Leading Recovery and Rehabilitation Experts

Mick is the founder of Primal Recovery Melbourne, a centre that redefines what recovery should look like in an era when mainstream wellness has lost its edge. Instead of candles, fluff, or surface-level “relaxation,” Mick built Primal Recovery as a space where recovery is treated like training: intense, effective, and absolutely essential. The centre combines ice baths, saunas (steam and infrared), red light therapy, vibration training, compression boots, and contrast therapy into structured systems designed to do one thing — deliver results. What sets Mick apart is his philosophy. He isn’t another coach pushing buzzwords or a clinic hiding behind white coats. He’s a straight-talking operator who believes recovery must tackle the root causes of fatigue, and pain — not just paper over the symptoms. Mick’s perspective comes from experience across multiple domains. With a background in bodybuilding, construction, psychology, natural health modalities, and music, he knows firsthand how the body and mind respond to stress, overload, and adversity. He has seen the toll that inflammation, poor circulation, shallow breathing, and nervous system fatigue can take on performance — not only for fighters, but also for everyday people trying to survive high-pressure lives. At Primal Recovery, he channels this knowledge into recovery protocols that mimic what the human body evolved for: cycles of heat and cold, stress and rest, exertion and recalibration. An athlete stepping into the Ctrl + Alt + Del protocol — vibration plate → sauna → ice bath → sauna → ice bath → red light therapy → compression boots — experiences a complete reset of circulation, inflammation, and mental state. It’s not theory, it’s not placebo — it’s physiology applied with precision. Beyond the tools, Mick has become a voice on the importance of nervous system regulation in trauma recovery, stress resilience, and performance. He is outspoken about how mainstream health systems often chase quick symptom relief while ignoring the underlying dysfunctions. For him, modalities like ice baths, breathwork, red light therapy, and contrast cycles are not gimmicks — they’re gateways to genuine adaptation and healing. Mick continues to push a movement that’s bigger than a single centre. It’s about proving that recovery, done properly, is not soft, indulgent, or optional — it’s the hard, primal reset that keeps people sharp, unbreakable, and ready for whatever fight life throws at them.

Amanda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has worked in the field of chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders since 2011. She incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness based practices. Amanda prioritizes building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients. She strives to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and understood. By building a strong alliance, clients can gain a greater sense of self-awareness, develop coping skills, and work towards achieving their therapeutic goals. Amanda received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies from Antioch University in 2016. She received her MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2018.

Ikon Recovery is a passion-driven recovery center I’ve been developing over the course of several years. It was inspired by my own recovery journey and what I found lacking in the typical program. My personal experiences and encounters with the challenges of addiction have shaped my commitment to building a recovery program that goes beyond conventional approaches. One that goes beyond the typical “must fit in this box” methods at the average treatment center. One that helps as many people as possible. I have a unique vision for Ikon Recovery that creates a memorable experience you can appreciate and cherish. With my background in Social Science and my experience leading a 130+ person team in my family business, community-building is in my DNA. I know that what my team and I have designed will help many alcohol and substance use disorder sufferers long after formal treatment has ended. We’re not here to pressure you into doing it “our way” but we are here to guide you. For your own health and safety, your struggle with addiction has to be addressed – but you don’t have to dread the process. At Ikon, we will enjoy the recovery process together. We will embark on a journey that allows you to shed the weight of past burdens, nurturing a profound transformation within. Welcome to Ikon Recovery. Let’s pursue greatness together.

Elizabeth Rubin, MD is a board-certified physician with advanced fellowship training in Medical Simulation, specializing in education, patient safety, and systems innovation. She currently practices at a Level I Trauma Center in Los Angeles, California, where she cares for critically ill and injured patients. She also serves on the clinical oversight team at The Embers Treatment, a drug & alcohol treatment center in Arizona. Dr. Rubin earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and went on to pursue a fellowship in Medical Simulation at the University of Chicago / NorthShore University HealthSystem. Her professional interests include simulation-based education, quality improvement, patient safety, and developing innovative approaches to emergency medical training. Through her work, she strives to improve both clinician performance and patient outcomes in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.

Dr. Mariam Zakhary is an accomplished physician specializing in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, graduating summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology, and went on to complete her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. Following a traditional rotating internship at CarePoint Health, she pursued her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she also completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship. She is double board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Sports Medicine, reflecting her deep commitment to both patient care and academic excellence. Throughout her career at Mount Sinai, Dr. Zakhary has taken on leadership roles that merge clinical innovation with compassionate, patient-centered care. She currently serves as Medical Director of Rehabilitation and Human Performance and leads the Women’s Sports Program, where she has built a truly collaborative model for caring for female athletes. She also directs the Sports Medicine Fellowship program, mentoring future physicians while advancing research on athlete health and chronic illness recovery. Beyond her hospital work, she lends her expertise to organizations such as USA Fencing, International Sumo, and RedBull Human Performance, where she helps athletes optimize performance and recovery. She also serves as a Clinical Advisor for Ikon Recovery Center, a drug and alcohol treatment facility in New Jersey, where she finds it deeply rewarding to use her gifts to support individuals on their journey of healing and recovery. Whether treating Olympic athletes or underserved patients at local clinics, Dr. Zakhary brings the same dedication, empathy, and vision—using medicine not just to heal, but to empower.

Dr. Brian Honeyman, MD, PhD, is a board-certified physician in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine, with a career spanning clinical leadership, medical education, and translational research. He currently serves as a Clinical Advisor at iRely Recovery, where he helps guide compassionate, evidence-based approaches to patient care and recovery. Dr. Honeyman most recently served as Chief of Palliative Medicine for Care New England Medical Group, advancing holistic and patient-centered models of serious illness care. In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Honeyman is a dedicated educator and former Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University, where he mentored medical students, residents, and interdisciplinary learners. A graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine MD/PhD program, his doctoral research explored the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer, with publications in PLOS One and Chemistry & Biology.

As the Chief Operating Officer at Ocean Recovery, my journey here is deeply personal and academically grounded. I am an alumnus of the program myself, which allows me to truly understand the challenges and triumphs our clients and their families face throughout treatment. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, I bring a holistic approach to addressing Addiction, Trauma, and Eating Disorders. Over the past nine years, I have grown from a support role into a leadership position, a journey that reflects my dedication and the trust I’ve built within our community. My passion lies in helping others rediscover joy in recovery, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to contribute to the transformative journeys of our clients.

Dr. Edmond Hakimi, D.O., is a highly renowned dual-board-certified Internal Medicine physician with fellowship training in Addiction Medicine from Brigham and Women’s Hospital -Harvard Medical School. He specializes in treating patients with severe substance-use disorders and concurrent psychiatric diagnoses, while conducting clinical research to develop novel treatments for these disorders. As Wellbridge’s Medical Director, Dr. Hakimi’s goal is to provide exceptional care to those with substance-use disorders and wrap-around services, including Medication for Addiction Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University, in New York, with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Hakimi earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

April obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College in Boston, MA. She has over 7 years of experience in the field of behavioral health including working in acute-care psychiatric hospitals, post-acute mental health treatment centers (PHP, IOP, OP), substance use treatment centers (detox, residential, IOP, MAT, OTC), non-profit organizations, skilled nursing facilities, and private practice. Her diverse professional experience allows her to specialize in a wide range of mental health concerns including, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, and substance use. She utilizes a wide range of therapeutic modalities including Mindfulness, Relaxation/Meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, and Psychoeducation. Her holistic approach encourages a multidimensional view on wellness, understanding that a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health are all interconnected. She believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship and leading with empathy aides in cultivating a safe environment for change. April loves to travel and explore new cultures with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys sports, live music, hiking, plants, and being surrounded by nature. She finds that practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation perpetuates her journey of personal growth. April truly enjoys connecting with people and has a passion for helping others.

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, M.S.P.H, M.D. is a physician, clinical scientist, and associate professor dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical health solutions. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, Dr. Bryant is recognized for her contributions to perioperative outcomes research, preventive medicine, and quality-of-life improvement. She currently serves as a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Maryland. She completed her medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Emory University, with additional training in epidemiology and public health. Her research has been featured at major national and international conferences, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Bryant’s expertise spans functional medicine, AI-driven healthcare algorithms, and national clinical data registry research. She is passionate about combining evidence-based medicine with real-world wellness strategies to improve patient outcomes and preventive care. In addition to her academic work, she has written for Rupa Health, where she shares insights on how readers can live healthier, more vibrant lives.

Experienced Educational Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Educational Assessment, group and individual support. Certificate in Special Education focused in communication disorders and masters in educational counseling from Oranim College of Education.

Aliya B. Pasik, MS, PA-C is an addiction medicine clinician at the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine and author of The Sobriety Manual. She teaches a practical, ADHD-friendly journaling method that helps people separate the sober self from the urge voice and make the next right choice in under 10 minutes. Her focus is shame-free, realistic recovery for patients and families. Available for expert commentary, interviews, and bylines.

Jacqui is a Certified Well-Being Ambassador (CWBA), Certified Life Coach (CLC), Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) and the Co-Founder and CEO of Premier Wellness of South Florida. with over 13 years of dedicated experience in the mental health field. Driven by a passion for transforming lives, she focuses on advancing mental health care for those facing persistent mental health challenges. Through her establishment of Premier Wellness of South Florida, a network of Supportive Living Homes and a range of supportive services, Jacqui creates nurturing environments that empower individuals to build self-esteem and discover their purpose. Her commitment to reducing recidivism from jails and institutions while cultivating meaningful connections ensures that those she serves feel genuinely heard and supported, even when navigating life's ups and downs.

J’accompagne avec bienveillance celles et ceux qui font face à une dépendance, en les aidant à se reconnecter à eux-mêmes et à retrouver un équilibre de vie. Je détiens un baccalauréat en sociologie (UQAM) ainsi qu’un certificat en intervention en dépendances (UdeM). J’accompagne non seulement les personnes aux prises avec des comportements addictifs, mais aussi celles qui vivent de la codépendance ainsi que les proches de personnes ayant une dépendance.

Innovative and successful Physician, Research Coordinator, and Medical Writer; with 10+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, medical research, psychology, and education field. Nicolette holds a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), recently graduating from Nova Southeastern University, a B.A. in English Literature, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Miami. Throughout her medical school and undergraduate studies Nicolette was involved in the medical research and writing field. Her prior experiences include patient care, grant writing, medical writing, and research management.

Co-founded online retailers Recovery For Athletes, Renewable Outdoors, and Electric Boarding Company. Oversees all marketing and growth initiatives. Achieved over $75 million in net sales between the three companies by the age of 28. Has a Bachelor's degree focused in Advertising from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Former professional tennis player.

After serving as Clinical Director for over two and a half years, Stephanie shifted her focus to outpatient care and currently serves as the Executive Director for Epiphany Wellness Centers. She is enthusiastic about this new chapter and looks forward to leveraging her expertise and decade-long experience in the field. Additionally, she holds an LCSW in Pennsylvania and currently maintains an LSW in New Jersey. Stephanie has progressed from an RSS to an Executive Director in the substance abuse field, achieving significant growth and accumulating extensive knowledge along the way. Through her roles, she has successfully managed large teams and imparted valuable leadership skills to others.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Owner of Quiet Water Counseling. I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Certified, and have extensive experience as a PTSD Counselor. I also work with a lot of men in my counseling practice. I am also a Nationally Board Certified Counselor and a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP).