Experienced, Compassionate, Committed
Experienced, Compassionate, Committed
Michael Lawler is President and CEO of Pinnacle Treatment Centers, a leading provider of SUD addiction services. He joined the Pinnacle team in September 2023 and continues his mission and values-driven approach to providing access to care for the broad population of patients in need.
Previously, Michael served as CEO of CHE Behavioral Health Services, where he spent 6 years as a seasoned operator, adding to his more than 30 years of healthcare experience. CHE provides both Psychological and Psychiatric services across a broad spectrum of care sites including physical operations at 1400 facilities and is a national outpatient telehealth provider of Psychiatry and Psychology services.
Michael began his career in healthcare at Apria Healthcare with 14 years of service, a national DME, home care and pharmacy services provider in a variety of operations and sales roles culminating as VP of Field Operations. He later moved to Alliance Healthcare Services, a national Medical Imaging and Medical/Radiation Oncology business where he spent 6 years as VP of Field Operations. He later became the COO of TwinMed, LLC for 7 years, a national medical supplies and services company.
Outside of Michael’s direct operational roles he has served on several healthcare and charitable boards. He continues to be extremely active with legislative activities at both the state and federal level.
Brian Thorn brings both management and legal experience to his role as Chief Operations Officer at Pinnacle Treatment Centers. Previously he served as COO of Foundations Recovery Network in Tennessee, where he not only oversaw day-to-day operations, but also was responsible for putting in place management teams for every area of the business. He has served similar roles at Elements Behavioral Health and Clarity Way. Before entering the healthcare field, Brian was an equity partner at the law firm of White Fleischner & Fino. He holds a BS from Rutgers University and a JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Kiran has led the ideation and development of a best-in-the-industry EMR system called PHASE. At Aegis Treatment Centers, he spearheaded the use of technology to improve patient outcomes, staff engagement, and drive efficiencies and savings in every area of the company’s operations. Kiran has 18 years of experience in enterprise software development and management. His roles prior to Aegis included Senior Architect at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he supported major credit card and payments transformation projects, and Technical Lead at California Department of Healthcare Services where he helped build the first HIPAA compliant claims adjudication system. Kiran received an M.B.A. from University of California Davis, an M.S. from New York University, and a B.S. from GITAM University in India. Kiran lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two children, and spends most of his free time hiking and biking with his family.
Will Dorris is a highly accomplished financial executive. With a career spanning various leadership roles in the financial sector, Will has impressively demonstrated his expertise and financial acumen.
His educational background includes undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, laying the foundation for his journey. He further solidified his financial skills with an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Before his current role, Will served as the Chief Financial Officer at Omni Ophthalmic Management Consultants in Iselin, New Jersey for over 2 years. His earlier positions include VP of Finance & Reimbursement at Lifeline Vascular Access, and a notable period at DaVita Kidney Care, where he drove financial improvements and operational excellence as Senior Director of Finance.
As a Group Finance Director, he managed a $1 billion operations group, leading financial planning, growth strategy, and investment initiatives. Will is known for his financial expertise and strategic leadership in driving positive results for organizations.
Dr. Dennis joined Pinnacle in 2024 from his previous position as Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Optum Home and Community where he spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance patient care, integrate advanced treatment methods, and strengthen community partnerships. He brings to Pinnacle a remarkable career built on enhancing patient care and outcomes. Dr. Dennis’s track record of leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing excellence in healthcare. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the Zicklin School of Business. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Carin Kottraba brings over two decades of distinguished experience in the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder fields, having earned dual Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Her extensive career spans both governmental and private sectors, where she has made significant contributions to behavioral health treatment and policy.
Dr. Kottraba is renowned for pioneering the development of the first inpatient treatment hospital for behavioral health on the grounds of a prison and operated by their staff, a groundbreaking initiative that achieved Joint Commission accreditation for Behavioral Health and licensing by the California Department of Public Health. Her innovative approach extends to the creation of several enhanced treatment programs for mental health and substance use disorders, which have garnered recognition from accrediting bodies. One of these programs was even mandated by legislation due to its exceptional patient outcomes.
