Meet Our Editorial Team at Rehab.com

Melanie Curtin

Melanie holds a master’s degree from Stanford and has worked in the communications department for several startups, including Uber.

Terri Beth Miller

PhD

Author, Award-Winning Post-Secondary Teacher

Terri Beth Miller is a PhD in English with 10+ years of award-winning post-secondary teaching experience, including 7+ years in e-learning/online environments. She specializes in teaching non-traditional and at-risk student populations, including active military, addicted populations, working adults, ESL, and first-generation students.

Rita Milios

LCSW, SAP

Psychotherapist, Expert Author

Rita Milios, The Mind Mentor, is a recently retired psychotherapist, freelance author (recovery, mental health, spiritual growth), seminar leader, and podcaster from Kissimmee, FL. She provided counseling in rehab facilities in Ohio and Florida, as well as in her private practice. Rita also served as a DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) consultant.

Olivia Pennelle

Counselor, Expert Author, Podcaster

Located in Portland, OR, Olivia Pennelle (Liv) is an author, journalist & content strategist. She’s the founder of Liv’s Recovery Kitchen, a popular site dedicated to providing the ingredients for a fulfilling life in recovery. Liv also co-founded the podcast Breaking Free: Your Recovery, Your Way. She found recovery in 2012 & her pathway is a fluid patchwork of what works for her.

Kerry Nenn

BSW

Expert Author, Editor

Kerry Nenn is a full-time author whose work has received awards both locally and nationally. Based in the Chicago area, she holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology (BSW) from Evangel University. Kerry is a regular contributor to international newsletter publications, industry-leading consumer blogs, and Christian ministries.

Nikki Seay

Content Manager

Nikki brings over a decade of content and healthcare experience. She holds a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree and a B.S. in Marketing. In recovery since 2010, Nikki has the unique ability to understand addiction from both a personal and a clinical point of view, which helps her create content strategies that truly impact our audience.

Quentin Blount

Content Manager

Quentin brings nearly a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and digital publisher to his role as Content Manager for Rehab.com. He aims to help people better understand their treatment options by creating engaging and informative content that is user-friendly, factually accurate, and optimized for search engine visibility. In his free time, Quentin enjoys the company of his friends, family, and his dog, Coop.

Dr Luke Prest

MD

Pediatric Physician

Luke Prest, MD, is a board-certified Pediatrician. He provides comprehensive care, including management of mental health conditions, to children and adolescents. Through his medical training, he developed a deep understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various disorders. As a lifelong learner, he remains committed to staying up-to-date with the latest medical advances and best practices in medicine.

Kelly Junco

CPC, CPRC, BA, BS

Certified Professional Coach, Certified Professional Recovery Coach, Author

Kelly Fitzgerald Junco is an author, marketing consultant, and Certified Recovery Coach. She is 10 years’ sober and best known for her personal award-winning blog, The Adventures of a Sober Señorita.

May Wilkerson

BS Cultural Studies

Author Specializing in Addiction Recovery & Mental Health

May Wilkerson is an LA-based author specializing in addiction recovery, mental health, pop culture, and LGBTQ+ issues. She owes everything to her 13 years of recovery, her rescue chihuahua, Tilly, and the snack aisle at Trader Joe’s.

Lesley Wirth

MA, CCAR

Counselor, Teacher, Author

Lesley Wirth is a certified recovery coach with a master’s in spiritual psychology. She helps women experiencing a “dark night of the soul” find their way to deep and unshakeable self-assurance, so they can stand firmly in their value and create a brighter future, regardless of what they’ve been through or how much pain they are currently in. Her work has been featured in trauma centers, recovery centers, healing centers, and yoga studios throughout the United States.

Jo Harvey

MS, HDFS

Addiction Specialist, Speaker, Author, Coach

Jo Weatherford has over 12 years’ experience in the mental health field. Her work includes the development & implementation of drug/alcohol prevention programs on the University of Nevada Reno campus and teaching addiction-related courses at the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies.

Natalie Baker

JD Law, MBA

National MRC Account Representative

Natalie Baker is an author, national account representative for Medical Research Consultants, and former practicing attorney. She is passionate about sharing her own story of recovery, particularly with incarcerated or recently released women looking to get their lives back on track.

Annika Martins

Author

Annika specializes in creating thoughtfully curated, socially-aware content, born from a combo of sales strategy, brand alignment, and massive customer empathy.

Shaweta “Shay” Vasudeva

MA in Psychology

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor

Shay has an MA in Psychology, 5+ years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, and 20+ years working with people in the Human Health Services industry. She’s always had a passion for the written word and her specialty is breaking down academic, technical, and ‘heady’ subject matters and expressing it to the public and her readers in layman’s terms. Shay also has a connection to the recovery community and movement, having been affected by addiction early on in life.

Susanne Reed

PhD, MA

Author, Adjunct Professor

Susanne Reed has a PhD in Education and a Master’s degree in Psychology. She worked for more than 20 years in the mental health and substance abuse fields as a counselor, director, and Addiction Counseling business owner. She has been a blog and article writer since 2016 for individual therapists, treatment facilities, sober living homes, and addiction specialists, as well as other industries. She is an adjunct professor in Psychology for a local college.

Ruben Bermea

LPC

Counselor, Author

Ruben Bermea is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has had the privilege of serving Texans as they navigate personal and mental health challenges. Ruben has provided therapy to clients in inpatient, residential, private practice, and community mental health settings. His personal and professional interests include the intersection between technology and mental health, the impact of misinformation on public health, as well as social justice advocacy.

Rachael Nayder

BSN

Registered Nurse, Health & Wellness Writer

Rachael has been a registered nurse since 2010. Graduating from Ursuline College, she completed a twelve-week long intensive in mental health and caring for the patient population. As part of this experience, she gained knowledge surrounding issues related to substance abuse, recognizing the presence of addictions and mental health patterns, and the emotional/spiritual help that can act as a guiding light to those seeking treatment. She recognizes mental health touches every patient she cares for, and she learned that knowledge in this area of care can help her overall practice on a daily basis.

Karen Allen

MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW

Author, Therapist, Adjunct Professor

Karen L. Allen is a therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy and maintains a private practice in Bowie, MD. She has over 10 years’ experience as an individual, group and family therapist, is a graduate of Howard University School of Social Work, and utilizes a holistic approach to recovery and resilience. She is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.

Karen Eisenbraun

BA, Certification in Holistic Nutrition

Author, Holistic Nutrition Consultant

Karen Eisenbraun is a writer, certified holistic nutrition consultant, and health coach with a background in marketing strategy and content development. Much of her career has been spent providing inbound marketing services to clients in the health & wellness industry. She is passionate about helping others take control of their health, set and crush goals, and live an authentic life. She is currently working on her first novel.

Jordana White

AB English

Healthcare Author

Jordana White has over 12 years of experience as a professional writer and editor at national publications, including Life & Style magazine and CafeMom.com. For the past six years, she has been supporting busy medical and wellness practices, providing high quality digital content across a wide array of platforms. From addiction to podiatry to radiology and workplace wellness, Jordana has experience as an endocrinology and neurology advisor in addition to acting as content creator for physicians offices, workplace wellness professionals, and cannabidiol companies across the country.

Jessica Payne

CCTP, LMSW, CAADC

Clinical Trauma Professional, Social Worker, Author

Jessica Payne, CCTP, LMSW, CAADC, is currently in the final year of her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. She has previously earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Social Work. She is a Licensed Master of Social Work (clinical) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of Michigan. Her work experiences include school social worker, hospice medical social worker, co-occurring substance abuse counselor, private practice therapist, and an emergency mental health evaluator.

Jessica Eiseman

MS

Clinical Mental Health Director & Mental Health Writer

Jessica Eiseman has a Masters of Counseling degree and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas, as well as a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor. Being in the mental health field for over 10 years, Jessica has an extensive understanding of the impact mental health disorders and their symptoms have on individuals. Jessica is the Founder and Clinical Director of a group private practice based out of Houston, Texas.

Jaclyn Ahearn

Master of Social Work

Therapist, Social Worker, Author

Jaclyn Ahearn is a practicing therapist and social worker. She enjoys helping people improve their lives by engaging in the psychotherapy process. She believes that engagement in the psychotherapy process can be transformative, and she believes you are the expert in your own life.

