2023 Awards Luncheon - Friendly House Addiction Treatment

Zan Eisley

As the leader and founder of Eisley Consulting, Zan Eisley transforms and revolutionizes the way acute psychiatric interventions are done. In addition, she is actively committed to destigmatizing mental illness by actively lobbying to change policy around both insurance and treatment.

Zan has worked in the behavioral health field since 2003. She ran one of the first structured sober livings in Los Angeles and was responsible for crafting the protocol on which the program was built. She worked as a recovery companion for four years. Zan was named VP of Hightower Associates in 2012 and was trained and mentored by the renowned interventionist, Earl Hightower. She trained and supervised every companion working for Hightower for 8 years. Working with Earl Hightower, they trained interventionists all over the United States and Canada. Zan had an unusually high success rate with acute psychiatric interventions and crisis management. Wanting to expand on what a psych intervention could be, she went on to create Eisley Consulting. As the founder of Eisley Consulting, she provides acute psychiatric interventions, complex case management, crisis management, and consulting services to executives, families, treatment centers, and companies that wrap clinical services.

Zan holds a master’s degree in social work from New York University. Her mission is to help people overcome their mental health issues and achieve meaningful recovery.

Prior to 2003, Zan graduated from NYU with degrees in Film and Political Science. She worked as a screenwriter and producer on several films and as a Research Analyst on Hate Groups and Domestic Terrorism.

Jasmine McMeeking (she/her), AMFT

Jasmine McMeeking (she/her), AMFT, has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. Jasmine has provided therapy at community mental health and private practice internships since 2020. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys writing poetry and playing video games.

Dr. Stacy Cohen, Medical Doctor Board Certified in Addiction

Stacy Cohen, MD is a double board certified general and addiction psychiatrist, licensed in Nevada, New York and California. She completed her residency training at the University of Chicago and Rush University, where she was the chief of reproductive psychiatry, and her addiction fellowship at UCLA Medical Center.

Prior to founding The Moment, Dr. Cohen was the Medical Director of several large addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles area, which included all levels of care including detox, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment. She has been involved in community education regarding mental health treatment and has published medical literature on a variety of mental health topics. She currently holds a teaching faculty appointment at UCLA.

Dr. Cohen founded The Moment after feeling frustrated with the fragmentation of mental health care in the outpatient setting. She believes the best treatment comes from a collaborative approach. Thus, she created a community of top-notch mental health professionals working together in a shared space.

By approaching mental health issues from biological, psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives, Dr. Cohen creates the truly integrative approach necessary to build lasting recovery from complex conditions. She offers private sessions for medication management and/or psychotherapy as well as consultation and referral services to help determine the most appropriate recovery programs for you and your loved ones

Morgan J. Mallory, Esq.

Morgan J. Mallory, Esq., President of the Board of Directors for Friendly House, was invited to join the Board in 2010 by one of her personal heroes, the late Peggy Albrecht. Peggy was a cherished individual in the recovery community and beyond, and the person for whom Friendly House is now named. Inspired by Peggy’s vision that women’s recovery positively impacts the world, Morgan has dedicated 14 years to this remarkable organization, previously holding the positions of Secretary and Vice-President of the Board. Her upbringing instilled in her the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required”, which drives her commitment to helping others.

Morgan is a practicing attorney who has devoted her career thus far to public service, and currently serves as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Diplomatic History, with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Thereafter she matriculated to and graduated from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. While in law school, Morgan volunteered for many organizations and government entities including the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, The United States District Court, The California Court of Appeal, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

As a practicing attorney, Ms. Mallory worked as a volunteer prosecutor for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, and was a Staff Attorney for Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers where she represented indigent parents in Juvenile Dependency matters. She was responsible for defending parents charged with abuse and neglect where many of the charges involved serious allegations including infanticide. Ms. Mallory then went on to join the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. She has prosecuted misdemeanor and serious felony matters that include rape, other sex crimes, child abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence, child and elder abuse, child and elder sexual abuse, and gang related violent crimes and murder cases.

Morgan’s legal career and personal time have been marked by volunteering for, being of service to, and working with various legal, non profit and governmental organizations. She finds immense reward in seeking justice on behalf of victims and marginalized people. Morgan has received professional awards and currently serves on a number of boards for nonprofit and legal organizations, enjoys spending time with her family, and loves traveling around the world with her husband and child.