In her most recent role, Dr. Kottraba has been at the forefront of implementing Medicaid expansion services in jails and establishing community linkages to support ongoing mental health and substance use disorder services. Her leadership continues to drive transformative changes in the field, enhancing both accessibility and quality of care for underserved populations.
Dr. Kottraba’s dedication to advancing mental health and substance use disorder treatment reflects her unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and shaping effective, compassionate care.
Dave is a human resources executive with more than 20 years of experience in Fortune 200, private equity, non-profit and international businesses across a wide range of healthcare organizations. His strong operational background has created a passion for closely aligning human capital efforts around the needs of an organization. In addition to a focus on individual and team development, he has helped to successfully build strong company cultures that help to attract and retain some of the best talent across industries. Dave holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He also is a co-active certified coach through the Coaches Training Institute and credentialed with the International Coach Federation.
Kelly Priegnitz joined Pinnacle Treatment Centers in October 2020. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Kelly served in legal and compliance leadership roles with Trilogy Health Services, Healogics, Kindred Healthcare and Sun Healthcare. In these positions, Kelly oversaw compliance and risk management in multiple areas of healthcare including, but not limited to, wound care, long-term acute care, skilled nursing, home health, hospice and pharmacy services.
Kelly is an accomplished leader, health care attorney and compliance expert with national experience in the areas of healthcare regulations, risk management, government investigations, corporate integrity agreements, operations, strategy, and enforcement. Kelly brings to Pinnacle the skills and philosophy that supports strategic business initiatives and management of day-to-day operations while also ensuring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science from Troy State University (now Troy University) in Alabama, and her Juris Doctorate from The University of Oklahoma’s College of Law.
Holly has worked in the addiction field for more than 25 years, primarily in managing opioid treatment programs (OTPs) throughout the Midwest and on the East coast. As president of Pinnacle’s OTP Division, Holly oversees staff and operations of 100+ outpatient centers in seven states. Holly is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and earned a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of St. Francis in Illinois. Holly was instrumental in opening Pinnacle’s first OTPs in Kentucky and Virginia. She also assisted in the formation of the Kentucky Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, serving as President, and is a delegate to the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) Board of Directors.
Dr. Chris Yadron, Ph.D., LCPC, CADC, brings extensive leadership experience to Pinnacle Treatment Centers, having led institutions like Wellbridge Addiction Treatment & Research, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and Rosecrance Health Network. With a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision and a Master’s degree in Counseling, he’s well-equipped to advance the field of addiction treatment. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Dr. Yadron is dedicated to enhancing behavioral health through speaking engagements and professional development initiatives.
Daniel Brown, DO, ABPM-ADM currently serves as the Midwest Corporate Medical Director for Pinnacle Treatment Centers. He joined the Pinnacle team in May 2020 to continue his mission of providing compassionate care to patients suffering from substance use disorders. Dr. Brown works with the medical teams in the Midwest to continue providing quality, evidence-based care for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Prior to joining Pinnacle, Dr. Brown served as Chief Medical Officer of Meridian HealthCare in Ohio. After graduating from Western Reserve Care System Family Medicine Residency program, he started a private practice in Youngstown, Ohio. In 2006, Dr. Brown began working with patients at a local treatment facility and after seeing the immediate impact treatment had on patients and their families, transitioned full-time to a career in addiction medicine. He served as a Clinical Advisor to the Maternal Opioid Medical Support (MOMS) initiative in Ohio and in 2016, he received the Eagle Award for Leadership from the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board for his work on addressing the overdose crisis in their community. He is board-certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in the subspecialty of Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Brown has presented at numerous conferences and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Community Medicine at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. He continues to work with several residency programs in Ohio to provide Addiction Medicine education for the next generation of physicians.
Rebecca’s journey in substance abuse and mental health began with a deep-seated commitment to supporting those battling addiction, sparked by the loss of a close friend to overdose in junior high. With over 15 years of experience at Pinnacle (and Aegis), she has honed her skills in operational management, clinical oversight, and staff supervision. Since August 2020, Rebecca has served as the Regional Vice President for the Northwest region, overseeing operations across 22 locations.
Starting as a Counselor, Rebecca progressed through various leadership roles, including Executive Director and Regional Director. During her tenure, she led initiatives to expand clinic capacities, facilitate mergers, and collaborate with local authorities for community welfare. In addition to her professional roles, Rebecca actively engages with community organizations, advocating for mental health awareness and social well-being.
Rebecca earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy from National University La Jolla and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Child Development from CSU, Stanislaus. Her practical expertise and steadfast dedication continue to drive positive change in addiction treatment and mental health advocacy.
Chris assumed the role of Regional Vice President at Pinnacle Treatment Centers in 2020, where he directs operations for the southwest territory of the OTP Division. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Chris served as the head of operations for Aegis Treatment Centers, California’s largest opioid treatment provider. He has successfully led strategic growth initiatives, including de novo expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and the development of internal programs. Before his tenure at Pinnacle/Aegis, Chris engaged in public health research, collaborating with local Los Angeles hospitals and UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Program. A proud member of the Pinnacle family, Chris is committed to improving the well-being of communities and empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.
Chris holds an Executive M.B.A. from Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles, an M.P.H. from California State University, Northridge, and a B.S. from the University of California, Irvine.
Chris began his healthcare journey nearly three decades ago within a hospital setting in New York. In 2001, he transitioned to a part-time role as a Counselor at an Opioid Treatment Program in South Amboy, NJ, where he discovered his true calling. Recognizing his passion, Chris became a full-time administrator at the same program in 2002.
Joining Pinnacle in 2011 as the Executive Director of a newly established site in Middletown, NJ, Chris marked a significant milestone in his career trajectory. Over the years, Chris’s dedication and commitment have led to his current position of Regional Vice President, a role he considers himself fortunate to hold.
Each day, he finds fulfillment in helping people overcome the challenges of addiction, living out his passion to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Michael Lawler is President and CEO of Pinnacle Treatment Centers, a leading provider of SUD addiction services. He joined the Pinnacle team in September 2023 and continues his mission and values-driven approach to providing access to care for the broad population of patients in need.
Previously, Michael served as CEO of CHE Behavioral Health Services, where he spent 6 years as a seasoned operator, adding to his more than 30 years of healthcare experience. CHE provides both Psychological and Psychiatric services across a broad spectrum of care sites including physical operations at 1400 facilities and is a national outpatient telehealth provider of Psychiatry and Psychology services.
Michael began his career in healthcare at Apria Healthcare with 14 years of service, a national DME, home care and pharmacy services provider in a variety of operations and sales roles culminating as VP of Field Operations. He later moved to Alliance Healthcare Services, a national Medical Imaging and Medical/Radiation Oncology business where he spent 6 years as VP of Field Operations. He later became the COO of TwinMed, LLC for 7 years, a national medical supplies and services company.
Outside of Michael’s direct operational roles he has served on several healthcare and charitable boards. He continues to be extremely active with legislative activities at both the state and federal level.
Brian Thorn brings both management and legal experience to his role as Chief Operations Officer at Pinnacle Treatment Centers. Previously he served as COO of Foundations Recovery Network in Tennessee, where he not only oversaw day-to-day operations, but also was responsible for putting in place management teams for every area of the business. He has served similar roles at Elements Behavioral Health and Clarity Way. Before entering the healthcare field, Brian was an equity partner at the law firm of White Fleischner & Fino. He holds a BS from Rutgers University and a JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Kiran has led the ideation and development of a best-in-the-industry EMR system called PHASE. At Aegis Treatment Centers, he spearheaded the use of technology to improve patient outcomes, staff engagement, and drive efficiencies and savings in every area of the company’s operations. Kiran has 18 years of experience in enterprise software development and management. His roles prior to Aegis included Senior Architect at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he supported major credit card and payments transformation projects, and Technical Lead at California Department of Healthcare Services where he helped build the first HIPAA compliant claims adjudication system. Kiran received an M.B.A. from University of California Davis, an M.S. from New York University, and a B.S. from GITAM University in India. Kiran lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two children, and spends most of his free time hiking and biking with his family.
