Professional Staff
Alternative to Meds Center has a very specialized and unique staff. The educational backgrounds are very diverse, and together form a professional family committed to the wellness and progress of each resident. They do take their work home with them, and treat those that they care for as peers not patients.
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Lyle Murphy is the Founder of ATMC. He was educated as a chiropractor and participated in the Diplomate of Neurology program. He was inspired to create Alternative to Meds Center after he had been given an injection of anti-psychotic medication during a “manic” episode.
The cause of the episode was actually hypoglycemia, and after the injection, he faded into a low blood sugar coma that lasted two weeks. Upon regaining consciousness, he was impaired to some degree and experienced periods of psychosis for 10 years. He only made a full recovery once he came across some of the detoxification and supplementation techniques used by Alternative to Meds Center.
He now manages a professional staff of over 30 persons, and is the spokesman for Alternative to Meds Center. He also helps direct the specific detoxification techniques for each person. He teaches at the center, and lectures at leading holistic health conferences across the county. He is currently working toward a certificate Environmental Medicine.
Lyle Murphy is a supporting member of the following:
Alliance for Addiction Solutions
The Alliance for Addiction Solutions is a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to the utilization of nutritional and other effective natural modalities in the treatment of addictive disorders. They promote the use of non-drug techniques to help establish biochemical balancing of an addicted brain and body. They also promote research, facilitate education to professionals and public, provide certification to recovery programs, and offer referrals to practitioners. In addition, they strive to influence treatment policy and seek to expand insurance to cover alternative rehabilitation methods .
Mind Freedom International
Mind Freedom International is an independent non-profit collaborative that protects human rights and promotes humane treatment within mental health.
He now manages a professional staff of over 30 persons, and is the spokesman for Alternative to Meds Center. He also helps direct the specific detoxification techniques for each person. He teaches at the center, and lectures at leading holistic health conferences across the county. He is currently working toward a certificate Environmental Medicine.
Lyle Murphy is a supporting member of the following:
Alliance for Addiction Solutions
The Alliance for Addiction Solutions is a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to the utilization of nutritional and other effective natural modalities in the treatment of addictive disorders. They promote the use of non-drug techniques to help establish biochemical balancing of an addicted brain and body. They also promote research, facilitate education to professionals and public, provide certification to recovery programs, and offer referrals to practitioners. In addition, they strive to influence treatment policy and seek to expand insurance to cover alternative rehabilitation methods .
Mind Freedom International
Mind Freedom International is an independent non-profit collaborative that protects human rights and promotes humane treatment within mental health.
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Dr. Lauren Pihlgren (Pill-Grin) NMD
Naturopathic Physician
Having graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Pihlgren is a fully licensed integrative medical doctor who is entirely capable of writing prescriptions, assessing diagnoses and evaluating labs in addition to educating people about diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Incorporating the best from Western scientific, empirical and chemical medicine with the most researched, highly regarded alternative therapies, Naturopathic doctors are able to achieve unparalleled results.
Focusing her attention on Environmental Medicine and Structural Health, Dr. Pihlgren spends her time teaching people about the biochemistry behind how the human body works, why the kind of fuel we feed our body is of the utmost importance and what the medications we use long-term are doing to our bodies over time.
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." - THOMAS EDISON
It is this notion that guides Dr Pihlgren’s philosophy at ATMC. Utilizing vitamins and supplements rather than “prescription medication”, we teach our participants how to make use of food and detoxification as a lifestyle to help bring them back toward wellness and away from sickness. In this program, we demonstrate that what you eat and when you eat has a significant effect not only on physical health, but also on emotional wellbeing. We also demonstrate how the removal of accumulated toxic load makes mental and physical health possible, and how it contributes to recovery from addiction.
Naturopathic Physician
Having graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Pihlgren is a fully licensed integrative medical doctor who is entirely capable of writing prescriptions, assessing diagnoses and evaluating labs in addition to educating people about diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Incorporating the best from Western scientific, empirical and chemical medicine with the most researched, highly regarded alternative therapies, Naturopathic doctors are able to achieve unparalleled results.