Dina LaPolt

Dina LaPolt, owner and founder of LaPolt Law, P.C., is an entertainment attorney and activist who has represented some of the world’s biggest music artists and other A-list talent. LaPolt Law is the only firm of its stature owned and operated by a sole female attorney.

Her activism has changed the lives of countless music creators, notably through her work to help pass the landmark copyright law, The Music Modernization Act as well as other legislative and policy initiatives that affect the rights of her clients including starting the second largest songwriter advocacy group in the United States called Songwriters of N. America (SONA). As a result of her activism in the Black community, Dina was a recipient of the Black Music Action Coalition’s Change Agent Award and she also serves on the organization’s Executive Leadership Council. Additionally, LaPolt serves on the boards of City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Group, the Friendly House, which is oldest recovery home for women in the U.S for where she also received the 2022 Visionary Award, and the Neil Lasher Music Fund — a non-profit that provides financial assistance for addiction and recovery treatment to those in the music business and where Dina was honored in 2023 with the Thomas J. Moran Caron Music Award at the 29th annual Caron New York Gala. Dina was also inducted into the Billboard’s Women in Music Hall of Fame in 2019, received The Recording Academy’s prestigious Service Award, and has been frequently named to many ‘best-of’ lists, including Billboard’s Power 100, The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Lawyers, Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report, Super Lawyers, and others. Dina became the First-Ever Billboard Top Music Lawyers’ Choice Award Winner in March 2024.

LaPolt is sober and has been in recovery since April 19, 1998.

Heather Benton

Heather A. Benton is an attorney and advocate. She has a passion for helping persons with substance abuse and mental health issues. Heather works for Disability Rights California as a Supervising Clients’ Rights Advocate/Supervising Attorney.

She has practiced in a variety of legal areas including dependency law, family law, workers’ compensation law, and most recently, disability rights and special education. Heather’s work includes starting a mental health team for Children’s Law Center and running a crisis and mental health program at her church, Bel Air Church (formely Bel Air Presbyterian Church). Heather earned her Juris Doctorate from The George Washington University Law School and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach.

She has been sober since May 14, 2012, and believes that sobriety is a gift. Heather hopes to help Friendly House expand their footprint and serve more women who are entering sobriety. When she’s not volunteering, Heather enjoys cooking, painting, and going to the beach.

Vivian Rubio

CADC II Intensive Outpatient Program Manager

Vivian Rubio is a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC II) who possesses extensive experience in addiction treatment. Her personal experience in recovery motivated her to pursue a career in addiction counseling, and she has excelled in her academic and professional pursuits. Vivian graduated with honors from Pierce College in 2018, and her expertise and knowledge in inpatient and outpatient treatment have earned her widespread recognition in the field. With six years of clinical experience in a specialized treatment center, Vivian has recently joined the team at Friendly House and is dedicated to making a difference in the community. Vivian’s strong passion for helping those struggling with addiction runs in her family – her identical twin sister also shares this devotion. Vivian continues to pursue her education at Antioch University Los Angeles to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. Vivian’s Beagle puppy, Flora, and her love for painting are also her passions.

Victoria Rubio

CATC-1 Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor

Victoria graduated Pierce College woodland hills in June of 2023 and is a certified addiction treatment counselor (CATC-1). Victoria has been working in the field of addiction since 2020 and came to Friendly House in September of 2021. Victoria is a current student at Antioch University working towards her B.A in liberal arts with an emphasis in psychology. She has been a guest lecturer at Pitzer college and Claremont McKenna college lecturing on transgender rights, affirmation and visibility. Her twin sister Vivian, Dog Sophie, physical fitness and transgender advocacy are her passions.

Christina Simos

Christina Simos is a leader, connector, and a disruptor to the status quo. As a student at Arizona State University in the 90’s, Christina founded Students Against Discrimination (S.A.D.). This group held the largest social justice rally on ASU’s campus and was responsible for creating social justice policies and changes that still stand today. She graduated with a BA in Journalism and was recognized by her alma mater and various organizations including the Lambda League for her work.

