Vanessa Vergnetti, ND, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
As the CEO and founder of Sagebrush, Vanessa’s vision for healing, growth and recovery are the core of her life’s work. She is steadfast and dedicated to creating sacred spaces where true transformations can occur. Her knowledge and expertise in alternative treatments to addictions and other chronic and degenerative diseases have made her a healer, teacher and leader. She is a perpetual student in the abundance of life, holistic healing, spirituality and divine truth. Vanessa takes a personal interest in the personal story and progress of each client. She is sincere and focused on the profound restoration of the sense of purpose in one’s life and she is determined to educate others in the benefits of recovery and a restored sense of self. With a Doctor of Naturopathy Degree and a Ph.D. in Natural Health, Vanessa values creating a compelling and enlightened direction for the Sagebrush Team. Her unwavering devotion to manifesting the gifts of the soul, along with her courageous spirit continually inspire, encourage and guide the path, vision and cohesion of our team.
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Vanessa Vergnetti, ND, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Gul, SHRBP
Director of Human Resources
Human Capital Institute-certified, Strategic Human Resources Business Partner, Michael Gul is a hardened Human Resources Management (HRM) professional with over 13 years of HRM leadership experience in training and human capital management. Michael has extensive international experience in the U.S. Government, as well as foreign governments, non-profit and private sector institutions. He has worked in more than 20 countries around the world by providing HRM consulting and services, designing more than 500 curricula, training, mentoring programs, and coaching more than 1,000 professionals on various topics. Michael is an expert in HR strategic planning, as well as in development of a total rewards philosophy and administration of compensation and benefits. He is a proud author of unique customized performance management processes, which were successfully executed in more than 10 organizations. Michael has more than a decade of experience in employment branding, employee value proposition development, talent acquisition, employee engagement and talent management processes globally and in the U.S. He wrote his dissertation, Gender Violence and Discrimination in Developing Countries in 2003, and received his Ph.D.-equivalent degree from Cairo Demographic Center in Egypt. Michael is multilingual, and speaks 7 languages.
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Michael Gul, SHRBP
Director of Human Resources
Bobby Nassiri
Director
“I have over 6 years experience in the field of behavioral health and addiction services. I am a CADCII and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Holding positions such as Clinical Director, Program Director and Business Development Director.
Through my own personal battle with addiction and with the experience from working in the field, I’ve been able to fulfil my passion of helping people find recovery and find happiness in their lives. I excel in both integrity and compassion, these are the tools I use to establish the highest quality of client care. I am passionate about the recovery process and specialize in a client centered approach and try to meet the clients where they are at.
My goal is to combine traditional as well as evidence based treatment modalities that will provide an environment of compassion that promotes healing and growth.”
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Bobby Nassiri
Director
Brain Lowe
Executive Assistant
” has recently come to Sagebrush Treatment Center from having established her own consulting company, Bear Tracks, LLC Financial in early 2015, and has spent most of her career in private accounting. She focuses her more than fifteen years of experience in the areas of accounting and taxation preparation for privately-owned businesses, with an emphasis and expertise on accounting system implementation for small companies in a variety of industries, including real estate, engineering, law, retail, service-oriented, pharmaceutical R&D, veterinary, government contractors, manufacturing, IT consulting and home renovations. Sandra takes a comprehensive approach from assisting clients with QuickBooks set up/system implementation & disaster recovery (and considers this her specialty and areas of expertise), training and day-to-day management to preparing financial statements.
Before establishing Bear Tracks, she was a private accountant at a government contractor based in Reston, Virginia attending to the entire accounting function, Human Resources & Administration as well as representing the Company as their Contracts Manager. Sandra has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and is a certified as a Pro-advisor in QuickBooks online and has over 15+ years of experience in the various QuickBooks Desktop versions.
Outside the office, you can possibly find Sandra walking with her husband and dogs, cooking for her family, going to church or enjoying weekend road trips to Deep Creek, Maryland and/or Ocean City, Maryland as well as other fun local and far-away spots.”
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Rita Obi
Program Director
Administrative
Shari Shifflett
Office Manager
Shari exudes an approachable kindness and nurturing spirit that aides in providing a safe and welcoming space for new clients at Sagebrush. She incorporates her caring skillset as an Office Manager at Sagebrush, and delights in answering any questions that come her way. She also brings her gifts in various areas of legal administration and has earned an Associate Medical Degree. Shari embraces her physically active lifestyle and takes long walks every opportunity possible, along with scenic excursions on her bike. Her passionate literary interests are reflected in her extensive personal library collection of great classic reads. Shari brings wisdom, compassion and sincerity to our team.
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Shari Shifflett
Office Manager
Keisha Grant
Billing Manager
Lakeisha is a soulful, independent and bright person on the Sagebrush team. She is extremely focused and determined to provide the best possible experience for everyone that she works with. The resourcefulness that she shares reflects her extensive experience in medical coding, billing and accounting. Her day to day activities are spent dealing with the not so glamorous aspects of medical billing, but helping people figure out how to pay for treatment is what she does best. In her spare time, Lakeisha is earning her Bachelor’s in Accounting at Strayer University. Lakeisha delights in taking in a mellow drama or a light-hearted romantic comedy and watching sports (Go Celtics!). Her steady and patient attitude has made her an integral part of the Sagebrush team.
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Keisha Grant
Billing Manager
Monique Falwell
Billing Coordinator
Monique has happily resided in Northern Virginia her entire life. She has spent the last 14 years working in various areas of the medical field. Whether it be pulmonary, critical care, physical therapy, dental, or substance abuse, Monique has dedicated her time and skills to helping others. Currently, she is attending college to obtain her Bachelors in Business Administration concentrating on Healthcare at Strayer University. Family is the most important thing in Monique’s life, and she is blessed with four beautiful kids and a supportive husband. Together, they watch her favorite things: comedies, drams, thrillers, and the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Washington Redskins!
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Monique Falwell
Billing Coordinator
Noelle Hunt
Administrative Coordinator
In 2007, Noelle moved from her home state of Virginia to Arkansas where she began her journey of recovery. It was in this life affirming time that she developed her love for helping others and found the inspiration to dedicate her life to helping those in early recovery find the beauty of a sober future. Noelle is passionate about working the 12 steps and living a happy, joyous and free life. Along with sobriety, Noelle’s priority is her beautiful 10-year-old daughter, who she happily dedicates her free time to. Together, they can be found reading, meditating, exercising, or enjoying great food.
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Noelle Hunt
Administrative Coordinator
Monique Falwell
Billing Coordinator
Monique has happily resided in Northern Virginia her entire life. She has spent the last 14 years working in various areas of the medical field. Whether it be pulmonary, critical care, physical therapy, dental, or substance abuse, Monique has dedicated her time and skills to helping others. Currently, she is attending college to obtain her Bachelors in Business Administration concentrating on Healthcare at Strayer University. Family is the most important thing in Monique’s life, and she is blessed with four beautiful kids and a supportive husband. Together, they watch her favorite things: comedies, drams, thrillers, and the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Washington Redskins!
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Tiffany Adams
Executive Assistant
Brain Lowe
Executive Assistant
” has recently come to Sagebrush Treatment Center from having established her own consulting company, Bear Tracks, LLC Financial in early 2015, and has spent most of her career in private accounting. She focuses her more than fifteen years of experience in the areas of accounting and taxation preparation for privately-owned businesses, with an emphasis and expertise on accounting system implementation for small companies in a variety of industries, including real estate, engineering, law, retail, service-oriented, pharmaceutical R&D, veterinary, government contractors, manufacturing, IT consulting and home renovations. Sandra takes a comprehensive approach from assisting clients with QuickBooks set up/system implementation & disaster recovery (and considers this her specialty and areas of expertise), training and day-to-day management to preparing financial statements.
Before establishing Bear Tracks, she was a private accountant at a government contractor based in Reston, Virginia attending to the entire accounting function, Human Resources & Administration as well as representing the Company as their Contracts Manager. Sandra has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and is a certified as a Pro-advisor in QuickBooks online and has over 15+ years of experience in the various QuickBooks Desktop versions.
Outside the office, you can possibly find Sandra walking with her husband and dogs, cooking for her family, going to church or enjoying weekend road trips to Deep Creek, Maryland and/or Ocean City, Maryland as well as other fun local and far-away spots.”
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Sandra LaRosa
Administrative
Clinical
Residential
Ashley Rose, BA
Residential Program Manager
Ashley exudes compassion, respect and dedication in all that she does. She exemplifies the facets of loyalty, kindness and professionalism. Ashley’s wealth of administrative experience, coupled with her knowledge of the recovery process, inspires and directs our residential team. Providing love and giving back is part of her innate character. She volunteers at Fairfax Academy, Heartland Hospices and enjoys working with autistic children. She has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marymount University. Participating in mission trips and spending time with those near to her heart is what she enjoys most in life. Ashley’s soulful nature exudes joy, patience and generosity.
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Ashley Rose, BA
Residential Program Manager
Sharell Butts
Assistant Residential Program Manager
Sharell was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She relocated several years ago, and is extremely excited to be a part of an organization that is truly transformative for individuals as well as families in the community. Sharell has always been passionate about helping others. For Sharell, volunteering her time and service has been a lifelong commitment. Prior to joining Sagebrush, she volunteered for Shelter House—Homeless and Domestic Violence Divisions, as well as ran a Teen Program at Katherine Hanley Shelter. She also actively participates with the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen foundations. Sharell received her Associates Degree in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College, and then went to George Mason to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. Sharell is currently working on a second degree in social work. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and exploring new places and cultures around the world.
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Sharell Butts
Assistant Residential Program Manager
Willow Smith, MA
Residential Therapist
Willow Rose Smith is originally from North Wisconsin and is excited to be completing her Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist residencies at Sagebrush Treatment Center. Willow attended The University of the South: Sewanee in Sewanee, TN for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. While at Rollins, Willow earned her certificate in Family and Relationship Therapy, which strengthened her knowledge and skills base working with families and couples from a systemic perspective.
Prior to beginning her employment at Sagebrush, Willow worked as a mental health residential therapist at Center for Discovery in Fairfax-Station, VA. Her experience also includes a psychology internship at the Yale Child Study working with adult pregnant and parenting mothers, a counseling internship working with adult male veterans with addictions, and a practicum and internship working with children and their families suffering from abuse at the Howard Phillips Center for Children and their Families (Arnold Palmer Hospital) in Orlando, FL.
Willow moved to Virginia upon completion of her Master’s degree to be closer to family and pursue her passion for helping the substance use population. She uses a variety of therapeutic treatment approaches including: trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, mindfulness meditation, and creative arts techniques. In her spare time, Willow enjoys being out in nature, running, playing tennis, water coloring, and baking gourmet desserts for friends and family.
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Willow Smith, MA
Residential Therapist
Lindsey Wiczulis
Therapist
graduated from Johns Hopkins University. Lindsey is passionate about helpings those suffering from substance abuse disorders. She believes that her personal experience with this struggle as well as her continued navigation through sobriety and recovery may offer those also suffering some inspiration and hope as they begin their journey. Lindsey is new to Virginia, as she moved on February 14th and has already fallen in love with this area.
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Lindsey Wiczulis
Therapist
Sheila Egan
Therapist
is originally from Oklahoma, where her Cherokee ancestors walked the trail of tears from North Carolina to Oklahoma. She attended high school in Northern Virginia and raised her daughter here. She has recently relocated back here from Florida and is very happy to be home again. Sheila is 3 tribes of Native American and uses these traditions in her therapeutic interventions. She holds a Masters’ degree in music therapy from the Shenandoah Conservatory and her undergraduate degree from Boston Conservatory of Music. She has worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD and with Vitas Hospice in Florida. Sheila believes in the healing power of music and nature. She loves helping people navigate and heal from the devastating disease of addiction.
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Sheila Egan
Therapist
Ana Radakovic
Therapist
graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings with clients of diverse backgrounds and identities. Ana deeply believes in a holistic approach to healing, and orients herself therapeutically from a person-centered humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and uses movement and body-based approaches, including Eastern Wisdom and other such alternative healing modalities.
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Jenifer Smith
Therapist
Ana Radakovic
Therapist
graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings with clients of diverse backgrounds and identities. Ana deeply believes in a holistic approach to healing, and orients herself therapeutically from a person-centered humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and uses movement and body-based approaches, including Eastern Wisdom and other such alternative healing modalities.
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Ana Radakovic
Therapist
Ana Radakovic
Therapist
graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings with clients of diverse backgrounds and identities. Ana deeply believes in a holistic approach to healing, and orients herself therapeutically from a person-centered humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and uses movement and body-based approaches, including Eastern Wisdom and other such alternative healing modalities.
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Anna Mills
Therapist
Ana Radakovic
Therapist
graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings with clients of diverse backgrounds and identities. Ana deeply believes in a holistic approach to healing, and orients herself therapeutically from a person-centered humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and uses movement and body-based approaches, including Eastern Wisdom and other such alternative healing modalities.
