Avenues Recovery Center at Covington

Matthew Engler is the Regional Executive Director for Avenues Recovery of Louisiana. After having grown up in Destrehan, Louisiana, Matthew joined the military where he spent his enlistment in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Upon getting sober he ultimately began working in the substance abuse treatment industry. He started his career as a Behavioral Health Technician and moved throughout multiple departments working multiple positions which gave him a wholistic understanding of what the clients need and how to best serve them. Matthew is a loving father to two young boys. He and his children spend their time fishing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. Matthew believes in and exhibits his core values of family, hard work, dedication, and commitment. Through his work, Matthew hopes to have an impact on addiction, treatment, and recovery for the suffering addict and those close to them. His biggest passion in the workplace is to identify entry level employees as top-level leaders and aid them in the path to becoming that leader.

Susan Julius, MD, ABAM, ABFM, AAMRO, Medical Director, is a clinician, speaker, and teacher. She is board certified in Family and Addiction Medicine and Physical Therapy, and holds a special degree in urine drug testing analysis. Dr. Julius studied Physical Therapy at Cleveland State University, and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She trained for two years in General Surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, and completed a Family Practice residency at Ochsner Foundation Hospital, in Jefferson, Louisiana.

Dr. Julius incorporated her background in these areas, along with her understanding of the biology of addiction and her personal journey in recovery, to treat patients and families with this disease for over ten years. She worked at Choices of Louisiana, a methadone clinic in La Place, Louisiana, and was Medical Director for the City of New Orleans Homeless Clinic and Townsend Clinic, in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. Currently, she is the Medical Director at Townsend Recovery Center in New Orleans.

Dr. Julius has been an expert consultant and keynote speaker for American Addiction Centers and was featured on NBC News, Fox News, Baton Rouge Business Report, and New Orleans Happy Hour Podcast. She worked with the New Orleans Re-Entry Program and is active in AA and served on the Local Action Committee for International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous. She is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, and the American Association of Medical Review Officers. She lives in New Orleans with her husband and three dogs and loves to swim, garden, and operate her vacation rental.

Robert R. Fezekas II LAC, LCSW Clinical Director of Avenues Covington, has been working in the field of addiction and mental health for over 10 years. His passion for working with those who suffer with substance abuse disorders stems from his own recovery journey!

After completing treatment in 2009, he immediately entered college at Southern University at New Orleans, where he graduated with honors with both his Bachelor’s of Science in Substance Abuse and master's degree in Social Work. Rob has had various roles throughout his career, such as recovery support staff, counselor, Director of IOP, Director of Social Services, and now Clinical Director here at Avenues.

He has worked closely with multiple court systems and Veterans' Affairs to customize evidence-based programming to best treat their clients.
Within his community in St. Bernard Parish, he works closely with community leaders to advocate for prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Rob does his community work through a non-profit group he helped found named St. Bernard Recovery Awareness.

Robert believes that every client has the potential to recover and looks forward to working with every client that enters his Avenues facility!

Meet Whitley Pere, Program Supervisor at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington.

Hailing from Slidell, Louisiana, Whitley obtained her Registered Addiction Counselor certification through the Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority Board, and is currently pursuing her CCS to supervise Counselors in Training.

Whitley's personal struggles with substance use, coupled with witnessing loved ones battle addiction, led her to choose a career in this field. After achieving sobriety, she began her journey as a Behavioral Health Technician, steadily advancing to her current role as Program Supervisor at Avenues.

For Whitley, the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing individuals transform from despair to hope and witnessing families reunite.

Outside of work, Whitley cherishes spending quality time with her husband, two daughters, and beloved pug Frankie. She enjoys outdoor adventures like four-wheeler riding at ATV parks and indulges in hobbies such as listening to podcasts, reading, and shopping in her spare time.

Meet Rodney Bowie, devoted Program Supervisor at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington.

Originally from Jonesboro, Louisiana, Rodney currently resides in Laplace. With a passion for addiction counseling that spans over a decade, Rodney has been involved in this field since 2007.

Rodney's educational journey began at Southern University at New Orleans, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Addictive Behavioral Counseling and Prevention Magna Cum Laude. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, he obtained his Master’s degree from the School of Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans, with a concentration in Health and Mental Health.

Throughout his career, Rodney has acquired extensive training in models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gambling Addiction, and Emotional-Focused Therapy. He has worked with reputable organizations including Gateway Foundation, Covington Behavioral Health, and Grace Outreach, and has gained valuable experience through clinical training at facilities like River Oaks and Choices of Laplace.

Rodney's ultimate goal is to assist the oppressed and those struggling with drug and alcohol dependence to find inner peace and lead fulfilling lives free from chemical dependency. With his wealth of experience and compassionate approach, Rodney is dedicated to helping individuals on their journey towards recovery at Avenues Recovery.

Riki Zamit is the multitalented, incredibly efficient Operations Manager of both Avenues Recovery Center at Covington and Townsend Recovery Center. 

