Our team
Abi Plawman, MD – Program Director
“Addiction Medicine is a unique field that allows me to connect with patients, colleagues, and the community around issues that matter deeply to each of us. Being open to each person’s individual journey and balancing this with existing and emerging scientific evidence allows each of us to maximize our ability to motivate positive change. I particularly love to work with pregnant people in recovery, because the transformative powers of pregnancy create a situation of intense growth and change and an opportunity to help more than one generation of people. East Pierce Family Medicine is an ideal place to practice Addiction Medicine, because our primary care support and the “Culture of Awesome” that the residency has created allows us to provide wrap-around care and maintain excitement around teaching and learning. Come join us! “
Chelsea Crabtree, DO – Physician Faculty
People with substance use while pregnant face discrimination, judgment, and marginalization in addition to all the fears and anxiety that come with uncomplicated pregnancies. While working in private practice I became acutely aware of the inequities these patients experienced at a time when they need compassion, support and evidence based treatments the most. As an OB/GYN I believe I have a unique opportunity to meet women at transitional period in their life. Through the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at East Pierce I gained the skills and confidence to manage complex use disorders in pregnant and non-pregnant adults. The Fellowship has enough structure to provide comprehensive training and at the same time purposefully developed to allow Fellows to pursue specific interests.
Eddie Espanol, MD – Physician Faculty
I work in Addiction Medicine because I am inspired by the hard work and dedication of our patients. Also, to be able to participate in someone’s journey into recovery is very fulfilling. It is a privilege to witness personal transformation and growth. I work specifically at East Pierce’s START Clinic to help manage both Obstetrics and Chemical Dependency. The women that come to our clinic are extremely brave and courageous. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to carry a baby while trying to get treatment. Their stories are what gives me the energy and motivation to be an Addiction Medicine physician.
James Raspanti, DO – Physician Faculty
I grew up in Shorewood, Wisconsin. I completed medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and a family medicine residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. My interest in caring for people with substance use disorders began prior to medical school while volunteering with a non-profit serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness. This experience exposed me to substance use in an extremely underserved population. During residency I advocated for expanded training in substance use disorders and participated in research looking at healthcare utilization prior to opioid overdose deaths. I chose East Pierce Addiction Medicine to develop my addiction medicine skills for many reasons. The team is an amazing group of people with tons of experience in addiction medicine, especially for pregnant women with substance use disorders. The training program also provides unique longitudinal opportunities in correctional medicine, working in a local OTP and for inpatient management of pregnant women with substance use disorders. I have been able to continue practicing in primary care, obstetrics, and inpatient medicine while developing my teaching skills with the affiliated family medicine residency.
Penny Brands, LPN
I joined East Pierce Addiction Medicine because I wanted to be part of a team that helps an underserved population.
Nothing brings me greater joy than to see our patients succeed because of their hard work and the care that we provide.
Dione Savage – Social Worker
Addiction affects the whole family, friends, and everyone close to that person. As a Social Worker, we help the person rebuild those relationships and make them stronger. When trust is lost, it can
be extremely difficult to regain, and can affect that persons recovery. During this time in their lives they need as much physical and emotional support as they can get to motivate them to do well.
An individual’s journey is not a solo journey, everyone close to that person benefits when positive changes are made. We as a team come together and support each and every individual who walks
through our doors no matter what stage they are in their addiction. We welcome anyone and everyone to come and see what we offer, we are a teaching environment with hopes of spreading our
techniques far and wide so no matter where you live you can access awesome care from an awesome bunch of people who believe in your recovery.