The Origins Family of Addiction Professionals
Experience. Perseverance. Passion.
The men and women who have made Origins their home represent a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary team of treatment professionals with a variety of impressive credentials and specialties. Degrees and training alone, however, are not enough to qualify for a position on our exclusive team. As importantly, each of our staff shares a 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 resort-grade campus, we are experts in agreement about what it takes to recover. Below we invite you to explore the wide range of backgrounds, experience and credentials the Origins team of professionals brings to its clients and their loved ones.
Benjamin A. Levenson – Chief Executive Officer
As co-founder of Origins Recovery Centers, Ben Levenson brings the defining vision and executive leadership to the Origins organization. Ben’s deep love for recovery and compassion for the chemically dependent was born out of his own harrowing battle with and recovery from chronic drug and alcohol addiction. Through his extraordinary recovery experience, Ben launched Origins Recovery Center as an enduring beacon of hope to those afflicted and their families. Ben has charged Origins with a legacy to continually develop, improve and provide highly-effective systems of comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Ben’s passion keeps him on the ‘front lines’ where he speaks publicly on addictions treatment issues and lobbies for greater availability of quality treatment. Ben enjoys frequent interaction with Origins’ clients and their families through various workshops and discussions he conducts at the campus. In his personal time he takes pleasure in being with his family, playing golf, fly fishing and traveling abroad.
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 takes great pleasure assisting Origins clients in learning about financial responsibility, job resumes, career choices, how to interview for a job and more, all as part of The Origins Experience™.
Rich Whitman – President & Executive Director
Rich Whitman joins the Origins management team after serving nineteen years at La Hacienda Treatment Center as its Chief Operating Officer. Rich has spent his career managing extremely high-quality milieus offering both psychiatric and addiction treatment. Rich is known industry-wide for his passion for recovery, advocacy for meaningful advancements in treatment and his first-rate administrative and leadership skills. He also brings a great deal of compassion for those who suffer from chemical dependency, including family members because Rich has over 28 years of personal recovery to draw upon. In his personal time, Rich enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and children, tinkering on one of his Harley Davidson motorcycles and traveling.
Dr. Alex Kudisch, MD., DFAPA – Chief Consulting Psychiatrist
Dr. Kudisch serves as the Chief Consulting Psychiatrist for Origins Recovery Center. Dr. Kudisch is Board Certified in Psychiatry with a specialty focus in both adult and child psychiatry. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and is professionally affiliated with numerous hospitals in Texas. Dr. Kudisch has extensive experience treating the chemically dependent and dual diagnosed patient in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Psychiatry at San Antonio. In addition, he holds Appointments at the Texas Medical Association Committee on Medicaid and the Uninsured, also the Department of Family Health Services Ad Hoc Committee on Psychotropic Medications Oversight in the Foster Care System, and the Commissioners Round table. He is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health. Dr. Kudisch maintains a private practice in McAllen, Texas and is passionate about spending time with his family, traveling abroad, exercise, art and golf. Professionally, he advocates strongly for increasing Mental Health Care Access in South Texas.
Dr. Frank Lawlis, Ph.D. – Director of Psychological and Neurological Plasticity Programs
Dr. Lawlis has focused on clinical and research methods of the mind-body relationship since 1968 when he received his Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in medical psychology and rehabilitation. He has written and co-authored over 100 published articles as well as several New York Times bestselling books. He was awarded Diplomate by the American Board of Professional Psychology in both Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology. Lawlis also received the status of Fellow from the American Psychological Association for his scientific contributions to the field of clinical psychology and behavioral medicine, as well as other awards for his pioneering research in the field. Dr. Lawlis cofounded the Lawlis and Peavey PsychoNeuroPlasticity Center in Lewisville, Texas (http://www.lawlispeavey.com) as a new innovation for psychological assessment wherein an individual can be given a thorough medical-psychological-neurological-sociological-family dynamics evaluation during the same week. Through this process, great steps have been taken to understand an individual’s problems and to address all the issues during a finite time period. Dr. Frank Lawlis has been Chief Content and Oversight Adviser as well as Chairman of the Dr. Phil Advisory Board and Member of the Dr. Phil and Robin Foundation since the inception of the show. He is responsible for evaluating potential show themes and guests to determine benefit of the concepts, consulting with Dr. Phil on various guests and overseeing resources for the guests as they leave the show. Being a major force in the conception of the themes he interacts with every factor in the development with the shows.
Karen Walker, LMFT, LPC, LCDC – Executive Clinical Director
Bio coming soon!
Jeanie Griffin, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, BRI II, Senior Clinical Advisor
Jeanie serves as the Senior Clinical Advisor to Origins executive, medical 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” located near Dallas/Ft. Worth in Grapevine, Texas. Ms. Griffin offers private intervention services, individual, family and group therapy as well as transitional groups following treatment.
Bruce Cooper LCDC, CCS ADCIII, AAC, CCJP, NCACII - Weekend Clinical Supervisor
Bruce has worked in the field of chemical dependency for over 25 years both in outpatient and inpatient settings. He has been sober in 12-Step Programs for 27 years. Bruce is a member of the Texas Certification Board of Addition Professionals Standards Committee and is active with the testing process of new counselors coming into the field. He began working in Longview, Texas with the Palmer Drug Abuse Program and has continued to work for or with that program for the last 25 years. Bruce is active with the lobbying process for the field of chemical dependency and works to improve and maintain the quality of service provided to individuals need help to recovery for the effect of all drugs. He frequently speaks on the dangers of drug use and abuse in our society. Bruce’s personally believes in the need to ‘carry the message’ and that there is recovery from chemical dependency and hope for all.
