Staff
Samuel Bierman, BS, CAP, ICADC, CNDAI
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Sam Bierman is the Executive Director for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. A graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management, Sam has worked for the highest revenue non-profit treatment center in the country for the past 5 years before departing to start his own company and bring the philosophies he learned at Caron Renaissance to the Maryland area. Having held down three different positions at Caron Treatment Centers, Sam has a wide range of knowledge and experience of the full continuum of care that treatment centers provide. Starting in the field as a counselor assistant working directly with patients suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse issues, Sam worked his way up to become the Director of Operations for Caron Renaissance Ocean Drive, a program catering to a high-end clientele in terms of influence and affluence. As Executive Director of MARC, Sam is responsible for overseeing the entire clinical and administrative operations of the program. Sam’s clinical philosophies center around developing a strong therapeutic alliance between the therapist and client, as well as treating addiction as a family disease. His entrepreneurial spirit has always led him on a personal mission: to open a treatment center where he can use his personal and professional experience to implement a clinically driven philosophy where the client’s best interest is always the top priority, and Maryland Addiction Recovery Center has become that vision realized.
Zach Snitzer
Director of Business Development, Co-Founder
Zach Snitzer is the Director of Business Development at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is responsible for the business development, marketing, public relations, and social media strategies of the organization. Born and raised in Owings Mills, Maryland, Zach is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications and Marketing. He previously worked as Director of Communications and Online Marketing for a local company, Maryland Amateur Sports (MAS) Communications, where he focused on growing the new business to expand the opportunities for youth athletes to compete in local, regional, and national leagues, tournaments, and events. Most recently, as an Associate Producer/Creative Director for United States Media Television in Coral Springs, Florida, Zach was in charge of creating educational and business programming for television and working with national and regional companies on their marketing, branding, and social media across multiple communication platforms. His time as a resident in South Florida’s abundant recovery community opened Zach’s eyes to exciting and innovative drug and alcohol treatment philosophies that he knew weren’t readily available in Maryland. Due to his own personal journey of recovery, Zach has a passion for helping others and always wanted to bring a high quality of substance abuse treatment to his hometown. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center is just such an enterprise, filling that personal passion as well as an important local community and social need. Zach and his wife, Aura, MARC’s Director of Community Development, are proud to be able to offer a forward-thinking, innovative quality treatment program to this area of need in Maryland. In addition to his duties at MARC, Zach also serves on the Board of Directors of The Nikki Perlow Foundation, the D.C. Maryland Virginia Professional Liaisons’ Association (DMV-PLA), and the national advisory board for the National Conference on Alcohol & Addiction Disorders (NCAD).
Jennifer Richards, PsyD
Clinical Director
Dr. Jennifer Richards, PsyD, is the Clinical Director at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Loyola University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Richards completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital in Connecticut where she was awarded the Dr. Cornelis Boelhouwer Award in Education & Research. Dr. Richards is a creative and dynamic leader with expertise in the development of addiction and trauma-informed treatment programming, clinical management, clinical supervision, and psychological assessment. She is an experienced clinical director and has managed both private/insurance-based as well as state funded residential programs for patients suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis issues. Most recently, Dr. Richards provided clinical leadership and management at a 56-bed detox and residential treatment facility specializing in addiction and trauma treatment for a dually diagnosed population. She was the Clinical Director of Adolescent Residential Services at Rushford/Hartford Healthcare in CT where she oversaw two residential addiction programs for adolescent males as well as a state-accredited school. On an outpatient basis, Dr. Richards has provided individual, family, and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults at her practice in Wethersfield, CT as well as in St. Thomas, USVI. Dr. Richards’ interests include program development, addiction and trauma, ACT, group therapy, psychological assessment, experiential therapies, and mindfulness-based practices. Outside of work Dr. Richards spends her time with her husband and son and enjoys hiking, music and watching football.
