Why does our staff care so much? It’s because many of them have been in your shoes. Many of our staff are in recovery and know firsthand the joy you will experience when you break your dependence on drugs and alcohol.
I am in recovery myself and was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and returned to Toledo late in my 20’s. I jumped headfirst into sobriety and recovery, and the progress I have seen at the Ohio facilities keeps me coming back every day, eager to do more and help more people. The difference between Ohio Detox Center and a lot of other detox facilities is our abstinence-based program. We believe abstinence and participation in a recovery support system, like the 12-step model, will provide results. The other thing that stands out about our facility is our philosophy to help everyone that calls us to find the right resources. If we cannot accommodate potential clients, we will try our hardest to find a place for them within another facility or organization. Success in recovery is very much about accountability. Every individual is responsible for holding themselves accountable, but we also make sure that they know that we expect them to be held accountable to us as well.
Josh Dressel is a Co-Founder at Ohio Detox Center. He strives everyday to make Ohio Detox Center the best environment possible for growth and recovery.
I oversee the daily operations of all our inpatient facilities. I manage the staff, make sure client care is at a premium, and ensure the overall upkeep of the facilities and staff is at the highest level.
I’m passionate about giving back to clients like me. I got sober on June 10th, 2015. I was addicted to heroin, crack-cocaine, and alcohol for 14 and a half years. I was constantly in and out of jail and never able to stay sober. I found recovery through treatment. Since I got clean, I have been able to turn my life around from homelessness to success and happiness. I want to help others like me overcome their addictions, see that life can be better, and realize that there is no reason to stay hopeless.
My favorite part of the job is seeing clients who come in broken and hopeless start to show signs of life and hope while in our care. The turnaround you see in a client from detox to completion of our 30-day inpatient program is rewarding.
What sets Midwest Centers apart from other treatment centers is the culture, the cleanliness of our facilities, and the relatability between clients and staff. Many staff are recovering addicts themselves and understand what clients are going through. This is not the same with other facilities. The overall love and caring culture for the clients stands out.
I understand each and every client’s situation and am never too busy to have a conversation and assist. I have a passion for taking away as much pain as possible for every individual that enters our facilities, hoping they never have to go back to what got them in the doors in the first place. I never forget where I came from, and never look down on another individual struggling.
Justin Ochmanek is the Director of Operations for Midwest Centers. He attended West Virginia Tech Business and oversees the daily operations of all inpatient facilities.
I have been working at Midwest Centers since September 2023, and I am located at the Central Ave location in Toledo, OH. I have experience in the mental health and substance use fields, working with children and adults in inpatient, outpatient, and forensic settings. I specifically enjoy working with those who are involved with the criminal justice system.
I like helping people develop new skills and view the world in a different way. As Regional Clinical Director, I want to work with the staff to provide high-quality, evidenced-based services to those we serve, while identifying and developing opportunities for employees’ professional development.
My passion for the field is driven by being of service to others, both clients and staff. My colleagues are always willing to collaborate and develop ideas for the staff and clients. Working and innovating with a multidisciplinary team has been very fulfilling.
Jeremy Miller is the Regional Clinical Director at Midwest Centers. He is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor (LISW-S), Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor – Clinical Supervisor (LICDC-CS), and a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW – Michigan). He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland in 2009, and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 2014.
I have been working at Midwest Centers since August 2023. I have over 27 years of experience working with individuals who have mental health and addiction issues in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, skilled nursing, long-term care, home care, hospice, administration, and private practice. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and elder adults treating depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, OCD, ADHD, substance use and addiction, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, dementia, and more.
My goal for the position is to make sure the quality of our services is the best it can be. The most rewarding parts of my position are helping clients on the path to recovery and seeing staff grow in their professional development.
Dr. Valerie S. Brandal is the Quality Assurance Manager at Midwest Centers. She received a PsyD. From California Southern University in 2013, a MSW from Western Michigan University in 2005, and a BA from Cornerstone University in 1994. Brandal holds an LMSW in Michigan and an LISW-S in Ohio.