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Kristen Nilsen
Therapist
Ana Radakovic
Therapist
graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings with clients of diverse backgrounds and identities. Ana deeply believes in a holistic approach to healing, and orients herself therapeutically from a person-centered humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and uses movement and body-based approaches, including Eastern Wisdom and other such alternative healing modalities.
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David Haugen
Therapist
Hilary Therit, MA, NCC, Resident In Counseling
Residential Therapist
Hilary is a native of Pennsylvania, but has lived in the DC area for the past three years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Mental Health from Mary Baldwin University, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career, she sought out opportunities to be involved with the mental health profession, including internships with both inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs.As a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a member of the American Counseling Association, Hilary is dedicated to providing the best care for her clients, and has a deep passion for providing guidance and support for those recovering from addiction. She takes a holistic approach to healing and recovery by utilizing various therapeutic methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment theory, and Gestalt theory. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and practicing yoga.
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Hilary Therit, MA, NCC, Resident In Counseling
Residential Therapist
Kelley Kuchinov, ATR-BC
Experiential Therapist
Kelley comes to us from the New Jersey area, while living there she received a Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia. She then worked for 13 years at Princeton House Behavioral Health, where she discovered her true passion of working with women, specifically those who experienced trauma and who struggled with addictions. Kelley also has experience bringing creative arts therapies to Residential “Mommy and Me” programs.
She believes that hope is essential and therefore change is possible. Throughout her career, she gained training in DBT and Psychodrama, through which she continually discovers creative ways to offer these skills to her clients. Kelley has presented at National Conferences on topics of Art Therapy, DBT and specifically Mindfulness. Not only is she knowledgeable in these therapeutic approaches, but she also feeds her soul by spending “QT” with her family, travelling, road trips, and meeting up with life-long friends when possible! People describe her as creative, loyal, honest, funny — corny at times — and loves to dance! She would like to share the wisdom of Rafiki from the Lion King, which sums up her goal of balancing acceptance and change–“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”
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Kelley Kuchinov, ATR-BC
Experiential Therapist
Morgan Hedman, MA, Resident In Counseling
Addictions Counselor
Morgan is a native of Maryland where she currently resides with her husband. Morgan earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. Morgan previously attended the University of Colorado, Boulder and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, where her interest in counseling began. Before beginning with Sagebrush, she worked in addictions counseling for adults and adolescents for 3 years with Phoenix House of the Mid-Atlantic, in the Intensive Outpatient Programs. She also has previous experience assisting with career counseling for adults with chronic mental illness. Morgan utilizes an integrative approach to counseling, using various treatment theories and interventions including motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and the humanistic approach. She works with clients to identify strengths and successes so that their lives can be more positive, productive, and enjoyable. She values each individual’s story and enjoys assisting the client in gaining insight into what meaning they want from their lives.
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Morgan Hedman, MA, Resident In Counseling
Addictions Counselor
Samuel Choura, MS, Resident In Counseling, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
Addictions Counselor
Samuel Choura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Integrative Life Coach, and Clinical Hypnotherapist. His primary focus is helping treat addiction issues, men’s issues, anxiety and depression. Samuel operates with the simple philosophy that past events result in the development of negative core beliefs which create uncomfortable emotions which then manifest as unhelpful coping mechanisms. He brings a wealth of unique experience and education in mind-body interventions including clinical hypnosis, mindfulness training, integrative nutrition principles, tai chi instruction, and EMDR. Samuel considers himself a solution-focused existentialist. He wants to help facilitate immediate and effective change with each and every client, while also holding space for the discovery of what truly makes life worth living.
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Samuel Choura, MS
Addictions Counselor
Shyanne Ninham
Addictions Counselor
She has just moved down here from Syracuse, NY where she grew up and attended graduate school. Shyanne got her master’s in counseling because she wanted to spend her life helping people and advancing our knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent treatment. After receiving master’s, Shyanne went to work as a crisis line worker at a call center where she answered the suicide lifeline, a local crisis line and helped connect people to local health and human resources.
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Shyanne Ninham
Addictions Counselor
Alex Golden
Program Assistant
Alex Golden was born and raised in northern Virginia. Alex spends most of her free time with her family and enjoys raising her two year old son. She is very passionate about recovery and helping others in their journey to find a new way to live. Alex enjoys going into detox and treatment centers to share her experience, strength, and hope.
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Alex Shores, APRN
Program Assistant
Amanda Rowland
Program Assistant
She served at Brightview Senior Living, and is very excited about her new beginning at Sagebrush.
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Amanda Rowland
Program Assistant
Amanda Stowe
Program Assistant
Amanda strives to make change: in her life, in her community, in her volunteer work, and at Sagebrush. She fills each of her days with her passion for recovery and the 12-step program. When not working with clients at Sagebrush, Amanda visits detox centers, speaks at other treatment centers, and is involved in the 12-step community. While she takes addiction and recovery seriously, coworkers and clients appreciate her bubbly, joyful, and loving approach. Those lucky enough to interact with Amanda can see she reaches her goal to make change in the lives she touches through experience, strength, and hope.
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Amanda Stowe
Program Assistant
Anthony Hill
Program Assistant
Anthony is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana but now resides in Herndon, VA. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminology and a Minor in Sociology from Indiana State University. His passion is in motivational speaking as it pertains to the recovery process. As a former athlete, his hobbies include running and basketball. He loves the family atmosphere that the Sagebrush staff provides and looks forward to having impromptu discussions about the 12 step process while interacting with clients. Being a part of the Sagebrush family has given him a new awareness of the importance of other aspects of the recovery process, such as the benefits of yoga, meditation, diet and exercise. If he were to offer five words to describe his personality, they would be passionate, empathetic, warm, engaging and positive. He’s been blessed to have worked all 12 steps of the recovery process and looks forward to assisting anyone interested to do the same.
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Anthony Hill
Program Assistant
Antoinette Baker
Program Assistant
spent her early years traveling with her family within the US as well as to Japan, which Antoinette to develop diversity and the ability to relate to people on multi-levels. While pursuing her love of the Culinary Arts, she wanted to provide 5-Star dining for the homeless. She enjoyed the experience so much that she began working with the homeless, as a result developed a strong desire to help those in need. Antoinette brings a solid 14 years of recovery along with a humanitarian nature of just wanting to make a difference in the world one person at a time.
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Antoinette Baker
Program Assistant
Beth Cline
Program Assistant
was born and raised in Reston, so she is local. She is coming to Sagebrush with over 8 years of office experience and 13 years of customer service experience. Beth’s passions are art— painting, crafting, sewing, crochet. She really enjoys helping people and volunteering. This is Beth’s dream job.
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Beth Cline
Program Assistant
Chris Nicholson
Program Assistant
Chris was born in Jacksonville NC but lived a transient life as a son of a Military father which has taken him to live in places in the far east like Manila, Philippines as well as Okinawa, Japan. He enjoyed seeing the world and experiencing various cultures even though he moved about every three years. While on the island of Okinawa, he learned to scuba dive and got PADI certified. He moved back to the States during the latter part of his teenage years. He has since resided in Northern VA where he finished high school and earned his A.A.S. in Information Technology/Security from ECPI College of Technology. When Chris has free time he enjoys family, fishing, exercise, fellowshipping with friends, and being a dog parent. With the experience of having worked all 12 steps of the recovery process, he has a passion for helping others through their recovery process.
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Chris Nicholson
Program Assistant
Danielle Berry
Program Assistant
is very grateful to be able to help others reach their goals in recovery, on any level they are on. She is also very enthusiastic and committed towards her new position. She said she changed her focus of studies from Administration of Justice to become a probation officer; to psychology to help her further understand how to help people heal from all adversity they may face. Danielle wants to continue to help in the war of addiction. She understands addiction comes in many forms and with many factors. Danielle chose to apply to Sagebrush because her heart lead her here. She is proud and grateful to be part of our team.
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Danielle Berry
Program Assistant
Elmon Arrington
Program Assistant
Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Elmon (pronounced el-MAHN) has a true passion for learning and helping people. Nearly 30 years as a professional barber has enabled him to be able to interact with a variety of people from all walks of life and with very diverse backgrounds. Elmon is currently earning his B.A. in Psychology, with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, minoring in Sociology & Justice Studies. He has future plans to further his education by seeking a doctorate in the field of psychology. Elmon is happy to engage in discussions on a vast variety of subjects ranging from his interest in music, to boxing, to philosophy, history, mythology, etc. He is always willing to lend an ear and always ready with a helping hand.