Hannah Sumpter

MSW, BA

Case Manager, Therapist, Author

Hannah Sumpter, MSW, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Mental Health. She has combined both degrees to work in the addictions field for over ten years, both as a case manager and therapist. Throughout her professional experience, she has grown in her passion for serving those with an addiction, as she is able to positively impact some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Christopher Stewart

MS, LMHC

Mental Health Counselor, Radiologic Technologist

Christopher Stewart, MS, is a provisionally licensed mental health counselor who works with a diverse population of adult men and women who come from single parent homes and who seek help for PTSD, traumatic stress, substance use, grief and loss, adjustment disorder and anxiety and depression. He is a trained Trauma Informed Specialist with Trauma Institute International, and is a Licensed Radiologic Technologist working in oncology. His has written about art, music, sports and academia.

Brittany Tackett

Master of Arts

Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Author

Brittany Tackett, MA, is a psychotherapist, transformational life coach, yoga and meditation teacher, writer, and founder of HeartFirst Education, whose mission is to educate the whole person, heart first. She has a passion for helping people lead more mindful, heart-centered, and embodied lives. Her approaches to healing, wellness, and education are multi-faceted, encompassing all aspects of the human experience: mind, body, spirit, community, and heart.

Bridget Clerkin

BS

Journalist, Author

Bridget has more than 10 years of professional writing experience, with roles in journalism and content creation. She built her background in health and wellness-related knowledge working for a variety of medical websites and has been published by WebMD, Princeton University, and Duquesne School of Nursing, among others. She has also written research pieces for several medical or nursing magazines, on topics spanning addiction recovery, mental health, holistic nursing, and prenatal health.

Audrey Morrison

Master of Science in Nursing, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Author

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Fellow who gained experience in providing comprehensive and holistic mental health treatment for patients across the lifespan at a federally-qualified community health center (FQHC). Received additional preceptorship and didactic training in providing high-quality psychiatric care in the community setting.

Anjali Talcherkar

PhD, MA

Author & Adjunct Professor

Dr. Anjali Talcherkar holds a PhD in Integrative Medicine from Saybrook University and an MA in Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. Dr. Anjali’s focus is in the area of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) in addiction treatment. Her versatility emanates from 7+ years of experience working in evidence-based treatment programs and facilitating various recovery modalities (twelve-step, harm reduction, holistic, etc.).

Angie Doel

MS, BA, Holistic Nutritionist Certification

Psychotherapist, Health & Wellness Writer

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with her degree in Counseling Psychology, Angela M. Doel worked as a psychotherapist, primarily with families and couples. Along with publishing five other mental health workbooks on such topics as binge eating disorder, resilience, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Ms. Doel has written hundreds of psychotherapy assignment worksheets for adults, teens, and couples. She has researched and written about mental health problems that impact relationships, such as coping with substance abuse, navigating divorce, rebuilding relationships, enhancing communication, and overcoming sex addiction.

Lisa Conatser

LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Lisa Conatser is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, offering virtual sessions for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. As a counselor, teacher, and writer, she has interactions with people from all walks of life, which gives her a unique insight into a wealth of communication styles. In practice for 10 years, Lisa never grows tired of hearing people’s stories or helping them form a new narrative that brings clarity and hope. She specializes in working with couples and families – as well as individuals – who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

Caitlin Boyd

MFA in Writing

Mental Health Writer

Caitlin Boyd is a content writer specializing in topics related to psychiatry and mental health. She frequently writes about addiction, mood disorders, postpartum mental illness, behaviorism, and motivation. A former high school teacher, Caitlin also designs curriculum materials for educational programs and community organizations. Caitlin graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles teacher preparation program. She holds an MFA in Writing from the University of California, Riverside, and she has been a participating member of Al-Anon Family Groups for over a decade. Her work has appeared in web publications for several nonprofit organizations, including The Bars Family Foundation.

Miakayla Leaverson

BS

Miakayla has over six years of digital marketing experience, working in various industries including cosmetic surgery, supplements, and health care. Her experience continues to grow in the medical field and wellness-related knowledge through her roles with WebMD /Alert and RehabMedia. With a strong background in SEO and digital marketing, she works to provide user-friendly, well-researched, optimized content and articles.

Anna Spooner

Anna has 10 years of experience in insurance and has been a content and copywriter since 2011. She strives to make all of her writing approachable and easy to understand while drinking copious amounts of tea. Anna writes about accessing addiction treatment, insurance, and finance.

