Our Team
Our Board

David Micoff, CPA
Board of Directors
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David brings a unique combination of financial oversight, digital strategy, and systems management to the PNLH Board.

Donald J. Oesterwind Jr., BBA CACM
Board Member
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Donald brings nearly 40 years of experience in addiction recovery, human services, and program leadership to the PNLH Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleary University and an Associate Degree in Marketing and Applied Management from Schoolcraft College. He has been a Certified Addiction Counselor since 1995 and maintains credentials in crisis intervention, CPR, and first aid.
Donald currently serves as Program Director for Beginning Step and Safe Step and has held a range of leadership and clinical roles throughout his career. His experience includes work with Northville State Psychiatric Hospital, Westland Psychiatric Hospital, the Reckard Center, PNLH, and multiple community-based programs, including a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research initiative.
With a lifelong commitment to helping others achieve self-sufficiency and personal growth, Donald also contributes his time to the Westland Rotary, where he has served as a long-time board member. He brings dedication to recovery, deep community ties, and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection to the PNLH Board.

Jason Schwartz, LMSW, ACSW, CAADC
Board of Directors
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Jason is the Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care at the University of Michigan Health System and brings over three decades of leadership in behavioral health, recovery support, and integrated care. He previously served as Director of Behavioral Health at St. Mary Hospital in Livonia and Clinical Director at Dawn Farm in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Jason is also a lecturer at Eastern Michigan University’s School of Social Work, where he helps shape the next generation of social workers.
Deeply committed to recovery-oriented care, Jason has served on numerous boards and committees, including the National Association for Children of Addiction, Michigan Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, Families Against Narcotics, and others. He is a national and international presenter and co-author of thought leadership on recovery, love in counseling, and ethical supervision practices.
Jason brings values-driven leadership, advocacy experience, and recovery-centered insight to the PNLH Board.

Joseph Paliwoda, MBA
Board of Directors
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Joe brings more than three decades of mission-driven leadership to the PNLH Board of Directors. With an MBA from the University of Michigan, he has spent his career building systems that prioritize recovery, community partnerships, and person-centered care.
His vision has been instrumental in expanding integrated services and developing values-based programs that support long-term healing. As a champion of the LIGHT Model, he remains committed to ensuring that PNLH’s mission is reflected in every aspect of care and governance.
In his role on the Board, Joe brings institutional knowledge, strategic insight, and a steady focus on quality, ethics, and sustainable growth.
Leadership Team
PNLH is proud of the distinguished leadership team it has assembled to guide the organization in providing exceptional care. Presented below are some of the key leaders at PNLH:

Joseph Paliwoda, MBA
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
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Joe has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing integrated, client-centered care across Southeast Michigan. With an MBA from the University of Michigan, he brings deep expertise in behavioral health leadership, nonprofit management, and recovery system design.
He has guided PNLH’s growth from a grassroots initiative into a trusted regional provider of holistic services, including recovery housing, outpatient treatment, and peer support. Joe has played a central role in embedding the LIGHT Model throughout the organization, helping to shape a culture of healing rooted in compassion, dignity, and intentional care.
As a behavioral health surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Joe also contributes to national quality and ethics standards. His leadership continues to inspire hope, accountability, and sustainable recovery pathways for individuals and families alike.

Geoff Smereck, JD
Co-founder, General Counsel & Compliance Officer
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Dr. Peter Farago
Medical Director
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Dr. Peter Farago is a board-certified physician with extensive expertise in Family Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Mental Health. He brings decades of experience in clinical leadership, opiate management, and integrated care for individuals with complex health and behavioral needs.
Dr. Farago holds medical licenses in over 35 U.S. states and Canada, along with board certifications and specialist designations in Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Addiction Medicine. He is a fellow of both the American and Canadian Societies of Addiction Medicine and is a licensed Medical Review Officer (MRO), specializing in toxicology and substance use screening.
Throughout his career, Dr. Farago has served as a Medical Director for multiple behavioral health programs and is the founder of Aegis Medical, a telehealth-based MAT provider operating across the U.S. and Canada. He is also a published author and recognized consultant in addiction, pain, and mental health treatment. His approach aligns closely with the LIGHT Model’s emphasis on intentional, compassionate, and evidence-informed care.

Pampa Banerjee, BS, LLB
Senior Accounts Analyst
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Jonathan Dohring LMSW, CAADC, CCS-DP
Clinical Director
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Jon Dohring provides clinical leadership and guidance across PNLH programs, supporting both the quality of care provided to clients and the professional development of clinical staff. With expertise in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and clinical supervision, Jon brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to supporting effective clinical care.
In his role as Clinical Director, Jon helps strengthen clinical practices, supports staff in their professional growth, and promotes consistency across services. His leadership reflects PNLH’s commitment to treating each person with dignity and respect while helping individuals build greater well-being and move forward in recovery.

Nicole Howard
Human Resources Manager
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Supporting the people behind PNLH’s mission, Nicole works with staff and leadership to foster a positive, supportive workplace and strengthen the employee experience. Her role helps promote a culture of collaboration, respect, and connection so team members can focus on providing compassionate, high-quality care to the people PNLH serves.

Jackie Anderson
Plymouth Site Director
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Jackie serves as Site Director for PNLH’s Plymouth location, overseeing intensive outpatient, outpatient, case management, recovery housing, and peer coaching services. Highly knowledgeable about clinical care across all levels of service, Jackie also coordinates staffing for withdrawal management and residential programs and is PNLH’s credentialing expert, managing staff licensure and certification requirements. She plays a key role in daily operations, supporting staff and clients while upholding high standards of care throughout the organization.

To Be Announced
Canton Site Supervisor
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PNLH is currently recruiting for the Canton Site Supervisor position. During this transition, site leadership responsibilities will be supported by PNLH’s existing clinical and administrative leadership to maintain continuity of operations, staff support, and quality client services. The incoming Site Supervisor will provide day-to-day leadership for the Canton program, support and supervise program staff, help ensure compliance with applicable licensing and accreditation requirements, and maintain a direct clinical role serving adults with substance use and co-occurring conditions. The position will work closely with PNLH clinical leadership to support consistent, recovery-oriented care guided by the Personalized Nursing LIGHT Model.

Rashemia Powell, MPH
Madison Heights Site Director
