ACCELERATED RECOVERY CENTERS - Key Persons
Beverly Matthews is a former executive who is now a Licensed Professional Counselor and Coach. She has over 13 years of experience in her own private counseling and coaching practice. She specializes in working with anxiety and stress issues, business and personal relationship coaching, addictions, codependency, eating disorders, childhood abuse & trauma issues, along with pre- and perinatal shock & trauma, both in adults and children. Beverly also brings expertise in the facilitation of psychodrama and other experiential approaches. She has advanced training in hypnotherapy and breath-work as well as shamanic energy and healing modalities. She uses her intuitive skills to link current problems with the understanding of life lessons and human development.
Beverly received her Masters in Community Counseling from Georgia State University. She is also a clinical supervisor and trainer. She has trained and supervised therapists around the country in hypnotherapy and other experiential therapies for over 10 years. Beverly is an expert in experiential and intuitive approaches to counseling and therapy for mental, emotional and spiritual development.
Carly has a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Human Services/Mental Health. She is certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Carly will be working as an Intake Case Manager for Accelerated Recovery Center. Utilizing her strengths of attention to detail, advocating, and concierge level of care, Carly is responsible for collecting and analyzing information prior to the arrival of each Accelerated Recovery client. Information during this process will assist her in developing the individualized treatment plans and lay the framework needed to assess progress when creating the Continuing Care Treatment plan for when our clients transition home.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- LPC Relational Weekend Therapist
Catherine Ibarra is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Covenant College and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Kennesaw State University. She has worked in both the private sector as an individual, couples, and family counselor and in public health as a counselor in a crisis stabilization unit where she helped people with substance dependence, mental health issues, and others who were dually diagnosed. Catherine's greatest privilege and joy is to walk with individuals from places of hurt to places of hope and healing. At Accelerated, Catherine will be working with individuals and families.
Job Titles:
- Relational Weekend Therapist
Christopher Kangas is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in both Wisconsin and Georgia with over 28 years working in the field of social services serving individuals and families who have endured adverse childhood experience and complex trauma. Chris is experienced working with human diversity having had the honor of serving a varied range of individuals, cultures and demographics across the four different states he has lived (Wisconsin, Virginia, California and Georgia). Chris is licensed to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders and values an eclectic approach that integrates a variety of evidenced-based models tailored to an individualized focus on holistic empowerment and building resilience. Chris is also systemic in his approach to counseling and values the integration of relationships within the therapeutic process, directly or indirectly, be it family or friends, past or present. Chris is a peacetime veteran of the United States Army and Army National Guard, serving honorably as a medic in the mechanized infantry from 1986 to 1995. Chris went on to graduate with a Master of Science in Counseling from San Diego State University in 2002, completed his trauma certification using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics in 2011 and has remained a Clinical Fellow in good standing with the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT) since 2014.
Dr. Amy Hamilton has over 15 years of experience doing individual and group therapy with individuals with psychiatric illness, substance abuse and dual diagnoses. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, both inpatient and outpatient. Dr. Hamilton utilizes an integrated approach of cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal techniques in helping people overcome addictive behaviors and beliefs. Her related areas of interest include recovery from trauma and abuse, relationship style, and issues related to treatment of dual diagnosis and group behavior.
Dr. Hamilton graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She went on to graduate magna cum laude with a master's degree in counseling psychology and then pursued further education at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She was awarded her doctorate degree in clinical psychology in 2001. She is an expert in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution.
Dr. Hamilton enjoys doing outdoor activities with her family.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director / Schema Therapy
Dr. Arthur Taylor is a licensed psychologist with a PhD in applied Psychology from New York University. He brings his clinical expertise to creating and sustaining a clinical team that is results-oriented, multidimensional, and client-centered. Having worked across the behavioral healthcare landscape from private practice to large public institutions, Arthur instills in his team that clients do their best when we are at our best also. Dr. Taylor was named 2018 Georgia Clinician of the Year for his efforts to transform the state public behavioral health system and brings that same passion and commitment to excellent services in his role as clinical director.
Torre is a native of the Atlanta area and has over ten years of experience in mental health. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Georgia State University, earned her Master's degree of Psychology from Argosy University, and went on to earn her Ph.D. from Capella University in Behavioral Psychology. Torre is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than ten years serving in public health through various capacities such as a community mental health professional and a health facilitator for various grants supporting Emory University, University of Chicago, and University of Rhode Island. Torre's passion is helping others. Her areas of expertise include family and marital counseling, substance abuse counseling, the prevention of HIV/AIDs/STIs (sexual health education), assertiveness training, and relationship development. She is a published author and a motivational speaker. Torre believes anyone can achieve anything once they are equipped with the right tools to assist in attaining their dreams!
Job Titles:
- Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage
Elizabeth Cutter has a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Elizabeth has over twelve years of experience working in a clinical setting. Her experience encompasses inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment and dual-diagnosis treatment.
