Clinical, Medical, Admission & Executive Team

Executive Team

Scott Schroeder

C.E.O.

Scott’s drive and dedication, together with his exemplary financial background of more than 25 years, bring senior leadership expertise to the business. Scott attended the Hazelden Treatment Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has maintained sobriety for over 30 years. He was largely responsible for starting the Association for Substance Abuse Student Program (ASAS) with Dr Carl Anderson at Texas Tech University in 1988, as well as forming the first Celebrate Recovery program in West Los Angeles, which continues successfully today. His personal commitment to the health and wellness of others is unparalleled. His passion to operate a Treatment Center where he can demonstrate that recovery is not only possible, but sustainable, has been a lifelong dream.

Kevin Schroeder

Director of Admissions

Before pursuing a career in substance abuse treatment, Kevin worked for several large online shopping companies in the Los Angeles area and started his own digital marketing agency in 2017. Looking for a more fulfilling path after over a decade in digital advertising, he started working in a treatment center in Pasadena and continues on his journey to help others find peace and happiness within themselves.
As a native Floridian, sunshine and beautiful coastlines are where he feels most at home. Kevin graduated from the University of Miami in 2008 with a bachelor’s of business administration degree, majoring in entrepreneurship. Living in Southern California since 2010, he enjoys a health & wellness centered lifestyle and can usually be found in the gym, at the beach or taking a siesta with his cats Luna & Bernard.

Stephen H. Denzer, M.D., FACP

Medical Director, Board Certified in Addiction and Internal Medicine

As a Board Certified Addictionologist, Dr. Denzer is on the cutting edge of addiction medicine. Under Dr. Denzer’s direction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is provided to patients who require medication to ensure a safe and comfortable detoxification. Dr. Denzer is a brilliant physician who is generous with his knowledge and his time and is a dedicated ally to our patients as they heal from their addictions. Dr. Denzer has a great many talents and interests and is a passionate bow hunter and a collector of axolotl.

Gudrun Baumgaertl, PH.D

Finance Director

Gudrun has resided on a Big Island for over 20 years, originally hailing from Germany. Gudrun is a highly accomplished academic and earned a Ph.D. in the Natural Sciences, penning a book on evolutionary theories predating Darwin. In her capacity as Finance Director, Gudrun applies her exacting attention to detail and her outstanding organizational abilities to ensure the smooth operation of HIR. Gudrun has traveled the world and is endlessly curious, and has recently enrolled in a CSAC certification to deepen her understanding of addiction. Gudrun loves to cook and enjoys going to the beach with her beloved canine sidekick “Yani”.

Clinical Team

Frank Capatch, LCSW

Clinical Director & Lead Therapist

Frank Capatch, LCSW, brings nearly five decades of experience to the role of HIR Clinical Lead “Point Therapist.” Certified by EMDRIA and the EMDR Institute, he has over a decade as a Training Consultant and actively promotes EMDR in Hawaii. Frank serves as Program Manager for a local nonprofit offering EMDR training to Hawaii’s mental health professionals, special programs, and therapy for teens, adults, and elders. (thegreenwill.org)

Frank has served in leadership roles in medical and academic settings specializing in psycho-behavioral management. As a mental health field educator, he provides community education and offers trauma-informed and capable care to Hawaii’s veterans.

Fernando Manon, MSED., CSAC

Therapist

Fernando Mañon has been an addictions counselor and therapist for over 30 years. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified EMDR Therapist, specializing in healing disturbance caused by trauma. He is also an Approved EMDR Consultant and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. He was born and raised in East Harlem, NYC and has been in recovery for over three decades. He brings passion and professionalism to his work and is grateful to be part of the Hawaii Island Recovery Team for over 10 years. He looks forward to providing the opportunity for peace, love, joy and recovery.

David Molletti, BS, NCACI, CFTP

Operations Coordinator and Family Therapist

David Molletti, BS, NCACI, CFTP. David is a lifetime Alaskan and was born in the Territory of Alaska before statehood. A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a diverse professional background includes experience in the music industry, television production, public facility management, IT management, and public education. Embracing his own life in recovery, he was led to work as a clinical substance use counselor and program coordinator in both outpatient and inpatient settings. As a lifelong mind/body practitioner, his approach to therapy integrates Trauma Informed Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, including the CNAPS model. These combine effective personal enhancement tools to increase success and address the Whole Person Model.

Daniel Caputo, N.D., L.AC

Naturopath and Acupuncturist

“Dr. Dan” is a beloved member of our holistic health team and provides our patients with acupuncture that is targeted to the needs of those in early recovery. Dr. Dan utilizes modalities including Acupuncture to help activate the healing process of the body and support the return to health and balance. Dr. Dan is an athlete and enthusiastic pickle ball player and enjoys spending time with his family exploring the natural beauty of the Big Island.

Elfriede Nordlohne, LMT

Massage Therapist

Elfriede started working for the HIR soon after she received her license for Massage Therapy in Hawaii in 2019. She strives to give every client a personalized massage, relaxing, soothing, and with attention to specific muscles or problem areas. She wants to help people feel better.

Medical Team

Kevin Snow

Registered Nurse

Kevin Snow provides medical care to the residents of Hawaii Island Recovery at the residence. The duties include physical examination, vital sign monitoring, and identifying a medical issue that requires further evaluation by the medical doctor. Kevin is a new addition to Hawaii Island Recovery and is excited to be a part of this professional team. Kevin received his Bachelor in Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 1987, and his Bachelor in Nursing from Radford University in 1997. He was a variety of experiences including psychiatric, medical/surgical, emergency department, gastroenterology, and cardiology. His experience has included inpatient and outpatient settings. Kevin is an avid reader, scuba diver, and musician, as well as a wedding officiant. Kevin has lived on the big island with his wife since 2011.

Resident Managers

Toby Broido

Resident Therapist & Admissions

Hailing from Philadelphia, Toby is a seasoned Resident Manager who made Hawaii his home in 2016. Toby has worked in the field of addiction treatment for several years and brings both enthusiasm and compassion to his job. Toby is a gifted writer and avid reader and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in social work. Toby and his canine companion Page enjoy exploring hard-to-reach places in our diverse island habitat and Toby aspires to play tennis well and recently took up running.

Outpatient Team

Stacey Rodman

Resident Manager & Patient Care Coordinator

Stacey has been a part of the medical community since 1998, after completing her medical certification for billing and coding. She furthered her education and received her Associate in Applied Science for Hospital Administration with a psychology background. Stacey spent several years as an Adult Mental Health Case Manager before joining HIR. She enjoys being a calming presence to our patients while providing compassionate and caring support. Stacey loves to garden and spend time with her family.

Douglas Moorman

Outpatient Therapist

Dougie has been with HIR since 2021 as an addiction counselor. He has a genuine desire to build community by delving deeply with patients both individually and in groups. Dougie values the focus on family and relationships, as well as vulnerability, and accountability, as these are the foundation and building blocks to a successful long-term recovery. His counseling approach stems from deep introspection and his own personal work. He often says, “I can’t help anyone put on their oxygen mask unless I put on mine first.” Dougie believes that showing kindness and empathy toward others will get you far in life. He has been involved in the arts & theatre, sports, and many public speaking events. Dougie has been a resident of Hawai’i Island for seven years with his wife, Sylve. He welcomed his first-born son, ‘Ekolu, in January 2023. He and his wife also co-parent their beloved kittens (Biscuits & Gravy) with Hannah, the massage therapist of HIR.

Specialists

Sophie Holm Higgins

QA Specialist & Chief Compliance Officer

“Quality is never an accident… It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” Guided by this principle, Sophie Higgins ensures excellence in quality assurance and compliance at Hawaii Island Recovery. With a Master of Arts, an MBA, and a Master of Business Coaching, she brings over ten years of experience in business management and leadership. Sophie values collaboration and believes excellent results stem from the power of minds working together. She also brings a unique focus on family recovery, which enhances her holistic approach to quality and compliance management.