Will Dorris is a highly accomplished financial executive. With a career spanning various leadership roles in the financial sector, Will has impressively demonstrated his expertise and financial acumen.
His educational background includes undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, laying the foundation for his journey. He further solidified his financial skills with an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Before his current role, Will served as the Chief Financial Officer at Omni Ophthalmic Management Consultants in Iselin, New Jersey for over 2 years. His earlier positions include VP of Finance & Reimbursement at Lifeline Vascular Access, and a notable period at DaVita Kidney Care, where he drove financial improvements and operational excellence as Senior Director of Finance.
As a Group Finance Director, he managed a $1 billion operations group, leading financial planning, growth strategy, and investment initiatives. Will is known for his financial expertise and strategic leadership in driving positive results for organizations.
Dr. Dennis joined Pinnacle in 2024 from his previous position as Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Optum Home and Community where he spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance patient care, integrate advanced treatment methods, and strengthen community partnerships. He brings to Pinnacle a remarkable career built on enhancing patient care and outcomes. Dr. Dennis’s track record of leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing excellence in healthcare. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the Zicklin School of Business. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Carin Kottraba brings over two decades of distinguished experience in the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder fields, having earned dual Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Her extensive career spans both governmental and private sectors, where she has made significant contributions to behavioral health treatment and policy.
Dr. Kottraba is renowned for pioneering the development of the first inpatient treatment hospital for behavioral health on the grounds of a prison and operated by their staff, a groundbreaking initiative that achieved Joint Commission accreditation for Behavioral Health and licensing by the California Department of Public Health. Her innovative approach extends to the creation of several enhanced treatment programs for mental health and substance use disorders, which have garnered recognition from accrediting bodies. One of these programs was even mandated by legislation due to its exceptional patient outcomes.
In her most recent role, Dr. Kottraba has been at the forefront of implementing Medicaid expansion services in jails and establishing community linkages to support ongoing mental health and substance use disorder services. Her leadership continues to drive transformative changes in the field, enhancing both accessibility and quality of care for underserved populations.
Dr. Kottraba’s dedication to advancing mental health and substance use disorder treatment reflects her unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and shaping effective, compassionate care.
Dave is a human resources executive with more than 20 years of experience in Fortune 200, private equity, non-profit and international businesses across a wide range of healthcare organizations. His strong operational background has created a passion for closely aligning human capital efforts around the needs of an organization. In addition to a focus on individual and team development, he has helped to successfully build strong company cultures that help to attract and retain some of the best talent across industries. Dave holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He also is a co-active certified coach through the Coaches Training Institute and credentialed with the International Coach Federation.
Kelly Priegnitz joined Pinnacle Treatment Centers in October 2020. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Kelly served in legal and compliance leadership roles with Trilogy Health Services, Healogics, Kindred Healthcare and Sun Healthcare. In these positions, Kelly oversaw compliance and risk management in multiple areas of healthcare including, but not limited to, wound care, long-term acute care, skilled nursing, home health, hospice and pharmacy services.
Kelly is an accomplished leader, health care attorney and compliance expert with national experience in the areas of healthcare regulations, risk management, government investigations, corporate integrity agreements, operations, strategy, and enforcement. Kelly brings to Pinnacle the skills and philosophy that supports strategic business initiatives and management of day-to-day operations while also ensuring compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science from Troy State University (now Troy University) in Alabama, and her Juris Doctorate from The University of Oklahoma’s College of Law.
Holly has worked in the addiction field for more than 25 years, primarily in managing opioid treatment programs (OTPs) throughout the Midwest and on the East coast. As president of Pinnacle’s OTP Division, Holly oversees staff and operations of 100+ outpatient centers in seven states. Holly is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and earned a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of St. Francis in Illinois. Holly was instrumental in opening Pinnacle’s first OTPs in Kentucky and Virginia. She also assisted in the formation of the Kentucky Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, serving as President, and is a delegate to the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) Board of Directors.