Elizabeth is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and a member of the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Elizabeth is also an active member of Therapy Dogs International.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
Georgia Geiger is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor with over twenty years of experience in the counseling field. She earned a B.S. degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a M.A. from Oakland University in Michigan. She has worked in mental health and educational settings.
Georgia believes that people seeking counseling have satisfying directions for their lives inside them and that they can access and apply those directions when put in a safe and caring counseling environment.
Additionally, Georgia is an Associate Professor at Reinhardt College and a mediator registered with the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Jan oversees Service Delivery and Administration at Accelerated Recovery. Her career has encompassed sales, marketing, business planning, executive management and an Internet start up within the High Tech and Human Resources industries. Jan graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College with a major in Electrical Engineering. She began her career working for IBM in a sales capacity. She supported major insurance companies, selling a range of equipment from mainframes to PCs as well as software solutions. She joined IBM's insurance industry marketing group, working with insurance companies around the world and external software providers to deliver end-to-end application solutions.
Subsequently, Jan worked for two other software companies as a Vice President responsible for sales, marketing, customer support, consulting, business planning, third party relationships, and small business acquisitions. From there, she joined a Human Resources company in a product line management capacity. When the company was acquired, she ran the start-up Internet venture within the domain of this new company.
Jan loves spending time with her husband, her two children and their dog. As the wife of a recovered alcoholic, she is thrilled to pair her business management skills with her passion for helping others reclaim their lives and triumph over addiction.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
Joy Finch is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor with a diverse background in the fields of education, ministry and business. She received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Valdosta State University. She earned her Master's and Education Specialist Degrees in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University.
Joy has concentrated her specialized training in trauma resolution, memory reconsolidation and the physiology of emotional responses. She holds certifications in Clinical Hypnotherapy and in Neuro Emotional Technique. She has also trained in stress management, health psychology, play therapy and adventure therapy.
Throughout her career, she has taught high school Special Education, worked in psychiatric hospital settings, community mental health including domestic violence and sexual assault, ministry settings including chaplaincy and youth ministry, private practice and in-home services for treating trauma in children and teens. As the parent of a special needs child, she has had the opportunity to advocate for the rights of individuals who live with disabilities. Joy's background includes 10 years volunteer experience and the privilege of working with individuals who are affected by addiction and with care givers.
Her therapeutic approach is strength-based and integrative, utilizing solution-focused, right-brain therapies to effect lasting cognitive shifts. Exploration of awareness, skills, and desired outcomes are examined in an effort to create new patterns of thought, emotional responses, and behaviors to not only heal and reach their goal, but to thrive and live fully.
Karen Williams has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years. She started her nursing career working with patients in an Adult Substance Abuse Program. She progressed to work with Adult Mental Health Services. Karen has a solid nursing background and loves to work with her patients. She finds it rewarding to provide information, support and guidance as patients move through challenges they may encounter.
Kevin is Recovered. He founded Accelerated Recovery Centers to produce results and success rates never before seen in the industry for those seeking to overcome alcohol addiction. After years of evidence-based research and starting with the fact that many people stay out of or postpone treatment due to a lack of appealing options, Kevin and his team defined and then eliminated the top barriers to entry for treatment. His goal for Accelerated was not to add just another option to the addiction recovery market, but to create a new standard of treatment; a sea of change within the industry. Industry firsts like the COMBINED Recovery Protocol ™, Recovery Guaranteed ™, and his challenge of perpetual recovery programs are proof of his focus and commitment to task. He is a tireless advocate for the addicted and a passionate speaker on the topic of alcohol dependence.
Kevin graduated with honors from Boston College and has over two decades of executive general management experience. In past roles, Kevin has been responsible for strategy and execution in a broad range of businesses, from start-ups to the Fortune 500.
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Kym is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and licensed by the state of Georgia to provide client-centered healthcare to people of all ages. Her scope of practice encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, management of common and complex health care problems to include chemical dependence and mental disorders. Kym has two undergraduate degrees, one in general psychology and the other in Professional Nursing. Her graduate degrees are in Leadership, Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Kym is certified in Case Management, Bariatrics, and Family Practice. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine.
Marnie oversees the clinical programming and staff at Accelerated Recovery Centers. Her career has encompassed twenty-six years of clinical, academic and senior leadership roles in both public and private sectors including work in hospice, home health and behavioral health.
She has a doctorate in counseling psychology and is licensed as an LCSW in Georgia. Additionally, she holds certifications in addiction (MAC), CBT and psychiatric rehabilitation (CPRP). Marnie is a graduate of Oglethorpe University and the University of Georgia. She writes and delivers CEU trainings for local, regional and national conferences on a wide range of topics, most recently writing and delivering Ethics training that incorporated the music of the Beatles.
