIPU, an electronic medical records software startup focused on serving addiction treatment facilities. Stempler’s firsthand experience with addiction, coupled with his expertise in technology and healthcare, fueled his passion to innovate and improve the landscape of addiction treatment. Kipu is the industry standard EMR for addiction treatment centers, which was sold in January of 2021 for over $290 million to TCV Partners. KIPU currently has over 2,000 addiction treatment facilities utilizing its software.
Armed with comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation practices, Stempler embarked on his mission to address the pressing need for enhanced detox and recovery facilities, particularly in the Los Angeles area. In 2015, he took the pivotal step of founding Malibu Detox is a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with addiction. Stempler’s vision was rooted in providing compassionate, evidence-based, individualized care that prioritized not only detoxification but also the essential aspects of long-term recovery. He grew Malibu to 5 properties before selling in June 2023.
The genesis of Malibu Detox marked the beginning of Stempler’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and communities ravaged by addiction. Witnessing the revolving door of clients seeking treatment, only to relapse and return, Stempler recognized a dire need for sustained, high-quality residential care. This realization propelled him to expand his endeavors to his hometown of Baltimore, MD, culminating in the establishment of HYGEA Healthcare.
Under Stempler’s visionary leadership, Hygea Healthcare has emerged as a beacon of excellence in addiction treatment, offering a comprehensive continuum of care tailored to individual needs. Stempler’s approach emphasizes holistic healing, integrating evidence-based therapies, personalized treatment plans, and a nurturing environment conducive to long-term recovery.
Most recently, drawing from his experiences and insights, Stempler founded Pretaa in 2022, an innovative monitoring and outcome measurement platform designed to provide valuable insights on clients through biometric data. Pretaa’s initial strategic partnership was with Google’s Fitbit device. Currently over 25 facilities are using Pretaa to help with their clients’ treatment plans and aftercare services.
Prioritizing individualized treatment paths, Robby sees success as going beyond just whether or not clients stay clean and sober. “How is the job going? How are your bills? How are the family, friends, and support relationships? There are a million data points we can look at…Outcomes are the most important thing.”
Taking what he has learned throughout his life, from his own experience with formal education to his work in multiple industries, Robby’s vision is to alter the course and find a better way.
“Unless I am disrupting, I am bored. The goal is to spread this so we can impact more than the clients at the facility that are inside our four walls. There are multiple ways to do that, especially with the utilization of technology. The goal is to positively impact people’s lives on the largest scale possible.”
Ben has served our recovery communities for over 20 years. His history in wellness began as an owner of recovery homes and guiding experiential adventure trips across North America. As a person in long term recovery, Ben also specializes in areas of the pre-treatment process and post treatment process, including interventions, relapse prevention, life and recovery coaching, and educating and empowering families. Ben is a long-time resident of San Antonio along with his wife Margaret and daughter Elizabeth Grace. Ben attended TCU as a geology major and the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BBA in Entrepreneurship. Somewhere along the way almost every clinician, client and family member encounter Ben. The experience and skill set he brings to New Day Recovery Services will allow advancement and sustainability to our mission.
“I feel blessed to be a part of such a fine recovery program and community in the area I grew up in. New Day provides the ethical space to serve high quality outpatient care, delivering a diversity of proven therapeutic experiences.
I feel confident our model and team of licensed clinicians will offer each client and family member the compassion, expertise and opportunity to live a successful and purpose driven life. Designing long term recovery goals and achieving them will be a mainstay of our commitment to the individual, the families, the workplace, and the communities they live in.”
Dr. Adam McLean is a clinical psychologist at The Guest House Ocala. He completed his doctorate in clinical psychology at California University, focusing on positive psychology and comparative mythology. Dr. McLean continues to research positive psychology, trauma, and addiction to better advise those with maladaptive coping behaviors and their families. He places a heavy emphasis on the intricacies of betrayal trauma and works passionately to help those with substance use disorder, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. Dr. McLean’s education and experience have enabled him to assist hundreds of families in getting their loved ones into treatment. Outside of his work in behavioral health, Adam enjoys spending time with his son, Jack.