Dr. Chris Yadron, Ph.D., LCPC, CADC, brings extensive leadership experience to Pinnacle Treatment Centers, having led institutions like Wellbridge Addiction Treatment & Research, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and Rosecrance Health Network. With a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision and a Master’s degree in Counseling, he’s well-equipped to advance the field of addiction treatment. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Dr. Yadron is dedicated to enhancing behavioral health through speaking engagements and professional development initiatives.
Daniel Brown, DO, ABPM-ADM currently serves as the Midwest Corporate Medical Director for Pinnacle Treatment Centers. He joined the Pinnacle team in May 2020 to continue his mission of providing compassionate care to patients suffering from substance use disorders. Dr. Brown works with the medical teams in the Midwest to continue providing quality, evidence-based care for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Prior to joining Pinnacle, Dr. Brown served as Chief Medical Officer of Meridian HealthCare in Ohio. After graduating from Western Reserve Care System Family Medicine Residency program, he started a private practice in Youngstown, Ohio. In 2006, Dr. Brown began working with patients at a local treatment facility and after seeing the immediate impact treatment had on patients and their families, transitioned full-time to a career in addiction medicine. He served as a Clinical Advisor to the Maternal Opioid Medical Support (MOMS) initiative in Ohio and in 2016, he received the Eagle Award for Leadership from the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board for his work on addressing the overdose crisis in their community. He is board-certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in the subspecialty of Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Brown has presented at numerous conferences and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Community Medicine at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. He continues to work with several residency programs in Ohio to provide Addiction Medicine education for the next generation of physicians.
Rebecca’s journey in substance abuse and mental health began with a deep-seated commitment to supporting those battling addiction, sparked by the loss of a close friend to overdose in junior high. With over 15 years of experience at Pinnacle (and Aegis), she has honed her skills in operational management, clinical oversight, and staff supervision. Since August 2020, Rebecca has served as the Regional Vice President for the Northwest region, overseeing operations across 22 locations.
Starting as a Counselor, Rebecca progressed through various leadership roles, including Executive Director and Regional Director. During her tenure, she led initiatives to expand clinic capacities, facilitate mergers, and collaborate with local authorities for community welfare. In addition to her professional roles, Rebecca actively engages with community organizations, advocating for mental health awareness and social well-being.
Rebecca earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy from National University La Jolla and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Child Development from CSU, Stanislaus. Her practical expertise and steadfast dedication continue to drive positive change in addiction treatment and mental health advocacy.
Chris assumed the role of Regional Vice President at Pinnacle Treatment Centers in 2020, where he directs operations for the southwest territory of the OTP Division. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Chris served as the head of operations for Aegis Treatment Centers, California’s largest opioid treatment provider. He has successfully led strategic growth initiatives, including de novo expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and the development of internal programs. Before his tenure at Pinnacle/Aegis, Chris engaged in public health research, collaborating with local Los Angeles hospitals and UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Program. A proud member of the Pinnacle family, Chris is committed to improving the well-being of communities and empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.
Chris holds an Executive M.B.A. from Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles, an M.P.H. from California State University, Northridge, and a B.S. from the University of California, Irvine.
Chris began his healthcare journey nearly three decades ago within a hospital setting in New York. In 2001, he transitioned to a part-time role as a Counselor at an Opioid Treatment Program in South Amboy, NJ, where he discovered his true calling. Recognizing his passion, Chris became a full-time administrator at the same program in 2002.
Joining Pinnacle in 2011 as the Executive Director of a newly established site in Middletown, NJ, Chris marked a significant milestone in his career trajectory. Over the years, Chris’s dedication and commitment have led to his current position of Regional Vice President, a role he considers himself fortunate to hold.
Each day, he finds fulfillment in helping people overcome the challenges of addiction, living out his passion to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
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