Chip Somers is the Chief Executive of Focus12 and has been working with addiction and alcohol problems for over 27years. He initially trained and subsequently worked at Clouds House, Wiltshire. He went on to co-manage a 23 bedroom residential unit for men recovering from addiction and alcohol problems called Thurston House in London – part of the Chemical Dependency Centre.
He then moved to the Priory Hospital Group as Treatment Director for the Dukes Priory Hospital in Chelmsford working with people with addiction, alcohol and eating disorders. Whilst there, he completed a senior management course. He has also worked for the Priory Hospital Group in Jersey, Channel Islands and Roehampton, London.
In addition, Chip runs his own private practice in Harley Street. Chip set up Focus12 in May 1997.
Nancy Merfeld joined Focus
12 in July 2003 as a volunteer counselor. She holds a MA in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland College Park and a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. She is now Residential Services Coordinator.
She is also certified in Clinical Hypnosis, holds a Diploma in Non-Medical Nutritional Advice and has extensive training in addiction in the family and dual diagnosis. Nancy is the team lead on admissions, coordinating new arrivals and managing the Access to Treatment group programme. She is also the lead on Dual Diagnosis matters. As a full time member of the team, Nancy is a member of ACA (American Counseling Association) and EBACA (European Branch of the American Counseling Association)
Arthur Nicholls was born in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. His career began 20 years ago as a volunteer at CADA – South London. During this time he attended a generic training programme for professionals “Working with Problem Drug Users” at the Maudsley Training Unit, London. He then pursued and achieved his Diploma in Working with Addcitions. His career has taken him full circle in the field of addictions providing him with skills in a variety of interventions.
Arthur joined Focus12 in February 2003 and registered as a member of FDAP. In 2004. He achieved a Diploma in “Working with Addictions” at CPPD. Arthur facilitates the Family support group, Aftercare and the DRR support service.
Tom Huber – graduated from Focus
12 in 2007 and began working as a placement peer supporter in 2008. Tom subsequently obtained a Diploma in Pyschotherapy. He has a wealth of local knowledge that assists clients acclimatise to the area. He brings a passion and youthful enthusiasm to the clinical team.
He has undergone special training for group therapy and is dedicated to seeing Focus12 deliver first class treatment to all clients who come for help.