For fun, Marnie enjoys hiking, cooking, travel, writing, reading biographies and biking. She's involved in prison and community service ministries at a local Methodist Church and lives in northeast Atlanta with her husband, her two sons and several rescue English Springer Spaniels.
Experienced, registered, 500 Hour Yoga Teacher, and Level Two Yoga Therapist. She has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She is highly trained and able to accommodate all skill levels and is trauma-informed. Melanie is known for her authentic, non-judgmental teaching style and compassion-center philosophy. She teaches conscious breathing, movement, and focusing on attention to help bring the nervous system back into balance. When she is not teaching yoga she is teaching First Aid, CPR, and Basic Life Support.
Nichelle Kelly is a "Georgia Peach Florida Grown," having lived in the state of Georgia for over 25 fabulous years. She obtained her degree in Clinical Medical Assisting from Georgia Medical College, and then went on to receive her bachelor's degree in healthcare management. An ambitious professional, she currently serves as Clinical Manager at Accelerated Recovery, where her hard work, dedication and considerable expertise have earned her a sterling reputation. Her snappy efficiency and detail-oriented organizational skills are matched only by her heartfelt compassion. Nichelle loves nothing more than spreading love, peace and happiness throughout her community. Above all else, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that her children will be happy, healthy, and successful members of society, so that they can continue her legacy of devoted care for others.
Pat has been a therapist in Atlanta for over 30 years. He received his Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Georgia and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He is also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner.
Throughout his career, he has worked in psychiatric hospital settings, community mental health, corporate settings, private practice, and has taught psychology at the undergraduate level. As well as being skilled in traditional individual, couples, family and group therapy modalities, Pat has completed advanced training in the experiential therapies in hypnotherapy, breath-work therapy and psychodrama groups.
Job Titles:
- Relational Weekend Therapist
Rochelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Kennesaw State University. She then continued her studies at Mercer University School of Medicine, achieving a Master of Family Therapy degree. Rochelle has gained additional training in attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy and is licensed as a marriage and family therapist. Rochelle's previous experience includes working with individuals and couples who have experienced trauma, inpatient hospitalizations, hospice, biofeedback administration and private practice. Utilizing the evidence-based treatment modality of Family Systems theory, Rochelle assists with highlighting and strengthening healthy attachments and fostering safe environments for lasting change.
Sherry Wilson-King is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), certified addiction professional (CAP), and qualified supervisor (QS). She has 25 years of clinical experience, including, but not limited to, therapeutic services, social services, clinical supervision, program design, and development. Sherry provides individual, couples, and family therapy in the Core Track, Weekend Programming, and Continuing Care at Accelerated Recovery, helping clients cope with a variety of areas of concern. In addition, she is also a coach, writer, and consultant, providing multi-tiered services locally and abroad. Sherry is currently working on completing her Ph.D. in General Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sue Tutty has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1992. Her background is diverse, working in business prior to social work and in a variety of areas since including medical, hospice, and mental health. Sue earned her Bachelor's from Nazareth College of Rochester and her Master's from the University of Georgia. She completed her clinical studies under Dr. Marnie Fulton, Accelerated's Clinical Director.
With individuals, Sue's focus is to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has also trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and incorporates its core principle of Mindfulness in her work focusing on emotional regulation. CBT and DBT principles are also used in family work along with other highly researched and respected therapeutic approaches such as the work by Dr. John Gottman.
Her career has afforded her many opportunities in settings that include hospitals, home care, hospice, dialysis and community mental health practice. Sue is especially passionate about the therapy she provides to clients and their family members on the weekends. Her goal is to help guide you toward a life that thrives by teaching effective communication methods and guidance toward stronger, healthy and happier relationships.
Tommie M. Richardson, M.D., C.A.S. has over 20 years of experience in identifying, diagnosing and treating chemical dependence and psychiatric illness. Serving as Medical Director for both in and out patient facilities Dr. Richardson has organized and implemented Healthcare Delivery Systems that have enhanced the lives of thousands of citizens. He takes a holistic approach to delivering healthcare, through individual and family counseling; he treats addictive, psychiatric and medical disorders. Dr. Richardson has also implemented culturally diverse treatment programs.
Dr. Richardson received his Doctor of Medicine from University of Tennessee Medical Units, winner of the Verstandig Award. His Medicine Internship was with City of Memphis Hospital and his Family Practice Residency with Howard University Hospital.
He is certified with the American Board of Family Practice, American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Academy of Healthcare Providers in Addiction Disorders and Georgia Addiction Counselors Association, Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1.
Dr. Richardson is a professional member of American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Academy of Providers in Addictive Diseases, American Medical Association, Atlanta Medical Society, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Addiction Counselors Association, National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Georgia ASAM and Medical Association of Atlanta.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Victor Tedoff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a diverse background having worked in both public, non-profit sector and the private sector in which he held numerous leadership positions. He received his undergraduate degree in Behavioral Sciences from New York Institute of Technology and his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia.