OUR STAFF

Laura is part of the leadership team at Avery’s House where she oversees the operations and finance departments. Laura has a passion for empowering others and ensuring that all levels of operations run as smoothly as possible. Laura brings almost a decade of experience in the drug and alcohol treatment industry to the organization.

She has a strong working knowledge of the unique components that it takes to run a successful treatment center including, Joint Commission, policies and procedures, and Insurance billing. Originally from Connecticut, Laura moved to Arizona when she was 20 to pursue her own journey of Recovery. In her free time, Laura likes to spend as much time outdoors as possible. She also has a passion for fitness, music, and cats.

Michele is the CEO and part of the leadership team for Avery’s House. She has worked in treatment for over 17 years in many different capacities. Michele was born and raised on Long Island in New York. Michele’s own drug addiction and alcoholism has inspired her to help others. She ended up in treatment herself at the age of 18.

Michele surrendered immediately and started her own journey of recovery. She has been sober and active in recovery since January 24, 2000. After a few years of recovery, Michele pursued her degree in Counseling. Michele specialized in adolescents and young adults for 5 years. She also graduated from NAU and received her degree in Elementary Education. Michele taught 1st grade for 10 years but always missed helping others achieve long term recovery.

Michele left public education to enter back into the mental health and substance abuse treatment world. She saw a need for long term remote on call support for post discharge from a facility.

In her free time Michele enjoys spending time with her daughter, her husband, and their 3 dogs. She also loves yoga, hiking, and traveling. Michele loves being active and sharing the things that bring her joy and create positive mental health with others.

Robert Castan is a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Avery’s House. Robert started his professional career as a house manager and has become an industry leader and trusted voice in the treatment world. He brings extensive knowledge of organizational growth, industry-leading outcomes, and comprehensive marketing to Avery’s House. Robert has been walking his own path of recovery for over 10 years. This path has truly driven his ambition to help make treatment available to others who are struggling with addiction. Robert finds great joy in traveling and keeping physically active, with an emphasis on biking. Robert resides in Arizona with his husband and two four-legged children.

Articles Written:
The U.S. Alcohol Crisis, Still Deadlier Than the Opioid Epidemic
Zombies and Other Future Threats to the Health of American Youth
Dire Mental Health: A Catalyst for Post-Pandemic Drug Addiction
The Benefits of Rehab Center Staff Working Their Own Recovery
Opinion: The Opioid Crisis + COVID-19 = The Perfect Storm
Robert Castan on Successful Addiction Treatment and Entrepreneurship
Castan: The road less traveled of addiction & recovery in Scottsdale
Opioids & COVID Driving Phoenix’s Rising Fatal Drug Overdoses
Opinion: The Opioid Crisis + COVID-19 = The Perfect Storm
Successful Addiction Treatment Programs & Entrepreneurship

Originally from Wyoming, Shawna Chandler, MSW, LCSW, serves as the Clinical Director for Avery’s House, offering our team and clients 25 years of experience working within the addiction and mental health industry as well as 12 years of leadership experience. Shawna completed her master’s degree at Florida State University and began specializing in clinical social work. Having realized her passion for addiction and mental illnesses early on, Shawna began her journey providing clinical service to a diverse variety of populations in rural communities and residential treatment centers.

Shawna is dedicated to providing high-quality care to meet the unique needs of clients and their families. With extensive training in trauma, EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, family-focused therapy, mindfulness, internal family system therapy, and leadership, Shawna provides Avery’s House’ clinical team with intuitive, expert training and supervision.

In addition to her professional experience and training, Shawna utilizes her personal experience of family addiction and trauma in working with professionals, clients and families. Using compassionate understanding and acceptance, she is able to help clients and families heal from addiction and become whole again.

Steve is the COO at Avery’s House. He oversees all the different aspects of the marketing efforts and is heavily involved in the efficiencies and quality control of the business.

Steve has been in recovery for over 20 years. His own experiences in recovery have driven him to work in the treatment industry and to ultimately help the still-suffering addict.

Steve enjoys traveling with his wife to new destinations, along with keeping physically active with their dogs.

I am excited to be a member of the Avery’s House team. I have a Master of Counseling degree in Community Counseling, and a K12 Certificate in Education. I have taught and counseled teenagers in both educational and therapeutic settings for the last 23 years. It is my belief, as well as my own experience that recovery begins when you are able to find a safe connection with others. A connection based on mutual compassion, trust, and respect. Once this occurs, healing becomes a hopeful journey of self-discovery, awareness, and growth. I cannot wait to be a part of your road to recovery.

Hello! My name is Jasen Black. I recently graduated from college with my bachelor’s in science of Nursing. I am from Montana, and I am new to the Phoenix area. I enjoy fishing, kayaking, backpacking, sports, board games, and listening to music. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Hi! My name is Rich. I’m looking forward to meeting you. I am a Behavior Health Technician for the Avery House agency; I enjoy working with children and helping them reach their highest potential and overcome any obstacles they may face at any period in their life. I have worked with adults and children for many years, and I love what I do, and that is helping others. I currently have a bachelor’s in human services with an addiction degree and a masters in psychology. My hobbies are working out at the gym, boxing, and spending time with my family. My passion is helping others and being able to help people in the communities get the help they need to be able to live a productive life just like everyone else. I cannot wait to help your journey by providing the help and services that fit your needs.

Hi my name is Jayci, and I am excited to be a BHT here at Avery’s House! I am an Arizona native and love to be outside. I ride horses and barrel race competitively- when I am not on a horse, I am rollerblading or listening to podcasts!

I grew up in a small town where mental health and substance abuse was not openly spoken about. I grew very passionate about helping the younger generation as I saw the lack of awareness in these areas. I am in recovery myself and find so much joy being of service to others. I can’t wait to help your journey by displaying healthy boundaries, a positive attitude, and helping you find hobbies to stay on the upside of life!

Hi my name is Lucia (she/her) and I am a BHT here at Avery’s House! I was born and raised right here in the valley as an only child. I enjoy golfing, reading, video games, and adventuring outdoors. I am a huge Star Wars fan! I am also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Recovery and mental health have been a huge part of my life. I have many family members as well as myself who have directly struggled with those battles. I can’t wait to help your journey by showing you compassion and genuine understanding from firsthand experience!

My name is Stuart Riddle, and I am a Clinical Assistant here at Avery’s House. I have experience with recovery at a young age and am local to the area. I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time with my family. I look forward to being a part of your new journey.

Hi! My name is Madisen Allen, and I am a Behavioral health technician at Avery’s House! I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona. I love reading, singing, traveling, and lacrosse. About four years ago, I spent 9 months at a place very similar to Avery’s house due to my own mental health and addiction struggles. I can say, with all honesty, that I came out of that place a better and happier person. When I left, I developed a passion for helping and supporting others in their journey through recovery. I can’t wait to help YOU through your journey by showing you that you deserve a happy life.

Hi, I am a Licensed Practical Nurse and will be working at Avery’s House part-time some weekends! I am excited to be part of the team here and look forward to meeting you! I have been a nurse since 2016, working last few years in substance abuse and behavioral health for a variety of ages. I am a mom to three awesome teens myself and enjoy this age! Hobbies I enjoy are hiking, swimming, family time, and trips.