The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center Team

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.

Jennell Maze is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her MSW from the University of Southern California. Her career has granted her the opportunity to promote well-being for individuals, families, and communities. With over 18 years of experience, she has provided comprehensive outpatient, residential, and community-based services. Her therapeutic practice has focused on trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, relationship dynamics, personality disorders, substance use, and various addictions, with extensive knowledge of co-occurring conditions. Her interventions are anchored in resilience and strength-based models, fostering hope and opportunity.

Jennell’s training and certifications include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Crisis-Oriented Services, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and Polyvagal-informed approaches. Additionally, she collaborates with the Polyvagal Institute to support The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center, making it the first in the U.S. to complete the Polyvagal Institute Organizational Program and earn the designation of Polyvagal Informed.

Jennell also worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work for nearly ten years, teaching courses in Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Her approach to service is driven by ensuring a sense of belonging and connection, leading to countless opportunities to support individuals and families on their paths to recovery, acceptance, and change.

Stacy Cohen, MD, is a double-board certified general and addiction psychiatrist, licensed in both New York and California and based in Los Angeles. She completed her residency training at the University of Chicago and Rush University and her fellowship at UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Cohen has served as medical director of several large addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles area, which included all levels of care: detox, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment. In addition to her work in addiction and general psychiatry, Dr. Cohen specializes in working with peripartum/women’s issues and LGBTQ patients.

Dr. Cohen has and continues to be involved in community education regarding mental health treatment and has published medical literature on a variety of mental health topics including Addiction in the Older Patient and Managing Unipolar Depression During Pregnancy. Dr. Cohen serves as a Clinical Advisory Board Member of Backline, a mental health organization for musicians, and was an accolade keynoted speaker at the National Alliance on Mental Health.

Les Aria, Ph.D., is a pain psychologist who has been practicing for the past 17 years with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Northern California, and he served as the Lead Pain Psychologist for Kaiser Northern California to help redesign the chronic pain workshop curriculum to incorporate modern pain science, mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Les specializes in treating psychophysiological disorders/persistent pain and medically unexplained problems. He is also part of the Opioid Safety Program (OSP) at Kaiser to help patients who struggle with opioid dependency and chronic pain to compassionately taper off their opioids. His passion for mind-body interventions promotes a unique style to help patients relate differently to their suffering, and thereby shift them into pain recovery and wellness.

Michelle graduated with a BA in Science and a double major in Policy Studies from UCLA in 2000. Although she was recruited through UCLA athletics, she focused on her studies and social work. 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.

Morgan Stiles earned her Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. Morgan has experience working with children and adults of all ages in private practice and has worked in residential treatment programs for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues for the past five years. Morgan uses her personal experiences with recovery to meet clients with compassion and provide a nuanced level of understanding that promotes an environment for change and a meaningful treatment experience.

Humanistic to the core, Morgan’s approach to clinical care centers around love and acceptance promotes a sense of safety within the therapeutic process. Morgan frequently utilizes interventions such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy for individuals facing various challenges such as sobriety, anxiety and other mood-related disorders, and chronic pain. Morgan enjoys spending time in nature and developing a weekly ecotherapy hiking group that promotes connection to self, others, and the natural environment; she also co-facilitates our weekly DBT Surf group with our primary surf therapist. In her free time, you can find Morgan spending time with her family and dogs, Blue and Clyde.

Judy Ho, Ph.D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board-certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and a published author, most recently penning “Stop Self-Sabotage,” published by HarperCollins in August 2019; a book detailing a scientifically-driven six-step program which has been translated into seven additional languages around the world. Dr. Judy maintains a private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA, where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and expert witness work. She regularly appears as an expert psychologist on television, podcasts, and radio, and contributes to other media including print and electronic periodicals. She is a co-host of the syndicated daytime television talk show “The Doctors,” co-host of CBS’s “Face the Truth,” and host of The SuperCharged Life podcast produced by Stage 29 Podcast Productions.

Dr. Judy Ho is an avid researcher and is a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award. She hosts an active research program to improve mental health care for high-need populations and is the chair of the Institutional Review Board at Pepperdine University. Her treatment approach integrates the scientific principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She often speaks at national and local events including research, clinical, and corporate conferences and workshops for organizations and schools.

Dr. Judy received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from UC Berkeley and her master’s and doctorate from SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She completed a National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored fellowship at UCLA’s Semel Institute.

Samantha Johnson, AMFT, holds a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Biola University. With over four years of experience, she has worked with children, teens, couples, and families in the Los Angeles foster care system. She has also worked with teens in residential care who have experienced complex trauma. Recently, she focused on treating anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma-related issues in a community-based mental health clinic.