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 the Texas hill country. She brings a wealth of both education and residential treatment experience to those afflicted by chemical dependency and alcoholism. With over 12 years of personal co-dependency/ACOA recovery, Belinda 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 firm, clear direction and empathy, as needed. Belinda’s broad experience includes being a Case Manager Supervisor for a prominent Young Adult Program, discharge coordination, mentorship for counselor interns and working with adults dealing with a myriad of complex issues and emotional disorders. Her personal motto must be “laughter is the best medicine” as her infectious sense of humor has a positive impact on everyone she meets. Belinda is an avid San Antonio Spurs fan, loves her family, the beach and the US military.
Robert Park, LCDC – Director of Admissions
Robert Park is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He also specializes in mindful and experiential based approaches. He has worked for several prominent treatment and recovery centers. Robert has held such titles as Director of Admissions, Business Development, Controller, Patient Financial Counselor, and Case Manager. His passion is making systems and departments run cohesively in order to optimize fluidity and enhance overall patient care. Robert is a recovered addict/alcoholic and believes his true job is to serve those in need. When he is not working he likes to play golf, work out, and eat well.
Jeff Brazil, LCDC – Adult Case Manager
Jeff is an Adult Case Manager at Origins. He served for 22 years in the United States Navy where he attended US Navy Instructor School and served as an Instructor and Training Officer for 11 years. His Naval career included providing training instruction during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Strom. Jeff has a bachelors in criminal justice administration (BSCJA) and is a graduate of the Institute for Chemical Dependency Studies where he earned his LCDC. He worked as a Senior Drug and Alcohol Counselor within the TDCJ System and supervised five counselors and over 200 clients in a Pre-release Therapeutic Community at the Hamilton Unit as well as at the Substance Abuse Training Program at the LeBlanc Unit in Texas. His passion is working with those who have a history of chronic relapse and those who struggle with dual diagnosis issues. Jeff is personally in recovery, enjoys spending time at the beach with his family and traveling.
Don Radon – Operations Manager
As Operations Manager, Don works assiduously at Origins’ South Padre Island campus ensuring that everything runs smoothly. He has worked in the addictions treatment field in large drug and alcohol treatment centers as well as transitional-house 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 a history of legal issues. Don has a passion for technology, cherishes his daughter and loves fatherhood.
Thomas S. Howard, Jr., BA - Admissions Specialist
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 the University of North Texas. He is dedicated to helping and working with other alcoholics and addicts. TJ, personally in recovery from addiction, has been a strong member of twelve step community in Dallas Texas. In his personal time he enjoys sports, reading, and spending time with his family.
Tamela Wester, LVN – Shift Nurse
Tamela Wester received her LVN from the University of Texas at Brownsville, where she is currently attending a program to receive her Associates RN. Tamela enjoys working in a recovery setting, finding an opportunity to both educate and also to learn from the people she helps. Having joined the Origins family in 2010, she is excited and feels very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful environment of healing.
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. His steady personality and humorous approach to life bodes well with the community at Origins.
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-based recovery. Ramon has enjoyed continuous sobriety 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.
Brian Bartle – Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Brian Bartle, a grateful recovered cocaine-addicted alcoholic, has been blessed to share his experience, strength, and hope to those suffering from the disease of addiction. With characteristic high-energy and passion, he has spoken at jails, outpatient programs, rehabs, and 12 step groups. He has also been instrumental in establishing 12 step meetings in a host of treatment facilities. Brian loves spending time with his daughter, going to the gym and is pursuing his counseling credentials.
Christopher Karafa – Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Chris is a recovered drug addict/alcoholic from Michigan. He has always had a passion for helping others, especially those suffering from addiction. In 2009 Christopher started MySoberScene.com, a social networking site for sober minded people. Since then the site has gained thousands of avid members and continues to grow, offering support to those in recovery. Christopher also has two years’ experience managing sober living homes in the Los Angeles area. Some of Christopher’s favorite past times are 12-step meetings, hanging out with his dog named shadow and browsing his website.
Jim Livingston – Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Jim is a recovered alcoholic, has been sober since December 3, 1988. Jim has been very active in the AA community. He got involved with AA, in Port Huron Mi. Jim very much likes to help Newcomers and with service work ,has helped start new 12 step groups and support them. Jim in his spare time likes to work on his vehicles, and spend time with his beautiful wife and two border Collies.
Xavier Salinas – Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Xavier has earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas Pan American. Currently he is residing in the Rio Grande Valley and also a recovered addict and alcoholic. His passion for recovery comes from attending 12-step meetings, working with other alcoholics and addicts, and carrying the message of hope to others afflicted in the criminal system in the valley. In addition, he loves spending quality time with his wife and son.
Raul Cartagena – Recovery Advocate (Mental Health Tech)
Raul is a recovered addict/alcoholic from Brooklyn, New York. He moved to central Texas in 1991 where he made his home with his family. Sober since 2004, Raul joined the 12-Step community and has since made recovery the central focus of his life. Raul has five years’ experience within the field of addiction treatment and advocates strongly on behalf of those who suffer. In his spare time he enjoys being with his family, prayer and carrying ‘this message’ of hope.
Rosa Dominguez, LFH – Director of Food Services
Rosa has been a professional chef for over 30 years. She is responsible for all facets of food services at Origins. Over the course of her career, she has served in virtually every aspect of restaurant and food services operations. She received her gourmet training and spent the majority of her career at the esteemed Yacht Club on Texas’ Gulf Coast – often frequented by celebrities and dignitaries. She is especially creative in the kitchen and takes great pleasure in satisfying diners. She has a soft-spot for the chemically-dependent and enjoys being around clients and teaching basic kitchen skills. Chef Rosa loves spending time with her beautiful children and traveling to the interior of Mexico.
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.