About Accelerated Recovery Centers

Greg is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Masters of Family Therapy degree from Mercer University’s School of Medicine. Greg is responsible for coordinating all of Accelerated Recovery’s family systems clinical resources to ensure that the needs of spouses, partners and other family members are fully addressed. His focus is directly addressing family issues often associated with alcohol use disorders in order to reduce symptom distress and to provide relief to family members affected by past alcohol problems. Since 2006 he has been a volunteer program facilitator for Retrouvaille, an organization which assists couples in repairing relationship as an option to divorce. Greg has delivered multiple presentations on the dynamics and repair of relationships after an affair. He also holds a BFA degree in photography from the Atlanta College of Art.

Dr. Melinda Paige is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor. Dr. Paige has served as a trauma counselor for over 20 years. Melinda provides individual therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients and is licensed to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders. She uses individually focused, research validated clinical techniques to provide nearly immediate relief to Accelerated Recovery clients with a history of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Injury. Dr. Paige’s research interests include trauma therapist development and trauma mental health competency. She was the recipient of the 2014 Chi Epsilon Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Outstanding Practitioner Award. Dr. Paige has published and presented nationally on self-injury, trauma competency and vicarious traumatization.

Ruth has enjoyed an extensive career utilizing solution-focused therapies to help individuals overcome alcohol dependence. Ruth provides individual therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients and is licensed to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders. She brings over 20 years of clinical experience to Accelerated Recovery clients and uses her skills to assess and treat each client’s expressed areas of concern.  She works closely with Dr. Paige to assess and relieve trauma, helping clients achieve a sense of true empowerment. Ruth obtained her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Georgia. Having worked in both inpatient and outpatient environments, Ruth has developed a keen interest in Rapid Resolution Therapy and the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model modalities to provide lasting symptom relief for clients with prior history of trauma and Past Traumatic Stress Injury.

Dr. Amy Hamilton has over 15 years of experience in providing effective individual therapies to clients with alcohol use and co-occurring disorders. Amy conducts many of the initial screening assessments for prospective clients of Accelerated Recovery and is licensed to diagnose and treat alcohol use and co-occurring disorders. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, both inpatient and outpatient. Dr. Hamilton utilizes an integrated approach of cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal techniques in helping clients overcome addictive behaviors and beliefs. Her related areas of interest include recovery from trauma and abuse, relationship style, and issues related to treatment of dual diagnosis and group behavior. Dr. Hamilton graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She went on to graduate magna cum laude with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and then pursued further education at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She was awarded her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2001.

Denise Pope is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience as a therapist treating clients with behavioral health issues including alcohol use disorders.  Denise conducts initial screening assessments and provides individual therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients.  She is licensed to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders.  Denise also has extensive experience in training and supervising other therapists. Denise earned her Bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia.  Denise utilizes evidenced-based treatment practices including solution-focused techniques, educational work, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based treatments.  Denise’s focus amongst the team is to help each individual develop knowledge, motivation, and self-awareness.  She believes successful recovery is an individualized process utilizing each person’s own strengths, needs, and preferences.

David is a clinical psychologist and author of over 60 professional publications in national journals as well as 7 books, including Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work (Butterworth-Heinemann) and How to Create the Ultimate Relationship (Humanics). He also presents seminars across the globe on topics such as The Neuroscience of Mindfulness, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence as well as When the Hard Skills of Science Meet the Soft Skills of People. Dr. Ryback is book editor for The American Journal of Family Therapy. David provides individual therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients and is licensed to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders.

Mark is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He provides individually focused couples and family therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients and their families.  Mark is licensed to diagnose and treat couples and family systems issues.  Mark grew up in Miami, Florida and after a four year term in the U.S. military he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and then obtained his Juris Doctorate degree.  As a second career, Mark graduated with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University.  He has been providing clinical mental health counseling services for 10 years and has worked extensively with clients with alcohol use disorders, anger management issues, anxiety, depression and relational distress.

Travis Ramsey is dual-licensed as a Professional Counselor as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist.  He has advanced training in Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy and is a Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator.  Travis provides family therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients and is licensed to diagnose and treat couples and family systems issues.

Travis received a B.S. in Psychology from Berry College and a B.A. in Theology from Atlanta Bible College.  He earned his M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Richmont Graduate University.  Throughout his career, his most rewarding work has been the study and practice of how to promote and restore healthy family relationships.

LaTasha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia State University.  She then continued her studies at Mercer University School of Medicine achieving a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.  LaTasha has gained extensive knowledge during her career, which includes working directly with individuals and families affected by alcohol use disorders.  LaTasha’s previous experience includes working in residential settings, area hospitals and in community based environments, advocating for and coordinating the best quality care for her clients and their behavioral health needs.  Using a myriad of evidence-based treatment modalities such as DBT, Solution-focused therapies, and Family Systems theories, LaTasha is able to help equip her clients and their families with the tools they need to overcome life’s challenges and to achieve a flourishing life.

