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ABOUT EMPOWER RECOVERY

Empower Recovery is a trusted provider of substance use and mental health services across Wisconsin. We offer compassionate, personalized assessments and treatment guidance—meeting each person where they are, with care that’s respectful, evidence-based, and rooted in hope.

Empower Recovery Serves Wisconsin

At Empower Recovery, we go beyond checklists and protocols, because recovery, whether from addiction or mental health challenges, is always personal. We opened our doors to our Wisconsin community to be a light where things feel dark. Whether you’re navigating addiction, mental illness, or just looking to move forward with more joy and balance in your life, Empower Recovery has a team dedicated to your growth. As we mentioned on our main page, addiction and mental health disorders don’t discriminate against financial class, location, race, legal history, gender, sexuality, or religion; and neither do we.  

We offer holistic care for everyone, regardless of your background. If you want to recover from substance abuse or mental illness, heal your emotional scars, and carve out a brighter future—Empower Recovery is the perfect place to start. 

Empower Recovery's Mission

Empower Recovery was created to bring high quality compassionate care to the greater Wisconsin area. Our team of expert therapists and advanced level providers lead with patience and kindness. We know there are treatment deserts in Wisconsin, and we aim to fix that. Our telehealth and mobile urine testing collection systems make mental health and addiction treatment accessible even for those who live in the most rural corners of Wisconsin. We also want to make treatment affordable, accepting over 20 different health insurances, including Medicaid. From Milwaukee to Eau Claire, and everywhere in between, Empower Recovery gives access to the highest quality recovery care for those who need it the most. 

Empower Recovery's Certifications

Empower Recovery is fully certified and accredited in the state of Wisconsin Chapter 75.50 to provide outpatient services in substance abuse and behavioral health treatment in Wisconsin, ensuring we meet the highest standards of compliance. We also have our own lab that is CLIA-certified as a high complexity drug testing laboratory, which verifies our services meet federal standards for accuracy and reliability. Our mobile urine collection system makes compliance monitoring easy and convenient.  

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Certified

Wisconsin, Department of Health Services

LegitScript, Department of Health Services

Meet our Clinicians & Staff

Aaron Hoffnung
MD- Founder, Medical Director

He is a board-certified specialist in Addiction and Emergency Medicine and the founder of multiple addiction clinics, including Empower Recovery.
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Pamela Tas
PhD- Founder, Service Director

Dr. Tas oversees operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and drives strategic growth through her expertise.
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Kim Riley
LMFT- Therapist

Kim Riley, LMFT, has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and Bachelor of Arts in Speech, and is Substance Use certified.
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Jaime Kremer
APNP- Clinical Provider

Jaime is a dedicated and experienced provider, specializing in the treatment of substance abuse and coexisting mental health disorders.
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Dan Sidesky
MSN, PMHNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

He is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with five years of experience.
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Timara Gray
Front Office Manager

Timara Gray brings experience in the healthcare industry, customer service, and data entry, to her role as front desk manager .
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John Gary Brital
Medical Biller Manager

John is a front desk associate and medical biller at Empower Recovery.
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John Barr

John Barr brings over 30 years of experience in emergency medical services, public safety, and transportation to his role as Driver and Collection Specialist at Empower Recovery. Having served in high-intensity environments ranging from the New York City Fire Department to the Department of Homeland Security.
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Kailey
Drennon
IT-LPC-Therapist

Kailey Drennon helps individuals navigate the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery.
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Angela Fessler

Angela applies her extensive expertise to support individuals on their journey to recovery, ensuring personalized care.
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Jamarri Rollock
LPC- Therapist

Jamarri Rollocks specializes in substance abuse, trauma therapy, and wellness education.
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Lands Acsious
Medical Biller

He is a dedicated medical biller at Empower Recovery, known for his strong customer service skills and ability to streamline processes.
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Paula J. Pettis 
Front Office Receptionist

She is skilled in addressing patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need.
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Kevin
Peterson-
Collection Specialist

Kevin Peterson brings diverse professional experience and serves as a dedicated Collection Specialist.
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Gardner Dorton

Gardner brings a diverse perspective as a marketing manager with a background in creative writing and authorship.
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Chris
Lovelace
Collection Specialist

Chris brings a wealth of professional experience, excelling as a dedicated Collection Specialist.
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US?

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Aaron Hoffnung,
MD- Founder, Medical Director

Dr. Hoffnung is an esteemed board certified specialist in both Addiction and Emergency Medicine, brings over 24 years of clinical experience to his role as a Founder, CEO, and Medical Director of Empower Recovery LLC.

