by Justin Kunst | Last updated Jul 31, 2023 | Published on Jan 21, 2016 | Recovery
We talk a lot about alcoholism and drug addiction, but there are inevitably those among us who played a somewhat more active role in the drug world. While others were simply buying and using their drugs of choice, some of us were actively dealing drugs and keeping...
by Justin Kunst | Last updated Jan 24, 2023 | Published on Jan 20, 2016 | Recovery
What were your favorite activities when you were drunk or high? Most people don’t drink or do drugs and then just sit there in the darkness. We all have at least one activity or another—likely several—that provided us some sort of experience we found enjoyable when...
If there is one thing for which addicts and alcoholics are not widely known, it is our emotional stability. We may have our good days. We may spend years as high-functioning addicts and alcoholics, able to appear normal despite our intoxication. At times, we may even...
by Justin Kunst | Last updated Aug 28, 2023 | Published on Jan 18, 2016 | Recovery
Addicts and alcoholics aren’t generally accustomed to living a life of routine. We may have certain rituals, getting high in the morning or drunk at certain events. We may be used to taking a swig when we first wake up to try and cure our hangovers. But in general,...
by Justin Kunst | Last updated Aug 28, 2023 | Published on Jan 15, 2016 | Recovery
Everyone feels a little bit lonely from time to time. We discussed this briefly in our article on HALT (Hunger, Anger, Loneliness and Tiredness). But with just a few short paragraphs, we could not possibly dive into the full depth of emotion experienced by those who...
Last updated Jan 24, 2023 | Published on Apr 26, 2019
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence created this initiative to educate the public on the dangers of alcohol dependence and related substance use issues. Originally created to target college students, this initiative...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Mar 29, 2019
Dual diagnosis refers to a person that is suffering from substance use disorder in addition to an underlying psychiatric or mental health issue. While alcoholism and drug addiction are themselves mental disorders, many people that are experiencing addiction also have...
Last updated Apr 26, 2023 | Published on Mar 15, 2019
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration that commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It’s also is a holiday that celebrates the culture and heritage of the Irish in general. And drinking excessive alcohol in Ireland is...
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.