Jill Krush is a master level clinician and nationally known therapist, coach, trainer, speaker, and educator. She is known for her whimsical nature in telling the truth when it’s hard to do so, through action methods, such as psychodrama. She walks with others in staying grounded in their strengths and post traumatic growth to explore more deeply areas that require attention. She leads professional trainings, workshops, and personal growth intensives all over the country. She holds the position of Chief Clinical Officer at Choice House, a male specific treatment continuum in Boulder, Colorado. In addition, she serves with ONSITE workshops, Braveheart and the REAL Platform.
Dr. Kenneth Spielvogel is a board-certified Physician with a focused interest in addiction medicine. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients throughout all stages of life. With nearly 30 years of experience, he combines his expertise with a genuine warmth and attentiveness, making him a trusted choice for patients seeking personalized healthcare. From Inspiration to Dedication: Inspired by his father’s career in medicine, Dr. Spielvogel followed his own path, choosing to specialize initially on women’s health. Seeing the devastation of drug and alcohol use disorders on his patients, he focused his continuing education on all aspects of addiction medicine. He continues to integrate this knowledge into both inpatient and ambulatory care.
Full scope treatment of addiction and recovery A Personalized Approach: Dr. Spielvogel believes in building strong relationships with his patients. He takes the time to understand their individual needs and concerns, tailoring his approach to ensure they feel heard and supported. He also speaks fluent Spanish, enabling him to serve a diverse community. Beyond the Exam Room: Dr. Spielvogel is passionate about empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. He enjoys counseling patients on healthy lifestyle choices, including weight management, and stays up-to-date on the latest advancements in all aspects of healthcare.
Education and Affiliations:
Medical Degree: George Washington University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tom Rodman, the Founder and CEO of Borden Cottage, embodies a lifelong commitment to service and a fervent dedication to addressing the complex challenges of substance abuse disorder and mental health. Beyond being a mere occupation, leading Borden Cottage is Tom’s purpose and passion, driven by a profound personal connection to the issues at hand.
Raised by a minister father who instilled in him the value of serving others, Tom’s journey began in the Native American communities of Wyoming. His service extended to the Army Corps of Engineers, where he held the rank of Captain, and later as the Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of STRIVE International. STRIVE, an attitudinal training and workforce development program, has left an indelible mark, having been replicated in 12 U.S. cities, ten locations in Israel, and three in the United Kingdom, positively impacting the lives of over 90,000 individuals facing disadvantage and chronic unemployment.
Despite the positive influence of his father, Tom’s personal life was touched by tragedy when he lost his father to a prescription drug overdose at the age of 51. This painful experience, compounded by Tom’s own struggles with alcohol a decade later, fueled his commitment to the transformative power of recovery, now spanning over 45 years.
In 2013, an opportunity arose for Tom to acquire a picturesque estate in Mid-Coast Maine, overlooking the Penobscot Bay. This estate became the canvas for Borden Cottage, envisioned as a world-class Residential Treatment Program in collaboration with McLean Hospital. Tom’s motivation was deeply rooted in contemplating the generational impact that a similar program might have had on his father’s life. From the outset, Borden Cottage was meticulously designed to offer evidence-based substance use and mental health treatment modalities for individuals with substance abuse disorder and co-occurring diagnoses.
Before founding Borden Cottage, Tom enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career on Wall Street, holding key positions at Smith Barney, Lehman Brothers, Alex Brown, and Deutsche Bank, demonstrating his versatility and leadership in diverse environments.
In September 2023, the partnership with McLean Hospital concluded, marking a pivotal moment as Tom and his team assumed full operational control of Borden Cottage. Under his visionary leadership, Borden Cottage continues to stand as a beacon of hope, providing comprehensive care and support to those on the path to recovery. Tom Rodman’s journey is not just a professional trajectory but a personal quest to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals grappling with substance abuse and mental health challenges.
