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. In his role, Zach is responsible for the marketing, business development, outreach, 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. Before cofounding Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, he worked at a Baltimore-based public relations firm, as the Director of Communications and Online Marketing for a local amateur sports event production company, as an Associate Producer and Creative Director for a full service media and marketing organization, and as an admissions director at a residential treatment facility. Fueled by his personal journey of addiction and recovery, his passion stems from the belief that recovery is not about giving up drugs and alcohol, but rather in gaining a meaningful life of direction and purpose. Zach believes in the need to educate others that addiction as a chronic illness, help them understand and recognize the benefits and outcomes of long-term treatment, and hopes to support afflicted individuals and families on a path of sustainable recovery that leads to a high quality of life. In addition to his duties at MARC, Zach also serves on the Board of Directors of Baltimore City-based non-profit 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.)
Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C
Clinical Director
Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C
Clinical Director
Arielle Seidler is the Clinical Director at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Arielle came to MARC after obtaining her Master of Social Work at the University Pennsylvania and working at a community dual diagnosis clinic in Philadelphia. When she joined the MARC staff in 2015, she began in the role of a Primary Therapist, holding a case load and delivering individual, group, and family therapy services. During her time as a Primary Therapist, Arielle completed a 3-year training program with the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia and became a board certified clinical supervisor.
In 2019 she began to enhance MARC’s family treatment services and developed what is now the MARC Family Recovery Program (FRP.) Arielle’s role shifted from Primary Therapist and she took on the new role of Family Therapist and in time, ultimately, Family Clinical Supervisor. In those roles overseeing MARC’s family treatment programming, she worked closely with the clinical team to develop family support services at MARC and deepen family clinical work.
As the Clinical Director, she is now responsible for the overall clinical supervision of the MARC clinical team, program development for all MARC treatment programs, and managing all MARC family treatment and support services.
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 Castrignano
Director of Human Resources
Dustielynn Castrignano
Director of Human Resources
Dustielynn Castrignano is the Director of Human Resources for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center and is a vital asset to the day-to-day operations of the organization. Dustielynn oversees all elements of human resources at MARC, including developing HR plans and strategy, staffing, onboarding, training, communication and coordination with internal departments, and ensures compliance with all employment laws and regulations. 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.
Corinne Burnett, LCSW-C
Director of Clinical Development
Corinne Burnett, LCSW-C
Director of Clinical Development
Corinne Burnett is the Director of Clinical Development at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Corinne graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Upon returning to Maryland, she 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, going on to earn her master’s degree from University of Maryland, specializing 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) and brainspotting for patients experiencing trauma and PTSD symptoms as well as dysfunctional patterns related to adverse experiences. Corinne also is a certified yoga nidra practitioner and holds certifications to practice trauma-informed yoga. Passionate about MARC’s mission, she began working at MARC in 2015 as a Primary Therapist. Since that time, Corinne has also held the roles of Trauma Recovery Specialist and Trauma Clinical Supervisor, before moving into her current role. As MARC’s Director of Clinical Development, she is responsible for the overall educational and training development of the clinical team, as well as the ongoing development and implementation of all MARC trauma-based services. Corinne is also one of the only certified experiential therapists in the state of Maryland by the International Society for Experiential Professionals (ISEP.)
Maura Maguire, ADT
Director of Admissions
Maura Maguire, ADT
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 and has her Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) status. Outside of work, Maura enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her two cats.
Morgan Pagels
Director of Business Development
Morgan Pagels
Director of Business Development
Morgan Pagels is the Director of Business Development at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. At MARC, Morgan manages and oversees the business development and outreach initiatives and works with MARC’s Corporate Director of Marketing to create, implement, and execute the overall branding, business development, and outreach efforts of the organization. She has worked in the behavioral healthcare field for over 15 years in various organizations, holding many positions including Director of Utilization Review and Managed Care, Director of Admissions, and National Clinical Outreach Representative. In addition to her role at MARC, Morgan serves on the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia Professional Liaison’s Association (DMV-PLA) professional development committee, and services on the policies and procedures committee for the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania’s tiny home project in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In her space time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, lifting weights, and giving back to the recovery community.
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.
