About us
Certifications
Empower Recovery is fully accredited under Wisconsin State Chapter 75.50 to provide outpatient services in substance abuse treatment and behavioral health, ensuring we meet the highest standards for care and compliance. We are also CLIA-certified as a high complexity laboratory, which verifies our services meet federal standards for accuracy and reliability.
Clinical Laboratory Improvemnet Certifief
Wisconsin, Department of Health Services
Meet our Clinicians & Staff
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.
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.
Angela Pennell, LCSW- Therapist
Angela earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is licensed in the State of Wisconsin as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. She has clinical experience in facilitating groups and individual counseling sessions, primarily with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse/MAT, and co-occurring disorders. Angela’s approach is individualized for each client, utilizing Person-Centered Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness. She has special interests in working with Veterans and individuals in the Criminal Justice System. At Empower Recovery, Angela applies her extensive expertise to support individuals on their journey to recovery, ensuring that each client receives compassionate and personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
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.
Courtney Cornell, LPC- Therapist
Courtney holds a Master of Science in Education from Concordia University, specializing in Licensed Professional Counseling. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Courtney has worked with TalkSpace and Better Help, utilizing various therapeutic methods to meet her diverse clients’ needs. Previously, at Racine County Behavioral Health Services, Courtney worked as a Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Service Facilitator and In-Home Therapist working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and other mental health issues. She excelled in formulating client-centered treatment plans, providing supportive counseling, and coordinating with community resources. Her expertise in crisis intervention and clinical assessment ensured that clients received the highest level of care. Courtney’s professional journey reflects a strong commitment to providing empathetic, comprehensive care.
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 for family involvement in the recovery process. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys coaching youth basketball, marathon running, painting, and serves as an ambassador for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing.
Denise Valenzuela- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Denise Valenzuela brings over a decade of experience in medical billing, coding, and office management to Empower Recovery. With a strong background in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, including Athena and Epic, Denise ensures smooth operations in revenue cycle management, patient access, and insurance verification. Her dedication to detail guarantees accurate billing and efficient claim processing. Denise’s passion for helping patients extends beyond paperwork, as she works to streamline the billing process, ensuring that patients receive the care they need without financial obstacles.
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.
John Gary Brital- Front Desk Staff and Medical Biller
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.
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.
Kailey Drennon, IT-LPC- Therapist
Kailey Drennon is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Bradley University, she works closely with patients at Empower Recovery to develop personalized treatment plans, providing both individual and group therapy. Kailey is passionate about creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment and is working toward certifications in EMDR and Hypnosis Therapy to further enhance her therapeutic skills. Her compassionate approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and cultural sensitivity.
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.
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.
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.
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