We are a team of individuals who for many of us, have experienced our own trials and tribulations with addiction in the past.   What we know and have learned over these years, is what we want to share with those coming into our program.  Giving back to them, what has been given to us.  Over these years, we have grown.  We have received an education on a professional level, with degrees in a variety of fields that directly aide in helping those with addiction. We know that...........

......... often times addicts will blame others for the situation they are in today. While this is not uncommon, often times the one thing that has led them to take that first drink or drug, is something that has caused them pain, embarrassment, shame, fear, low self esteem, remorse, and so on. While the initial reasons may be justifiable to most, the use of drugs and alcohol become a valuable tool to the individual – it numbs the pain; it lessens the embarrassment; it takes the shame away; etc. At least for that moment, but what they have learned is a way to forget – temporarily. As time goes by, this tool becomes even more valuable for dealing with every unpleasant thing in their life, right down to – being fired from their job – breakdown of family relationships – physical pain – etc. It’s a behavior that has become their way of thinking.

Some may be suffering from anger issues, stemming from an earlier traumatic experience in life. Some may have been suffering from severe depression for years in which drugs and alcohol have been their coping mechanism. Some may have even lived in an abusive relationship and find comfort in drugs or alcohol to help them forget the pain they live through day after day. 

Whatever the underlying problems are, real, justifiable or other, their addiction has become a behavior – something they learned and something they can change. We help the individual get their lives back by addressing their immediate needs, their issues, their behavior.

Individuals come to the Cedars to “learn to change the behavior that controls them and their addiction”.

As owner/operator's:

Rick and Kate both, have experienced the devastation of addiction - the worst case scenerio of what addiction can do.  Rick lost his father through suicide - a man who could no longer deal with his pain.  Kate lost 2 husbands - one who drank himself to death and another who died through suicide - due to alcoholism.  Their experience has led them to opening a center that looks at the why of addiction - not only for the addict, but for the family as well.  The center gets to the root of the addiction and starts there, with the healing process. 

Our staff:

Judy Kalar, MSCJA, LBSW, CAC-R, CCS-R, ICADC, ICCS - Program Director

Judy is an experienced group and  individual substance abuse therapist and Clinical Supervisor, working in the field for over 26 years.  Her experience not only includes substance abuse services, but nursing supervision, child protection and domestic violence community coordination.  She has been an active member of the Tribal Law Enforcement Multidisciplinary Team, working directly with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI and Tribal Law Enforcement Officers on major child abuse cases.  She holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelors Degree in Community Development, specializing in Health Services. Judy also holds certification as an MRT Instructor.  On a personal level Judy has been in recovery from substance abuse for the past 29 years, has spent over 10 years as a CPM evaluator for MCBAP and has been a Certified Addiction Counselor since 1987. 

Julie Ramsey, MA, CAAC, ICAADC - Primary Therapist

Julie has worked within and around the field of substance abuse for nearly 30 years.  Through her own recovery, she has provided services as a Substance Abuse Counselor, an Employee Assistance Representative with General Motors, and a Probation Officer.  Julie has her Masters degree in Counseling Education with a Community Agency focus and has received her graduate certificate from Western Michigan University's Speciality Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA).  She is a member of the American Counseling Association and Michigan Counseling Association.

Candi Hargis, RN - Director of Nursing

As Director of Nursing, Candi brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the center.  With a degree from Kellogg Community College and Associates degree in Allied Health from Miller College, Candi has worked in the substance abuse field for over 6 years, having focused primarily in detox and addiction. 

Jack Chambers, Jr. - Traditional/Spiritual Healer

Jack is recognized throughout the Native American culture as a Spiritual Healer and brings his knowledge and experience to those seeking a higher level of spirituality to their recovery.  Jack helps those individuals recognize their own higher power and to get in touch with themselves and who they really are as individuals.  His teachings are amazing and something that can only be realized through their personal experience with Jack.  In recovery himself for over 25 years, Jack knows and feels where they have been and helps the indiviudual see themself in a new way. 

Steve Lewis - Traditional Healer/Native American Program Director

Steve comes from a long history of our ancestors teachings and healings.  His leading residents in the sweat lodge has opened the eyes and hearts of our residents in finding themselves and connecting with their own spirit to free themselves of addiction and regain control of their lives.  Steve is highly recognized among the Native American culture and respected for his traditional methods. 

We welcome all, native and non-native, to participate in our program and finding their own methods of healing and recovery from addiction.

Rehab Centers
In Manistee, MI

http://www.drugstrategies.com