Focusing her attention on Environmental Medicine and Structural Health, Dr. Pihlgren spends her time teaching people about the biochemistry behind how the human body works, why the kind of fuel we feed our body is of the utmost importance and what the medications we use long-term are doing to our bodies over time.
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." - THOMAS EDISON
It is this notion that guides Dr Pihlgren’s philosophy at ATMC. Utilizing vitamins and supplements rather than “prescription medication”, we teach our participants how to make use of food and detoxification as a lifestyle to help bring them back toward wellness and away from sickness. In this program, we demonstrate that what you eat and when you eat has a significant effect not only on physical health, but also on emotional wellbeing. We also demonstrate how the removal of accumulated toxic load makes mental and physical health possible, and how it contributes to recovery from addiction.
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Donald J. Curran, D.O. Medical Director
Doctor Curran is board certified in family medicine, geriatrics, sleep medicine and chronobiology. He is in medical practice for over forty years and is licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in Arizona. He is an active medical staff member of the Verde Valley Medical Center where he is the medical director of the in-patient Senior Lifestyles Behavioral Health Unit. He participates in the clinical practice and administrative direction of the Verde Valley Sleep Center. In his out-patient office practice on the campus of the medical center, he participates in the evaluation and management of complex medical and psychiatric patients who also suffer from sleep disorders. He is also the medical director of the Mingus Center, an in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Cottonwood, Arizona.
Doctor Curran is board certified in family medicine, geriatrics, sleep medicine and chronobiology. He is in medical practice for over forty years and is licensed to practice osteopathic medicine in Arizona. He is an active medical staff member of the Verde Valley Medical Center where he is the medical director of the in-patient Senior Lifestyles Behavioral Health Unit. He participates in the clinical practice and administrative direction of the Verde Valley Sleep Center. In his out-patient office practice on the campus of the medical center, he participates in the evaluation and management of complex medical and psychiatric patients who also suffer from sleep disorders. He is also the medical director of the Mingus Center, an in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Cottonwood, Arizona.
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Clinical Director - Chezspri Fischer R.N., MFT
Chezspri is a registered nurse, R.N., as well as a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor, MFT, for more than 25 years. She holds certificates in many holistic health modalities including yoga, herbology, and midwifery. She provides case management, group and individual life coaching and teaches yoga. She is the primary liaison to the family. She also delivers workshops in the preparation of whole foods. She consults with the collaborating doctor for supervision of medication tapers.
Chezspri is a registered nurse, R.N., as well as a Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor, MFT, for more than 25 years. She holds certificates in many holistic health modalities including yoga, herbology, and midwifery. She provides case management, group and individual life coaching and teaches yoga. She is the primary liaison to the family. She also delivers workshops in the preparation of whole foods. She consults with the collaborating doctor for supervision of medication tapers.
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Program Director- Isaac Levin
Isaac Levin is program director for the Alternative to Meds Center. He holds extensive training and certifications in yoga, massage, and recovery coaching. Isaac does 1:1 and group coaching and facilitates dynamic groups. He is a primary case manager for the residents, and family liaison. He works in collaboration with the staff and residents to design a diverse and unique program for the participants of the Alternative to Meds Center. He is currently seeking certification as an Emergency Medical Technician.
Isaac Levin is program director for the Alternative to Meds Center. He holds extensive training and certifications in yoga, massage, and recovery coaching. Isaac does 1:1 and group coaching and facilitates dynamic groups. He is a primary case manager for the residents, and family liaison. He works in collaboration with the staff and residents to design a diverse and unique program for the participants of the Alternative to Meds Center. He is currently seeking certification as an Emergency Medical Technician.
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Educational Director - Jason Good B.A.
Jason Good holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts with special focus in Pharmacology. Jason has been employed in the recovery field for over 5 years and brings that experience to his current work. As the educational Director for the Alternative to Meds Center, he is responsible for educating residents in Orthomolecular Medicine, the causes of addictive biochemistry, and empowering each resident with a knowledge base that will allow them to make the best choices for themselves and to ultimately change their lives.
