top of page

Our inter-professional team is comprised of compassionate and dedicated individuals that have genuine care for you and your wellbeing.

Leadership Team

Leadership Team
Percy Menzies.jpeg

Percy Menzies, President and Founder

Percy Menzies is the president of Assisted Recovery Centers of America, LLC, a center for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction based in St. Louis, Missouri which was established in 2001. He worked for over 18years for DuPont Pharmaceuticals; one of his roles was associate product director for naltrexone. He has worked closely with drug courts and provided training on the use of anti-craving medications for addiction to reduce recidivism within the criminal justice system. He has conducted workshops for a wide range of audiences both in the US and overseas on evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. He has been invited to serve on expert committees to develop guidelines for the treatment of addictive disorders and alcoholism. Percy is a member of the Missouri Opioid State Targeted Response Team. Percy serves on the Missouri State Advisory Council for the Division of Behavioral Health. Percy holds a master’s degree in pharmacy.

pic-bio-suneal.jpg

Suneal Menzies, Chief Administrative Officer

Suneal Menzies has been a key player in the development, implementation, and management of ARCA’s telehealth program, which is one of the first telehealth platforms specifically focusing on substance use disorders and related behavioral health and primary care conditions. Over the past 12 years, Suneal has had the opportunity to consult in the addiction field in both public and private organizations, including pharmaceutical companies and government groups. He is the founder and managing partner of Recovery House, a transitional living program within ARCA Holdings. Suneal is a member of the Missouri Opioid State Targeted Response Team. Suneal currently serves on the board of Archway Institute for Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, as well as the board of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of St. Louis.

Richard Scholz - ARCA's Program Director

Richard Scholz, Chief Financial Officer

Richard Scholz is the senior executive responsible for managing the financial actions of the company by tracking cash flow and financial planning as well as analyzing the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses. He has received his BS in Business Administration and has a deep-seated passion for BehavioralHealthcare. Having been a part of ARCA for 8 years, he has created and developed full life cycle processes for addiction treatment, from intake standards to program development and expansion. Mr. Scholz is also a partner of Recovery House, a transitional housing program within ARCA Holdings,LLC.

Dr. Fred Rottnek, MD, MAHCM, 

Medical Director

Fred Rottnek - ARCA Medical Director.jpg

Dr. Rottnek is a Professor and the Director of Community Medicine and the program director of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine.  His clinical practices currently include addiction medicine and correctional healthcare. He teaches in the School of Medicine, the Physician Assistant Program, the Center for Interprofessional Education and Research, and the School of Law. He serves on the boards of the Saint Louis Regional Health Commission, the ARCHway Institute, and Alive and Well Communities.

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Medicine, Saint Louis University

  • Residency in Family Medicine, Family Medicine of St. Louis, Deaconess Hospital

  • Faculty Development Fellowship in Family Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Master of Arts in Health Care Mission, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri

CURRENT PRACTICE

  • Assisted Recovery Centers of America, Telemedicine, psychiatry, and addiction

  • QSR Psych Solutions, Telemedicine psychiatry, and addiction

CURRENT LOCATION

  • Everywhere

CERTIFICATIONS  & LICENSURE

  • Board-certified in Family Medicine and in Addiction Medicine

  • Licensed in Missouri and Illinois

Aaron Laxton.jpg

Aaron Laxton, MSW, LMSW, Director of Behavioral Health

Aaron Laxton is currently a Director of Behavioral Health and Therapist with Assisted Recovery Center of America. He is a graduate of the Saint Louis University, School of Social Work, where he received his Master of Social Work with an emphasis on Community and Organizations. He is a licensed Master of Social Work in the State of Missouri. Aaron has worked in the social services for more than a decade in the St. Louis metropolitan area including projects ranging from homeless services, harm reduction, transitional living, and VA specific programs. Prior to his current role, Aaron was the Director of Street Outreach on the Statewide Opiate Response grant in the St. Louis region. Aaron is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Saint Louis University focusing on addiction treatment and trauma. 