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Elmon Arrington
Program Assistant
Harold Harris
Program Assistant
Harold has two passions in life: tennis and recovery. At 11, Harold was introduced to tennis and thus began a lifelong love of the sport. Since the young age, he has been an avid player, and he is currently a certified professional tennis instructor, and coaches at First Serve Academy. Harold is able to extend his patience and nurturing personality off of the courts and into the rooms. With over 28 years of sobriety, Harold has transformed the recovery community into his network and family. He loves nothing more than extending his experience, strength, and hope to the newcomer who’s been beaten down by their addiction. His work at Sagebrush has allowed him to extend his passion of the 12 steps into his work life. When not at work or out in the community, Harold loves having his large family over. His cooking skills and inviting personality make him the ultimate host.
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Harold Harris
Program Assistant
Ivan Vidakovic
Program Assistant
was born in Germany, and grew up in Northern Virginia. He comes from a big family with seven siblings, and he is the fifth oldest. In 2012, Ivan graduated Jeb Stuart high school in Falls Church. His most proud achievement while in High School was winning 2nd place in the State of Virginia for Related Technique Math. Ivan attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he studied Economics.
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Ivan Vidakovic
Program Assistant
Melod Teymorian
Program Assistant
Melod was born and raised in Northern Virginia. While studying Business Marketing, his addiction and alcoholism took off. After a decade of use Melod went to treatment, having not been physically dependent on alcohol he was convinced if he didn’t use but drank socially he would be able to manage. After another two years of consequences, he entered treatment a second time, and is now 2 years sober. He has worked the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, has a sponsor and sponsors other men in the program. After losing a loved one to addiction, he felt it was his calling to pursue a career in the substance abuse field where he could share his personal experience and would be of maximum service to other people who share similar struggles. In his free time, he loves cooking, skateboarding, hiking and he believes in overall health and wellness.
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Melod Teymorian
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
Randall Drury, MA
Program Assistant
Randall was born within the contiguous U.S. and spent his childhood living in various parts of
our country (Honolulu, Jacksonville NC, Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, and Twentynine Palms).
His adolescence/adulthood has been much less transitive; being a Washington metro area
resident for several years. Randall enjoys spending time with family, engaging in the arts,
volunteering, and helping others. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology
and is currently studying Effects of “Mean‐agers” and the Father/Daughter Interaction.
Randall’s career in Human Services continues to afford him the opportunity to help others, and
as a team member at Sagebrush Treatment Center, he provides support to others endeavoring
recovery.
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Randall Drury, MA
Program Assistant
Shely Benitha
Program Assistant
Shely was born and raised in Arlington by an Argentinian mother and Brazilian father. She studied abroad in Israel at boarding school and came back to the States to pursue her BS in Psychology. She loves traveling, sunsets, the outdoors and being in nature. She is passionate about the science of well-being and helping others by being compassionate and understanding. Having a loved one in recovery has given her a whole new perspective and desire to help others with addiction.
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Shely Benitha
Program Assistant
Susanne Navas, MA
Program Assistant
Susanne is a certified Life Purpose and Career Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Triathlon Coach, with additional certifications as an Internal Family Systems Coach, Recovery Coach, and Trauma-Informed Yoga Instruction. Susanne believes that at the root of most if not all dis-ease, is a profound disconnect. This disconnect is with the body, with meaningful, authentic relationships, with purposeful activity and contribution, with sleep and rest, with real, whole food, with a sense that there is a power greater than our own individual being. Because she believes that a leader must go first, she shows up every day, doing the next right thing, one day at a time. As a result, she has finished two Ironman triathlons and numerous marathons and other distance running & multisport events. Susanne loves working with Sagebrush clients, helping them see that recovery is possible for everyone, and that the most difficult things are always the most rewarding parts of life.
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Susanne Navas, MA
Program Assistant
William Rosenberg
Program Assistant
is bringing his experience from Volunteers of America, where he served as Resident Services Intern. He also worked as a Digital Marketer and Digital Marketing Administrator.
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William Rosenberg
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Reagan Brown
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Lisa Bowie
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Jake DiGeranimo
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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James Duggan
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Sierra Thorpe
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Holleigh Arledge
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Roxanne Beyers
Program Assistant
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Donna Sanders
Program Assistant
Amy Ewii, BA
Overnight Staff
Amy is a Maryland native currently residing in Prince George’s County. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Towson University. During her time there, she interned at an addiction treatment center in Baltimore, MD with a goal of providing as many community outreach programs to impact the youth. She is currently studying nursing and plans to graduate in Spring 2020 with plans to specialize in Women’s Health. In her free time, Amy enjoys working out and spending time with family. Amy’s superpower is her ability to remain calm and reassuring through tough and stressful situations. She greatly offers a positive and invigorating attitude that encourages the need for personal growth.
