The treatment team for MSDATC are dedicated professionals with a shared interest in the human experience and the healing of broken lives, homes, and relationships. We are committed to improving the lives of individuals and their families.
What We Do
We grow every day in experience and continued research in the field of addiction studies as a treatment team. As addiction professionals, we strive for excellence and understanding. We pride ourselves on delivering the best care and treatments for individuals and families hoping to recover from addiction or alcoholism.
Why We Do It
Although disheartening at times, as a treatment team we here to address one of the biggest issues in modern healthcare. We empower our patients and the people who love them with the tools to find long-term, fulfilling recovery. Many of us are either in recovery ourselves or have been directly impacted by substance abuse. We are in this together. Let our family help yours.
Sandi Carlson, Ph.D., MAAP
Owner/Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Sandi Carlson is the founder and clinical director of Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, where she leads with a focus on clinical innovation, trauma-informed care, and data-driven treatment outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science in Substance Use Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Addiction Psychology.
Dr. Carlson has authored research on addictive behaviors, dual diagnosis, and the role of impulsivity in heroin use. She is a trained EMDR therapist and certified hypnotherapist, with a specialization in trauma resolution and long-term recovery support.
Since founding MSDATC in 2017, Dr. Carlson has been dedicated to expanding access to high-quality addiction treatment, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations. Her work includes active lobbying at the state level, advocating for legislation that improves behavioral health funding, reduces systemic barriers, and increases accessibility to care across Mississippi.
Through her combined efforts in research, treatment, and advocacy, Dr. Carlson continues to be a leading voice in shaping a more responsive and equitable behavioral health system.
Kristie Slinskey, DSW, LCSW
Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Slinskey earned her Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University. Playing a key role in the treatment team, Dr. Slinskey has also been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2013. With over a decade of experience in the field of substance use and mental health, she has served as both a clinician and clinical director of evidence-based substance use treatment facilities.
Dr. Slinskey is engaged in macro social work as an advocate for policy change in tackling our nation’s opioid crisis. When practicing, Dr. Slinskey utilizes a psychodynamic approach and is additionally trained in EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and Post-Induction Therapy. Dr. Slinskey strives to integrate research and clinical practice to ensure quality care for all individuals who seek recovery from addiction.
Dustin Marmalich, MD
Medical Director
Adding both medical and psychiatry to our treatment team, Dr. Marmalich is a board-certified psychiatrist. He completed his residency training at the University of South Alabama in 2018, after graduating from Medical School from the University of South Alabama in 2014. Within his area of practice, Dr. Marmalich has seen firsthand the devastating effects substance use disorder has on his patients and their loved ones. He believes substance use and addiction is a complex medical problem, not a result of a moral failure. Dr. Marmalich is fully committed to helping every patient get well and achieve their personal goals.
Dr. Pamela Tambini, MD
Addictionologist
Dr. Pamela Tambini is the Addictionologist for Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, and she is double board certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine. In addition to her role as an Addictionologist, Dr. Tambini continues to practice Internal Medicine at a prestigious hospital.
Dr. Tambini graduated at the top of her class on the Dean’s List from Medical School. Upon graduation, she was admitted into the highly selected, nationally renowned, residency program at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center. Since then, Dr. Tambini has successfully helped patients from all over the world to optimize their health through better primary and preventive medicine. Dr. Tambini focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the adult population—both acute and chronic. Her specialization in both fields has been a great asset to MSDATC.
Brian Henrie, LMSW
Family Therapist
Sixteen years of experience has taught Brian the importance of care in the field of chemical dependency. Brian currently has over eight years of experience as a Board Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor credentialed through the Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals. Brian completed his Master’s Degree in Social Work at The University of Southern Mississippi and currently holds a Master’s Licensee (LMSW). Brian feels his extensive experience working directly with clients diagnosed with mental illnesses and substance use disorders has only created a greater passion for those individuals and families suffering the consequence of drug and alcohol dependency.
Michael Carlson
Community Outreach
With over a decade of experience in addiction recovery, Michael adds personal experience to the treatment team. After some near brushes with death, he gained a passion for helping others as fought to overcome his disease and learn a new way of life. As a result, Michael had new hope and a clearer perspective, he knew it was his purpose to spread awareness, educate the community, and help other suffering individuals find peace. Now, surpassing twelve years sober, Michael specializes in community outreach and prides himself on familiarizing himself with every treatment resource in the Gulf Coast area.
Clinical Expertise
Setting a New Standard for Addiction Care
Upon arrival at Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, you will immediately notice our homelike and intimate setting. This was specifically designed to provide comfort, serenity, and a feeling of “home” for our patients. The journey to long-term recovery may seem daunting at times. Ensuring the comfort of our patients gives us the ability to remove barriers that are sometimes present in traditional hospital settings.
While our program was created to save lives and help patients find recovery, we are dedicated to helping the families heal as well. It is our goal to provide quality care and restoration to family members who have been negatively impacted by the burdens of substance use disorders.
Our team is committed to pursuing all scientific methods and research to inform treatment practices and ensure all patients receive quality, evidence-based care. Our team of licensed clinicians and medical staff collaborate to determine the efficacy and compatibility of the newest treatments and modalities.
The clinical team is led by Kristie Slinskey, a Doctor in the field of Social Work. She has extensive expertise in the integration of research and clinical practice. This is the driving force behind our individual and group treatment approaches and curriculum. Unlike most addiction treatment centers, we maintain a low client to therapist ratio. Studies suggest smaller caseloads enhance the therapeutic relationship between patient and clinician.
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we combine the worlds of science and comfort care to provide the ideal environment for growth, change, and new beginnings. We are not just a facility, but rather an experience essential to sustaining recovery and hope.
-Kristie Slinskey, DSW, LCSW