Samantha’s therapeutic approach leans towards relational psychodynamic therapy, targeting cyclical maladaptive patterns and utilizing the co-created dynamic between client and therapist to explore new ways of relating to oneself and others. Her practice emphasizes emotional attunement, creating a supportive environment for healing. She believes in the transformative power of a holistic therapeutic approach to facilitate growth and positive change, and is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care to those she serves.

Whitney Nuhn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 9 years of experience partnering with adults, families, and couples facing mental health struggles relating to trauma, addiction, and spiritual issues. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wheaton College, IL, and received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller in Pasadena, California. Her experience in addiction spans the spectrum from working with incarcerated and homeless populations to holistic concierge rehab facilities.

She has a special interest in the clinical treatment of Personality Disorders within the addiction treatment context, utilizing the science of attachment. She focuses on forming a strong therapeutic relationship with patients through the psychodynamic therapeutic approach. Together, they explore patients’ core conflictual relationship themes and how this impacts their addictive behaviors.

Additionally, Whitney is an EMDR practitioner and a Level II Certified practitioner in Restoration Therapy. Traumatic events can create harsh and unsafe core messages about the self. During the session, Whitney works with patients to identify their “Pain Cycle.” In dismantling unhelpful core messages, clients have the opportunity to internalize new, more adaptive messages about themselves and create a “Peace Cycle.”

Whitney identified herself as an insatiable learner, keeping up to date on academic psychology. She is currently involved in research publishing with professors at Pepperdine University.

In her free time, Whitney enjoys time with her church community, backpacking with her husband and dog, and running half-marathons.

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.

Patrick holds a BA in Psychology from Cal State University, Channel Islands, and an MA degree in Clinical Counseling from Concordia University in Irvine. Patrick is currently credentialed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II, CATC-III). Patrick’s approach focuses on identifying and uprooting the narrative, or story, that underlies dysfunctional thinking and behavior. Because these painful stories have a traumatic origin, he uses interventions aimed at helping clients to finish processing these deep wounds, allowing them to find their best possible story as a result. Patrick is trained as an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, which is a powerful tool in the treatment of trauma.

Because of his history of depression and substance abuse, he is well-acquainted with the mindsets that accompany them, as well as what is necessary to fully vanquish them. Patrick takes great pleasure in helping people find the inspiration to “reinvent” themselves so that things like depression, anxiety, regret, and addiction no longer belong in their story and are replaced instead by gratitude, peace of mind, and abiding joy.

Sam holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Santa Cruz and completed his Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California with a specialization in adult mental-health and wellness. He is currently credentialed as an Associate Clinical Social Worker and trained in EMDR and trauma-informed care.

Sam draws from existential, behavioral, and psychodynamic approaches to treatment to foster a safe and trusting relationship where clients can explore new ways of thinking and being in the world through recovery. His work focuses on identifying maladaptive beliefs, resolving unconscious conflicts, and is anchored in the belief that all people deserve and are capable of living meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Sam has experience working with children and adults of all ages as a primary therapist in crisis residential programs, intensive outpatient treatment centers, and private practice.

Ben is an Associate Clinical Social Worker and is proud to have worked in the mental health field since 2016. Having worked with a wide range of individuals, families, and communities, Ben is committed to providing care through a decolonial framework. Ben’s therapeutic approach is informed by various interventions which include Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Surf Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. He provides Polyvagal informed, client-centered and strength-based care to ensure that everyone’s route to wellness is both dynamic and unique to the individual. He is passionate about surfing, hiking, and meditation, integrating elements of ecotherapy and mindfulness throughout his care.

Jeff is a certified addiction counselor who specializes in working with individuals and families coping with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Jeff received a BA from Arizona State University and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADAC) from Sober College School of Addiction Studies in Los Angeles. Jeff holds a graduate certificate in systemic family counseling, and he is working on a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Jeff has worked as a case manager for residential treatment and intensive outpatient throughout the Los Angeles area. He has a passion for helping others and devotes time to working with the Los Angeles homeless population and the recovery community at large. He utilizes a compassionate and comprehensive mind-body-spirit perspective with an emphasis on evidence-based practices. Jeff graduated from The Pointe in 2020 and blends his own experience in treatment and recovery with his wide range of clinical skills. His hobbies include fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness practices.

Chanel has 12 years of experience and is a seasoned instructor in meditation, yoga, and breathwork, as well as a certified Reiki master. Her expertise extends to training in mental health first aid, crisis intervention, and life coaching. Chanel’s deep-seated journey into yoga, meditation, and spirituality began at a very early age, igniting a profound passion for studying these ancient philosophies. She excels in making these spiritual practices accessible and applicable in our modern Western lifestyles.