Jason Good holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts with special focus in Pharmacology. Jason has been employed in the recovery field for over 5 years and brings that experience to his current work. As the educational Director for the Alternative to Meds Center, he is responsible for educating residents in Orthomolecular Medicine, the causes of addictive biochemistry, and empowering each resident with a knowledge base that will allow them to make the best choices for themselves and to ultimately change their lives.
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Senior Intake Coordinator - Mark Wenzel
Mark is a graduate of the University of California Davis and attended San Jose State University, where he studied Fermentation Science and Computer Science. He is also a graduate of Narconon drug education programs and this training has added greatly to his qualifications. Mark has experience working in three treatment centers as an executive prior to ATMC. He, along with Lyle, is one of the original founding staff members of ATMC. Mark is a recovered alcoholic who only found relief through the types of methods used at ATMC. He brings his experience, passion, and his knowledge into this ever-developing field, and aspires to bring these types of successful treatments to as many people as possible!
Mark is a graduate of the University of California Davis and attended San Jose State University, where he studied Fermentation Science and Computer Science. He is also a graduate of Narconon drug education programs and this training has added greatly to his qualifications. Mark has experience working in three treatment centers as an executive prior to ATMC. He, along with Lyle, is one of the original founding staff members of ATMC. Mark is a recovered alcoholic who only found relief through the types of methods used at ATMC. He brings his experience, passion, and his knowledge into this ever-developing field, and aspires to bring these types of successful treatments to as many people as possible!
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Medical Liaison - Kimberli Galloway Deichman R.N, B.A, B.S.N (Nursing)
Kimberli Galloway Deichman is the medical liaison for the Alternative to Meds Center. Kimberli is a graduate of Indiana University. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Kimberli has always demonstrated a passion in the holistic healing arts and has practiced yoga, creative visualization, herbal remedies, and proper nutrition. For three years previous, she had been employed at St. Vincent Health in Indianapolis as a clinician and counselor for Mental Health. She has engaged in helping persons overcome chemical addictions, psychiatric issues, and various other mood disorders. As a medical liaison, she documents vital medical information and coordinates lab testing with every resident. She is involved in the transport to and from various medical professionals, and she communicates with appropriate family the nature of the treatments being provided. She is now seeking her degree in clinical psychiatric nursing.
Kimberli Galloway Deichman is the medical liaison for the Alternative to Meds Center. Kimberli is a graduate of Indiana University. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Kimberli has always demonstrated a passion in the holistic healing arts and has practiced yoga, creative visualization, herbal remedies, and proper nutrition. For three years previous, she had been employed at St. Vincent Health in Indianapolis as a clinician and counselor for Mental Health. She has engaged in helping persons overcome chemical addictions, psychiatric issues, and various other mood disorders. As a medical liaison, she documents vital medical information and coordinates lab testing with every resident. She is involved in the transport to and from various medical professionals, and she communicates with appropriate family the nature of the treatments being provided. She is now seeking her degree in clinical psychiatric nursing.
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Behavioral Health Technician- Allison DePuydt B.A
Allison Kathryn Depuydt is currently a master’s candidate of counseling psychology and the expressive arts at Prescott College. She has worked professionally in the field of human services, community arts, and natural medicine for five years and brings a presence of healthy & creative living among the Alternative to Meds residential community. Having grown up in Chicago where she received her undergraduate education in social justice from Roosevelt University.Allison continues to be dedicated to the enlightenment of the human spirit.
Allison Kathryn Depuydt is currently a master’s candidate of counseling psychology and the expressive arts at Prescott College. She has worked professionally in the field of human services, community arts, and natural medicine for five years and brings a presence of healthy & creative living among the Alternative to Meds residential community. Having grown up in Chicago where she received her undergraduate education in social justice from Roosevelt University.Allison continues to be dedicated to the enlightenment of the human spirit.
