The Solution is you! + American Intervention Institute
Leadership
Joel E. Cycenas, M. Div. Founder & Interventionist
The inspiration of Aii happened through the excellent experience Cycenas had in working in the treatment industry. After a successful career at one of the premier treatment facilities in the world, Cycenas learned that most people can avoid expensive treatment if they would have family and friends intervene on them earlier. It is through training and education that give people the confidence to intervene on another person. That is how Aii will transform the world by teaching people to step forward and intervene on others to conquer substance use disorder, the opioid epidemic and suicide. We can save lives together!
Prior to establishing Aii, Cycenas was in Business Development at the world renown Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation for over 12 years and worked with professionals and families in saving lives from substance use disorder.
Joel also connected with organizations throughout the country who specialize in treating people with various different disorders and addictions including: drug, alcohol, eating, sex, gambling and other process disorders. He is well versed in working with professionals and families who are dealing with loved ones or clients who have co-occurring mental health. Cycenas continues to help people through interventions and has been doing this now for over 25 years.
Cycenas earned his Masters of Divinity at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (the Angelicum), Rome , Italy. He pursued his theological and pastoral training at the Pontifical North American College (including Clinical Pastoral Education). Joel continues to teach people throughout the world on intervention skills and strategies.
His business and financial training is from the University of Wisconsin and professional acumen as an investment advisor (stockbroker).
Marc J. Myer, MD, MBA - President & CEO
Dr. Myer served as Midwest Medical Director for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (HBFF) from 2016 through 2018 after beginning his employment there as a staff physician in 2011. He was also Director of the Health Care Professionals Program, a specialized treatment program for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals with substance use disorders; and taught a course on the neurobiology of addiction as an assistant professor with the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies.
Marc left HBFF in 2018 to pursue a masters in business administration at the MIT Sloan School of Management, graduating in 2019. As a result, Dr. Myer spent the next few years in entrepreneurship with a special interest in the application of modern technology to the care of those patients with chronic conditions, including substance use disorders.
Dr. Myer attended undergraduate school at St. Olaf College, earning a degree in chemistry; and medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, graduating in 2000. After completing a residency in family medicine, he practiced in his home town for a few years before pursuing other interests. He is now board certified in both Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, subspecialty Addiction Medicine.
Leah Jagusch, Esq. - General Counsel BOD.
As an attorney, I bring a wealth of legal expertise and practical experience to the role, specializing in litigation, employment law, and administrative law.
As a Major in the National Guard, I have a strong background in military trial defense, particularly in cases involving drug and alcohol abuse. I possess unique insights into the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. This experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the intricacies and nuances of such cases, allowing me to understand the complexities of intervention services with precision and empathy.
I am passionate about fostering a positive and supportive environment that facilitates personal growth and recovery. As a leader, I promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging open communication among team members and stakeholders. I value integrity, ethics, and professionalism, reflecting these principles in every aspect of my work.
Steven Wickelgren, MA, LMFT. - Vice President - Strategic Relations
Steve is the founder and co-owner of LEAST Services/Counseling LLC, a counseling practice serving public safety personnel. He started his career in law enforcement in 1986 and retired in 2014. During his career with the Minneapolis Police Department, he worked various assignments including street patrol, narcotics investigations, administrative duties, and was a use of force instructor where he trained other officers in a variety of use of force techniques starting in the early 90’s. Starting in 2001 Steve became the coordinator of the Minneapolis Police Department Employee Assistance Program. Steve has referred several clients to Hazelden Betty Ford for treatment experiences.
He earned a Master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a Licensed Marriage & Family therapist. In his practice with LEAST Services, he provides counseling, drug & alcohol assessments, consulting, and training regarding working with public safety personnel. He started using eye movement therapy for clients in 2005 utilizing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). He has used mostly ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) since being trained in 2018.
He joined the Metro Critical Incident Stress Management Team in 2002. He started overseeing, training, and supervising the Minneapolis Police Peer Support Team members in 2005 until he retired in 2014. He also started training outside agencies at that time and has provided a two-day Peer Support Team training approved by the MN POST Board. Steve was also the Clinical Director for MN CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) from 2006 until 2021. MN CIT is a nonprofit training organization that he co-founded in 2006.
Anne-Marie Najjar - Vice President - Specialty Programs
Anne Marie has 30 years experience in the Human Services field.