In June of 2005, Christina entered the Friendly House as a resident. There she was mentored by Friendly House’s former Executive Director Peggy Albrecht and quickly immersed herself in the recovery world. “Peggy mentored me, loved me and helped me be the woman I am today. I never left this house because it saved my life.” Over the last 17 years Christina has been the alumni coordinator, alumni president, secretary of their women’s AA meeting, helped produce various Grateful Hearts fundraisers and has remained a fixture in the recovery community. She currently is a Board of Directors member of the West Hollywood Recovery Center, LGBTQ+ Association of Mental Health Professionals, the National Association of Treatment Providers Board of Directors and is on the NAATP DEIB committee. Christina is also known for her singing and her love of dodgeball.

In 2013 Christina started working in treatment as a detox technician. Over the last decade she has held a variety of jobs, learning every aspect of the treatment industry from HR/compliance, management, admissions, marketing/business development to operations. As Director of Operations, one of her proudest achievements was helping a well-functioning recovery environment become a first-class treatment center through the creation of policies, acquiring licensures and ASAM certification, and ensuring that the staff was as inclusive and diverse as the population served.

In April of 2021, Christina returned home to the Friendly House to take on the role as Admissions and Business Development Manager. In January of 2022, she became the 4^th Executive Director of the Friendly house and is one of the few women of culture to hold an Executive level position in this industry.

Dr. Patrick Lockwood

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 ten 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 supportive 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 treatment industry. He is currently an adjunct professor at california lutheran university, teaching future clinicians about clinical skills, addiction, and research analysis. 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.”

Bonnie Parsons, RADT

Intake and Alumni Coordinator

Bonnie is the Intake and Alumni Coordinator at Friendly House. As Intake and Alumni Coordinator Bonnie is responsible for overseeing all areas related to Admissions and our Alumni aftercare program.

She has an extensive background in the medical field, having worked various different positions in healthcare facilities since 2006. She has been a Certified Nurse Assistant and a Mental Health Technician in Detox facilities, Psychiatric hospitals, Emergency rooms and Residential Treatment centers. Her own experience as a woman in recovery drives her passion to help other women find the same freedom she has found.

Liz Folie, LMFT

Clinical Director

Liz Folie, LMFT, has a B.A. in International Relations from The University of Southern California and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from USC’s Rossier School of Education. She did her post-graduate study at the renowned Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, working in both the adolescent and adult tracks. Liz has since worked in outpatient substance use and mental health treatment as a Group Facilitator, Individual Therapist, and Program Director. In 2020, Liz co-founded Academics Anonymous Supportive Housing, which assists students at The University of Southern California access recovery services. Liz has also served as a guest lecturer at USC on collegiate substance abuse and on leading group therapy sessions in a treatment setting. In her private practice, Liz currently sees adolescents, adults, and couples and specializes in substance abuse, Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder, and sexual identity discovery. Liz has interned with the well-known therapist and author Dr. Dan Siegel, helping him update the third edition of his foundational book on Interpersonal Neurobiology, The Developing Mind.

Brandy Ledford

As a sober woman committed to helping other women, I am proud to be a member of the Board of Directors at Friendly House. Having personally experienced the devastation of addiction, I am dedicated to ensuring that other women have access to the support and resources they need by using my voice and influence to make a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery. Being part of this special community is my way of giving back and making sure that no one has to face the challenges of addiction alone.

Christel A. Whittier, MBA

15 years in the financial services industry with Fidelity Investments. Research and analysis and helping clients achieve their financial goals. Director of Business Development for Digital Media startup FanRocket. Winning clients for online marketing tv like series/product placement. Board member and fundraiser for Boston Youth Moves, a pre-professional dance training program that produced dancers for Alvin Ailey Company and others.

Ryan Grady

I am a passionate advocate for women’s health and wellness. With a background in social work, I carry a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing women struggling with addiction. I am committed to providing the support and resources necessary for lasting recovery for the women of Friendly House.

Laury Martin

Martin first met friendly house in 2022 through Rika Broccoli. Influenced by Rika’s philanthropic passion towards women’s recovery, Martin was inspired to follow suit. Martin’s own family has battled addiction, some recovered, while others are still active and hopes to her sales, HR and business development acumen contributes to Friendly House’s mission and growth for another 70 years.