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Acupuncturist - Sarah Mowdy L. Ac
Sarah Mowdy, Licensed Acupuncturist, L.Ac.; Master of Science degree in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, CA.; extensive training and over ten years of experience in the practice of therapeutic aromatherapy; advanced instruction in medical Qigong, over ten years providing nutritional guidance according to Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis and regenerative nutrition, and over seventeen years of experience implementing physical, occupational and behavioral modification treatment modalities for individuals suffering from mental, behavioral or physical health conditions.
Sarah Mowdy, Licensed Acupuncturist, L.Ac.; Master of Science degree in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, CA.; extensive training and over ten years of experience in the practice of therapeutic aromatherapy; advanced instruction in medical Qigong, over ten years providing nutritional guidance according to Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis and regenerative nutrition, and over seventeen years of experience implementing physical, occupational and behavioral modification treatment modalities for individuals suffering from mental, behavioral or physical health conditions.
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Certified Nurse Assistant - Hilary Murphy CNA
Hilary Murphy relocated to Sedona Arizona from Santa Barbara California in 2010, after 9 years of regular yearly visits to this beautiful area. Hilary has extensive training and work experience in nursing, end of life care and medication management. She brings her interest and understanding of the importance of holistic healing, healthy diet and detoxification treatment to her work environment. Her own life path includes an organic raw vegan diet, yoga, hiking, nature and family. She is a valuable member of the Alternative to Meds staff and a great fit to the team.
Hilary Murphy relocated to Sedona Arizona from Santa Barbara California in 2010, after 9 years of regular yearly visits to this beautiful area. Hilary has extensive training and work experience in nursing, end of life care and medication management. She brings her interest and understanding of the importance of holistic healing, healthy diet and detoxification treatment to her work environment. Her own life path includes an organic raw vegan diet, yoga, hiking, nature and family. She is a valuable member of the Alternative to Meds staff and a great fit to the team.
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Licensed Drug and Alcohol Couselor - Shawna Bowen M.A., LISAC has a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology Counseling with a special focus in Psycho-somatic Psychology and Wholistic Health. She has also worked as a therapist in AZ for over 13 years. Her therapeutic work has included being a child-family therapist for AZ public mental health, contract work with juvenile probation, and clinical director for a 90 day residential rehab facility. Shawna is a published author and audio author as well as a public speaker for a variety of topics including substance abuse awareness, anger and stress management, healthy family dynamics, effective communication, ethics in leadership, and other inspirational topics. She is a musician who has performed in semi-professional bands and encourages the playing and listening to music as a way to self sooth and heal. Shawna was the 2003 Arizona Judicial Council Award Winner for her work with families and the 2010 NAWBO award winner for her contribution to community services. Shawna has been featured on Larry King, CNN, The Early Show, 20/20 Prime Time News, Today, The New York Times, People Magazine and Self Magazine.
Shawna Bowen
on CNN
on CNN
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Wendy Meyers, R.N. – Holistic Detox Shoppe Supervisor
Wendy is the Registered Nurse at the Holistic Detox Shoppe for the Alternative to Meds Center. Participants check in and out with her each morning before and after scheduled therapy. She assesses, gathers, analyzes, and documents daily resident data; coordinates/implements holistic detox treatment modalities; and case manages care. She also acts as the liaison between the on-site Naturopathic MD, licensed acupuncturist, and treatment coordinator. She is here to ensure your care is safe and effective, and holds a high ethical standard. With an ASN awarded from the prestigious Ellis School of Nursing in upstate New York's, city of Schenectady; she is currently pursuing a BSN at Northern Arizona University.
Wendy has a lifelong commitment to practice holistically with a firm foundation in the science of homeopathy. As a lay homeopath for 10 years, Wendy believes in the program's curative power of homeopathy, acupuncture, reiki; as well as the adjunct therapies such as: sauna, powerful nutritional support and supplementation, and superior resident education. Her future goal is to become a Licensed Homeopathic Practitioner, R.N. with a focus in behavioral health.
