Our Staff
Leadership
Samuel Bierman, BS, CAP, ICADC, CNDAI
Executive Director, Co-Founder
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 Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management, Sam started in the field as Counselor Assistant at Caron Renaissance in Boca Raton, Florida, eventually working his way up to Director of Operations for Caron Ocean Drive, Caron’s program focusing on executive clientele. As Executive Director of MARC, Sam is responsible for overseeing the entire clinical and administrative operations of the organization. Sam’s clinical philosophies center around developing a strong therapeutic alliance between the clinician 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. Outside of his work at MARC, Sam also serves on the membership committee of NAATP, the board of directors of local non-profits Phoenix Foundation of Maryland and Shalom Tikvah, and was named a Baltimore Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Class of 2019 honoring Baltimore’s emerging business leaders.
Zach Snitzer
Corporate Director of Marketing, Co-Founder
Zach Snitzer
Corporate Director of Marketing, Co-Founder
Zach Snitzer is the Corporate Director of Marketing at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is responsible for the business development, marketing, branding, public relations, communications, 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 young athletes to compete in local, regional, and national leagues, tournaments, and event, and as an Associate Producer/Creative Director for United States Media Television in Coral Springs, Florida. At US Media, 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. Due to his own personal journey of recovery, Zach had a vision of bringing world class long-term treatment to his home state that viewed addiction as a chronic illness and offered a continuum that truly aided in healing patients and families with a path of sustainable recovery. In addition to his duties at MARC, Zach also serves on the Board of Directors of Valley/Bridge House, the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia Professional Liaison’s Association (DMV-PLA) leadership committee, and the National Advisory Board for the National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD.)
Jennifer Richards, PsyD
Clinical Director
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. Dr. Richards’ interests include program development, addiction and trauma, ACT, group therapy, psychological assessment, experiential therapies, and mindfulness-based practices. She is an adjunct professor at Howard Community College where she teaches courses in chemical dependency. Dr. Richards is licensed as a psychologist in MD and PA and is an Approved Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Approved Supervisor in MD.
Alfred Forrester, MD, LFAPA
Medical Director
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 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. Dustielynn oversees both human resources and compliance at MARC, including staffing, training, and communication and coordination with state agencies and national accrediting organizations to make sure MARC is up-to-date and aligned with state licensing requirements and requirements of The Joint Commission. 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.
Maura Maguire
Director of Admissions
Maura Maguire
Admissions Specialist
Maura Maguire is the Director of Admissions 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. Additionally, she offers ongoing supervision to the admissions staff. Outside of work, Maura enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her two cats.
Mallorie Schwartzman
Director of Business Development
Mallorie Schwartzman
Director of Business Development
Mallorie Schwartzman is the Director of Business Development 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.
Brent Coleman, RPS
Director of Support Services
Brent Coleman, RPS
Director of Support Services
Brent Coleman is the Director of Support Services at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. A Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS) and certified to teach CCAR-Recovery Coach Academy, Brent’s role and responsibilities at MARC include 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 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 spending time with friends and loved ones.
Medical
Douglas Woodruff, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
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.
LaShanda Roberts, MSN, BSN, RN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
LaShanda Roberts, MSN, BSN, RN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
LaShanda Roberts is the Nurse Practitioner at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She works collaborative in the MARC Medical Department, alongside psychiatrists Dr. Alfred Forrester and Dr. Douglas Woodruff and Medical Coordinator Colleen Waterfield. LaShanda received her undergraduate degree from Stevenson University in Baltimore County, Maryland, and received her Master’s Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University. LaShanda started her nursing career at Johns Hopkins Hospital, providing direct medical care to patients on a Med-Surg unit. She has worked within a variety of roles as a nurse, including home health care, case management, and leadership. Prior to her time at MARC, LaShanda was the Clinical Advanced Practitioner at Johns Hopkins HealthCare, providing clinical guidance to care managers as they managed complex patients with chronic health conditions. She also worked at Taylor Integrated Health as a Family Nurse Practitioner providing care to patients living in Baltimore City.
