In-Network with Most Major Insurance Carriers
Many on our team have lived through addiction and recovery themselves. They understand the reality of getting sober and the strength it takes to begin.
After many years of fighting tooth and nail, years of denial, trying to get and stay sober on my own, trying to convince myself that it would be different this time, I was given a moment of clarity to see myself as I truly was. I saw the reality of my addiction, I saw the damage that I was causing, I suddenly understood that the problems I drank about were not outside me – the problem was me – and that the change that was needed had to be me.
I was floored, I was beaten. And so, as to not leave my family the sad legacy of a dead alcoholic, I sought treatment. When I got on the plane to go, I had no real hope. I felt I could not be happy if I could not drink and knew that I could not be happy if I did. I felt damned. My life was in chaos and made no sense to me. I could not understand how this had happened.
I went to treatment. The lights began to turn on. I began to wake up. This was a great center and experience, but something was missing and I knew that this “something” was in great abundance at the ranch. With time, I understood why my life had turned out as it did, in the necessary sequence in which it had unfolded. I knew with absolute certainty that the purpose and meaning of Top of the Word Ranch was intertwined with my own. I knew what I needed to do and why I needed to do it. It felt predestined, it felt certain, and it still does. My wife and I grew up in Moline Illinois. We moved to BC Canada in 1995. We had left our old lives behind but we really never pulled up our roots. When I was invited to open another treatment center in Illinois, I was only interested if we could open another Top of the World Ranch. I am very pleased to say that what we have put together has surpassed the original vision of what could be. We have an amazing place here, the right mix of nature and high-end amenities.
There is no other center like it. Since opening our doors in Canada in 2005, I have obtained a Master of Counseling degree so that I may further help our clients because, you see, the real beauty of recovery is that by giving to others, we get more than we give in return.
I hope you choose us with the knowledge that we will offer you our best.
Chief Strategy Officer
Medical Director
Top of the World Ranch operates under the medical oversight of Dr. Zachary Backlin, Medical Director. Dr. Backlin brings prescribing authority and the clinical scope to address both physical and psychiatric health needs for clients in treatment. His role covers medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric care coordination, and the medical dimensions of detox coordination and early recovery.
For clients with co-occurring psychiatric conditions, Dr. Backlin’s involvement means that medication management and mental health treatment are handled within the same program by a physician who understands addiction, not referred out or left to a follow-up appointment after discharge.
Staff Philosophy
Our rehabilitation team is comprised of highly skilled and compassionate professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals seeking recovery from addiction. We understand the challenges that come with addiction and are here to offer individualized understanding and guidance throughout the rehabilitation journey.
Each member of our rehabilitation team brings a unique skill set and a genuine passion for helping individuals overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
We offer individual understanding to our clients through our excellent, empathetic, skillful staff, who know addiction.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our rehabilitation professionals, please feel free to reach out to us. Call us at [Direct]. We are here to assist you on your journey to a healthier and happier life.








After many years of fighting tooth and nail, years of denial, trying to get and stay sober on my own, trying to convince myself that it would be different this time, I was given a moment of clarity to see myself as I truly was. I saw the reality of my addiction, I saw the damage that I was causing, I suddenly understood that the problems I drank about were not outside me – the problem was me – and that the change that was needed had to be me.
I was floored, I was beaten. And so, as to not leave my family the sad legacy of a dead alcoholic, I sought treatment. When I got on the plane to go, I had no real hope. I felt I could not be happy if I could not drink and knew that I could not be happy if I did. I felt damned. My life was in chaos and made no sense to me. I could not understand how this had happened.
I went to treatment. The lights began to turn on. I began to wake up. This was a great center and experience, but something was missing and I knew that this “something” was in great abundance at the ranch. With time, I understood why my life had turned out as it did, in the necessary sequence in which it had unfolded. I knew with absolute certainty that the purpose and meaning of Top of the Word Ranch was intertwined with my own. I knew what I needed to do and why I needed to do it. It felt predestined, it felt certain, and it still does. My wife and I grew up in Moline Illinois. We moved to BC Canada in 1995. We had left our old lives behind but we really never pulled up our roots. When I was invited to open another treatment center in Illinois, I was only interested if we could open another Top of the World Ranch. I am very pleased to say that what we have put together has surpassed the original vision of what could be. We have an amazing place here, the right mix of nature and high-end amenities.
There is no other center like it. Since opening our doors in Canada in 2005, I have obtained a Master of Counseling degree so that I may further help our clients because, you see, the real beauty of recovery is that by giving to others, we get more than we give in return.
I hope you choose us with the knowledge that we will offer you our best.
Justin knows all too well the pain and despair that comes with being a prisoner of active addiction. After decades of battling with addiction and many close calls he finally had a moment of clarity in which he acknowledged the fact that if he didn’t seek help he would surely die, leaving his son and family to grieve. He completed a treatment program and began the road to recovery which would ultimately lead him to a life that he never dreamed possible. Free from the chains of active addiction, Justin demonstrates his appreciation by helping others to break free from their own bondage. His heart is fully invested in seeing people rekindle their passion for life and grow into the best versions of themselves. When he isn’t working at the Ranch Justin is a regular speaker at recovery groups and he actively volunteers in the community. He enjoys spending time with his son and loved ones and taking time to appreciate nature’s beauty.
As the Coordinator of intake and billing I work with the clinical and medical teams to ensure a smooth transition from each client’s home to the Ranch. I’m also available to help clients with their needs through-out their stay. Insurance companies can be daunting to many and in a time of crisis can be overwhelming. I will be there every step of the way from verifying benefits and obtaining authorizations to ensuring that insurance claims are processed as accurately and effectively as possible. I’ve worked in healthcare for 35 years, but it wasn’t until 1999 when I discovered my passion was in the mental health and substance abuse field. I am dedicated to not only make the intake process go smoothly, but also assist in any way I can with care and compassion. Being part of a family that was torn apart by addiction time and time again, I have learned a lot from listening to and watching so many journey’s to long-term recovery.
Outside of work I enjoy attending live music shows, playing with my grandchildren and volunteering at several area events.