Rika Broccoli

Investor

My mission is to preserve Friendly model and expand its reach to make recovery accessible to women of all shapes, ages, and ability. I was very close to the late Executive Director, Peggy Albrecht, the major reason for my affiliation from 2011 to present. This position has chosen me, equipping my soul with a sense of duty to honor the founders and continue the mission. Women in need should have a safe place to go so that they may find a sense of purpose. Friendly House is a special model where women can get their lives back and become a proud member of society.

Monique St. Pierre

I have eleven years as a professional specializing in addiction treatment including more than seven years with Friendly House in various capacities including Operations Manager. I’ve been on both sides –– as a resident who achieved sobriety twelve years ago –– and as on-site leader who understands what it takes for our residents, regardless of their financial resources, to achieve their primary objective to get sober. I have seen and directly experienced the compassionate top-tier treatment that Friendly House has to offer to every individual who becomes part of our family. The long-term viability of Friendly House is an imperative to me. It is a distinct honor to be on the Board of Directors of such an exemplary organization.

Kaley Keefe, RADT

Director of Operations

Kaley is the Director of Operations at Friendly House managing the day to day functionality of the facility. A British native, and alumnus of Friendly House, she has a profound love and respect for the program and its mission. In 2014, Kaley began working in the field of recovery specializing in helping women suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. She has been a part of the Friendly House family as a resident, Grateful Heart, residential/detox technician, operations manager and now as Director of Operations.

Emily Grand, CADC II

SUD Counselor

Emily is a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC II). She has been working at the Friendly House since May 2021. She is passionate about working with those that identify as female and non-binary. Emily had her own struggle with addiction and began working in treatment in 2013 at Beit T’Shuvah where she helped develop their Extended Care Program. She spent two years working for The People Concern with the unhoused population. Her service work connected clients to social services programs, and provided education on harm reduction and medication assisted treatment (MAT). Emily is committed to social justice and activism. Punk rock and cats are also her passions.

Allegra Comas, ACSW, MA

Primary Therapist

Allegra is an Associate Clinical Social Worker. She earned her master’s in social work at Smith College in 2019, and her first master’s degree in women and gender studies from San Francisco State University in 2008. Allegra worked as a high school literacy specialist in the Bay Area for six years prior to becoming a clinical social worker/psychotherapist. She is a Los Angeles native, and has dedicated her professional life to community and family services. She is psychodynamically trained, trauma informed and emphasizes the intersection of culture, gender, and sexuality in her clinical practice.

Nina Firooz, LMFT

Clinical Supervisor

Nina Firooz (she/her) has been working in the recovery field for the last decade, and co-specializes in working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC adults. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology LGBT Specialization from Antioch University Los Angeles, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Florida. Nina began working with Friendly House in 2022. She supervises the MFT Associates and Drug & Alcohol Counselors, and provides in-service training for clinical, administrative, and support staff. She was previously the Clinical Director of La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center.

Rachel Scheerer, RADT

Admissions Manager

Rachel is the Admissions Manager at Friendly House and is responsible for overseeing all areas related to Admissions. She has been working in the field of mental health, trauma, and substance use since 2014. She has managed a detox facility and held a leadership role as a Recovery Technician for residential treatment facilities. She has gained a wealth of knowledge related to the needs of people who are recovering from substance abuse, and struggles with mental health. As our Admissions Manager she uses this knowledge to connect with women and provide a safe space to begin their healing. Her dedication has been fueled by starting her own journey in sobriety at 19. Having this personal experience, Rachel is able to understand the courage it takes to reach out for help.

Julie Yaeger, B.A. LS

Director of Operations

As an alumnus of Friendly House, Julie knows first-hand how critical quality treatment is in the process of recovery. In 2011, with the help of the Friendly House staff, the 12-step program of AA, the love of her partner, and the friends she made in the house, Julie was able to build a solid foundation in her own journey of sobriety. As an educator with 25 years of classroom experience, Julie has learned to face challenges and obstacles with grace and dignity. When she left the teaching profession, she was determined to find her next passion. Julie knew she wanted to work in the non-profit sector, and it had always been her dream to someday work at the place that had set her free. In 2018, the opportunity became available. Julie currently works as the Director of Operations.

Justine Gomez, RADT

Administrative Coordinator

Justine Gomez is the Administrative Coordinator at Friendly House. She is responsible for overseeing and managing all administrative duties. Justine began working in the field of recovery as a residential and detox technician in 2017. She has specialized in working with women who struggle with substance use disorder. As a woman of culture, who is in recovery herself, she brings her personal experience as well as prior professional experiences to the Friendly House family. She uses this experience to provide excellent care for each woman who steps through the doors, and to help Friendly House achieve its mission statement.