In 2013, Dr. Hoffnung established Reintegrate, an outpatient Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) opioid addiction clinic in Madison, where he has successfully helped over 1000 patients in their recovery. Informed by his extensive experience treating patients with Substance Use Disorder, and driven by his passion to help people in crisis, Dr. Hoffnung broadened the reach of his impactful work by creating Empower Recovery, a comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment program able to reach all populations of Wisconsin, including those in underserved and rural communities.

Dr. Hoffnung’s dedication to Addiction Medicine and relationship-based patient care makes him a pioneering figure in the field. His leadership at both Empower Recovery and Reintegrate Clinics highlights his commitment to provide compassionate and effective treatment for patients in their greatest need.

Pamela Tas
PhD- Founder, Service Director

Dr. Tas lends her extensive experience in strategic management, program development, and operational leadership to enhance the organization’s position in the healthcare sector.

Her expertise in grant writing, project management, and laboratory operations underpins the company’s commitment to innovative care in addiction and mental health.  Dr. Tas oversees all laboratory operations and ensures Empower Recovery maintains its excellence while maintaining state and federal regulations.

Her strategic vision and administrative acumen are instrumental in steering Empower Recovery’s growth, ensuring both operational efficiency and the delivery of high-quality care. Her role is pivotal in establishing Empower Recovery as a leader in addressing the complexities of addiction treatment.

 

Kim Riley
LMFT- Therapist

Kim Riley, LMFT, has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University, a Bachelor of Arts in Speech from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and is Substance Use certified.  She is a skilled therapist specializing in substance abuse and mental health.

Her extensive experience includes roles such as Clinical Director at Iris Health Clinic and Therapist at UW Behavioral Health and Recovery, where she has demonstrated her proficiency in clinical supervision, treatment planning, and counseling. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Kimberly’s approach is informed by her deep understanding of family dynamics and effective communication, making her a valuable member of the Empower Recovery team.

Jaime
Kremer
APNP- Clinical
Provider

Jaime is a dedicated and experienced provider, specializing in the treatment of substance abuse and coexisting mental health disorders. With a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and extensive experience at notable healthcare facilities like CleanSlate Addiction Treatment Center and Compass Behavioral Health Clinic, Jaime brings a deep understanding of addiction recovery. Known for a patient-first approach, Jaime excels in creating individualized treatment plans, demonstrating exceptional skills in diagnosis, medication management, and patient education.

Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to providing empathetic, comprehensive care, making her a valuable asset to Empower Recovery’s mission in combating opioid addiction.

Dan Sidesky
MSN, PMHNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Daniel Sidesky is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over five years of experience in both mental and physical health care.

He specializes in dual diagnosis and addiction treatment, with a focus on patient education and holistic care. Daniel earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and has worked in a variety of settings, including psychiatric institutes and trauma surgery.

Most recently, Daniel served as Head Program Provider at WisHope Recovery, managing care for patients with substance use and dual diagnosis disorders. Daniel understands that the complexity of substance use disorder does not discriminate against gender, age, creed, race, sexual orientation, or social status, and emphasizes the importance of educating his patients and their loved ones to remove the commonly perceived stigma that substance use disorder is solely structured around, “Will power.”   Daniel is also a community speaker on the neurobiological origins of substance use disorders and an advocate

Timara Gray
Front Office
Manager

Timara Gray brings extensive experience in the healthcare industry, customer service, and data entry, to her role as front desk manager at Empower Recovery. With a strong background in administrative tasks and patient care, Timara excels in managing daily office operations and providing excellent service to patients and staff.

Timara’s professional journey includes roles such as Travel Patient Care Technician, Scheduler, Patient access, Receptionist, Health Unit Coordinator, Registration for companies such as Ascension, and Advocate Aurora Healthcare. She also has experience in the Emergency Department and is currently a nursing student.

At Empower Recovery, Timara applies her organizational and analytical skills to ensure efficient office operations. Her dedication to improving workplace quality and her genuine empathy for others make her an invaluable member of our team. Timara truly cares about patient well-being and consistently demonstrates a compassionate and professional approach in all she does.

John Gary Brital
Medical Biller Manager

John has amassed extensive experience in the healthcare industry, serving in various roles such as a medical biller, training specialist, and customer service representative. He is now a front desk associate and medical biller at Empower Recovery. John helps individuals, physicians, and healthcare professionals manage administrative tasks, improving operational efficiency and saving time.

He conducts training sessions for member and provider services, establishes and maintains relationships with healthcare providers and members, and resolves issues promptly. John handles documentation for claims processing, assesses and investigates medical service authorization requests, and communicates with providers about authorizations and referrals. Additionally, he responds to inquiries while adhering to HIPAA guidelines.

