Medical Staff

Jim Herndon, PA-C Medical Director Jim is a graduate of the University of Washington’s School of Medicine Physician Assistant program in 2002.  In 2008 Jim became Medical Director of ABC Recovery Center.  His work includes assisting the admissions and medical staff at the Center to ensure quality care for the patients.  His prior experience includes five years on the Medical staff at The Betty Ford Center and currently works with Michael’s House in Palm Springs. He was published in 2005 in the ASAM Journal of Addictive Diseases, having co-authored an abstract recognizing that buprenorphine detoxification increases patient retention in treatment.  This protocol has since become a nationally recognized model for opiate detoxification.

Christopher L. Duran, LVN, LPT Lead Nurse Chris is a Licensed Nurse and Licensed Psychiatric Technician with 25 years experience in working with individuals with psychiatric and substance abuse issues. He started his career in the United States Navy and graduated from the Naval School of Health Sciences in 1987. As a Naval Corpsman he worked with Marine Vietnam veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He received additional extensive training, education, and experience in drug and alcohol rehab services and treatment while working for The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage which led to the position as the nursing Supervisor at Michael’s House in Palm Springs. He accepted the position as Lead Nurse at the ABC Recovery Center in June 2010 and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of our sub-acute detoxification program. He ensures that our patient’s nursing needs are met and maintains a referral network of physicians here in the valley to ensure that medical services are provided when needed.

Maryn Young, RN - Nurse RN - Nurse

Mandy Hernandez Medical Technician Mandy attended Bryman College where she received her degree in Medical Assisting. Mandy holds certifications from the American Heart Association in BLS and CPR. Prior to her work at ABC she worked in the urgent care.