Alfred Forrester, MD, LFAPA
Medical Director
Dr. Alfred Forrester is the Medical Director at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Dr. Forrester received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Yale University in 1975 and graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, in 1979. He went on to complete an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA; and a residency in Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, followed by a clinical fellowship in Affective Disorders at the same institution. He has received academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Forrester has a breadth of clinical and research experience encompassing both public and private sectors, in academic, inner city clinic, hospital, and outpatient private practice settings. He has provided internal medical support on the inpatient services at the Bon Secours Hospital in Baltimore, MD; he has been a full-time attending psychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital; he was the first Director of Psychiatric Services at the Chase-Brexton Health Services; and he addressed mental health and addiction issues among the undergraduate population while serving as a Consulting Psychiatrist at the Towson University Counseling Center. Dr. Forrester has multiple published research articles in the area of affective disorder among populations of patients following myocardial infarction, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury; he is a Lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the Maryland Psychiatric Society and the American Medical Association; and his achievements have been recognized by Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and the Continental Who’s Who Registry. After having provided general adult psychiatric services in a private office setting for the past 20 years, with a focus on the pharmacologic management of mood and anxiety disorders and ADHD, Dr. Forrester for the past 2 years has shifted his clinical attention to the management of co-occurring conditions in the context of a comprehensive addictions program. His having joined the staff of MARC in 2017 is indicative of his commitment to working in a multidisciplinary treatment community in which the pertinent biological, environmental and psychosocial influences on patient functioning can be recognized, addressed and remediated, to promote optimal clinical outcomes.
Dustielynn White
Director of HR and Compliance
DustieLynn is the Director of Human Resources and Compliance for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is a vital asset to the day-to-day operations of the organization. Besides being the friendly voice greeting patients, families, and colleagues when they call MARC, her incredible organization skills keep both the clinical and residential teams running smoothly and in constant communication. Dustielynn completed her Associates of Science Degree from Harford Community College. She also graduated from Sanford Brown Institute with her Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Certificate and completed her student externship at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Before coming to MARC, Dustielynn worked at Michael Kors, one of the nation’s fastest growing luxury retailers. There she excelled through five positions from Sales Associate to Assistant Store Manager in four years. Dustielynn was responsible for the daily operation of the store including sales, operations, administration, marketing, and merchandising. She provided the highest level of customer service by building and maintaining repeat clientele and organizing special events. Outside of work, Dustielynn can be found traveling, boating, enjoying time with those dear to her, and cheering on her beloved Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles.
Molly Ashcroft, CAC, CAI-I, ICADC
Corporate Director of Admissions and Development
Molly Ashcroft is the Corporate Director of Admissions and Development for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She is a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC), an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) and trained as an ARISE interventionist with a CAI-I certification. Prior to working at MARC, Molly worked for a non-profit sober living organization based in Amherst, Massachusetts providing care for young adult men and women. Most recently, she was the Director of Admissions and Business Development for Westport House, a sober living recovery residence and intensive outpatient (IOP) in Westport, Connecticut specifically serving a young adult male population suffering from addiction, mental health and failure-to-launch issues. Molly’s passion for working with those suffering from addiction and mental health comes from a desire to offer hope for families and patients in need. Her own personal recovery journey began in 2008 after many family interventions and treatment experiences. She attributes her success to the care and support she received from helping professionals, 12 Step support and the amazing people she has met along the way. Molly is a tireless advocate for individuals and families impacted by addiction, spending time educating communities, advocating for those in addiction and recovery and helping those in need find the right clinical services and treatment placement to ensure they receive the best care possible. At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Molly works with MARC’s Executive Director, Director of Business Development, Clinical Director and the admissions team to make sure all operations, communication and collaboration between departments runs as efficient and productive as possible to support best practices and best patient care. In her free time Molly enjoys vacationing with family and friends and spending time at the beach.
Brent Coleman
Director of Support Services
Brent Coleman is the Director of Support Services. at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Brent’s role and responsibilities at MARC include the overseeing the overall care and well-being for patients in MARC’s Community Living extended care continuum, as well as supervising and managing MARC’s team of Therapeutic Assistants. Brent works closely with the TA staff to ensure the highest of quality patient care and best practices. He strives to provide a supportive and guiding role to all patients as they being their journey of early recovery, so that they will have the necessary life skills and coping mechanisms needed after treatment to sustain their recovery and be productive members of society. Brent began his career in the treatment field at MARC as a Therapist Assistant (TA) in March of 2017 and since that time has constantly worked with patients within the MARC treatment continuum regain their lives and learn to live in recovery. In July 2018 Brent took on the role of Weekend TA Supervisor and from there moving on to become the Evening Supervisor of the TA staff before taking his current role. Brent has a passion for working in the field of addiction treatment to help others that are struggling. This passion is driven not only by his experience of working in the field but also through his own personal process of recovery. Outside of work, Brent enjoys attending concerts, making art and tending to his reptiles.