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Amy Ewii, BA
Overnight Staff
Carla Sanchez
Overnight Staff
Carla Sanchez has dedicated herself to the health care field. It was a dream that manifested into her reality, through work at hospitals, hospices, assed living, and home health aids. Now, Carla is enjoying the expansion of her care into substance abuse treatment. Every day, Carla has one goal she hopes to achieve: to impact another’s life positively. Anyone who meets her immediately feels her depth of empathy. When not helping others at work, Carla tries to spend as much time as she can with her son.
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Carla Sanchez
Overnight Staff
Charli Lucier
Overnight Staff
Charli is a native of Virginia and has had multiple careers including medical, legal, and business ownership. Her passion in life is to give back and be of service to others. Charli considers it a blessing and privilege to serve our clients and staff. Her background consists of being a public service provider to local, state, and federal government agencies. In her free time, Charli enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, nature photography and spending the summer in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She especially enjoys preparing nutritious foods and watching the enjoyment from those she serves. Charli brings the ability to listen, be compassionate, caring and understanding.
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Charli Lucier
Overnight Staff
Jamecia Campbell
Overnight Staff
Jamecia is a native of northern Virginia and is currently studying nursing. As a member of the Sagebrush Team, Jamecia views it as a blessing to work with so many diverse clients and staff. She comes from a medical office administrative background and has a passion to serve those in recovery. She thoroughly enjoys aiding people and takes initiative to support clients in living a healthier life. In her spare time, she often takes her son on adventures to the park, expeditions to the zoo or participates in soccer activities. Jamecia brings an outgoing, loving and kindhearted nature to her interactions and provides an uplifting spirit to Sagebrush.
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Jamecia Campbell
Overnight Staff
Maria Maslyanko, MS
Overnight Staff
After finishing her undergraduate degree in Finance and graduate degree in Health Services Administration, Maria joined the U.S. Army. While there, she worked as a Behavioral Health Technician. Working with people inspired her to pursue the fields of science and medicine. Once her military obligation was completed, she returned to Virginia to finish her degree in Biochemistry. Maria is very excited to join Sagebrush and learn from so many incredible people. In her spare time she tutors high school and undergraduate students in chemistry and watches movies with her two favorite beings–her cat Marx, and her dog L.
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Maria Maslyanko, MS
Overnight Staff
Nancy Gonzalez
Program Assistant
She has worked with adults with disabilities, currently working with the elderly, and now has the opportunity to help adults in recovery, which she is very excited about.
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Lindsey Bradley
Overnight Staff
Culinary
Matthew Russell
Executive Chef
was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He was culinary trained in Washington DC with 10+ years of experience. Matthew collaborated with celebrity Chef Cindy Hutson at Ortanique on the mile in Miami, FL. He is a culinary expert in various cuisines including French, Asian, Italian, Southern, Latin, and Caribbean. Matthew has been featured in numerous publications such as Bon Appetite Magazine, Washingtonian, DCist, Eater and Washington Post.
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Matthew Russell
Executive Chef
Abel Bibilari, MS
Chef
Abel was born in Grenada, and later moved to the United States where he attended high school in Tennessee. He then attended the University of Tennessee and studied food technology. He first realized that he wanted to become a chef after working at Houston’s restaurant, and his favorite cuisine to cook is seafood. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering at the soup kitchen and does this as much as possible. He would like to impart upon others his humility, and his passion for culinary arts.
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Abel Bibilari, MS
Chef
Hannah Ryan
Chef
is so excited to be new chef at the men’s house! She has been cooking since before she can remember, and in the industry since she was 13. Hannah studied Hospitality at Penn State before heading to Colorado to complete a certificate in Baking & Pastry Arts. While she has spent the last several years in Hospitality Management & Event Planning, Hannah is happy to be back home in a kitchen. Hannah says: “If you don’t find me in the kitchen then you can easily find me at a concert, camping or playing with one of my 4 dogs. When I grow up I hope to become a millionaire animal whisperer but for now I will continue being a PASSIONISTA.”
