by skesaris | Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jun 2, 2015 | Addiction
“Why Can’t They Just Stop?” This is a question that is constantly asked by people who have a loved one that struggles with addiction. The problem is that nobody can understand the mindset of an alcoholic or drug addict unless they’ve been in that situation....
by skesaris | Last updated Aug 28, 2023 | Published on May 28, 2015 | Recovery
When you are the parent of an addict there are so many 3:00 am phone calls. “Mom, I’ve been arrested for disturbing the peace – I’m in jail in Conway, South Carolina.” “Mom, I need you to wire me money right away – some guys are coming to kill me because I owe...
“Oh God, we cannot afford this drug rehab. We will have to take out a loan, or another mortgage on our house, or deplete our retirement funds or borrow from relatives. And what about families who have no resources at all – what in the world do they do?” Those were my...
by skesaris | Last updated Jul 31, 2023 | Published on May 17, 2015 | Treatment
Recovering from an addiction is a process that requires a lifelong commitment. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, or NCADD, explains that recovery means that an individual is actively seeking help and solutions to avoid substance abuse and improve...
by skesaris | Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on May 13, 2015 | Recovery
It Can Literally Happen to Anyone! Heroin. Even the word is scary. But when you have seen those tell tale tracks on your son’s arm, that word becomes completely terrifying. I remember the first time I saw them; it was August 2010, and we were taking our son Sam,...
Last updated Sep 18, 2023 | Published on Aug 24, 2023
Struggling with mood swings exacerbated by alcohol abuse? You’re not alone in facing this challenge. The effects of alcohol on our emotional well-being can be profound, leading to unpredictable mood shifts that disrupt our daily lives. Support can make a world of difference in these moments.
Amethyst Recovery Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida is here to offer a compassionate and understanding hand to guide you through the recovery process. Our personalized approach to care consists of addiction treatment programs and types of therapy. We aim to help our clients regain control over their emotions and create a stable foundation for a healthier, happier life.
Last updated Jun 28, 2023 | Published on Dec 28, 2022
If you have completed a drug or alcohol treatment program, then you are probably considering trying to rebuild your life. It's indeed a difficult time. Life after rehab from addiction is not easy. It won't happen overnight, and you will likely have setbacks – this is...
Last updated Apr 25, 2023 | Published on Dec 20, 2022
Whether you're celebrating New Year's Eve or just looking for a fun way to ring in the new year, there are plenty of ways to have fun without drinking alcohol. The best part? You can do all of these activities with your friends! So get ready to embark on a spontaneous...
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.