The Rise in Fentanyl Overdoses
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to shake up the world, one of the many ripple effects is the rise in fentanyl overdoses. The thing is
Jennell Maze, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an MSW from the University of Southern California, brings 20 years of experience in fostering well-being and connection. With a focus on creating spaces for individuals, families, and communities to heal and grow, Jennell has offered support across outpatient, residential, and community-based settings. Her approach is grounded in resilience and strength-based practices, guiding people toward hope and transformation.
Skilled in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Crisis-Oriented Services, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and Polyvagal-informed approaches, Jennell is a leader in Holistic Care. She played a key role in supporting The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center to become the first in the nation to complete the Polyvagal Institute Organizational Program and earn a Polyvagal Informed designation.
As a former Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California, Jennell taught courses on human behavior and the social environment. Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering belonging and connection, supporting individuals and families on their paths to recovery, self-acceptance, and lasting change.
Mel Pohl, MD, DFASAM is the Senior Medical Consultant for the Pain Recovery Program at The Pointe Malibu. Dr. Mel was a major force in developing the Las Vegas Recovery Center’s Chronic Pain Recovery Program. He is a Family Practitioner, certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM), and is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
He is the author of A Day without Pain, revised edition (Central Recovery Press, 2011) and The Pain Antidote – Stop Suffering from Chronic Pain, Avoid Addiction to Painkillers, and Reclaim Your Life (DaCapo, 2015). Dr. Mel filmed a show for PBS on chronic pain, which aired around the country in 2016.
Art is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and SMART Recovery Facilitator. He began his education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Sociology and Economics. Art earned his Juris Doctor degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York City. He graduated from law school cum laude and was employed as a commercial litigator at the New York office of a large international law firm. After moving to Malibu, Art earned a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling, which was awarded with distinction by the University of California in Los Angeles. Art leads the 12 Step and SMART Recovery groups at The Pointe Malibu and works closely with clients to develop holistic continuing care plans that help ensure long-term freedom from addiction.