Experience. Perseverance. Passion.
The many men and women who have made the Origins organization their home are highly experienced multi-disciplinary professionals with a variety of impressive credentials and specialties. Degrees alone, however, are not enough to qualify for our team. As importantly, each of our staff shares our vision of a core recovery philosophy – a Spiritual Awakening as the result of the Twelve Steps. From our senior executive group, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, to the facilities support staff at our premier Recovery Centers around the United States, we are professionals in agreement about what it takes to recover. By clicking below, you can explore the range of backgrounds and deep experience the Origins Family brings to its clients. Welcome to The Origins ExperienceTM - you can recover.
Benjamin A. Levenson - Chief Executive Officer
Ben Levenson, co-founder of Origins Recovery Centers, brings the defining vision as well as seasoned executive leadership to the Origins organization. Ben’s prior senior executive management includes experience in both the real estate and technology sectors. He is committed to operating Origins as an unparalleled provider of comprehensive alcohol and drug addictions treatment. Ben is personally in recovery from addiction and his passion for sobriety brings him into direct contact with Origins’ clients through workshops and various talks he conducts at the Centers. In his personal time he takes pleasure in family, golf and travel.
Michael J. Levenson- Chief Financial Officer
Co-founder Michael Levenson is responsible for the financial operations of Origins Recovery, LLC and the Origins portfolio of companies. He has over thirty-five years of experience in business, including being the president of a bank at only twenty-six years old and eventually the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. He has vast experience in other industries as well. Michael also assists Origins residents in learning about financial responsibility, job resumes, career choices, how to interview for a job and more, all as part of The Origins Experience™.
Peter Marinelli - Chief Recovery Officer
Peter has been sober over 21 years and has dedicated his life to helping others recover from alcoholism and drug addiction. As an international circuit speaker, Peter has given hundreds of talks across the US and Europe on subjects related to recovery. He has spoken at numerous treatment centers, universities and before medical organizations to both suffers and clinicians alike. Peter has also been invited to speak for the National Council on Alcoholism and been a guest on talk radio (Afflicted and Affected) and done workshops on Spiritual Transformation for various religious organizations. Peter has spent the majority of his sobriety in the Treatment Industry and his mission is to help addicts and alcoholics recover from their fatal illness.
Dr. Jason Evans, MD - Director of Medical Services
Dr. Jason Evans serves as the Medical Director at Origins Recovery Center. Dr. Evans earned his Bachelor of Arts at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1998. He then attended Temple University School of Medicine at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he earned his Doctor of Medicine in 2003. Dr. Evans’ post-graduate training included an Internal Medicine internship in the Residency Training Program at Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York in 2004. He then completed his General Psychiatry Residency at the esteemed Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City in 2007. Dr. Evans brings a personal passion for treating the dually-diagnosed client at Origins. His modern training and experience combines with him extensive pharmacological expertise to help Origins’ clients receive proper diagnostic attention and treatment so they can more fully engage their personal recovery while at Origins and after discharge.
Vonnie R. Nealon, LCDC - Director of Clinical Services
Vonnie serves as the Director of Clinical Services at Origins Recovery Centers’ South Padre Island campus. She has worked in the chemical dependency treatment field for over twenty-one years and has dedicated her personal and professional life to helping those afflicted with the diseases of alcoholism and addiction. Her initial experience in the medical profession was as an LVN in the traditional medical setting; however there was a void she felt needed to be filled. While still an LVN, Vonnie went to work at a treatment center in a medical capacity but used her free time to pursue her license as a Chemical Dependency Counselor as well as a variety of other certifications including, but not limited to being certified to administer and interpret the SASSI® and provide faith-based counseling. While still a student she helped develop a drug treatment program for the local Boys and Girls Clubs and went on to graduate with honors. This led to a teaching position where she was able to have a positive influence on hundreds of future drug and alcohol and other counselors. Her experience has ranged from being an educator for the University of Texas Medical Branch, serving those in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, working with adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and adults attending private treatment facilities. Prior to joining the Origins family, she worked for La Hacienda treatment center where she specialized in working with the chronically relapsing client. Vonnie is herself in recovery from addiction with twenty-two years of sobriety and uses her personal story and experiences to better serve others. Vonnie thoroughly enjoys her family, especially her husband and her grandchildren.
Jeanie Griffin, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, BRI II, Senior Clinical Advisor
Jeanie serves as the Senior Clinical Advisor to Origins executive and clinical teams as well as facilitates the Origins Alumni Group in Dallas, Texas. Jeanie has worked within the profession of addiction and recovery over twenty years. She possesses an advanced degree in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling and licenses in Texas and California as well as certifications in addiction counseling from both states. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Board Registered Interventionist II, and frequent conference speaker. Ms. Griffin served as a faculty member at UCLA, St Mary’s University, and San Antonio College within the addiction counselor training programs. Ms. Griffin has over twenty-four years of personal recovery through the 12-Steps. Her clinical training and knowledge as a therapist, her personal experience of recovery from alcoholism, codependency and childhood pain combine to offer holistic care to those she serves. Jeanie is Founder and CEO of "A SPACE FOR HEALING" (www.aspaceforhealing.com) located near Dallas/Ft. Worth in Grapevine, Texas. Ms Griffin offers intervention services, individual, family and group therapy as well as transitional groups following treatment.