Briana_GIbb.jpeg

Briana Gibb, RN, BSN, Director of Clinical Operations

Briana Gibb is the Director of Clinical Operations and Registered Nurse with Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA).  She earned her registered nursing degree from Breckinridge School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing.  Briana has worked in substance use treatment since 2013, both inpatient and outpatient treatment.  She has over a decade of experience working in the mental health field.  Since starting with ARCA in 2013, she has developed and implemented several additional state programs, partnerships in the community and state, and the opening of additional clinics, with the highest standards of patient care.  Her love for the population has been a driving force for continued education, where she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in psychiatric mental health, as a PMHNP at Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Jordan Hampton.png

Jordan Hampton, Director of Housing

Jordan Hampton is a person is long-term recovery. Jordan has a background of lived experience through substance misuse and ARCA’s recovery housing program. Jordan currently is credentialed with CPS, MARS, and multiple specialty trainings. Jordan began his work with The Gateway Foundation as an EPICC recovery coach. Jordan went on to work with the ARCHway Institute in a multitude of facets including adolescent counseling for PreventED’s youth counseling program. Jordan worked with ARCA and the recovery housing program in many different roles, when stepping into the Director of housing position in 2019. Jordan currently serves as a consultant for peer support specialists across the state on the MIMH/SOR consultant team. Jordan serves on the MCRSP (Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers) executive board, including being a peer–reviewer for recovery housing organizations across the state that wish to obtain their NARR certification. Jordan serves on state and national level coalitions that include MO-PRO’s and NPRA. Jordan has presented on the “Best Practices of Recovery Housing” on a national platform for NARR (National Alliance of Recovery Residency) and strives to make ARCA’s recovery housing program the best it can possibly by using these practices along with compassion, love, and tolerance.

James Morani, Human Resources Administrator

Prescribing Providers

Prescribing Providers

Tammy LeBrell, MSN, APRN, FPMHNP-BC

Tammy LeBrell Picture.jpg

Being one with a personal passion for those struggling with addiction and the relevant co-occurring mental health disorders that often accompany, I centered my nursing profession of 20+ years to helping those into recovery. I believe in meeting the person where they are recognizing that each person has their own story to share and personal journey in this life. I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s Degree in Advanced Practice from Saint Louis University and specializing in Family Psychiatric Mental Health. From a small town in North Central Arkansas, I relocated to St. Louis in 2015. Shortly after, I was offered the opportunity of preceptorship with Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA) establishing a working relationship that led to an offer to join the team in 2019. I currently work as a provider treating individuals through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders and mental health diagnosis and treatment therapies. My focus is individual and holistic care.

EDUCATION:

  • PMHNP, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO

  • BSN, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

CURRENT PRACTICE:

  • Telepsychiatry, ARCA, St. Louis, MO

CURRENT LOCATION:

  • St. Louis, MO

AGES SERVED:

  • Current 18+

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE

  • APRN license: MO

  • PMHNP-BC: ANCC Board Certified

  • DEA: MO

  • XDEA: MAT Waiver: MO

Chris E Roberts, PMHNP-BC

CHRIS E ROBERTS Bio Pic.jpg

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders across the lifespan and across practice settings. Studied advanced practice nursing at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. Clinical practice internship at Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University Child and Adolescent Medicine, and Places for People. My journey began with psychiatric nursing at Barnes Jewish Hospital, caring for adults with severe mental illness in crisis. Taught at Goldfarb School of Nursing, mental health nursing while earning an advanced practice degree. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with family, especially my two grandchildren, and traveling to warm destinations.

Education

  • PMHNP, Maryville University, St. Louis, MO

  • BSN, Central Methodist University, St. Louis, MO

Current Practice

  • Telepsychiatry, QSR in St. Louis, MO

  • Telepsychiatry, ARCA, St. Louis, MO

Current Location

  • St. Louis, MO

Ages Served

  • 18+

Certifications & Licensure

  • ANCC board-certified

  • DEA: MO

  • APRN license: MO

  • MAT Waiver: MO

Allison Brauch, PMHNP-BC, AGNP-BC, CARN-AP

Dr. Allison Brauch is a nurse practitioner at Assisted Recovery Centers of America, and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice at The Ohio State University College of Nursing in the PMHNP program.  She has previously taught at Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri Saint Louis. 

She has been in advanced practice since 2010 and a registered nurse since 2003.  She completed her business degree from Louisiana State University in 1998 with a major in Marketing and then began practicing as a registered nurse in 2003. Dr. Brauch completed her MSN in 2010 with a population focus of Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner at Maryville University.  She then completed her DNP at Maryville University in 2015 with a primary research focus on secondary prevention methods of drug and alcohol use disorders. She completed her post-graduate certification from Washburn University as a PMHNP in May 2017 and is licensed by the Missouri and Ohio State Boards of Nursing.  She is holds a certification as a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse- Advanced Practice.

Education:

  • Washburn University -2017 Postgraduate certificate PMHNP-BC

  • Maryville University- 2015 DNP

  • Maryville University- 2010 ANP-BC

  • Maryville University-2003 RN/BSN

  • Louisiana State University -1998 BSBA

Current Practice:

  • ARCA 2020-present

  • The Ohio State University- Assistant Teaching Professor of Clinical Practice

Current Location:

  • Saint Louis, MO

Ages Served:

  • 13+

Certifications & Licensure: 

  • PMHNP-BC, AGNP-BC, CARN-AP

  • Board Certified in Missouri and Ohio

Brandi House, APRN, FNP-BC

Brandi House APRN, FNP-BC is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 10 years’ experience as an advanced practice nurse and over 20 years’ in health care. She has been with ARCA since July of 2017 treating those with substance abuse and mental health disorders. She is currently enrolled at Maryville University obtaining her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. She grew up with and lost a sibling to a substance use disorder and is very passionate about her work.

Education:  

  • University of Missouri- St. Louis – FNP 2010

  • Maryville University- Current Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student

  • Southeast Missouri State University – BSN 2007

  • Mineral Area College of Nursing – RN 2003

 Current Practice:  

  • ARCA

 Current Location: 

  • St. Louis 

Ages Served: 

  • LIfespan

 Certifications & Licensure:  

  • AANP

Shane Perish,  BS Biology, BS Nursing, MSN Nursing

Mr. Parish has been working in health care since 2001.  His experience has been in Emergency Room, Pulmonary, Telemetry, ICU step down, Neurology,  Med-Surge, Renal Care/ Dialysis, and health care management.  Mr. Parish has been with ARCA since 2017 and takes pride in the services ARCA provides for the community.

Education:  

  • BS Biology, BS Nursing

  • MSN Nursing

 Current Practice:  

  • ARCA

 Current Location: 

  • St. Louis 

Ages Served: 

  • ADULT (14 and Up)

 Certifications & Licensure:  

  • AANP

Alecia Brewer, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-C

IMG_6418.jpeg

Alecia Brewer, Family Nurse Practitioner: I went to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville for my master’s degree. Before that, I was a nurse for 6 years with Barnes Jewish Hospital system. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barnes Jewish College - Goldfarb School of Nursing.  I also have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus in International Business and a minor in Marketing from St. Louis University. However, after a few years of working in the business world in St. Louis and overseas, I made the change to nursing when I realized it was what I really wanted to do. At ARCA, I really try to focus on getting to know the client and what motivates them. I try to work with them on identifying the right treatment plan for them so that they can find success in recovery. I always position myself as a support person, and that I am here to help them in their decision to obtain and maintain sobriety. I expect effort from each client; only they can achieve a recovered lifestyle if they make the necessary actions to align with their plan. I expect honesty, determination, and transparency at each appointment. I can only help when I know that the client is doing their best. I always look forward to celebrating with clients when they achieve their goals!

Education:

  • Masters of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

  • Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Barnes Jewish College – Goldfarb School of Nursing

  • Bachelors of Science in Business Administration specializing in International Business and minor in Marketing from St. Louis University

 Current Practice:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner

 Current Location:

  • St. Louis

 Ages Served:

  • 18yo and above at ARCA

 Certifications & Licensure:

  • APRN LIcensure in MO and IL

  • RN LIcensure in MO and IL

  • AANP Certification

  • Suboxone Waivered​

Alexandra Myers, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Dr. Alexandra Myers is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Assisted Recovery Centers of America.  She completed her nursing degree and began practicing as a registered nurse in 2014.

Dr. Myers completed her DNP with a focus of family practice in 2020 from the University of Missouri- Saint Louis. She began treating substance use and psychiatric disorders utilizing medications, behavioral interventions, and therapy in a safe therapeutic environment at ARCA in 2020. She works with clients in identifying and personalizing a treatment plan to aid successful recovery.

Education:

  • University of Missouri- St. Louis - DNP, FNP

  • Central Methodist University - BSN

  • Lutheran School of Nursing - RN

Current Practice:

  • Assisted Recovery Centers of America

Current Location:  

  • St. Louis, MO

Ages Served:

  • Lifespan

Certifications & Licensure: 

  • Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Dr. Ingrid Clarke, D.O.

Education:

  • Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences - medical school

  • Ohio University – bachelors, undergraduate

 Current Practice:

  • Emergency Medicine, Addiction Medicine, HIV prevention

 Current Location:

  • ARCA offices (all locations)

  • HCA hospital system

 Ages Served:

  • 18+ 

Certifications & Licensure:

  • ABEM board-certified

  • Doctor of Osteopathy

  • Licensed in Missouri and Kansas

Dr. Bello, M.D.