Stuart is originally from Long Island, NY and graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology.  He subsequently graduated from Adelphi University with a Master’s Degree in Social work.  Stuart provides individual and family therapy to Accelerated Recovery clients and is licensed to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders and family systems issues.  Stuart has worked in residential treatment programs, medical/surgical hospitals and in outpatient environments.  He has also worked in neurological rehabilitation environments.

Brenda has dedicated over 20 years to delivering personal training and heart-healthy nutrition consulting to clients of all fitness levels and age groups.  She has designed fitness programs that were highly customized to each client’s individual goals and capabilities, focusing on injury prevention, balance, flexibility, proper form and cardiovascular as well as muscular endurance.  She is certified as a physical fitness and nutrition specialist by the Cooper Institute.  She also is certified to instruct Arthritis Aquatics, Pilates, Body Pump, Body Flow/yoga, Body Step and, Body Jam.  She has provided nutritional heart healthy class and fitness programs for sports teams as well as large corporations.

Eleanora is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and provides therapeutic massage services to each Accelerated Recovery Client as an adjunct to their intensive clinical work.  She also provides yoga instruction, meditation and mindfulness training to Accelerated Recovery clients.  Eleanora’s goal is to support personal growth by enhancing each person’s understanding of her/his life-style in relation to their wellness.

Patti brings 20 years of nursing experience to her work with Accelerated Recovery clients.  She has worked in almost every aspect of medical care beginning with orthopedic nursing and later transitioning to provide care to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.  She has provided care in the specialized area of alcohol withdrawal management (detoxification).  Patti finds her nursing work at Accelerated Recovery to be uniquely rewarding as It enables her intimate contact with clients and satisfies her desire to teach and support them through one of their most challenging life experiences. Patti says that what also drew her to this particular field of nursing was the challenge it affords her every working day.  Patti received her degree in Nursing from Kennesaw State University School of Nursing.

Pam has 40 years of experience in nursing and over 20 years of substance abuse counseling experience in both individual and group settings.  Pam joined Accelerated Recovery as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2009 and has provided exceptional nursing care to each of her clients.  She assists Dr. Richardson in the delivery of private alcohol detoxification programs, frequently conducts initial nursing assessments and works with Dr. Richardson during medical intakes.  Pam rounds with Accelerated clients on weekend evenings to ensure that every Accelerated Recovery client is comfortable and is well cared for medically.

Gail obtained her BSN at Molloy College and has maintained professional leadership positions during her 40 years of nursing experience. Gail has provided nursing care to the medical, surgical, obstetrical and behavioral health populations.  During her vast nursing career Gail held the following positions: Supervisory, Nurse Manager, Case Manager, Discharge Planner, Utilization Review, Patient and Family Educator, Psychiatric and Detoxification Proficiency, Basic Life Support Certification, PRI/SCREEN Certification N.Y.S., Team Stepps Trainer, DOH HIV Counselor Training. Gail also holds the following certification: NS/LIJ Management Certification, NS/LIJ Nursing Management Certification.

Brittany Echols is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Emory University and a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling with a concentration in Counseling Psychology from Messiah College.  She is responsible for concierge level care coordination for each spouse, partner or involved family member of each Accelerated Recovery client.  Brittany is also responsible for gathering, analyzing and reporting exhaustive assessment data from spouses, partners, and involved family members prior to the arrival of each Accelerated Recovery client.  Brittany is an experienced Certified Behavioral Health Counselor with a demonstrated history of working with diverse populations. She has a strong attention to detail and is skilled in Treatment Interventions, Mental Health Care, Quantitative Research and Treatment Planning. Brittany has a reputation as a strong counseling professional with experience in working with all age groups.  She is deeply committed to helping clients, and those people that Accelerated clients have relationships with, to become their best selves.

Lauren is Accelerated Recovery’s Program Manager and is responsible for the day to day operations of the facility.  She is responsible to ensure that each client and family member has an optimal clinical experience through careful attention to detail.  She is also responsible to assist our clients in managing through the complexities of insurance reimbursement working in conjunction with Medivance, Accelerated Recovery’s Third Party Administrator.  Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from The University of Georgia and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Kennesaw State University.  Prior to joining Accelerated Recovery, Lauren was a Practice Administrator for a dermatological surgeon and the Administrative Director for an AAAHC certified Ambulatory Surgical Center.  She has also worked in Social Media Marketing Management and was the Human Resources Director for an office supply company.