Recovery is a long journey that affects everyone a little differently. Learn more about what to expect and what resources are available to everyone involved.
In a world where nearly every home, restaurant, resort, and even nail salon has alcohol available, quitting is not easy. Some people chose to quit alcohol to lose weight, some do it for religious or spiritual reasons, some realize that their relationship with alcohol...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Aug 22, 2019
A Look at Why Employers Drug Test There are many reasons why employers drug test employees although the laws around this can be quite difficult to understand. A fair and reasonable drug testing policy can protect not only employers, but employees as well. Drug...
Last updated Apr 26, 2023 | Published on Aug 16, 2019
Cliches stand the test of time because they’re true. In recovery, cliches abound—they’re a simple way to remember certain truths that are important to keep close at hand, especially when faced with difficult situations. But they can often sound close to scientific...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jul 20, 2017
Many fall prey to the tight grasp of drugs. People from all walks of life are victimized by drug addiction, which affects both the user and his family. Stress and significant life changes are often triggers of drug addiction. Celebrities are no different than the rest...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jul 6, 2017
If you are single and in recovery, it can get pretty lonely. No matter how long you have been in recovery, it is perfectly natural to want closeness from someone else. Romance and dating are complicated, and addiction recovery can make experiences even more...
Last updated Jan 19, 2023 | Published on Jun 29, 2017
It's no secret that prescription drug abuse can lead to heroin addiction. But it most likely does not happen in a cut and dry manner. It starts with doctors. Unfortunately, many of the doctors in pill mills do not care about their patients' health. They only care...
Last updated Nov 30, 2020 | Published on Jun 23, 2017
For many Hollywood actors, getting out of the roles they have been stereotyped in is a challenge. How many times can an actor play the boy next door? Repeating the same roles under different names and directors can seem to limit in the end, and Zac Efron certainly was...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jun 8, 2017
There are a lot of competing perspectives on marijuana and whether it is truly addictive. So is it? A drug is considered addictive if it makes you dependent on it. In other words, you get withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. You also crave an addictive drug – as...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jun 7, 2017
Addiction is a very devastating disease that can destroy lives of many people. If you have an addicted partner, you may feel conflicted. It is only natural to want to help your partner if he or she is struggling with an addiction. Don’t know for sure? First, look at...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on May 31, 2017
Addictions manifest mostly as a need to fill a void or even as a coping mechanism. It is important for recovering addicts to find a way to deal with their problems and emotions in a healthy way. This is where holistic and alternative methods of addiction recovery come...
Last updated Aug 28, 2023 | Published on May 24, 2017
When a person experiences sexual abuse in any form and at any time in their life, it causes many problems. A traumatic experience such as this is undoubtedly extremely damaging mentally as well as physically. Victims suffer many consequences of sexual abuse,...
Last updated Jul 31, 2023 | Published on May 23, 2017
What your primary care physician doesn’t know about addiction could be extremely detrimental to an addict’s health and well being. When it comes to knowing the signs of addiction and treating it, doctors really do not get that much addiction education. Many doctors...
Last updated Sep 28, 2023 | Published on May 18, 2017
Getting sober is hard. Maintaining sobriety is even harder. Your life goes through changes whether you spent time in a sober living house for treatment or not. Recovery is a lifelong process, and it begins with a metamorphosis. After you detox, you face a life without...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on May 11, 2017
Don't mess with Molly. It can hurt you bad or even kill you. Molly is what many people on the streets or in the club scene call MDMA in its pure powder form. Molly is actually methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine. It is a synthetic drug which alters perception and mood....
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on May 3, 2017
It is common knowledge that addiction is a tough thing to overcome. It does not matter what the substance or behavior is. Stopping any behavior cold turkey is difficult for anyone. Heroin addiction is no different. Believe it or not, there are some people who kick...
Whether you or your family member is struggling with addiction, you are not alone in this journey. Explore our expansive addiction resources, including our guides for teens, parents, and spouses, as well as relatable recovery stories from Amethyst Alumni.
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.