Our Sana Lake staff works around the clock to ensure that patients are receiving the full amount of assistance they need to overcome their disorder. Our psychiatrists and clinicians assess the severity of the condition a patient is in. They then work to create a plan that best suits what the patient requires, whether it is inpatient or outpatient service. Once admitted into the program, our medical professionals begin the detoxification process that will ultimately lead the patient to other treatment programs.
Our nursing staff is trained to manage all medications prescribed to patients while in the facility. We have EMDR trained therapists that use eye movement techniques to reduce the severity of emotionally charged memories. Also present at the facility are individual and family therapists that focus directly on the patient and their families in order to help all parties involved understand why the disorder occurred. All of these professionals strive to meet the needs and goals of each patient that is admitted into our facility here at Sana Lake.
Paul Melnuk has led and directed many public and private companies over a distinguished 40 year career. For the past 18 years, Paul has been an active and successful principal investor in a number of private companies covering a variety of industries.
In 2016, he founded and serves as Chairman and CEO of a highly successful and rapidly growing 70-bed addiction and mental health recovery center in Canada. Previously, Paul served as Chairman of a 126-bed addiction and chemical dependency treatment center in the Mid-West. Paul is deeply passionate about recovery and gives of himself in a variety of ways to help individuals and their families experience the miracle of their own personal recovery
Visionary leader bringing 20 years of experience in both professional and life experience in the field of Substance Use Disorder. Has Co-Founded the area's leading provider of Recovery Supportive Services to both the recovery community and those family members affected by substance use disorder. Continuously establishing operational optimization across diverse business modalities in both local and statewide operations with the goal of removing barriers to the recovery process while supporting access to treatment. Recognized for talents in communication development and providing industry vision. Converts strategic plans into tactical reality through guiding others in vision, establishing themselves as viable businesses and contributing members of society. Helps to diversify the working population in Missouri using the Recovery Community Hiring Pool, Treatment Housing providers, Community Action programs, and a grounded network within the industry. Co-Implements new programs and initiates successful processes to produce new modalities that holistically treat individuals with a substance use disorder. Offers innovative solutions to real challenges and leverages decisiveness to implement solutions while minimizing risk and maximizing performance. Expert in transforming strategic plans into tactical initiatives for local, state and national programs. Motivator and coach combining business with analytical communication to align operational efficiencies with treatment and recovery vision goals. Robert is a person in long term recovery and has dedicated his personal and professional life to supporting others in finding the recovery path that leads them to the gratitude that he shares for a life free from addiction.
Chad is also a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder and due to his unique experience as a prosecutor and former heroin addict, he left the legal field to pursue drug policy reform advocacy. He helped form The Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery (Mo Network) in 2013. Since its formation Mo Network has helped to write, advocate, and pass numerous pieces of legislation in Missouri; first responder access to narcan, third party and OTC access to narcan, 911 Good Samaritan Immunity in Missouri, and access to medication assisted treatment in treatment, veterans, mental health, and family court.
Stacy Glenn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her BSW from, what is now, Missouri State University in Springfield and her MSW from St. Louis University. The emphasis of both her education and career has been family. Her first job out of school was working with adolescents and families in a comprehensive mental health facility in northwest Arkansas. During this time, she was instrumental in developing the dual diagnosis program for that organization. This is where her drive to work with individuals with substance use disorders began. Her next career decision was a move to a certified substance use treatment program serving under and un-insured populations. She remained with this agency for 17 years carrying the titles of therapist, family services coordinator, clinical supervisor, program director, interventionist and VP of substance use services. Also, within this timeframe, she was an active member of the Missouri Cadre for Co-Occurring Excellence, and acted as the change agent for her agency in becoming more co-occurring capable, and presented at MIMH Spring Institute on how to effectively facilitate change in existing programs. Whereas she worked to bring substance use treatment into a mental health facility, she now was bringing mental health into addiction treatment programs. Stacy continues to be dedicated to being part of systems that work to help people who are struggling with incredibly complex and often, stigmatizing issues. That is why she jumped at the opportunity to be part of the development of Sana Lake Recovery Center, where she has the role of Clinical Director.
David Sherman, MD is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (FASAM) and board certified in Addiction Medicine with the American Board of Preventive Medicine. He is a native Missourian and graduated medical school at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. Dr. Sherman completed a two-year fellowship in Addiction Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He leads a highly trained staff of master level certified addiction professionals. Men and women from all over Missouri and the United States come to Sana Lake Recovery Center to get the care they need and deserve.
Christine currently serves as the director of nursing at Sana Lake Recovery Center. Her philosophies are rooted in holistic treatment, advocacy for members, evidence-based practice and accessibility. On a professional and personal level, she has seen the current treatment system perpetually fail and works diligently to ensure that Sana Lake Recovery Center continues to innovate the field of substance use treatment.
I am a graduate of the University of Colorado with specialized training in traumatic stress and addiction. As a therapist I believe that symptoms resulting from stressful life experiences can be treated using validated scientific interventions. Addiction can often accompany traumatic stress. In an effort to cope, individuals frequently find themselves trapped by the comforting yet costly effects of addictive behaviors.