Tony Messbarger - Director of Admissions
Tony has worked in the field of alcoholism and addictions treatment for a number of years in leading treatment providers. In recovery himself, he has earned the confidence of countless families by helping them through the difficult process of getting their loved ones into treatment. Tony believes in providing the ultimate customer service experience from the initial call throughout the entire treatment process. He understands that the most precious thing we have is our loved ones, so he strives to make sure that everyone he comes in contact with is taken care of accordingly. Tony has dedicated his life to helping other addicts and alcoholics recover. He spends his personal time with his family, enjoys exercising and coaching sports.
Jaime Loera, BA - Director of Alumni Services/Discharge Coordinator
Jaime Loera earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been an active member in the recovery community for over twelve years and remains dedicated personally and professionally to helping those afflicted with chemical dependency. Jaime has worked for a number of the most prominent drug and alcohol treatment providers in both Texas and Nevada. He has had the honor of working with his fellow members of 12 Step Fellowships to create a passionate recovery community in Austin, Texas. Jaime enjoys spending his personal time with his family, loves nature and distance running.
Belinda A. Vasquez, LCDC - Senior Case Manager
Belinda serves as the Senior Case Manager at Origins Recovery Center. She has worked in the chemical dependency field for more than fourteen years, with the majority of that being spent at La Hacienda Treatment Center in Central Texas. She brings a wealth of both education and experience to those afflicted by chemical dependency and alcoholism. As a member of Al-Anon she provides a valuable viewpoint to both clients and family members alike about addiction from the family member’s perspective. She has the remarkable ability to offer both clear direction and empathy, as needed. Belinda’s experience ranges from being a Case Manager Supervisor for a Young Adult Program, a Discharge Coordinator, a mentor for counselor interns and working with adults dealing with a myriad of issues and problems. Her personal motto must be “laughter is the best medicine” as her infectious sense of humor has a positive impact on anyone she meets. Belinda is an avid San Antonio Spurs fan, loves her family, the beach and the military.
Don Radon - Operations Manager
As Operations Manager, Don works assiduously at Origins’ South Padre Island campus ensuring that everything runs smoothly for Client and Staff alike. He has worked in the addictions treatment field in large drug and alcohol treatment centers as well as transitional housing settings. Don is a recovered drug addict and alcoholic whose passion is to help others obtain the same freedom. Don speaks and conducts recovery workshops across the country and is personally dedicated to the 12-Step way of life. He has a tender heart for those in the penal system and spends much of his free time counseling those with legal issues. Don has a passion for technology, cherishes his daughter and loves fatherhood.
Thomas J. Howard - Lead Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
TJ is a Certified Criminalist and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, where he worked as a teacher and a private tutor. TJ also did his post-graduate work in the biology and chemistry fields at UNT. He is dedicated to helping and working with other alcoholics and addicts. TJ, personally in recovery, has been a part of a strong twelve step community in Dallas Texas. In his personal time he enjoys sports, reading, and spending time with his family.
Ramon Rodriguez - Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Ramon was born in the Rio Grande Valley of deep south Texas. Ramon has worked in various roles within the addictions treatment field and is driven by his passion for 12 Step recovery. Ramon has been sober since May 15, 1987. Since then, he has steadily grown into a spiritual way of life. Ramon enjoys being of service inside and outside of 12 step groups. His personal mission is to help alcoholics, drug addicts and their love ones to a better way of life. Ramon enjoys reading, writing, painting and spending time with his loved ones and friends.
Quentin Willis - Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Quentin attended Bergen Community College in New Jersey, and will soon receive his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential. Quentin’s career includes work with adolescents in residential substance abuse treatment at Touchstone Hall and with the Bergen County Community Action Partnership with the homeless shelter. Being in recovery has taught him a great deal about the meaning of life, service and love. In his spare time he enjoys art, reading books and playing music.
Chad Lentscher - Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Chad Lentscher is a recovered drug addict and alcoholic who has been a part of the recovery community in Dallas, TX for the past five years. He is dedicated to a life based on the principles of the 12 steps and passionate about sharing this way of life with others. Chad is currently a junior at the LeTourneau University where he is earning a degree in education.
Lauren Hyden - Staff Nutritionist
Lauren Hyden is a Degree Certified Nutritionist. Lauren is passionate about nutrition and is always striving to enhance and develop her knowledge in the field. She has experience in individual and group counseling, addressing such issues as diabetes, weight control, eating disorders, and general nutrition and wellness. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Texas Tech University and continues her education in the field.
|