“I am truly blessed by the professionals I work with and the residents I strive to help each day.”
Wendy is the Registered Nurse at the Holistic Detox Shoppe for the Alternative to Meds Center. Participants check in and out with her each morning before and after scheduled therapy. She assesses, gathers, analyzes, and documents daily resident data; coordinates/implements holistic detox treatment modalities; and case manages care. She also acts as the liaison between the on-site Naturopathic MD, licensed acupuncturist, and treatment coordinator. She is here to ensure your care is safe and effective, and holds a high ethical standard. With an ASN awarded from the prestigious Ellis School of Nursing in upstate New York's, city of Schenectady; she is currently pursuing a BSN at Northern Arizona University.
Wendy has a lifelong commitment to practice holistically with a firm foundation in the science of homeopathy. As a lay homeopath for 10 years, Wendy believes in the program's curative power of homeopathy, acupuncture, reiki; as well as the adjunct therapies such as: sauna, powerful nutritional support and supplementation, and superior resident education. Her future goal is to become a Licensed Homeopathic Practitioner, R.N. with a focus in behavioral health.
“I am truly blessed by the professionals I work with and the residents I strive to help each day.”
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Nina Palmieri - Aftercare Case Management and Spiritual Coaching
Nina works closely with individuals to illuminate the illusions that create personal suffering while offering ways to transform deep rooted patterns that oppose one’s personal happiness. She offers inspirational tools to facilitate personal transformation with the ultimate goal of leading one to self-acceptance and self-love.
Nina has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and taught in the public school system for many years. Her love for teaching and interest in Health led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Health Education and she has continued promoting health, wellness and developmental skills to all ages. She was the vice president of Youth Quest, a non-profit organization offering rite of passage excursions and was the main facilitator for transformative counsel. She has worked with plant medicine for over a decade and has a gift of perception and deep love for all living things.
Nina’s life path led her to a spiritual mystery school which enhanced herself awareness and assisted in her personal freedom. She was an apprentice and colleague to Don Miguel Ruiz author of The Four Agreements and Barbara Emrys teacher of Toltec Dreaming in their awareness workshops'.
Blending all of her background along with her personal quest for freedom and self-love, Nina has dedicated her life to be of service to humanity in assisting their personal healing.
Nina is currently the Spiritual counselor at Alternative to meds and Case manager for the Aftercare program. At the ATMC center she also leads groups to facilitate self-awareness, transformative insights and uplifting experiences that allow individuals to experience the truth. It brings her great joy to assist others on their healing journey back to their authentic self and inspire one to live their life filled with gratitude joy, and love.
Nina works closely with individuals to illuminate the illusions that create personal suffering while offering ways to transform deep rooted patterns that oppose one’s personal happiness. She offers inspirational tools to facilitate personal transformation with the ultimate goal of leading one to self-acceptance and self-love.
Nina has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and taught in the public school system for many years. Her love for teaching and interest in Health led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Health Education and she has continued promoting health, wellness and developmental skills to all ages. She was the vice president of Youth Quest, a non-profit organization offering rite of passage excursions and was the main facilitator for transformative counsel. She has worked with plant medicine for over a decade and has a gift of perception and deep love for all living things.
Nina’s life path led her to a spiritual mystery school which enhanced herself awareness and assisted in her personal freedom. She was an apprentice and colleague to Don Miguel Ruiz author of The Four Agreements and Barbara Emrys teacher of Toltec Dreaming in their awareness workshops'.
Blending all of her background along with her personal quest for freedom and self-love, Nina has dedicated her life to be of service to humanity in assisting their personal healing.
Nina is currently the Spiritual counselor at Alternative to meds and Case manager for the Aftercare program. At the ATMC center she also leads groups to facilitate self-awareness, transformative insights and uplifting experiences that allow individuals to experience the truth. It brings her great joy to assist others on their healing journey back to their authentic self and inspire one to live their life filled with gratitude joy, and love.