As Clinical Director of Borden Cottage, Jo-Ann brings strong clinical acumen, leadership and compassion to her work, which spans more than four decades in the field of mental health. Jo-Ann has been an integral part of the team since 2015, providing individual, group and family therapy, while also spearheading the Mindfulness and Art Therapy programs. She offers invaluable expertise in the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of complex diagnoses, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Addiction, Mood and Personality Disorders.
Jo-Ann moved to Maine in 1977, and began her career as a social worker in 1979. Graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 1988, Jo-Ann has dedicated her 36 year private practice career to working with individuals, couples and families, children and adults. The backbone of her practice is the firm belief that healing takes place in the context of relationship and connection. “Family-integrated and trauma-informed care is essential to our work at Borden, healing relationships that have been fractured by addiction. Our interventions aim to provide optimal support for the family system. These are the building blocks to ensure a life in recovery.”
Jo-Ann has extensive experience in the design, implementation and oversight of specialized mental health services, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has maintained contracts with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Corrections to provide evaluation and treatment to individuals and families who have been impacted by trauma and adverse childhood experiences. She has provided comprehensive forensic evaluations and expert testimony in Maine courts. Having served as a Field Instructor in the University of Maine School of Social Work, MSW program, Jo-Ann is firmly committed to training future clinicians.
Jo-Ann’s commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond her clinical practice. She is dedicated to increasing public awareness and reducing stigma about mental health, addiction and trauma. She provides workshops, trainings, and has founded nonprofit organizations supporting this effort. As a former Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Maine Family Law Advisory Commission, she has played a crucial role in advising the Maine legislative and judicial branches on the complexities of mental health, thus influencing substantial legislative reforms.
Central to her therapeutic approach is Mindfulness, an evidence-based practice which cultivates attention and awareness, or what she calls “everyday neuroscience.” “When our residents understand the intricacies of the human mind, the science of addiction, and the science of meditation, they undergo a profound transformation and liberation from the constraints of the addictive mind. Mindfulness is a powerful practice for leading a life aligned with our values. Integrating this understanding into a sustained mindfulness practice cultivates empowerment, choice and well-being.”
Jo-Ann has been pivotal in optimizing art therapy as a critical component within the healing journey at Borden. “By creating a safe and nurturing environment, residents are invited to engage in the process of making art. Resourced with expressive materials and therapeutic support, they tap into their inherent creativity to access the ‘raw material’ of the mind, fostering healing, self-awareness and self-expression. This is where the transformative journey unfolds. This is where the magic happens.” Jo-Ann’s passion and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our residents is abundantly evident. “At Borden Cottage, it is such a privilege to be a part of this team of highly competent and compassionate colleagues who are firmly dedicated to the health of the individuals and families that we serve. The healing we witness is profound.”
When not on the Borden Cottage campus, Jo-Ann can be found building, stone work, rowing, kayaking, making art, volunteering, and enjoying all of the wondrous beauty that Midcoast Maine has to offer.
Dr. Patrick Lockwood grew up in a small southern Missouri town, enculturated with classical southern and Midwestern values like honesty, integrity, and the “neighborly” way of relating to people. He completed his B.A. in psychology at the University of Missouri, then moved to L.A. to earn his Doctorate of Psychology at TCSPP.
Dr. Lockwood has worked for non-profits, treatment centers, and has been a part of a number of startups over the past 15 years. His background in community interventions began before he even graduated from the University of Missouri where he successfully co-authored a grant creating a virtual intervention to help parents on campus become more connected and develop a support community while working at ParentLink, a division of the university’s College of Education.
Dr. Lockwood has trained with experts in the field of addiction treatment and has worked at every level of the mental health and addiction treatment industry for the past 15 years. He also has a podcast on YouTube about topics related to mental health, wellness, psychology, and neuroscience called “The Psychology Checkup.” Finally, Dr. Lockwood is the author of “The Fear Problem,” a book integrating the neuroscience and evolutionary psychology of our fear process to explain why we get triggered by politics and other “hot topics.” Currently Dr. Lockwood is a professor at California Lutheran University and is the COO of Oak Forest Recovery Center. He also serves on the board of The Friendly House, the country’s oldest women’s treatment program, and is clinical advisor to T.J. Woodward’s “Conscious Recovery.”