Dr. Jennifer Bello.JPG

Dr. Bello is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University. Her research interests include understanding and addressing the reproductive health needs of women and men with substance use disorders. She has experience in corrections medicine and began providing addiction medicine services at ARCA in 2020.

Education:

  • Saint Louis University School of Medicine

  • Family Medicine Research Fellowship and Ethics Fellowship at the University of Chicago

Current Practice:

  • ARCA

Current Location:  

  • St. Louis

Ages Served:

  • Adolescents and adults

Certifications & Licensure:

  • Board-certified in Family Medicine

  • Doctor of Medicine

Virginia Wingler, 

Wingler, Virginia (PMHNP).jpg

Virginia has been practicing as a PMHNP for almost 2 years. She has been in the medical field for over 20 years and an RN for over 10. She likes being able to tangibly improve her patient’s lives by coming alongside them for support and prudent prescribing practices. She has been married for 25 years and has two teenagers. Hobbies include listening to music, cross stitch, and everything SciFi.

Education:

  • BSN from Central Methodist University in 2014

  • MSN from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in 2019

 Current Practice:

  • Psychiatry

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

  • 18+ 

Certifications & Licensure:

  • PMHNP-BC

RN's

RN's

Amanda Hartsell

Amanda Hartsell has worked in the Mental Health field since 2001 and the Substance Abuse field since 2009. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1999 at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. She worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital with children and adolescents until she earned her Nursing Degree in 2009 at St. Charles Community College. After graduating as an RN, she began working with adults in Substance Abuse and Mental Health where she found her passion. In 2013 she started working at ARCA inpatient and transferred to the ARCA Olive location in 2015. Amanda enjoys the rewarding work of helping people in need who are struggling to get and stay sober.

Education:

  • Roger Williams University BA Psych

  • St. Charles Community College RN

 Current Practice:

  • ARCA

 Current Location:

  • St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

  • 18+

Certifications & Licensure:

  • RN

Ashley Harrison

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Charissa Bickel 

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Christina Braun, RN, BSN

I have over 13 years of nursing experience with over 6 years working in Behavioral Health and Addiction Treatment. I have several years of Post Operative Care nursing, but this is my home.  I am currently taking courses to sit for my CARN exam in hopes to be completed by the end of 2021.

Education:

  • BS in Psychology from Southwest Missouri State University 2001-2005

  • ADN Chamberlain College of Nursing 2005-2007

  • BSN Chamberlain College of Nursing 2012-2014

 Current Practice:

  • ARCA

 Current Location:

  • West County Office

Certifications & Licensure:

  • SB

  • ADN

  • BSN

Jessica Miller, BSN, RN

I have been a Nurse for 3 years and ARCA has been my home for 2. As a grateful recovering addict, I enjoy having the opportunity to pay it forward by working with this population. I began my studies as a Nurse at the University of Monroe in Louisiana in 2004. In 2014, I decided it was time to follow my dreams to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and to finish my degree. I enrolled for summer classes at STLCC – Meramec in 2015. I obtained my Associate Applied Science and Associate Degree in Nursing in 2018. I continued my education by enrolling for the RN – BSN program at UMSL in 2018 graduating in 2019. I was awarded the Innovations in Clinical Practice for my community project that year. I was accepted into the BSN to DNP track and started my final journey the Fall of 2020. My expected date of graduation is Fall 2023. I am also currently in the process of obtaining my MADAAC II and CARN certifications. I am an active member of the Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners (through grad school program) involved in student Advocacy to support Nursing Bills that advance the APRN practice and also a member of the International Nurses Society on Addictions.

Education:

  • A.D.N., RN-STLCC-Meramec- 2018

  • BSN. UMSL- 2019

  • BSN-DNP program. UMSL-(2019-2023)

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

  • BSN, RN

  • Stop the Bleed Certification and Instructor

  • Epidemiology Certification through Johns Hopkins

Laura Williams

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Melanie Hill

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Sarah Ward

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Suzanne Wecker, RN

I am an RN and have worked at ACRA for two years. I have been through personal struggles with loved ones that have drug and alcohol addictions. Through these experiences, I have found a passion to help those in their journey to recovery. I hope to support our patients through their personal healing and their struggles while providing them with the best medical care possible.  As a nurse and advocate, I educate patients on their medications and assist in providing resources. Treating addiction is often more than one person can do alone. I am proud to part of a team that equips the people we serve to live a drug free, healthy lifestyle.

