
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
Chris made his start with The Pointe Malibu during our first year of business in 2008, working as a volunteer after relocating to Malibu from Northern California.
Having extensive experience contributing to his family’s business in the assisted-living healthcare field and inspired by his natural ability to connect with those suffering from addiction and guiding them into recovery, Chris made the decision to make a career change and permanently join the team at The Pointe Malibu in 2009.
Chris furthered his studies at Loyola Marymount, completing the coursework in Substance Use Disorders in 2012.
As Chief Operating Officer, Chris has been able to assist in helping build and oversee all areas of operations and management at each of our locations.
Chris contributes as a member of our Executive and Ownership Committee and as our longest-standing employee is a connection to almost all of our Alumni!
Jennell Maze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her MSW at the University of Southern California. Her professional career has granted her the chance to be involved in promoting wellbeing as it relates to individuals, families, and communities. She has provided more than 18 years of comprehensive outpatient, residential, and field based services. Her therapeutic practice has been focused on trauma, mood, anxiety, relationship dynamics, personality disorders, substance use, various addictions, as well as an extensive knowledge of co-occurring conditions. Her interventions are anchored in resilience and strengths based models, which foster hope and opportunity.
Her training and certifications include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, as well as Crisis-Oriented Services.
Jennell has also worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck for nearly ten years, teaching courses in Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Her approach to being of service is driven by ensuring one feels a sense of belonging and connection. This collective approach has led to countless opportunities to witness and support individuals and families on their path to recovery, acceptance, and change.
Michelle graduated with a BA in Science and double major in Policy Studies at UCLA in 2000. Although she was recruited through UCLA athletics, she focused on her studies and social works. It was through her Policy studies that she fell in love with social work and realized that working with people was her passion. From tutoring inner city Latino kids in a second language, to volunteering at MS clinics, to walking the streets of ground zero, she knew that being hands-on was her calling. These days, Michelle remains very active as being involved in health and wellness is what keeps her anchored.
Mel Pohl, MD, DFASAM is the Senior Medical Consultant of the Pain Recovery Program at The Pointe Malibu. Dr. Mel was a major force in developing 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.