Sheryl Abrams, AMFT/CADC II

Program Director

Sheryl is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor with the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, CCAPP. She began working as a Substance Use Abuse Counselor at Pasadena Recovery Center in 2012 after overcoming her own struggle with addiction and quickly realized that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others find the same happiness she found through recovery. This motivated Sheryl to enter graduate school where she earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Addiction from Antioch University in 2020. Sheryl began working at Friendly House as a Substance Use Abuse Counselor in 2018 and has since taken on the role of Program Director. She is passionate about helping woman and their families overcome the disease of addiction and puts her heart and soul into accomplishing this goal.

Babette Ison

Realtor at Coldwell Banker

I had heard of the miraculous stories of sustained sobriety from a multitude of Peggy Albrecht Friendly House alumni for over 22 years. However, I began my personal association with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House about 9 years ago after losing both of my brothers to the disease of alcoholism and addiction. I began attending the weekly Thursday dinner and women’s meeting. I found a renewed sense of purpose and hope the more involved I became with women who were desperately seeking sobriety, as well as, a new way of living.

My goal is to use my existing professional and personal relationships to increase individual, corporate and community support to assist Peggy Albrecht Friendly House in their efforts to help as many women as possible find treatment and conquer the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Dia Parsons

Board Member

I’ve worked in the recovery field since 2007 and have also been the recipient of treatment services. I know how important it is to have access to good care by committed providers. Service is the foundation of my personal recovery. If not for those women who came before me I would not be the woman I am today. The Friendly House mission is so important and dear to my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity so serve and give back what was freely given to me.

Dr. Howard Samuels, PsyD

Founder & CEO The Hills Treatment Centers, Inc.

I have been clean and sober for 32 years from heroin and cocaine addiction. My dedication to recovery and my commitment to making sure that women are afforded a safe, non-judgmental space within which to transform their lives has led to me directly serving on the Board of Directors for Peggy Albrecht Friendly House; for it is only from this seat that I feel I have the opportunity to truly make a difference.

Mary Ann Murphy

Interior Designer

As a sober woman with over 21 years of sobriety I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the community.

Peggy Albrecht Friendly House is a perfect fit for me. Being the oldest woman’s rehabilitation facility in the world, I would love to see us grow and stand out among the big institutions out there.

Sydney Holland

Investor

As a sober person myself, I know how important it is to support our community and to give others the help I was given. Working with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House allows me to be of service for not just a cause but directly with women that I believe in.

Peter C. White, CFP

Senior Vice President, Investments for Morgan Stanley

I have been on the Board since 2000 and was Board President for 3 years. I got involved with the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House because some of my friends were involved with the house. Also, I learned more about Peggy Albrecht Friendly House when I was helping my sister seek recovery.

Wendy L. Slavkin

Attorney at Law Office of Wendy L. Slavkin

I have been involved with Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, in different capacities, for the past several years. Peggy Albrecht Friendly House’s historic mission, to help woman recover from the deadly disease of alcoholism and addiction, is extremely close to my heart. I am honored to be a part of this life changing and life-saving organization.

Cortney Shegerian

I came to learn about the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House through fellow board member Maryann Murphy. Peggy Albrecht Friendly House’s mission, to help woman recover from the tragic disease of alcoholism and addiction is something I have come to learn more about over the past year even though I have had friends who have devastatingly suffered from this disease. I am honored and grateful to be a part of this incredible organization and hope to carry on the life saving mission

Paul Moen

From personal experience to professional, I have been in the addiction treatment business for many years. I know first-hand we would not be where we are as an industry without the hard work of those who strive to serve.I have admired Friendly House and its mission to help women for a long time, and I want this organization to grow and thrive at this critical time, to continue to raise the standards in our industry. For me, there is no higher honor to serve on the board for such an outstanding organization.

Marcia Harrow

Emeritus Board Member

Marcia Harrow has offered Friendly House over 25 years of continued service as a volunteer and Board Member. We are proud to say that Marcia has now attained the status of Emeritus Board Member. We thank Marcia for her continued involvement, friendship and support of Friendly House.

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