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Treatment StaffMary McKenzie, L.M.F.T., M.Ed. – Therapist "It has been a long time dream of mine to work at a center where caring, respect, and treatment of the whole person is the bottom line. This climate creates a place of safety, where causes, as well as symptoms, can be explored and healed. I have found that home, and am thrilled to be a part of the exceptional treatment team at Synergy Treatment." In the counseling field for 20 years, Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College, and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Idaho. Mary is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. "Empowering other in their healing and recovery is on of my life's greatest joys."
Wendy Buchholz, M.A. – Therapist  Wendy is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Concordia University Irvine. She has training in Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, PTSD, Emotional Coaching, and Codependency. Her Master’s degree (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy is from Alliant International University in Irvine, California. She is also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and recently co-founded the AAMFT-CA Orange County Networking District, a division of the national professional organization of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. "My goal is to help individuals access their inner resources and find strength through life’s challenges."
Don Keith, C.A.T.C-i – Counselor  “I am grateful to be part of the solution here at Synergy Treatment, helping clients from varied pasts build a new, bright future.” Don brings the special gift of humor to our clients and keeps everybody laughing. He has spent the past 15 years working in the Social Service/Human Service field, including 6 years working for the Orange County Probation Department. He is currently working on his C.A.T.C. at Saddleback College. Don is trained in Primordial Sound Meditation; is active in his 12-step program; and shares his experience, strength and hope. “I really appreciate the compassion and understanding our clients receive. They are all treated with dignity, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
Extended Care StaffThurman Hines – Counselor  Thurman says that addiction gave him the gift of complete desperation which caused him to completely cease fighting anyone and anything. Working a 12-step program provided structure and discipline so he could effect positive change. He has a strong foundation both with Synergy and with the A.A., N.A. and C.A. community as a whole. His real world experience makes him excel at dealing with all clients still in the infancy of recovery.
Jesus Magana, C.A.D.C.A. – Extended Care Counselor  “I always had a passion for helping others. It’s what I was meant to do and I knew I definitely had the experience.” Jesus joins Synergy at the Green Level Resource Center. He took the route to recovery through legal intervention and a hard knocks treatment program, which he credits for getting him to the point of surrender. “I was tired of the lifestyle, my next step was to die.” Jesus cut off all contact with his old friends and made new friends with people in recovery. His hard work paid off and just received his CAADAC Counselor certification. “I’ve found working at Synergy to be beneficial in every area of my life in terms of working with different clients and programs – the dual diagnosis and holistic treatment has expanded my horizons. Learning what I have has helped me grow as a person and overcome a lot of my fears so I can help others do the same.” Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate License #18320110.
Lori Cattern, C.A.T.C. – Extended Care Counselor  “I’ve always had the passion to help people and have found that my gift lies in the ability to empathize with any situation while gently leading someone to find their way.” Lori is a native of the south Orange County area who found her way into the recovery field when a moment of clarity led her to realize that she was not the person she was capable of being. Prior to joining Synergy Treatment as a CATC Counselor, Lori worked in behavior medicine at SouthCoast Hospital for six years as well as various treatment centers and is referred to by co-workers as a crisis intervention specialist. “I see my purpose as leading an individual back into an integrated person through mind, body and spirit – with my focus being on the spirit.” Lori focuses on incorporating realistic thinking with building self esteem, finding balance and setting goals with clients at the Green Level Resource Center. Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor License #071522.
Native American StaffJacque Tahuka-Nunez  A California Indian whose ancestors built the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Jacque has made a successful career out of sharing her Acjachemen culture, history, and love of the creator. Recently chosen by the state of California as the 2009 Indian Educator of the Year, Jacque prides herself on preserving and passing her culture along through the oral Native American tradition of storytelling. "When Creator opens a door for a person to use their God Given gifts whether it's Native American basket weaving, soapstone carving, or traditional shell necklace making it is important to let the craft making open the clients heart to honest communication and the healing of the soul. In our sessions we give the clients another avenue to reach for their Higher Power. It is an honor to be a part of the staff at Synergy Treatment path as clients move towards sobriety."
Peter Macias  A Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate recipient, Pete's primary focus is on Alcohol relie. Pete feels that spiritual ceremonies have many healing properties, believing that old traditions can help people get back to their roots. Pete is a member of the Pala band of Mission Indians and works on healing and recovery through traditional Native American ceremonies.
Samanatha Crane – Administrative Assistant  Samantha Crane grew up on the Umatilla (Cayuse-Umatilla-Walla-Walla) Indian Reservation near Pendleton, Oregon, and joins the Synergy family as an administrative assistant at the Green Level Resource Center. “I was living in San Francisco when my sister and my Mom found Synergy Treatment through the AAIR program. I really didn’t want to come here.” When Samantha finally arrived after months of hesitation, the staff members were pleasantly surprised. She initially agreed to one month and stayed for three months. “It was the first time I’d been sober since I was 15-years-old. I started listening and learning a lot about myself.” Samantha volunteered at Big Sur where she helped make clients more comfortable through the initial detox phase before working at the Green Level Resource Center. “Initially, I was hesitant. But once I started working here, I liked the environment and the ability to give back what was freely given to me. I said, 'I think I’ll stay.'”
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