Douglas Woodruff, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Douglas Woodruff is a staff psychiatrist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Dr. Woodruff graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1973 and went on to complete a psychiatry residency at UM in 1976. Dr. Woodruff has extensive experience caring for patients in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, for both public and private facilities, as well as overseeing mental health services in the industrial EAP setting. Dr. Woodruff was also previously a staff psychiatrist for Sinai Hospital for the organization’s outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He also has worked at a community mental health center and has ran his own private practice for over twenty five years. Dr. Woodruff also received the honor of being the psychiatric editor for the 27th and 28th editions of Steadman’s Medical Dictionary. Dr. Woodruff’s true passion comes from working with dual diagnosis patients, especially those with ADHD or Bipolar Disorder diagnoses. For a decade he has been able to use an experimental bio-indicator, a blood test not yet FDA approved, which based on the years of data available seemingly would make diagnosing and treatment both mental health issues more efficient and effective. Dr. Woodruff’s using various psychotherapeutic modalities may build the mental and emotional household in which they live, in a way that allows a person to achieve their highest potential. He believes that medication is a starting point in recovery, but it can only act as a foundation upon which therapy and treatment can build on to allow true holistic recovery. At MARC, Dr. Woodruff works with Dr. Alfred Forrester, the rest of the medical staff and the entire clinical staff to create a seamless, collaborative environment to support the best patient care for all MARC clients.
Gayle Blum, CNP
Nurse Practitioner
Gayle Blum is the Nurse Practitioner at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Gayle received her undergraduate Bachelor’s of Science degree from Towson University and her Master’s in Nursing from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Previously, she worked as a registered nurse on a psychiatric unit where she was responsible for providing direct care to patients and then as a Registered Nurse Charge on a medical unit where she provided ongoing and emergent medical care to youth and young adult patients. Before coming to Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Gayle worked as a family nurse practitioner at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Towson, Maryland, providing care to patients that admitted to Sheppard Pratt’s Crisis Unit as well as observed and managed patients in the medical detox process of the outpatient units to the Behavioral Observation Services (BOS) program. At MARC, Gayle’s role is to work with the medical team to provide direct patient care, medical coverage, medications and consults for patients in all phases of treatment and treatment programs. Gayle is also a published author, publishing the books “Baltimore County (Images of America)” and “Reisterstown (Images of America)” that are available on Amazon.com.
Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
Arielle Seidler is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Arielle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and gender studies from the University of Pittsburgh (Cum Laude). While pursuing her studies as an undergraduate, she volunteered for the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape crisis hotline and interned with the Sexual Assault Services section of the college counseling center to raise awareness on campus about sexual assault. After completing her undergraduate education, she traveled throughout the West Coast with AmeriCorps, working with a variety of state and city initiatives to build homes and assist high school students with their studies. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University Pennsylvania (Summa Cum Laude). She most recently worked at a community mental health facility in Philadelphia, where she worked with clients struggling with addiction and a variety of other mental health conditions. Arielle led a weekly outpatient group that focused on recovery maintenance, and then she began a weekly men’s group with a focus on recovery and building relationships. Arielle recognizes that all individuals are unique and so are their recoveries from addiction. She uses an eclectic approach to treatment, pulling from a variety of therapeutic styles with her clients to strengthen their personal recoveries. Outside of work, Arielle enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, spending time with loved ones and participating in Crossfit.
Corinne Burnett, LGSW
Primary Therapist
Corinne Burnett is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, where she studied dance and theatre. After returning to Maryland, Corinne began working in special education and spent three years at Kennedy Krieger Institute serving children with severe-to-profound autism. Her time at KKI ignited a passion for the behavioral science, prompting a return to school to study psychology. While earning a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, Corinne interned and was later hired at TurnAround Inc’s Anti-Trafficking unit where she provided case management and counseling to victims of domestic sex trafficking. Corinne continued her education at University of Maryland and earned a Master’s Degree in clinical social work, where she was selected for a specialized trauma-informed track, which allowed for additional experience and course work in trauma. Previously, Corinne worked as a primary therapist for Resource Connect, an intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program in Baltimore County, Maryland. Corinne combines her background in the arts and her trauma-informed education to incorporate experiential therapies while treating clients. She believes that movement, art, and drama can be powerful tools in healing when combined with other treatment modalities.