Nothing can be done without Hope. – Hellen Keller

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Behavioral Health

Behavior Health

Jesse Williams

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Alex Hackworth, BA

Having personally experienced the ravages of addiction and the gifts of recovery, Alex seeks to instill in every patient the hope that they too can overcome their challenges and live a happier, more fulfilling life. Alex is a Case Manager and Community Support, Specialist. He graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of Missouri St. Louis, worked in neurorehabilitation and psychiatric research and has been in the field of recovery since 2015.

Education:

  • BA Psychology, University of Missouri St. Louis

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Amanda Gebel, Peer Support Specialist

ASSISTED RECOVERY CENTERS OF AMERICA

Amanda is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. She has spent most of her time in recovery working in the St. Louis area in harm reduction, recovery supportive housing and now in a treatment setting with ARCA since October 2020. Her personal life experiences allow her to work to meet people where they are at and support all paths to recovery while promoting safety and eliminating stigma and disparities surrounding substance use and substance use treatment.

Education:

  • QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training, July 2019

  • Peer Support Supervision Training, June 2020

  • Mental Health First Aid, January 2021

 Current Practice:

  • ARCA

 Current Location:

  • St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

  • Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), March 2019

  • Medication Awareness Recovery Specialist (MARS), July 2020

  • POST certification, October 2020

Chris Ray

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Darrel St. Aubin, LPC

I have been at ARCA for the last four years. I have over 40 years in the Counseling Field that include:

  • Director of three Drug Treatment Centers

  • Program manager for the first Marriage and Family contract with the  U.S Army

  • Manager of Outpatient Services in a Psych. Hospital

  • Taught at the Senior Graduate Level at two Universities

  • Private practice

Education:

  • BA. Illinois Wesleyan University. Bloomington, Illinois

  • Masters. Garrett School of Counseling and Psychology. Northwestern University. Evanston, Illinois

  •  ABD Doctorate. Counseling and Psychology. University of the Redlands.  SanAnselmo, California

  • Advanced Studies in Counseling and Psychology. Central Missouri State University. Warrensburg, Missouri

  • All but dissertation on Doctorate

 Current Practice:

  • Assisted Recovery Centers of America, Lead Therapist

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- West County

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

  • LPC Missouri

  • Board Certified Supervisor

  • Associate Fellow with the Institute for Rational Therapy

Irena Jance

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Joe Foege ​​

ASSISTED RECOVERY CENTERS OF AMERICA

As a peer support specialist, Joe started his journey by attending treatment at Gateway, where he was then referred to ARCA for MAT services. Joe also began living in one of ARCA’s sober living homes at Recovery House STL. Joe started using Vivitrol as part of his treatment in 2019. Joe became a manager of Recovery House STL in 2020. Joe has been working in the treatment field since 2020 and in 2021 he obtained his Certified Peer Support credential through the Missouri Credentialing Board. In 2021, Joe joined the ARCA team as a Peer Support Specialist to pursue his dream of helping others in their recovery journeys.

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Certifications & Licensure:

  • Certified Peer Support credential through the Missouri Credentialing Board. In 2021

Karen K.

Education:

  • Currently Enrolled at Syracuse University

 Current Practice:

  • ARCA 

 Current Location:

  • St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

  • 18+

Certifications & Licensure:

  • MARS (Medication Assisted Recovery Specialist)

  • CRADC (Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor)

  • CPS (Certified Peer Specialist)

  • International Reciprocity Certificate

  • Missouri Credentialing Board Clinician Supervisor

  • Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor

Kelly Marx, BSW, Case Manager

This marks the sixteenth year in my field, I have enjoyed working with different populations throughout my career.  At the start, I was creating care plans for skilled nursing patients and Individual Support Plans for individuals with disabilities, and now have the pleasure of being part of a treatment team for the ARCA clients and providing them support, and encouragement in their recovery, and connecting them to resources in their community.

I am honored to be part of the ARCA team and being a part of touching the lives of our clients, and being part of their journey through their recovery.

Education:

  • Bachelor's in social work / Minor in Psychology

 Current Practice:

  • Case Manager

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

  • BSW

Mitch Ackerman, LMSW

I have worked in the field of mental health and addiction since 2013 and have been conducting therapy since 2018.  Throughout this time, I have worked with individual adults and families as they struggle to move forward from addiction into recovery.  Coming from a background in social work allows me to look at a client’s situation from multiple angles and empower them to thrive in their lives.  I tend to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy strategies in order to assist my client’s in gaining insight into their addiction and mental health issues.  I help individuals take control of their recovery and move beyond survival into a place in their life that they can thrive. 

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Sociology from Maryville University

  • Master of Social Work (MSW) from Saint Louis University

 Current Practice:

  • Therapist/Social Worker

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- St. Louis, MO

Certifications & Licensure:

  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Rebecca Shea, Community Support Specialist

ASSISTED RECOVERY CENTERS OF AMERICA

I came to ARCA with hope that I can make a difference in one person’s life. To give every client the care and support needed for a successful recovery. As a mother of a son who struggled with substance use disorder from the age of 16 years old until he succumbed to the disease at the young age of 20 years old, I know the care, the kindness, and the words of encouragement (and even the stern words of disappointment) from “mom” is sometimes just what is needed to push through another day of sobriety. I’m here to be your biggest cheerleader!

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Ryan Wiggins

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Tim Gorgman

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Admin

Admin

Chase Martinson, BSW, CPS

Administrative Lead, Peer Support Specialist

Chase is currently the Administrative Lead for ARCA, along with being a Peer Support Specialist. Chase has worked at ARCA since 2018. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) in 2020 and also holds a credential as a Certified Peer Support (CPS) since 2018. Chase also worked as a manager of ARCA’s sober living homes, Recovery House, for 3 years. He will be continuing his education in the fall of 2021 by pursuing a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) in Mizzou’s Advanced Standing program, with a concentration in Policy, Planning, and Administration in Human Services. In Chase’s free time, he enjoys playing volleyball competitively, playing video games, watching anything Marvel or RuPaul’s Drag Race, and doing makeup.s.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – Indiana Wesleyan University (2020)

  • Certified Peer Support (CPS) – Missouri Credentialing Board (2018)

 Current Location:

  • St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

  • BSW

  • CPS

Judi Dyer

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Amber Franklin, Administrative Assistant

Hello, I am your friendly neighborhood Administrative Assistant. I will be your first point of contact with the West County location of ARCA. I can’t wait to meet you and assist in any way that I can to support your sobriety.

Education:

  • High School

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- West County, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Cymone Watkins, Medical Assistant/ Admin

My name is Cymone I’ve been an employee of ARCA for almost 2 years. My ultimate goal here is for everyone to feel normal. Provide a safe and supportive program treatment center for individuals with addictions and any needed support. My mission is for every individual who walks through our doors to feel like they have a chance. A chance to start over, to feel human, to feel safe, and most importantly to gain their life back.

Education:

  • Medical Assistant

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

  • CPR

  • BLS

  • RMA

Kaycee Fleet

My name is Kaycee, and I have been with ARCA going on 4 years now. I joined this company because I wanted to help others. Not knowing much about addiction when I first joined, I quickly learned that the perception of addiction compared to the reality of it is incredibly eye opening. Seeing people change their lifestyles right in front of your eyes is such a rewarding experience and I enjoy getting to be a part of it. You never know what someone is truly going through until you see it firsthand, and I’m so grateful I have the opportunity to help those who fight to take back their lives.

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

  • ARCA- St. Louis, MO

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Latoya Hayes

My name is Latoya and I have been with ARCA for almost 9 years. Growing up around addiction really shaped my pathway to ARCA. I have always wanted to help people in recovery as well as their families. My knowledge comes from firsthand experience. Since I have been with ARCA, I have seen clients change their lives gradually over time and for me, that’s such a rewarding experience.

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Randi Smith

My name is Randi and I have been with ARCA going on 3 years now. My focus as an employee at ARCA is to make sure I give clients assurance that they can use ARCA as a safe spot. We strive to keep clients comfortable with their surroundings. When patients come in for their first or one-hundredth time, I will always be a familiar face to them. I am always so proud to celebrate sober birthdays with clients. It’s always a pleasure watching our clients grow into the person they were meant to become.

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Thomas Franklin

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Anita Menzies

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Breanna Brinkley

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Marion Lloyd

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Sara Wescoat

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Sharon Henry

Education:

 Current Practice:

 Current Location:

 Ages Served:

Certifications & Licensure:

Arca Logo.png

ASSISTED RECOVERY CENTERS OF AMERICA

Setting a New Benchmark for Treating Addictions

WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU

Call (314) 645-6840
Text 'ARCA' to 66-866
scheduling@arcamidwest.com
bottom of page