With degrees in Psychology and Spanish she is also a
Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor,
Gambling Addiction Counselor and Qualified Developmental Disability Professional.
Anne Marie has counseled at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Fairview Health, Intensive outpatient treatment centers and custody environments. Each have enhanced her scope of experience and understanding.
Cultural inclusivity is practiced with all races, religions, creeds, ages and gender identities. She has worked with men, women and adolescents. She specializes in addictive behaviors that can lead to unintended consequences. This may mean legal, social and relationship matters, incarceration and the dynamics of custody release.
Anne Marie believes her purpose in life is to help preserve families. She has been described as caring, genuine and down to Earth. Some approaches include teaching others how to navigate their own map of life while learning mindfulness, empathy and awareness of others. Self-worth, increased self-esteem and validation are other tools used for resilience strategies and risk management with an anticipated goal of greater life balance.
Jim Printup, MA, CEAP - Vice President, EAP Services
Jim Printup is the owner of The Oasis Group, a MN based external Employee Assistance Program (EAP) founded in 1998. He has been involved in the field of Employee Assistance for over 30 years providing product development, program evaluation and direct services to organizations, managers and individuals. He also has been the director of a large, international EAP vendor, developing programs and services to meet the needs of organizations ranging from 200 to 100,000 people. He has been involved in the development of EAPs internationally including the implementation of a program in Japan and the training of EAP professionals in Taiwan. Jim has referred many people to Hazelden Betty Ford for treatment services.
Mr. Printup is active in the EAP associations having served seven years on the Board of Directors for the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA). He also served three years on the board of the Employee Assistance Society of North America (EASNA.) He is currently the President of the Upper Midwest Chapter of EAPA. He received his BA from the University of Minnesota and his MA in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN. He is also a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP.)
Linda J. Bedeau - Vice President - Government Relations
Extensive background in healthcare administration and leadership, including experience and through knowledge of IHS organization, mission, policies, laws and regulations. Extensive knowledge of Tribal governmental communities, Self-Governance Title V, Title I health programs and experience with all annual healthcare/financial reporting, contracting (ISDEAA) and EEO activities. Linda has worked closely with some of the executive staff at Hazelden Betty Ford.
Experience providing executive leadership and guidance to Sr. management of Area Office, federal & Tribal hospital staff, Native American Clinics, Tribal Council, and their personnel. Expert experience working with SAMHSA agency to perform evaluation support such as analyze, collection and upload data to respective databases, interview processes and train staff to ensure adequate reporting requirement are met. Conducted staff oversight/partnership with respective agencies that ensure successful program outcomes.
Possess expertise in the development & submission of State & Federal Grants – expert and understand accounting principle and excel. Expert in preparing program and grant application budgets. Ability to identify program need to be captured in each grant application.
Samantha Stupak - Vice President - Eating Disorders
As a leader and relentless advocate for clean living, good nutrition, and mental health, Samantha is the Founder and President of CBH Energetics and PetMedella, an international bioenergetic testing company. She transformed her own battle with chronic Lyme Disease into a catalyst for healing and empowerment. Samantha has worked very closely with Hazelden Betty Ford.
Samantha has propelled CBH Energetics to the forefront of bioenergetic testing, pioneering solutions that bring holistic wellness and testing to the forefront of healthcare.
Armed with certifications as a Natural Health Professional, an Engineering degree, a Brain Health Professional certification, and enriched by studying under some of the most cutting-edge doctors in Alternative Medicine, Samantha stands as a driving force behind a transformative wave in health and well-being.
Today, she works hand-in-hand with physicians and healthcare advocates across the nation, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to embrace bioenergetics to support patients and clients in living a life of vibrant health and vitality.
Omar Sillah - Vice President - International Relations
Formally trained in public policy at a local, national, and global level, Omar reaches out to international organizations to speak with them about providing early interventions to help save more lives. Committed to promote diversity and sensitive to the needs and considerations of others, Omar employs his exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural diversity, and technical experiences to connect with organizations that are globally positioned and he also connects with corporations throughout the world.
Fluent in Arabic, French, Italian, Tunisian, and West African Dialects: (Jahanka, Mandinka, wolof, Jola and some Fula), Omar will be working with these particular countries to help them bring about a greater change in the healthcare industry especially with early interventions with substance use disorder and relationships.
Omar is a Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.), with concentration in Political Science and International Relations (Pontifical University of St. Thomas, Rome, Italy) and holds a License in Political Science and International Relations.