Tyler Howard, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Tyler Howard is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Tyler received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas (Cum Laude). During his undergraduate career, he served as a research assistant for an eating disorders prevention laboratory. He also volunteered as a suicide and sudden death bereavement support group facilitator at the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and advocated for less stigmatized access to mental health resources for children and their families on behalf of Clarity Child Guidance Center. Tyler then pursued his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University and graduated top of his class. In his last year of graduate school, Tyler interned at Carroll County Youth Service Bureau (CCYSB), where he worked with a variety of children, adolescents, and young adults in individual and family counseling sessions. While at CCYSB, Tyler trained in Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT) protocol and split his caseload between regular psychotherapy cases and PCIT coaching cases. Tyler views clients from a strengths-based and solutions-focused perspective, harnessing each client’s unique talents and resources to help them find their own solutions. He uses an eclectic family systems approach in treatment, but emphasizes cognitive-behavioral and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) techniques to challenge client’s dysfunctional beliefs and interpretations. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys hiking, going to spin class, and listening to independent radio.
Megan O’Shea, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Megan O’Shea is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Megan received her Bachelor of Science degree from Stevenson University in Business Communications and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkin’s University’s School of Education. While she pursued her graduate degree, she worked at Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, a community outpatient center that focuses on co-occurring disorders. While at Upper Bay Counseling, Megan worked with families, couples, and individuals of all ages with emotional and behavioral difficulties, relationship issues, serious and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders. She also ran a weekly group for Upper Bay’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program that provided a variety of supportive rehabilitation services for adults with persistent mental health issues both on-site and in the community. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based with a focus on getting in touch with a person’s inner truth and uncovering their level of motivation to change. Megan firmly believes in the importance of the therapeutic alliance; meeting clients where they are and tailoring approaches and techniques as necessary depending on the nature of the client’s situation. Her counseling philosophy is influenced heavily by mindfulness, with a particular emphasis on the need for individuals to have meaningful connections in life. Megan is deeply committed to having a role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction on a global scale. Outside of work, Megan enjoys playing music, spending time with family and friends, and being in nature any way possible.
Alison Merrifield, CAADC, LPC
Primary Therapist
Alison Merrifield is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Ali received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania. From there she attended graduate school at Grand Canyon University where she received two Master’s degrees, one in Addictions Counseling, and one in Professional Counseling. While pursuing her graduate degree, Ali worked at Pyramid Healthcare MAT program providing group, individual, and family therapy services to her clients. From there, she worked at a duel diagnosis inpatient facility with a focus on trauma informed care and other specialized therapies. Her creative and upbeat personality aids in keeping her clients engaged and motivated to succeed. Ali’s approach for treatment is highly concentrated on person centered and strength based approaches understanding and believing every person is unique with incredible potential. She also uses her background as a college athlete/coach to encourage and support patients to step outside of their comfort zones in hopes to achieve greatness. Ali is committed to reducing the negative stigma against mental health and the disease of addiction by trying to educate everyone affected and not affected by addiction or mental health. Outside of work, Ali loves spending time with her family, engaging in physical activity around the sports she loves, being the best aunt she can be, and spreading love and kindness to as many people as she can.
Tara Pistorio, LCPC, CAC-AD
Primary Therapist
Tara Pistorio is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Tara received her Bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Chemical Dependency Counseling and her Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from McDaniel College. Previously, Tara has worked in many substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder treatment settings as well as outpatient mental health counseling settings where she provided individual counseling and group therapy to adult populations suffering from addiction and mental health issues. Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy are the basis for Tara’s therapeutic approach with patients. She strives to connect with and develop a working therapeutic relationship with the patient in an effort to create and sustain lasting life change. Outside of work, Tara enjoys reading, playing with her two dogs, and spending time with family.
Amber Sheets, MA
Primary Therapist
Amber Sheets is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Amber received her Bachelors of Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and her Masters of Arts degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Counseling Psychology. While pursuing her graduate degree, Amber provided forensic counseling to adults who were psychiatrically incarcerated at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Following graduate school, she continued providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to court-mandated youth involved in the criminal justice system. By using a combination of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy, Amber strategizes with the individual and family in cultivating long-term change based on the family’s needs. Before coming to MARC, Amber spent time performing counseling services and lifestyle interventions in a scientific research setting, providing supportive services and aiding clients in creating positive life changes in attitudes, behaviors and overall health. Outside of work, Amber enjoys reading as much as possible, playing with all four of her pets, and spending time with loved ones.
