Cathleen Brooks Weiss
Founder, Executive Director, Clinical Director, Wellness Therapy

Cathleen Brooks Weiss is known internationally as a pioneer and expert in linking physical illness and unresolved emotional pain, and her professional life has always focused on finding creative ways to meet the needs of such patients. Her own battles with cancer and chronic pain inspired the comprehensive mind-body-spirit approach that is the basis of Next Step® Institute. In addition to Next Step® Institute, Cathleen also co-founded and presided over the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA), the leading advocate for children and adults affected by parental addiction.

After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Cathleen helped found one of the nation’s first rape crisis centers before pursuing a successful career in journalism. Her own healing and spiritual journey prompted a career shift, with graduate work in counseling at the University of California, San Diego, and theology at Loyola University. In 1981, she authored The Secret Everyone Knows, one of the most widely distributed books in the addiction field. Cathleen developed the first hospital-based treatment program for children of alcoholics at Sharp Cabrillo Hospital in San Diego, where she served as Director of Youth Services. Under her leadership, Next Step® Institute has created innovative programs integrating emotional, spiritual and physical wellness in hospitals, school districts, religious institutions, Indian reservations and treatment centers.

A speaker, consultant and author of numerous articles and two books, Cathleen’s innovative work has been featured on 60 Minutes, the Today Show and the CBS Early Show, as well as in national magazines, newspapers and on radio programs. Cathleen’s life experiences have given her deep insight and compassion for the struggles and suffering of others. Her greatest therapeutic talent is helping patients feel safe enough to gently explore their inner essential selves, while honoring their wisdom, strength and courage. Her goal — for herself and Next Step® patients — is to move beyond survival to optimal wellness and true joy.

Gary Weiss, MD
Clinical Director, Neurology, Integrative Medicine

Dr. Weiss is one of the nation’s leading experts in integrative medicine, in addition to being internationally recognized for diagnosing complex and obscure conditions that have confounded patients and their doctors. While highly trained in the specialty of neurology (treatment of the brain, spine and nervous system), Dr. Weiss believes the best medicine is a holistic approach to the whole person. The culmination of Dr. Weiss’ work is the personalized, integrative medical approach utilized at Next Step® Institute in Colorado.

After completing the six-year Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University in Chicago, Dr. Weiss had four years of training at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. At Mayo Clinic, he learned to adhere to the words of Dr. William Mayo, “the best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered.” The Mayo philosophy has always been to use only the best parts of available health treatments. Together with his colleagues at Next Step® Institute, Dr. Weiss expanded this tradition, utilizing the best of ground-breaking Western medicine alongside time-tested, holistic treatments such as the Native American Sweat Lodge.

Since the start of his career, Dr. Weiss has been on the cutting edge of integrative treatment approaches. In 1988, he started the first treatment center for those suffering from the triad of addiction, codependency and childhood trauma. He created the first 12-step treatment center for addiction in France, and the first integrative 12-step treatment center for chronic pain in the U.S.

Dr. Weiss is board certified in neurology and electrodiagnostic medicine. Named one of “America’s Top Physicians” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America in 2006 and 2007, he has served on the Practice Parameter Committee for the State of Florida and was appointed ombudsman for Central Florida by the governor. He is a member of numerous local, state and international medical societies, a published author of a number of research studies including one in Science magazine, and has lectured throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Michael Newberry, MD

Dr. Newberry has served as clinical director of Next Step® Institute for more than 15 years in Florida and Colorado. He is board certified in general psychiatry, addiction medicine and pain management. Dr. Newberry’s gentle and caring manner with patients helps them answer the question, "Why am I not as well as I can be?" Though formally trained as a psychiatrist, Dr. Newberry is adept at helping patients look at illness from all angles, regardless of the malady at hand. “I want to know the person who has the illness, as well as the illness itself.”

Dr. Newberry completed Eastern Virginia Medical School before going on to graduate medical training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he specialized in psychiatry. He was the division psychiatrist for the 82nd Airborne Division and held the additional position of medical director of the Fort Bragg Alcohol and Drug Program. Dr. Newberry served as the medical director of psychiatric units in several hospitals and substance abuse treatment centers, and is a specialist in intervention and treatment of impaired professionals, impaired physicians and high-profile patients.

Dr. Newberry believes one of the drawbacks of traditional Western medicine is the lack of time and ability of physicians to sit down with patients and help them address not only their physical symptoms, but all aspects of their lives. In guiding patients to improve the way they live mentally, spiritually, emotionally, nutritionally and physically, Dr. Newberry can help them alleviate illness and improve wellness.

Jordan Newberry, MA

Jordan Newberry specializes in stress management, marriage and family counseling, and creative expression. Her skills in the creative arts and strength as a compassionate therapist have made her a cornerstone of the Next Step® organization.

Jordan studied at Birmingham Southern and at the University of North Alabama, where she completed dual undergraduate degrees in English and studio art, and a master’s degree in community counseling. She joined Next Step® Institute as a consultant 18 years ago and became the program director of the Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness Program in Florida. There she directed a staff of therapists while providing individual, group and family counseling for patients experiencing the devastating effects of disability.

A seasoned professional who has worked with substance abuse centers, hospitals and community clinics, Jordan is also an accomplished poet, author and award-winning artist. She uses art as a powerful tool for patients to express themselves nonverbally. “The creative process can be very healing,” she explains. “It’s a release for strong emotions.” Jordan believes art also allows people to “play” in a carefree manner, an ability we frequently lose as adults. “By encouraging the freedom to explore and experiment so lightheartedly, art allows us to discover what lies within our hearts and souls.”