Author: Fernando Saavedra, M.Sc Addiction Studies

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Sophie Stein received her master’s of science in nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She previously worked as an advanced practice registered nurse at an outpatient psychiatric practice providing mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. She performed patient evaluations and medication management, including using pharmacogenetic testing to guide her treatment plans. Sophie is passionate about helping those struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders, and she believes that providing those individuals and their loved ones with thorough, accurate educational resources is essential. 

Emily Guarnotta holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and has a special interest in treating and spreading awareness on drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions. She has clinical experience working with dual diagnosis clients in residential and outpatient settings, older adults in nursing homes, and clients with severe mental illness.

Emily also works in private practice with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and significant life changes.

Lauren Brande has dedicated her life to psychological research.

She started off her career with a scholarship from the Western Psychological Association for her undergraduate work in perceptual processing. In 2014, she achieved her master of arts in psychology from Boston University, harnessing a particular interest in the effects that drugs and trauma have on the functioning brain.

She believes that all research should be accessible and digestible, and her passion fuels her desire to share important scientific findings to improve rehabilitation.

Leah Walker is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has over 20 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, and has a clinical focus in family relations, substance abuse, and trauma.

Leah has worked in several treatment settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and in-home therapy, both as a therapist and a clinical supervisor. She currently serves as a Director of adult outpatient services in a community health center.

Stacy Mosel is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, and substance abuse specialist.

After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Music from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she continued her studies at New York University, earning a Master's of Social Work degree in 2002. She has extensive training in child and family therapy, and in the identification and treatment of substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Currently, she is focusing on writing in the fields of mental health and addictions, drawing on her prior experience as an Employee Assistance Program counselor and as the Assistant Director of a child and family services agency.