Peter Lee

PhD

Peter W.Y. Lee is a PhD in history and culture, specializing in American Cold War culture and youth culture. He has published dozens of academic essays and online articles, edited three anthologies, and written one monograph on boyhood in postwar Hollywood films.

Mariah Bourne

M.A.

Mariah Bourne received her Master of Arts in Community Social Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She later served as a Research Associate in many studies focused on education, addiction, and treatment, including one examining the efficacy of an LED treatment device in reducing opioid cravings. Currently, she works as a freelance writer and is dedicated to providing helpful information to those seeking recovery from substance abuse.

Michelle Tavares

MSN, RN

Michelle Tavares is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience in mental health nursing. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as in bedside and administrative roles. She is a fighter of stigma and an advocate for getting people the mental health services they need.

Courtney Myers

MS

Courtney Myers is an NC-based writer and editor. She has more than 15 years of content creation experience and has written extensively on mental health, substance abuse, and addiction recovery. She holds an MS in Technical Communication from N.C. State University.

Patti Croft

MBA

Patti Croft is a seasoned writer who specializes in all things technology, healthcare, and animal welfare. She holds a Masters in Business Administration and carries a wealth of hands-on experience thanks to her background in Healthcare Information Management and years of experience working in the healthcare environment.

Mari Mendoza

BS

Mari Mendoza is a writer, editor, and creative writing coach. She graduated with a Specialization in English BA from the University of Toronto. Her work has appeared in a number of publications including WordCityLit, Fairfield Scribes, Woodlands and more. Born in Guatemala and immigrating to Canada at the age of six, she has been writing ever since.

Jason Collins

Jason Collins is an experienced freelance writer, editor, proofreader, and content creator with more than seven years of experience across multiple industries, including healthcare. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and is published in print and digital magazines. He has a special interest in addiction treatment and recovery and is enthusiastic about bringing awareness to addiction and providing insights into this complex topic.

David Bugg

David has 8+ years of digital marketing experience creating various forms of content ranging from writing to video. David specializes in creating content in the music entertainment, non-profit, mental health, and addiction recovery spaces.

Sheila Houston

RN

Sheila Houston has been a nurse for 33 years, working for the past 16 years in a public high school attended by more than 1200 students. Sheila is also a mom of three wonderful children and a cat mom to three precious cats. Sheila loves spending time with her husband and children.

Geordyn Houston

LMSW

Geordyn Houston is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She has extensive experience in working with mental health and substance use issues. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog, Delta, taking long drives, and antiquing.

Nikki Wisher

BA

Nikki Wisher has a Bachelor of Arts in English and has been an Atlanta-based web content writer since 2015. While she writes for clients across a range of industries from photography to digital marketing, Nikki specializes in health and wellness and is the creator behind the inclusive running blog forallrunners.com.

Nadia El

M.Ed.

Nadia holds a master’s in education and specializes in supporting teens and young adults with learning differences. Beyond the classroom, she advocates for inclusive education and finds joy in exploring new places with her small family.

Dianne Wilson

With nearly 20 years of writing experience for both print and digital media, Dianne specializes in making complex topics simple. As a word-lover, she splits her time between content creation and fiction writing, embracing both as opportunities to keep learning.

Lauren Thompson

Lauren Lucy Thompson is a copywriter & editor, content marketer, and social media manager with nearly a decade of professional experience. Having worked on a range of marketing copy for a range of notable brands, her experience spans B2B and B2C across a range of specialties and customer niches. Beyond her experience with words and digital marketing, Lauren is also a Certified Deep Tissue Holistic Massage Therapist.

Connie Gillespie

Connie Gillespie is a proud Canadian who has worked in healthcare for almost two decades and has been writing for even longer. Now that her daughter has earned her psychology and fine arts degrees, Connie is working towards finishing her degrees in Public Health and in Media Arts as she continues her passion for writing and healthcare advocacy. She prefers quietly writing in her tiny home with the company of her cat to being social but tries to put a little kindness into the world every day.

Sendra Yang

PharmD, MBA

Medical Information Professional

Sendra Yang received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Wingate University School of Pharmacy. She is a skilled medical information professional with experience in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy education, and clinical practice. She is also a medical writer, editor, and reviewer for consumer health and medical content, including materials relating to addiction and rehabilitation.

