Medical

Ed Gogek, M.D. is a board-certified Psychiatrist who has worked in Prescott for several years. His background in addiction Psychiatry includes a fellowship in chemical dependency and in several programs with homeless alcoholics and addicts, and experience in treating sexual addictions and eating disorders.

Michael W. Carlton, MD - Consulting Addictionologist
As the CEO and Founder of Phoenix Recovery, Dr. Carlton has admitting privileges at all the major Phoenix-based hospitals and can provide detox services when needed. As a physician certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Carlton has the knowledge to diagnose and treat specific problems and to medically manage addictive disorders.
As Medical Director of several Phoenix area treatment centers, he has medically managed over 25,000 individuals withdrawing from drugs and alcohol. Dr. Carlton completed his four-year dual residency training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and two years of a specialty fellowship in Medical and Industrial Toxicology. He has over a decade of experience in the treatment of addiction. He has given educational lectures and seminars throughout the Southwest. Dr. Carlton has published numerous articles and has extensive knowledge in the fields of Addiction, Toxicology, and Medicine.

Dr. Robert Upchurch - Dr. Robert Upchurch is a licensed Naturopathic Physician. He graduated in 1986 from John Bastyr University with a degree in Naturopathic Medicine and has practiced in Arizona for the past 16 years. He has a general practice but specializes in using natural hormones.

Michelle Dereschuk, Ph.D, LP, CMFT - Consulting Psychologist

Dr. Jim Nugent - l2·Step Workshops, Retreats and House Manager Training

Sally Kinsley - Medication Support Staff

Antonio Fernandez - Clinical Supervisor

Directors:

Jody Pegram - Executive Director
Jody entered into the recovery field in the late nineties. Fueled by personal experience and a commitment to serve, Mr. Pegram worked his way from the ground up. He has been formally trained at Hazelden as well as the Professional training association. His creative and precedent-setting approach have made him a sought-after member of the national recovery community. Beginning with Stebanger homes in Palm Beach, Florida. He was integral in the development of C.A.R.E in Southern Florida and appointed associate director/founder in 1999. His insight and creative ability have earned him positions at multiple facilities in a broad range of capacities. Notably as director of Coral Reef Counseling, Executive Director of Addiction Management and Consultant/therapist at Blackwater outdoor experiences where he was responsible for developing and instituting their extended care treatment planning. Here at A Sober Way Home he brings this considerable body of work experience along with an authenticity and uncanny ability to express his passion for recovery to our staff and clients. Mr. Pegram is a welcomed addition and we feel blessed to have him on board.

Pete Stewart - Operation Director
Pete is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day to day logistics as well as providing and maintaining a safe, consistent and appropriate residential environment for A Sober Way Home clients. His attention to detail, strong leadership skills and ability to effectively communicate his experience, strength and hope have made him a valuable and respected member of our team.

Debra Lewis, M.S., LPC (TX) - Program Director - Debra holds a Master’s degree in professional counseling from Texas A & M Commerce and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from SMU. She is licensed as an LPC in the state of Texas and is pursuing her LPC reciprocity with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Licensing. She has been in the counseling field for 14 years. Her focus has been chemical dependency and mental health issues with an emphasis on co-occurring disorders. Debra uniquely blends the 12-step concepts of recovery with the psychological components necessary for her clients to maintain abstinence while establishing a supportive recovery plan. Her goal is help her clients to first stabilize both physically and emotionally and then to integrate a healthy body, mind, and spirit for long term sobriety.

Therapists

Albert A. Padilla M.Ed. RAS - Albert is a Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS) with a Bachelor in Human Services from California State University Fullerton, and a Master’s in Counseling from Northern Arizona University. Albert has over ten years experience working in the substance abuse field and is currently obtaining his PhD from Capella University.

James O. Thomas, LISAC (Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor) - AZ Board of Behavioral Health, Ordained Minister, Provides assessment services to local courts.

Sandy Valdez, RN, B.A. - Art Therapist, Ordained Minister, Working Master's degree in Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy

Office Staff

Kimberly Joiner - Bookkeeping

Jenny Colclasure - Receptionist

Residential Staff:

Marilyn Nugent - Marilyn Nugent is our Residential Manager for the women. Marilyn raised eight children, and has been a successful member of Alanon for 27 years. Marilyn has managed her own recovery program with over 10 houses and over 100 residents.

Zeke Worden - Men's House Manager

Matt Neidich - Men's House Manager

Lori Lombardo - Women's House Manager

Kelly Spalding - Women's House Manager

Jon Wetgrove - Airport Pickup