Sarah MacDonald, ADT
Collegiate Recovery Specialist
Sarah MacDonald is the Collegiate Recovery Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In this role, Sarah works with MARC patients to assess their readiness to reengage in their education, facilitates weekly meetings, and provides academic counseling for patients and information updates to families. Prior to coming to working at MARC, she was employed as a nanny and personal assistant where she discovered and developed a passion for helping others. In 2016, Sarah joined the team at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center as a Therapist Assistant in the extended care community living treatment program, working directly with MARC patients and supporting and collaborating with MARC’s clinical and medical teams. Sarah worked as the Office Manager until 2018 where her duties and responsibilities include supervising administrative staff, maintaining and coordinating relationships with key vendors, overseeing office systems, supporting key company personnel and assisting with special projects. Sarah completed a clinical internship in 2018 and holds a degree in chemical dependency counseling. As MARC’s Collegiate Recovery Specialist, Sarah is involved in the MARC partnership with Caron Treatment Center’s and Caron’s Collegiate Success program and works closely with Jonathan Saltzburg, Executive Director of Collegiate Recovery Services at Caron, and other Caron staff to implement Caron’s proven collegiate programming for all MARC patients beginning or continuing their college education during treatment and recovery. She is a lifelong learner and is eager to continue growing professionally with MARC. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and traveling with her husband.
Hobart Blankenburg, ADT
Vocational Specialist
Hobart Blankenburg is the Vocational Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Hobart grew up in Towson, MD and is a graduate of Stevenson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Video, Film, and Theatre. He is also graduating from CCBC this year with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Prior to the spring of 2016, when Hobart’s career at MARC began, he was a craftsman for his stepfather’s woodworking business. Hobart worked there for most of his life until he decided it was time for a change. He quit the family business and went back to school pursuing Chemical Dependency Counseling in tandem with working for MARC with the direct patient care staff. Hobart worked as a Therapist Assistant (TA) at MARC for 2 years before moving into his current role in the company. As Vocational Specialist, Hobart is responsible for showing patients the skills needed to transition into a life of balance between recovery, work and school. MARC’s vocational program adheres to their clinical philosophy that living a good life is not only about being free from addiction, but also free from being dependent on loved ones for life’s basic needs and life skills. Hobart’s role is not to simply aid patients in finding employment, but to find employment that meets their skill set, passion and gives them excitement, direction and purpose. While patients focus on furthering their education and pursuing their dream jobs, Hobart believes that living a life of recovery should still be every patient’s top priority. In Hobart’s spare time he writes music and performs with several different projects. Hobart is also married, has a daughter, and lives local to the area.
Maura Maguire
Admissions Specialist
Maura Maguire is an Admissions Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Maura, along with the entire admissions team, is the first point of contact when a family member or an individual seeking treatment reaches out to MARC seeking help. Prior to her employment at MARC, Maura worked as the Director of Client Services at a substance use disorder treatment facility in Bel Air, MD where she served as the liaison between the clinical and residential staff, provided supervision and guidance to the residential employees, and worked directly with clients in order to provide the best possible care for those struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. At MARC, Maura works alongside the rest of the admissions team, working in collaboration with the clinical and medical team as well as outside professional referents, family members of those seeking help and incoming patients to make the intake process as smooth and efficient as possible. Outside of work, Maura enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her two cats.
Shelby Bart
Admissions Specialist
Shelby Bart is an Admissions Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center where she assists with the intake and admissions process of new clients at MARC. As an Admissions Specialist, Shelby’s responsibilities include handling initial telephone calls from potential patients, family members and referents, speaking with and consoling concerned family members and those individuals seeking treatment, providing clinically appropriate referrals to specialized treatment programs and different levels of care, verifying insurance benefits, and scheduling intake appointments and assessing intakes as they admit. Before working at MARC, Shelby gained vast experience working in different medical settings, including private practices, group medical practices and animal veterinary clinics. Her passion to help others includes a love for animals and dogs specifically. Through her own long and personal experience with addiction and recovery, Shelby has both the guiding knowledge and heart-filled passion to help others who are struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders. She believes in aiding not only those who are struggling, but their families as well, move through the step-by-step process that leads to both patient and family to finding recovery. With experience and immense empathy, Shelby treats every intake with a dedicated importance and compassion that makes the struggle of an intake process less taxing, for both the family and those who are struggling. In addition to her role at MARC, Shelby also owns and operates Who Let The Dogz Out!, a dog walking and service company, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, and focusing on her personal recovery.
Amanda Winfield, ADT
Intake Specialist
Amanda Winfield is an Intake Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Work from Rhode Island College. Amanda is currently a certified drug and alcohol trainee. Prior to working at MARC, Amanda was an addiction counselor who was responsible for maintaining an individualized case load while also facilitating outpatient (OP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programming for individuals affected by substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. Amanda is passionate about this field of work and feels she has the unique capacity to balance personal experience, knowledge, and clinical experience to outreach patients and their families. At MARC, Amanda handles clinical intakes for patients entering MARC’s continuum of care. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending her free time traveling and exploring different cultures, as well as watching football.
Mallorie Schwartzman
Community Relations Specialist
Mallorie Schwartzman is the Community Relations Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Motivated by her passion to help others, Mallorie takes a grassroots approach to her work, creating important relationships with families, organizations and professionals within the community. She spends her day-to-day cultivating new and strengthening existing relationships in the community and fostering deeper connections to those valued by MARC. On most days you can find her somewhere in the DMV meeting with local professionals, collaborating with other treatment facilities or speaking with families in order to better their education and awareness about addiction and help navigate the treatment process. After studying Health and Wellness and Business, Mallorie went on to develop multiple new marketing regions for the beverage company Bai Brands. She created and successfully executed plans to build out the brand and foster new growth opportunies in the MidAtlantic region, Southeastern region and Texas. Most recently, she worked at Lululemon where she led Community and Personnel Development work out of Bethesda, MD. Mallorie’s professional experience coupled with her personal experience as a person in long term recovery makes her the perfect community maven for MARC, our professional partners and individuals and families in need. In her time out of the office, Mallorie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, cycling, juicing and trying out new healthy recipes.
Colleen Waterfield
Medical Services Coordinator
Colleen Waterfield is the Medical Services Coordinator for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Colleen is the hub that operates internal and external scheduling of medical appointments for MARC patients. She works closely with the medical staff to schedule patient appointments for MARC psychiatrists and nurse practitioner as well as scheduling any necessary outside medical or specialty appointment. Colleen also works closely with the pharmacy regarding patient medications and ensures all medical matters are communicated across all departments within the company. Colleen initially joined Maryland Addiction Recovery Center in 2015 and has previously held the positions of Therapist Assistant, TA Weekend Supervisor and Alumni Coordinator. Prior to joining the MARC team, Colleen worked in the recovery field as the manager of a women’s sober living residence for the group One Promise where her responsibilities included providing live-in supervision to the house residents, organizing recovery activities, and providing guidance, support and resources for clients in areas of daily living and early recovery. Colleen is passionate in her commitment to help those struggling with addiction which is driven by her own personal experience with addiction recovery. In her down time Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, reading and watching football.
Erin Kelley
Office Manager
Erin Kelley is the Office Manager at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Erin’s responsibilities include providing administrative support to staff, maintaining client and guest relations, answering general admissions calls and questions and program inquiries, ensuring clinical office upkeep, supporting the office manager in vendor relationships, along with many other duties. Erin received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from Elon University. After completing school, she pursued a career in Human Resources where she partnered with individual clients as well as organizations to assess and fulfill their staffing needs. Erin’s position at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center allows her to integrate her desire of working with others with her passion for recovery from addiction. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her son. She also enjoys being active, including running, playing and also watching sports.
MARC Community Living Staff
The Maryland Addiction Recovery Center Community Living Staff of TA’s and CA’s work directly with MARC therapists and medical staff as a direct extension of the clinical team to assist them in providing structured, clinically appropriate patient oversight, patient care, education and maintaining a safe therapeutic community. The team work with patients to address challenges, strengthen tools, overcome barriers and enhance therapeutic work in order to aid patients in transitioning from addiction to recovery. It is the Community Staff’s job to create trust and ensure safety with patients, maintain communication with clinical staff and assist with patient issues, monitoring and continued life skills building while a patient is in treatment.