Colleen Waterfield
Medical Services Coordinator
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.
Clinical
Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C
Family Therapist
Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C
Family Therapist
Arielle Seidler is a Family 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, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
Corinne Burnett, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
Corinne Burnett is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. She graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Upon returning to Maryland, Corinne began working in special education at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her work in special education inspired her to return to school in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Towson University. She then earned her master’s degree from University of Maryland, where she specialized in trauma. Corinne combines her background in the arts and her trauma-informed education to incorporate experiential and expressive therapies while treating clients at MARC. Corinne practices EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) for patients experiencing trauma and PTSD symptoms as well as dysfunctional patterns related to adverse experiences. She began working at MARC in 2015 and is passionate about MARC’s mission.
Megan O’Shea, LCPC
Primary Therapist
Megan O’Shea, LCPC
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, LCPC, CAADC
Primary Therapist
Alison Merrifield, LCPC, CAADC
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, 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 Berkhart, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Amber Berkhart, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Amber Berkhart 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.
Kimberly Bonsiero, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
Kimberly Bonsiero, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
Kimberly Bonsiero is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from McDaniel College. After graduating from undergraduate studies, she decided to take time off from school to focus on employment. Kim discovered her passion for helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders after obtaining employment at Health Care Access Maryland in the Addiction Outreach Services Department. From there, she went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Kimberly most recently worked as a mental health clinician at a substance use treatment program located in Baltimore. Kimberly has completed an intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training course, as well as having received a Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment from The Ferentz Institute. Kimberly utilizes an eclectic approach tailored to the needs of each client. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading, being outdoors with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
Erica Mullinix, LCPC, MS
Primary Therapist
Sarah MacDonald, CSC-AD
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.
Laura Kendal, LGPC, CAC-AD
Therapist
Sarah MacDonald, CSC-AD
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.
Kyle Aaron, M.Ed, LCPC
Vocational Therapist
Kyle Aaron, M.Ed, LCPC
Vocational Therapist
Kyle Aaron is the Vocational Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Kyle received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University and Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. While pursuing his graduate degree, Kyle found his passion for working with young adults with substance use disorders while providing counseling in an inpatient treatment setting. Kyle then went on to work for St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center in Louisiana, providing group and individual therapy for clients and their families as well as working as a clinical director in the residential setting.
Kyle employs an integrative approach in working with clients using techniques from psychodrama, Jungian Analytical Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Schema Therapy. He trusts the core of what brings about change is person-centered and existential through helping create a sacred space where clients can mobilize inner courage and curiosity to confront the human condition in a compassionate way. Kyle believes that finding a calling is an essential part of maintaining long term recovery. As the Vocational Therapist at MARC, Kyle oversees the vocational program for patients as they prepare for, find, and engage in employment during treatment and learn to live in recovery. In his free time, Kyle enjoys watching movies, playing board games, taking his dog on long walks and spending quality time with loved ones.
Sarah MacDonald, CSC-AD
Collegiate Recovery Specialist
Sarah MacDonald, CSC-AD
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.
Admissions
Amanda Winfield, ADT
Intake Specialist
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.
Tim Holt, MSW
Intake Specialist
Tim Holt, MSW
Intake Specialist
Tim Holt is an Intake Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Born and raised in Wilton, Connecticut, Tim received his Bachelor of Psychology from St. Michaels College and his Master of Social Work from Sacred Heart University. Currently, he is working towards becoming a licensed social worker in the state of Maryland. Prior to his employment at MARC, Tim worked as a social worker at an inpatient treatment facility in Connecticut that specialized in treating addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. During his time there, Tim was responsible for carrying a 5 patient caseload, running clinical groups, conducting individual therapy sessions, and discharge planning. Before becoming a social worker, he worked as a case manager at a sober living for young adults in Connecticut, and has also worked as a sober coach and sober companion in Manhattan. Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending his free time golfing and fishing.
Business Development
Ryan Burton
Community Relations Specialist
Ryan Burton
Community Relations Specialist
Ryan Burton is a Community Relations Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Born in Towson, MD and raised in Hunt Valley, MD, Ryan is certainly a product of the local Baltimore area. Ryan attended Carver Arts & Technology, studying with a focus on Culinary Arts. After entering the culinary workforce, Ryan found that such a position didn’t provide enough human interaction and connection, while the long hours made it difficult to cultivate a relationship and family. Suffering from his own issues with substance use disorder and alcoholism, Ryan found long-term person recovery in 2006, went back school, and eventually switched careers into the Information Technology (I.T.) field, working for Loyola University in Baltimore doing training and troubleshooting. Finding his passion for helping others both personally and professionally, and aiding those in need of finding a solution to their problems, Ryan joined the MARC business development and outreach team in 2019, finding a perfectly aligned role for his desire to be helpful to those in need. Ryan is a natural networker, searching daily to be helpful to those, regardless of the problems they are facing. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and son, searching for the world’s best coffee, cooking, and exploring his zest for learning.
Recovery Support
Jacqueline Neubauer, RPS
Evening TA Supervisor
Jacqueline Neubauer, RPS
Evening TA Supervisor
Jacqueline Neubauer is the Evening TA Supervisor at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, she oversees the TA support staff during evening shift. Jacqueline’s primary purpose is to create a safe environment for patients to feel heard and understand, while also making sure the TA staff is supported to provide the best care possible to MARC patients. Prior to her current role, Jacqueline began her career as a Therapist Assistant (TA) at MARC in June of 2018, working directly with patients and offering them guidance in their journey of early recovery. She then was promoted to the Weekend Evening Supervisor of the TA staff before taking on her current role. Jacqueline has always had the desire to help others and once she found personal long-term recovery she realized the best way to do that was by helping others find a similar path in freedom from addiction. Jacqueline is a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS.) In her free time, she finds enjoyment within nature and spending time with her animals.
Therapeutic Assistant Staff
Therapeutic Assistant 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.
Administrative
April Weider, SHRM-CP
HR Specialist
April Weider, SHRM-CP
HR Specialist
April Weider is the HR Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. April graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Maryland in 2018 a few months before she started working at MARC. Prior to her work at MARC, she worked in Human Resources for 2 years. Outside of work, April enjoys spending time with family and going to the beach.
Erin Kelley
Compliance Specialist
Erin Kelley
Compliance Specialist
Erin Kelley is the Compliance Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Erin collaborates with staff to ensure all departments are compliant with State and Federal regulations, as well as with standards of The Joint Commission. It is Erin’s belief that maintaining the highest standards and practices in compliance across the organization is critical in delivering best-in-class patient care. Prior to her current role, Erin was the Office Manager at MARC. Erin received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from Elon University. Erin’s position at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center allows her to combine 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 watching sports.
Terri Williams
Executive Assistant
Terri Williams
Executive Assistant
Terri Williams is the Executive Assistant at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Terri received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from St Joseph’s College in 2019. Prior to working at MARC she completed two internships, one at Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center and the other at the Mayor’s Office For Human Services in Baltimore. Five days a week she facilitated routine trips with the outreach team for the mayors office to hospitals and parks escorting the homeless to shelters and designated areas of refuge during the winter months. While interning at Kingsboro, Terri worked on the women’s unit where she administered biopsychosocial assessments to incoming patients,, facilitated groups therapy, updated client files, and prepared discharge paperwork. Before moving to Maryland, Terri lived in New York City where she started her professional career in Accounts Receivable for MPS Parking. The duration of her time at MPS Parking was spent as a CPA’s assistant overseeing tasks such as K1’s, reconciliations, and preparing tax documents for over 100 garages within the company. At MARC, Terri oversees the patient billing and is the line of communication between a patients guarantor and MARC, as well as supports MARC’s executive and administrative teams. It is Terri’s goal to make patient billing and financials as effective, comprehensive, and stress-free for all MARC patients and their families.
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