In his billing role, John verifies insurance coverage, enters patient information, submits claims using ICD-10 and CPT coding, corrects and resubmits rejected claims, and ensures timely follow-up on unpaid claims, maintaining accurate account balances. All these experiences will help him to check-in and check-out patients, verifying personal information for billing within the practice of Empower Recovery.

Ambrosia Spaulding
LPC- Therapist

Ambrosia Spaulding is a highly enthusiastic and talented Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) at Empower Recovery. With a Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University, Ambrosia brings extensive experience in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and addiction treatment.

At Empower Recovery, Ambrosia leverages her comprehensive background to provide exceptional care and support to individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic methods, including Motivational Interviewing and Behavioral Therapy, to address a wide range of challenges and support clients on their recovery journeys.

Previously, Ambrosia served as an Outpatient Counselor with Groups Recovery Together, where she conducted intake assessments, provided high-quality counseling, and coordinated care for clients. Moreover, Ambrosia has also worked as a Psychotherapist at Cape Fear Valley Behavioral Health and Holly Hill Hospital, conducting diagnostic evaluations, providing psychotherapy, and developing comprehensive treatment plans for patients. Her work in these settings honed her skills in crisis intervention, discharge planning, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Her commitment to supporting individuals on their path to recovery ensures that each paint receives the highest level of care and attention.

Jamarri Rollock
LPC- Therapist

Jamarri Rollocks is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over eight years of experience in behavioral healthcare, specializing in substance abuse, trauma therapy, and wellness education.

In her previous role as Clinic Director at Acadia Healthcare, she oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while fostering a culture of respect and trust. Jamarri is deeply committed to community service, founding Our Heroes’ Homes Inc. to support vulnerable populations.

She holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education, focused on integrating wellness into substance abuse treatment.

Landher Paul A. Asuncion
Medical Biller

Landher Paul A. Asuncion is a dedicated medical biller at Empower Recovery, known for his strong customer service skills and ability to streamline processes. A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, Landher brings a detail-oriented approach to his role and a commitment to ensuring client satisfaction. His professional journey includes notable achievements, such as being recognized as a top agent at SITEL for outstanding customer service and successfully leading community engagement campaigns across various social media platforms. Beyond his professional work, Landher has taken on leadership roles in organizations like Leaders for Excellence Action and Development (LEAD) and the UP Streetdance Club, reflecting his collaborative spirit and passion for connecting with others.

Paula J. Pettis 
Front Office Receptionist

Paula J. Pettis is a dedicated and compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant with extensive experience in patient care. With a background in both hospital and outpatient settings, Paula is committed to providing high-quality support to patients and medical teams. Her expertise includes vital signs monitoring, patient intake, phlebotomy, patient scheduling, and assisting with medical procedures.  Paula has worked in various healthcare environments, including the University of Chicago Medicine, Green Valley Health and Wellness Suites, and WHASN OB Clinic, where she excelled in patient coordination, clinical procedures, and ensuring a comfortable and supportive experience for patients. She is skilled in addressing patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need.  With certifications from Urbana Adult Education Center and Northwest Career College, Paula continues to expand her skills in clinical care. Her passion for patient well-being and her ability to provide empathetic and efficient care make her a valuable member of the Empower Recovery team.

Kevin
Peterson-
Collection Specialist

Kevin Peterson brings over two decades of diverse professional experience to Empower Recovery, where he serves as a dedicated Collection Specialist. With a strong background in various driving and delivery roles, Kevin’s certifications, including CDL A, CDL B, and Hazmat Endorsement. 

Kevin has also served 21 years in the Military, Navy, Airforce Reserve, and the Wisconsin Army National Guard, retiring as a Staff Sergeant.  His commendable service was recognized with the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.  Kevin’s various roles has instilled in him a commitment to leadership, organization, meticulous attention to detail, and service.

At Empower Recovery, Kevin applies his comprehensive experience and dedication to supporting the organization’s mission. With all of his skills, he is a vital asset to our team.

Chris
Lovelace
Collection Specialist

Chris brings a wealth of diverse professional experience to Empower Recovery, excelling as a dedicated Collection Specialist. With over 15 years of experience in driving, material handling, logistics, and safety management, Chris’s certifications include CDL B and Passenger Endorsement.

He also served as a Correctional Officer with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, where he was committed to helping inmates and treating them with respect and dignity. Through all of this experience, Chris has developed a commendable service history involving maintaining safety, effectively handling high-pressure situations, and interacting with diverse groups with empathy and understanding. Chris is a valuable asset to Empower Recovery, bringing excellence to our mission with his steadfast dedication to helping others.