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Hannah Ryan
Chef
Jolene Alexander
Chef
Jolene was born in Iowa and grew up in a little town called Underwood. As a child, she was blessed to have had the opportunity to spent a lot of time with her Danish grandmother who taught her how to cook and bake. This one-on-one time together instilled in Jolene the joy brought about by making and sharing food with others. Her warmth is genuine, she cares deeply and she’s always smiling! Jolene enjoys gardening and building rock gardens and walkways in her free time. Her compassionate nature is a blessing to Sagebrush.
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Jolene Alexander
Chef
Marc Corinaldi
Chef
Chef Marc received his basic culinary training working in French restaurants in the Washington D.C. metro area and attending L’Academie de Cuisine; learning, nurtured, and being guided by acclaimed “Stared” chefs. This gave him a basic foundation in the various departments within a restaurant- from Butchering, to soups and stock production, ordering, creating seasonal menus, and training staff. He has chef’d from coast to coast being involved in various culinary styles- from California French to American bistro. He recently moved to the northern VA area enjoying the various outdoor activities the area has to offer and the rich, diverse history.
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Marc Corinaldi
Chef
Hannah Ryan
Chef
is so excited to be new chef at the men’s house! She has been cooking since before she can remember, and in the industry since she was 13. Hannah studied Hospitality at Penn State before heading to Colorado to complete a certificate in Baking & Pastry Arts. While she has spent the last several years in Hospitality Management & Event Planning, Hannah is happy to be back home in a kitchen. Hannah says: “If you don’t find me in the kitchen then you can easily find me at a concert, camping or playing with one of my 4 dogs. When I grow up I hope to become a millionaire animal whisperer but for now I will continue being a PASSIONISTA.”
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Muhaimin Uddin
Chef
Ancillary
Elzbieta Chiaia
Massage Therapist
Fueled by her intuitive senses and hunger for spiritual growth, Elzbieta left her native Poland and immigrated to England and eventually to the United States. She immersed herself in studies of different philosophies and spiritual practices. Her search resulted in a passion to facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing for others. Today, she brings the compassion of heart through her hands.
For the past 20 years, Elzbieta trained in multiple modalities including Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. She was trained by renowned Polish healer Mietek Wirkus in BioEnergy Healing. Elzbieta studied the Rosen Method Bodywork (accessing the unconscious through touch). She is also trained in Integrated Energy Therapy and the Alchemical Alignment: Bodywork for Trauma Resolution and Embodiment of Spirit. Elzbieta is a Reiki Master.
Throughout her career, she successfully treated patients dealing with issues related to grief, anxiety, fear, physical and emotional trauma and sexual abuse. She successfully helps her clients achieve trauma resolution through her bodywork and keeps informed about the most current alternative health treatments. She also continuously works on her own personal growth so she can bring certain qualities of wholeness, stability and peace into her work.
Elzbieta is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She is a Member of the American Massage Therapy Association.
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Elzbieta Chiaia
Massage Therapist
Peter Shin, NCBTMB, LMT
Massage Therapist
Peter came to America in 1992 as a student from South Korea. He began his journey in South Korea in 1987, learning of acupressure, moxibustion, and cupping as the parts of traditional oriental medicine. His motivation was out of necessity to relieve his wife of debilitating lower back pain. Today, as a result of his efforts and learning, she is good in health. They now live in Fredericksburg, Virginia with their two wonderful children.
Several years ago, while working as an Activity Director at a Senior Health & Day Care Center in Gaithersburg, MD he realized his desire to pursue massage school training toward a license. In 2009, he became Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) as well as Licensed as a Massage Therapist (LMT) in Virginia. In 2015, he was also certified as a Lymphedema Therapist. Though he performs massage in several modalities, his special focuses are in deep tissue massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, reflexology, Swedish gymnastics (Sport Massage), Thai massage and Lymphedema Therapy.
From his experience, he believes that to receive massage regularly is one of the best health investments one can make. Over the many years, he continues to study human anatomy and physiology and finds the human body a mystifying work of art and healing. He believes that watching over and serving others is his calling. He is dedicated to continuing his studies in Naturopathy and Traditional oriental medicine in order to help and care for others. He is both sociable and humorous with all those he encounters. He enjoys singing and gardening as hobbies. He finds joy in working with Sagebrush staff and clients, as he witnesses first-hand the emotional and physical changes of feeling better.
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Peter Shin, NCBTMB, LMT
Massage Therapist
Speak with Our Addiction Treatment Staff Today
Want to learn more about our addiction treatment staff? Have questions regarding our rehab admissions process? Contact us today at (866) 488-1156.