by nick | Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Nov 11, 2021 | Cocaine
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that comes from the coca plant. Cocaine effects are usually felt within minutes. The drug enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain to increase the levels of dopamine. Dopamine works as a messenger, sending signals to different...
by nick | Last updated Jul 31, 2023 | Published on Nov 3, 2021 | Dilaudid
Prescription painkillers come in many strengths and combinations. For people with severe chronic pain, Dilaudid is a popular narcotic that can provide pain relief. Because there are many prescription opioids with a similar makeup, many patients wonder if one narcotic...
Some drugs can make blood pressure rise. Others can interact with your blood pressure medicine, preventing the drug from working correctly. Various studies have tried to analyze if there’s a connection between tramadol and blood pressure. Mainly because tramadol has...
by nick | Last updated Jul 31, 2023 | Published on Oct 20, 2021 | Tramadol
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Even when used as prescribed, tramadol can cause side effects, including disturbances in sleep patterns. Like other opioids, tramadol can make you tired, lightheaded, dizzy,...
by nick | Last updated Oct 29, 2021 | Published on Oct 13, 2021 | Latest News
Delta-8 THC, or ‘delta-8’ for short, is the latest craze amongst cannabis users and particularly so among the cannabis curious. It produces all the same effects of traditional THC (delta-9 THC) such as euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, meaning yes, it can get you...
Last updated Jun 27, 2023 | Published on Apr 28, 2022
Almost 92,000 people in the United States died from a drug-involved overdose in 2020. Accidental drug overdose is one of the leading causes of death among people under 45. Synthetic opioids, psychostimulants, cocaine, and prescription opioids were the most common...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Apr 20, 2022
Signs of someone using cocaine aren’t always straightforward. Some people can become what’s known as high-functioning addicts, meaning they can complete most responsibilities while abusing substances like cocaine. Even in these cases, the other foot is bound to drop...
Last updated Apr 15, 2022 | Published on Apr 15, 2022
Alcoholism is a serious mental health issue, and while excessive drinking can cause anger and aggressive outbursts, there's more to it. Alcohol is a depressant that impairs your brain’s ability to process information properly. When you're drunk, you're less able to...
Laurel, as the Director of Corporate Compliance for USR, is responsible for ensuring that the facility follows all federal and state regulatory requirements, accreditation standards and industry best practices. Laurel has over twenty years’ experience in legal and regulatory affairs in both the public and private sectors. She attended the University of Kansas where she studied political science, and she is designated by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) as a Certified National Investigator and Inspector (CNII). Prior to joining Amethyst, she served as the Director of Enforcement for a state regulatory body.
Brie Rodriguez
Director of Human Resources
Brie joined the Amethyst Recovery team in 2017 as an HR assistant. Her over 15 years’ experience working in healthcare administration and management quickly launched her into a leadership role. Now serving as the Director of Human Resources since 2018, she leads our organization through the intricate requirements of recordkeeping, recruitment, staff development as well as compliance. While also directing all aspects of HR including payroll, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as licensing and accreditation standards.
Brie graduated as a high school valedictorian with a major in Health Technologies and continued her studies at Springfield Technical Community College with a focus on healthcare. She served in Operations and HR for a finance company for ten years, before returning to healthcare and eventually arriving at USR.
Brie works closely with the leadership team to develop and implement effective HR strategies that support our organization’s goals and values. As an HR professional, Brie’s primary focus is on ensuring that our organization attracts and retains the most talented and qualified individuals to help us fulfill our mission of providing compassionate care to those struggling with addiction. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those working in the substance abuse field, Brie is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.
Brie is known for being compassionate and empathetic as well as for her ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations and find solutions that benefit everyone involved. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and their fur babies!
CORI BAIZA
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Cori’s key responsibilities include supervising financial operations, and daily financial reporting and account management. Cori’s goal is to ensure all patient’s needs are met in an accurate and timely manner. She is a Certified Recovery Residence Administrator with The Florida Certification Board and licensed Notary Public in the state of Florida. Her experience includes accounting and finance training.
JOHN GAU
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
John’s key responsibilities include maintaining the day-to-day operations from both a clinical and housing perspective. John’s goal is to monitor every department to ensure proper policies and procedures are in place and client care is carried out effortlessly. John joined Amethyst as a behavioral health technician where he quickly developed strong personal relationships with the clients through support and guidance. John understands first hand the struggles of addiction and strives to provide a safe environment for clients. John is a Certified Recovery Residence Administrator.
MARK GUDIM
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES
Mark’s key responsibilities include handling day-to-day maintenance matters and oversees our Environment of Care management plan in conjunction with Joint Commission and DCF regulations. Mark’s goal is to provide a safe environment where distractions are minimized, and treatment is the primary focus for clients and staff alike. Mark received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Economics from the University of Rhode Island. He is a licensed residential home inspector in the state of Florida and relates his unique experience of analyzing a property and/or housing condition to determining any necessary course of action at our facility.
Jeffrey M. Bishop, D.O.
Medical Director, Board Certified in Addiction Medicine
Dr. Jeffer M. Bishop was born and raised in Florida. He joined the U.S. Navy while attending the University of Nebraska for this undergraduate degree in Medicine. When he left the Navy, he went on to graduate from e Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985.
He worked in Family Medicine for 35 years before retiring from his practice. He then went on to be the Chief Medical Officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center for an additional seven years until resigning from his position in 2013 and started Addiction Medicine.
He is a member of over a dozen professional medical associations and in his free time enjoys a number of different activities. Although now retired from racing, was a member of the International Motor Sports Association and Sports Car Club of America. Dr. Bishop is also a certified open water scuba diver, he enjoys fishing, traveling, and hunting.
Call our 24/7 helpline now to speak with an admission specialist.
AMANDA MARINELLI, DNP, BBA, AG NP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
Amanda Marinelli is a Board Certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health and substance abuse. Amanda completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatry at Florida Atlantic University. She is a current member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society.