Erin Kelley
Director of Compliance
Erin Kelley
Director of Compliance
Erin Kelley is the Director of Compliance at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Erin collaborates with staff to ensure all departments are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as with standards of The Joint Commission. In her role, she oversees operational policies and procedures, and facilitates necessary internal department audits. 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. Initially, Erin was the Office Manager at MARC before moving into the position of Compliance Specialist which predated her current role. 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.
Colleen Waterfield
Administrative Director
Colleen Waterfield
Administrative Director
Colleen Waterfield is the Administrative Director for Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Colleen is responsible for overseeing the daily tasks of the MARC administrative team, including MARC’s Medical Services Coordinator, Office Manager, and Executive Assistant. She works closely with the other members of the MARC management team, offers insight into the daily operations of the program, supervises the administrative team, and monitors the administrative processes, policies, procedures of the MARC administrative workflow.
Colleen initially joined Maryland Addiction Recovery Center in 2015 and has previously held the positions of Therapist Assistant, TA Weekend Supervisor, Alumni Coordinator, and Medical Services 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.
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.
Rosemary Lokko, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner
Rosemary Lokko, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner
Rosemary Lokko is the Nurse Practitioner at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. A member of MARC’s medical department, Rosemary is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP.) In her role, she works collaboratively alongside the MARC psychiatrists and medical coordinator to provide high-quality, timely medical care for MARC patients. Rosemary supports patients with initial medical history and physical examinations, assessments, and ongoing care throughout a patient’s time receiving treatment at MARC. She received her Bachelor of Science from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. Rosemary has worked in various nursing roles in direct patient care in both hospital, outpatient, and addiction treatment settings. Most recently, she worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Tuerk House in Baltimore City. Rosemary is passionate about working with patients to increase their education about medical issues and promoting sustainable health and wellness habits that they can incorporate into their daily lives to create long-term healthy living.
Jessica Jackson
Medical Services Coordinator
Jessica Jackson
Medical Services Coordinator
Jessica is the Medical Services Coordinator at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, Jessica is responsible for providing support and assistance to MARC medical staff, patients, and their families, ensuring that MARC patients receive the best quality medical care throughout their stay. Jessica oversees internal and external patient/provider appointment schedules, medical supply ordering, and maintains patient medical records. She works closely with the other members of the MARC Medical team as well as the MARC Clinical team and Therapist Assistant team to guarantee a constant flow of communication in regard to patient medical care.
Jessica joined Maryland Addiction Recovery Center in 2019 and previously held the position of Therapist Assistant. Prior to joining the MARC team, Jessica worked in several different treatment facilities in Maryland gaining experience in every level of care setting from detox to long-term residential care. Jessica’s personal experience navigating co-occurring disorders motivates her passion for helping others struggling with addiction and mental illness. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys engaging in creative expression, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her family and cats.
Clinical
Tara Pistorio, LCPC, CAC-AD
Family Therapist
Tara Pistorio, LCPC, CAC-AD
Family Therapist
Tara Pistorio is a Family 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 several 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. Tara began working at MARC as a Primary Therapist, before transitioning to her current role as Family Therapist. In her current role, Tara provides clinical, coaching, and support for the family members of MARC patients, as well as facilitates MARC’s Family Recovery Program (FRP), the 3 ½ day family intensive experience. Outside of work, Tara enjoys reading, playing with her two dogs, and spending time with family.
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. She is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.) 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
Erica Mullinix, LCPC, MS
Primary Therapist
Erica Mullinix is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Erica earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development from Roanoke College in Virginia. After completing her undergraduate degree she obtained a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University. As a graduate student, Erica interned at the Loyola Clinical Centers where she administered psychoeducation testing to children with suspected learning disorders and ADHD, then completed a second internship at a local community college outpatient substance use disorder treatment program. Prior to working at MARC, Erica provided outpatient substance abuse counseling a local nonprofit treatment facility, where her duties included facilitating individual and group therapy as well as a DUI education group. She is certified to provide both domestic violence victim and perpetrator services, with much of her previous experience including providing therapy to perpetrators of domestic violence who concurrent presented with a substance use disorder. Erica’s therapeutic style is one that gives patients the support and space they need to work through the things they’ve been holding onto, approaching treatment in a way that is warm and empowering to patients and helps them challenge and change what’s holding them back. In her space time, Erica enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and spending time with her dog.
Laura Kendal, LCPC, CAC-AD
Primary Therapist
Laura Kendal, LCPC, CAC-AD
Primary Therapist
Laura Kendal is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Laura received her Bachelors of Arts in Cultural Anthropology & Sociology from UMBC. She then spent five years living abroad in Israel teaching English where she developed a passion for helping others and working in a collaborative setting. After returning to Baltimore from abroad, Laura began pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from McDaniel College as well as a specialized degree in drug and alcohol counseling from CCBC.
Laura is committed to helping remove the stigma around mental health and addiction and helping those who struggle find recovery. Laura originally joined MARC as a Therapist Assistant. From that position, she transitioned to the position of Vocational Counselor, and eventually moved into her current role of Primary Therapist.
Laura uses an eclectic approach in her therapy in order to address each individual client’s needs. She is certified in Brainspotting after completing Phase 1 and Phase 2 trainings in this clinical treatment approach. Outside of work, Laura enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Sarah MacDonald, CSC-AD
Primary Therapist
Sarah MacDonald, CSC-AD
Primary Therapist
Sarah MacDonald is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. 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. Before becoming a Primary Therapist, Sarah was the Collegiate Recovery Specialist at MARC, where she worked with patients to assess their readiness to reengage in their academic and educational careers. As MARC’s Collegiate Recovery Specialist, Sarah was involved in the MARC partnership with Caron Treatment Centers and Caron’s College Success program and worked closely with Caron staff to implement Caron’s proven collegiate programming for all MARC patients beginning or continuing their college education during treatment and recovery. As a Primary Therapist, Sarah provides individual counseling for patients on her caseload, as well as facilitating group therapy and family therapy sessions. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and traveling with her husband.
Aaron Udey, LMSW
Primary Therapist
Aaron Udey, LMSW
Primary Therapist
Aaron Udey is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Aaron attended the University of Maryland, receiving his B.S. in Family Science and returning to earn his Master of Social Work degree. Aaron’s studies focused on the clinical and integrated behavioral health aspects of the field. Prior to arriving at MARC, he worked providing behavioral health care under the Collaborative Care Model to deliver mental health services virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aaron has an extensive history working in outpatient substance use treatment. He has held a variety of roles; supervising support staff and providing direct care to both patients and families. Aaron’s approach to therapy is eclectic; influenced heavily by person-centered therapy and family systems theory. He is a firm believer in comprehensive, concurrent treatment for both the patient and their loved ones. In his free time, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife, his daughter, and their golden retriever, Sunny.
Jade Adalbert, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Jade Adalbert, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Alexandra Jade Adalbert (preferred name Jade) is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Jade was born and raised in the mountains outside of Seattle, Washington and received her education attending the University of British Columbia in nearby Vancouver, Canada. At University, she conducted behavioral neuroscience research in the Neural Circuits and Cognition Laboratory as we as clinical research in the Centre for Gambling Research. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia, where her passion for addiction and recovery ignited- especially in low barrier settings. Jade also volunteered at the Vancouver Recovery Club in 2017 and has been working in the addiction and recovery field ever since. She left the Pacific Northwest to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where she earned her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in community-based and residential addiction treatment settings, as well as community-based mental health programs. Jade’s therapeutic style aims to uncover the “Why” behind the the patient’s “Why do I keep doing this?” by entering into her patient’s world and helping them rediscover, and live by, their values. When not at work, she can be found in wild spaces with her dog Shasta or anywhere where ice cream can be found and is readily available.
Liesl Blumenthal, LMSW, CAC-AD
Primary Therapist
Liesl Blumenthal, LMSW, CAC-AD
Primary Therapist
Liesl Blumenthal is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Liesl earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Towson University in 1998 and spent several years living and working in the Middle East and Asia, before returning to settle down in her native Baltimore. After raising a family, Liesl was inspired to embark on a second career. In 2020 she returned to school and graduated magna cum laude from CCBC, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services Counseling before continuing on to a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Maryland. Liesl is a 2021-23 AHEC fellow of the Maryland Area Health Education Center program, a two-year longitudinal program focused on interdisciplinary didactic and experiential training in rural and/or underserved areas throughout Maryland. While at the University of Maryland, Liesl was awarded the BHWise Substance Use Disorder Interventions Fellowship, focused on addressing the workforce shortage of skilled clinicians working in the field of substance use disorders. Liesl is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and social worker. She has extensive personal experience working in multiple levels of care including residential, experiential/wilderness therapy, intensive outpatient, and continuing care programs.
Liesl believes that healing takes place through connection and personal accountability. She employs a strengths-based approach to encourage insight into one’s role in personal choices, within the family system and within the larger community. Her approach mirrors her firsthand experiences with healing attachment, developing accountability, navigating grief and loss, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, and other insight-oriented therapy. Liesl’s future interests include deepening work with healing relational trauma through experiential therapy and internal family systems work.
Bethany Spicher, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Bethany Spicher, LGPC
Primary Therapist
Bethany Spicher is a Primary Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Bethany pursued her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Health Science at Towson University. She continued her academic journey at Towson where she earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, Bethany gained extensive experience while working in an inpatient behavioral health unit that dealt with trauma and stressor-related disorders, dissociative disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. While obtaining her graduate degree, she worked on a research team that evaluated textbook accuracy in their representation of child maltreatment to help reduce the stigma that has been placed on those who have survived adverse childhood events. Most recently, Bethany completed her graduate internship at MARC where she spent 9 months co-facilitating group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy sessions, while simultaneously immersing herself into the community to gain an intimate understanding of the organizational clinical philosophy. Bethany’s approach to clinical work is integrative, often pulling from principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and person-centered therapy. She strongly believes in meeting the individual where they are and empowering them to make safe and fulfilling choices. In her free time, Bethany enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Sam Stoecklein
Vocational Therapist
Sam Stoecklein
Vocational Therapist
Sam Stoecklein is the Vocational Therapist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In his role at MARC, Sam oversees the vocational program for patients as they prepare for, find, and engage in active employment during treatment and take on a self-supporting role living in recovery. Prior to his current position, Sam was the Evening TA Supervisor, overseeing the recovery support staff during evening shifts. Sam has been on a journey of personal recovery, sparking his desire to join the field of health and human services. Prior to MARC, he worked for his family business in the home remodeling industry. Beginning at a Therapist Assistant at MARC, Sam quickly was promoted to Evening TA Supervisor, where he created a safe environment for patients to feel heard and understood, while making sure the TA staff was supported to offer the best possible patient care. He is also currently enrolled in higher education with a passion to pursue a career in social work. An avid snowboarder in the winter months with a passion for recreational sports in the summer months, in his free time Sam enjoys spending time with his significant other, their two dogs and beloved bearded dragon.
Admissions
Amanda Winfield, CSC-AD
Intake Specialist
Amanda Winfield, CSC-AD
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.
Sean O’Brien, ADT
Intake Specialist
Sean O’Brien, ADT
Intake Specialist
Sean O’Brien is an Intake Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Sean began working on the recovery support staff team at MARC in 2015, holding multiple positions that included Therapist Assistant (TA) and Evening Therapist Assistant (TA) Supervisor, before transitioning to his role as an Intake Specialist in 2022. Going back to school to continue his education, Sean received his Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) status in 2021 and is currently continuing to further his academic career with a focus on Human Services Counseling. Through his experience gained while working at MARC and his own personal journey in recovery, Sean has developed a passion for helping those who are struggling with alcoholism and substance use disorder. At MARC, he works with professional referents as well as family members of individuals struggling with substance use to help facilitate the best possible admissions and treatment experience. Outside of work, Sean has a passion for exercising and participating in recreational sports, and in his free time enjoys spending time with his fiancé and son. Sean is also an avid and diehard Baltimore sports fan.
Business Development
Sarah Herr
Community Outreach Specialist
Sarah Herr
Community Outreach Specialist
Sarah Herr is a Community Outreach Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Based in the Central Pennsylvania area, Sarah graduated from Shippensburg in 2019 with a Major in Communication and Journalism and a Minor in Political Science. Sarah focuses on strengthening existing interorganizational relationships, creating new partnerships with community organizations and professional providers, and being a resource for individuals and families in need of addiction and mental health treatment. She serves as Business Development Co-Chair for HEAL PA, sits on the board of the Suicide Prevention Alliance, and is a part of various coalitions throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Through working in the behavioral health field and her own personal experiences, mental health awareness has always been a passion of hers. Sarah believes that through education, awareness, and breaking down the barriers to treatment – we as a society can begin to shift the negative stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental illness. She believes that EVERYONE deserves to live a life they love to live and is grateful to have a career that enables her to help others begin their path towards healing. With enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to helping others, Sarah is an effective and engaging resource for those in need seeking a better life in recovery.