Michael Allison is the developer of The Play Zone, a unique application of Polyvagal Theory to optimize health, resilience and performance. He is a contributing author for Psychology Today with his own platform, The Pressure Paradox where he explores the physiological, psychological and social paradoxes that underlie the challenges of performing in a culture of competition, evaluation and rapid, unpredictable change. Allison is an educational partner with Polyvagal Institute, a Polyvagal Performance Consultant for organizations, executives, coaches, teams, athletes & creatives, and provides a variety of courses and Polyvagal-informed Certificate Programs accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches, and endorsed by Stephen W. Porges Ph.D., developer of Polyvagal Theory. Allison has certified hundreds of professionals around the globe as Play Zone Pros© , applying his methodology to a
wide variety of disciplines including sports, business, leadership, healthcare and the performing arts.

Internationally recognized breathing/movement, somatic trauma work specialist, and best-selling author, Betsy Polatin, MFA, SEP, AmSAT, has been teaching for more than forty-five years. She was a master lecturer and an assistant professor at Boston University College of Fine Arts for twenty-five years. Her background includes many years of movement education and performance, as well as training in the Alexander Technique, music, dance, yoga, meditation, trauma resolution, and the broader healing arts. Her work is greatly influenced by the teachings of spiritual and meditation masters.

Betsy leads international training where she presents her unique and revolutionary fusion of ideas: scientific knowledge combined with ancient wisdom and intuitive human creativity. A sample of her teaching experience includes: Berklee College of Music, Touch and Movement in Trauma Therapy for PESI, Kripalu, The Embodiment Conference, Tanglewood Music Festival, Opera Institute of Boston, Psychotherapy Networker, Performing Arts Medicine Association, U.S. Association for Body Psychotherapy, and Yoga Conferences in the US and abroad. Since 2016, she has been co-teaching ongoing traveling workshops themed “Trauma and the Performing Artist” and “Trauma in the Public Eye” with Peter A. Levine, PhD. She also teaches “Returning to Ourselves, the Wisdom of Trauma” with Dr. Gabor Maté.

Betsy is the author of the best-sellers HUMANUAL, an Epic Journey to Your Expanded Self, and The Actor’s Secret. As a well-known educator, she has published numerous articles in the Huffington Post. She maintains a private practice in Los Angeles and online internationally and offers training/non-training courses.

Bat El is a certified massage therapist who’s trained in a variety of modalities: Qualified Massage therapist in Oncology massage, Burn & scar massage, and compassionate healing touch. All are approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork(NCBTMB). She values people who bring integrity, professionalism, and compassion to all aspects of care. Bat El is compassionate about healing and believes in respect, dignity, and quality care at all times.

She wants her clients to feel better! It sounds simple, and for some, it may be. Massage therapy may be needed to relieve the stress and tension that day-to-day life brings. Strain and pressure can cause havoc on the body’s muscles and structure. Bat El’s goal is to help each client form an individualized and balanced treatment plan, based on their particular needs.

Bridget serves as our Admissions Director here at The Pointe Malibu. She is driven by a passion for helping people battling addiction and mental health issues. She is truly dedicated to assisting others discover their path to recovery.

Bridget brings with her a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and wisdom. She uses her personal experiences in recovery to connect with clients and their loved ones seeking support throughout the treatment process.

Renai has worked in the health and wellness industry since 2009, and has been at The Pointe Malibu since 2017, where she now functions as the Program Manager. Renai works closely with the clinical team and assists with administrative needs to ensure a positive and productive programming experience for each client. Always looking to bolster her educational prowess, Renai has received education in Insurance Utilization Administration and Clinical Documentation Compliance since joining The Pointe. A Malibu native, Renai is proud to serve her community while working in the wellness and recovery field.

Salvatore Savo is a Resident Advisor at The Pointe Malibu, providing logistical and emotional support to clients as they progress through recovery. Sal received his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College in Economics and Philosophy before earning his Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University. Sal has served as a writer for the USA Network’s Emmy-Award-winning show “Monk” and received an Emmy nomination for his work on the Discovery TV game show “Cash Cab.” He has also written for Fox’s hit game shows “Spin the Wheel” and “Mental Samurai.”

Shardonaye is currently studying for her Bachelor’s Degree at Arizona State University. She studied abroad at the University of London, Birkbeck, and has an Associate’s Degree from Moorpark College. Her positive energy is pivotal to creating safe, welcoming spaces for clients throughout their treatment experience. In her free time, you can find her reading on the beach, watching spooky movies with her dog, or writing her next novel.

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Miles is a dedicated and compassionate resident advisor. He brings a deep commitment to helping individuals on their journey of self discovery. Having overcome personal challenges related to addiction, Miles understands the struggles that residents face and offers unwavering support, empathy, and guidance.

As a resident advisor, Miles plays a pivotal role in the healing process, providing support and being a beacon of hope for those on the path to recovery. His dedication to helping individuals rediscover their potential and build a brighter future is truly inspiring. Miles is well versed in the principles of recovery. Outside of work, Miles is a creative soul. Delving into the arts, he spends his time creating art through mixed media and writing music.