Libby Pellegrini

MMS, PA-C

Physician Assistant & Medical Writer

Libby Pellegrini is a professionally-trained physician assistant. She has worked in numerous emergency healthcare settings, ranging from the rural United States to large metropolitan areas. Her experience helping patients suffering from acute crises related to intoxication and substance use disorders informs her passion for addiction medicine.

Dr Jillian Foglesong Stabile

MD

Family Physician

Jillian Foglesong Stabile is a board-certified Family Physician who enjoys the full scope Family Medicine, including obstetrics and women’s health, along with caring for children and adults of all ages. She manages a number of health conditions, including mental health and those with a history of substance abuse.

Dr Rebecca Byard

MD

Direct Primary Care Physician

Dr. Rebecca Byard graduated with her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2011 from Marshall University. She then attended the family medicine residency at The Washington Hospital until 2014, at which time she stayed on as a faculty member for three years. She has been at Tristate Health Services assisting patients with MAT for opiate dependence since 2016. She moved into urgent care for four years and recently (October 2021) decided to go back to primary care as a direct primary care physician in Pittsburgh, PA.

Ariella Belote

BSN, RN

Acute Care Registered Nurse

Ariella Belote, BSN, RN, has experience working as a nurse in outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment where she worked with clients experiencing various dependencies. She also works to connect clients with local resources designed to support recovery on a daily basis. In addition, she works in acute care and is familiar with short and long term treatment for withdrawal and addiction, including the use of various medications.

Dr Matthew N. Parker

Doctor of Medicine

General Practitioner Physician

Dr. Matthew N. Parker is a native of Lubbock, Texas and now lives in deep East Texas. He was trained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Conroe Family Medicine Residency in Conroe, Texas. He’s spent 20 years as a practicing physician, 15 of which have been spent treating patients with substance use disorders, in addition to practicing Family and Integrative Medicine. Dr. Parker is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He enjoys outdoor activities, playing music, and spending time with his fiancée and two teenage sons.

Dr Katie Brown

Doctor of Medicine

Attending Physician

As a recent family medicine graduate, Dr. Katie Brown has a solid foundation in addiction medicine. She is certified to prescribe Suboxone for opioid use disorder and has treated many cases of substance use disorder in her clinic. She is particularly experienced in diagnosing and treating alcohol use disorder as well as its complications.

Peg O’Connor

PhD, Professor of Moral & Social Philosophy

Philosophy Professor, Author

Peg O’Connor, PhD, is a professor of philosophy who regularly teaches courses in moral and social philosophy and on the subjects of addiction, trauma, and oppression. Peg is also a recovering alcoholic of 35 years who believes philosophy helped her to get – and stay – sober. She is the author of Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering and Life on the Rocks: Finding Meaning in Addiction and Recovery. She can be found on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @thesoberphilosopher.

Elizabeth Cambria

PharmD

Pharmacist, Consultant

Dr. Elizabeth Cambria is a licensed, registered pharmacist and drug information expert. She graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. She has more than 20 years of experience in community pharmacy, pharmacy management, and patient education.

Dr Alan Lucks

MD

Retired Physician, Writer

Dr. Alan Lucks is a specialist in Internal Medicine with over 30 years of clinical practice serving the New York community. After retirement, he has devoted his time to writing and painting in an attempt to broaden his artistic skills.

Libby Pelligrini

MMS, PA-C

Physician Assistant & Medical Writer

Libby Pellegrini, MMS, PA-C, is a professionally-trained physician assistant. She has worked in numerous emergency healthcare settings, ranging from the rural United States to large metropolitan areas. Her experience helping patients suffering from acute crises related to intoxication and substance use disorders informs her passion for addiction medicine.

Edward A. Rose

M.D., M.S.A.

Psychiatry and Substance Use Physician

Dr. Rose is a Family Physician with 40 years in the exam room treating the full spectrum of diseases and conditions. He has particular interest in Psychiatry and Substance Use Disorders and their impact on health. He trained at The University of Michigan and practiced in a variety of settings from concierge medicine to community care to hospitals and emergency rooms. His recent career has focused more on research in the medical device and biopharmaceutical areas.