Recovery Support
Larry Smith
Evening TA Supervisor
Larry Smith
Evening TA Supervisor
Larry Smith is the Evening TA Supervisor at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center.
In his role, Larry supervises to TA recovery support staff during the regular evening shift, offering safety, guidance, and support to MARC patients. His primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for current MARC patients, while making sure the evening therapist assistant staff is given the necessary support and direction to provide the best possible patient care and experience. Prior to MARC, Larry worked as an Internal Affairs Detective for the Baltimore Police Department. Turning to a career in behavioral healthcare, Larry began as a Therapist Assistant at MARC and was quickly promoted to the role of Weekend Evening TA Supervisor, before taking on his current role. In his free time, Larry is an avid reader and likes spending time at home with his five cats.
Carmen Liberatore
Weekend TA Supervisor
Carmen Liberatore
Weekend TA Supervisor
Carmen Liberatore is the Weekend TA Supervisor at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role, she provides direct care and support to MARC patients, while supervisor and managing the Therapist Assistant recovery support staff over the weekend shifts. Prior to working at MARC, Carmen worked in the educational field, as an administrator at a school. She also has work experience in marketing and graphic design. Currently, Carmen is enrolled in higher education, pursuing a degree in behavioral health. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her two children and their dog, read, and enjoy a good movie.
Matthew Culler
Weekend TA Supervisor
Matthew Culler
Weekend TA Supervisor
Matthew Culler is the Weekend Evening TA Supervisor at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In his role, he provides direct care and support to MARC patients while supervising and managing the Therapist Assistant recovery support staff over the weekend evening shifts. Before working at MARC, Matt tried his hand in various fields that included the hospitality industry, construction, mortgage lending, and cosmological research. Turning to a career in behavioral healthcare, Matt started as a Therapist Assistant at MARC before quickly being promoted to his current role of Weekend Evening TA Supervisor. Outside of work, Matt enjoys going to the gym, reading, and playing music.
Jacqueline Neubauer, CPRS
Support Services Specialist
Jacqueline Neubauer, CPRS
Support Services Specialist
Jacqueline Neubauer is the Support Services Specialist at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. In her role at MARC, she provides ongoing specialty support for patients and the Therapist Assistant team, as well as aids in communication and coordination between the TA team and other departments, such as medical, clinical, and compliance. Additionally, Jacqueline works with the MARC Human Resources department to spearhead the training of all new Therapist Assistant staff members during the onboarding process. 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 then becoming the Weekend TA Supervisor. Jacqueline is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in the state of Maryland. In her free time, she finds enjoyment within nature and spending time with her animals.
Therapist Assistant Staff
Therapist Assistant Staff
The Maryland Addiction Recovery Center Community Living staff of Therapist Assistants 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-SCP
HR Specialist
April Weider, SHRM-SCP
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.
Kim Letke
Office Manager
Kim Letke
Office Manager
Kim Letke is the Office Manager at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. Kim received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University and her Associates degree in Human Services from Harrisburg Area Community College. Kim taught K-5th grade while facilitating a teacher instructional lab providing coaching and development for teachers in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Prior to working at MARC Kim worked as an executive assistant for Joe Letke Inc., a home improvement business, while raising her three daughters. During this time Kim also enjoyed being an active member of the PTA and substitute teaching at Dulaney High School and Ridgely Middle School. Kim manages the day-to-day operations of MARC’s clinical office while providing varied secretarial and administrative duties for the therapists. Kim strives to make the processes at MARC’s clinical office run smoothy and the patients and their families’ visits to MARC comfortable and stress-free. Kim enjoys hiking, camping, boating, scrapbooking and spending time with her family.
Chris McDuffie
Maintenance Supervisor
Chris McDuffie
Maintenance Supervisor
Bio Coming Soon
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