Liz Barton has over 20 years of experience working in the healthcare, substance use, and mental health industry. She joined Sana Lake Recovery Center in 2019 after many years working for a National Treatment Program in a local, regional, and national outreach and management role helping individuals and their families struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Liz’s work included helping First Responders and Veterans and she facilitated as National Administrator of First Responder Services while running the National Share the Load Hotline for First Responders, Veterans, and their families. Liz also is active in legislation at the state and federal level for First Responders.
Liz is a passionate, dedicated, and results driven individual who enjoys training and overseeing outreach teams as well she is passionate and knowledgeable in helping connect individuals and their families to substance use treatment.
Liz resides in Hillsboro, Missouri with her husband and daughter and in her free time enjoys spending time on the softball field coaching.
Lisa Lappin received her psychology and sociology degree from the University of Missouri Columbia and has 20 years experience in the field of mental health and has her masters degree in organizational development. She has served on several state and local boards including the President of the St. Louis ATD chapter. Lisa has worked closely with first responders to bring them metal health and crisis training.
As Director of Admissions and a member in recovery, Eric understands the amount of courage that it takes to ask for help. Eric has been helping individuals spread the message of “Hope” for over three years, and continues to provide inspiration to others, by sharing his experience, strength, and hope!
Tyler currently serves as the residential coordinator for Sana Lake Recovery Center. As the manager of all of Sana Lake's Member Care Specialists, Tyler takes a "Members First" approach with his staff and residents. Tyler works to ensure every detail is attended to and no members need goes unnoticed. On personal level, Tyler has loved family and friends that have experienced a Substance Use Disorder and therefore takes great personal pride in serving the members and families of members Sana Lake serves. Tyler believes that aiding someone in their path to recovery begins with treating our members and families with the utmost dignity and respect.
My name is Jakob Miller. I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist and the New Alumni Director at Sana Lake Recovery Center and Sana Lake Behavioral Wellness Centers. I have been a Peer Specialist for a little over a year now and was a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at Bridgeway Behavioral Health prior to coming to Sana Lake Recovery Center. I am a person in recovery and find guidance in my Twelve Step Program.
Coming to Sana Lake was an easy choice for me because the Philosophy of care is member first and the ability to meet members where they are in their journey. I live by the Philosophy to “Always be better today than yesterday” and this is what I teach our members too. I want members to be action focused, feel understood, and know they are not alone in their recovery journey. I will not only be there for them at Sana Lake but throughout their recovery journey in life. I invite members to join me when transitioning care to my home groups, help them get to meetings, go out to dinner with them, and am just there for them whenever they would need me.
I also find joy in being a member of our family-based programming and helping families understand not only addiction but recovery. Most families do not know what the other side of active use is and that all members of the family can grow from this experience. I teach against enabling and co-dependency and I encourage families to not only be involved in our family programming but to get help for themselves also.
Outside of Sana Lake and spending time with the members and their families I love spending time with my 4 year old daughter.
Our Team
More About Our Treatment Team
Clinical staff (Doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, CNAs) – Will ensure a medically safe and comfortable environment for withdrawal management, and general physical and mental health.
Therapists (Licensed professional counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) – Will bring years of education, training, and experience working with individuals and families struggling with substance use, mental illness, and trauma.
Substance Use Counselors (Certified by the state of Missouri) – Will lead the team of professionals to get you started on your recovery journey, with a focus on distorted thinking, triggers, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention.
Community Support Specialists (Recognized by the state of Missouri) – Will secure your next step in treatment by assisting in the development of a transition plan, as well as, help you maneuver your way through society by finding resources or helping with issues related to the community.
Peer Support Specialists (Certified by the state of Missouri) – Will offer hope, connection with others, guidance, and a sense of belonging, as well as, motivation to continue treatment and ongoing recovery.
Member Care Specialists (Behavioral health technicians) – Will provide safety, support, camaraderie, and direction to help make the treatment experience a little easier.
Wellness staff (Wellness Director, Certified Wellness Coaches, Spiritual Guide, Nutritionist, Exercise Trainer, etc.) – Will offer education and resources needed to improve mind, body, and spirit. These team members will introduce you to, and give you the ability to practice techniques used worldwide to improve personal health and well-being.
Additional Staff
Our staff doesn’t just include the physicians and specialists here at the facility. We have nutritionists that help plan the meals that patients are served on a daily basis. There are wellness instructors that provide structured workouts and scheduled activities for patients to participate in; some of these include yoga instructors and acupuncturists. There is even a spiritual mentor trained to help patients open up to other beliefs and ideas and help them on their own journey to their form of spirituality.
We are always trying to improve our facilities and programs, so we have partnered up with Washington University’s School of Social Work to hire interns from the program. Through this, these interns are able to experience what a real treatment center atmosphere feels like. We encourage these students to learn from our faculty as well as provide modern ideas in order to continue to develop our outreach to a younger population.
Our Dittmer team strives to serve and educate not only the Missouri community but individuals across the nation, as well. If you believe you or a loved one needs more information on substance misuse recovery, please contact us today!
Take the First Step Today.
Our compassionate, trained treatment specialists are available around the clock to answer any questions you might have.