Although she has travelled, New Orleans is Riki's home, and she always returns to her charm - embracing the culture, music, history, and people of  this unique city.

Prior to her career at Avenues, Riki worked as a Manual Therapist and Occupational Science Instructor. Having attended Avenues as a client years back and receiving the priceless gift of recovery there, accepting this position was a fitting way to fill her passion for enriching others' lives and health, and to pay forward the blessings of sobriety. Being part of our clients' recovery journey is a privilege that she cherishes daily.

In her personal life, Riki is the proud and devoted mother to four beautiful children who keep her intensely busy! She can usually be found beside a volleyball court, behind home plate of a softball diamond, or pretending to follow what is happening during a soccer game. Her two eldest daughters are accomplished athletes, and her younger daughter loves playing princess dress-up with mommy. Her youngest, a boy, keeps the family in stitches as he engages in sword fights and terrorizing his big sisters. Riki lives for her family, and her greatest joy exists in their smiles.

She loves crawfish, Saints football, live music, and comedians, and finds inner peace while fishing or hunting. 

Meet Diana Estrada, Nurse Manager at Avenues Recovery Center.

Originally from Karlsruhe, Germany, Diana attended The European School and is bilingual, with proficiency in several other languages. Growing up in a military family, Diana traveled extensively, gaining firsthand insights into military life and veterans' experiences.

Diana's healthcare journey began at the tender age of 14, volunteering with individuals with Down syndrome and obtaining her first responder certification. She then embarked on a path to becoming a Registered Nurse, starting as a Patient Care Tech, Certified Hemodialysis Technician, and EMT before achieving her RN license. Throughout her career, Diana has been driven by her passion for learning and her innate desire to nurture and support others.

As a mother of two sons and a grandmother of five, Diana finds joy in her family and her two English Bulldogs, who are her beloved companions. In her free time, she indulges in her love for travel, swimming, reading, and connecting with people from diverse cultures.

Diana lives by the profound words of Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

Aimee Kraus serves as lead Behavioral Health Technician in Avenues Recovery Center at Covington. Born and raised in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, she is caring and empathetic and is in recovery herself, now going on 5 years of sobriety. 

Aimee has 3 years of experience in helping people rediscover themselves, and enjoys every minute spent supervising her team of 23 behavioral health technicians. Being able to help others just like herself is a great blessing in her life, and she strives to become better every single day.

Aimee is grateful to be part of the Avenues family!

Delia Waskom is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington.

Delia was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, and completed her undergraduate studies at Southeastern Louisiana University before earning her Master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Herzing University.

With over 9 years of experience in nursing, Delia is deeply passionate about addressing addiction, a topic often overlooked or minimized. Motivated by her personal experiences with loved ones' struggles, she is committed to unraveling the root causes of addiction in every patient she encounters. She believes in addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma to effectively combat addiction at its core.

Outside of work, Delia enjoys a fulfilling family life with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, Colton, and their three children: Colton II, Paisley, and Tinsley. They love spending time outdoors and embarking on weekend getaways whenever possible. Delia's love for running is evident, as she makes it a daily practice and enjoys participating in 5Ks with her husband at least every two months.

Nicole Dufrechou serves as a Physician Assistant at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington.

A native of New Orleans, Nicole grew up in the Lakeview and Uptown areas, attending high school at The Academy of the Sacred Heart. She embarked on her  journey of higher education at Louisiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2001 and distinguishing herself as a member of the Golden Key Honor Society Phi Beta Kappa.

Nicole's commitment to healthcare led her to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, where she obtained her second Bachelor of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2005. Board certified by both NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) and LSBME (Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners), Nicole brings over 19 years of experience as a Physician Assistant to her role. She is deeply passionate about addiction medicine, and chose this field to be able to help families who are suffering firsthand from the effects of this disease.

In her personal life, Nicole resides on the South Shore with her young daughter and Yorkie, and enjoys exploring the numerous museums and parks the area has to offer. With a love for cooking and bargain fashion shopping, Nicole is a devoted foodie and enjoys sampling the cuisine of the city's diverse restaurants.

Meet Megan Adams, devoted Nurse Practitioner at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington.

Originally from Friendswood, Texas, Megan's educational journey took her to Louisiana State University (LSU), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. She then pursued her passion for nursing at LSU School of Nursing in New Orleans, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Continuing her education, Megan obtained her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama.

Since 2019, Megan has been dedicated to addiction recovery, where she focuses on providing individualized treatment for her clients. By tailoring each treatment regimen to meet the unique needs of the individual, Megan aims to provide the best chance for success in recovery.

Megan hails from a close-knit family, and is married with one son and two furry dog companions. Outside of work, Megan finds joy in spending time with her family and friends, exploring new interests, traveling (especially to beaches!), and indulging in arts and crafts. With her compassionate approach and dedication to holistic care, Megan is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery at Avenues.

Meet Kelly Scott, a compassionate counselor from Houma, Louisiana, with a wealth of experience and dedication to helping others.

Having attended Kansas Wesleyan University for her BA in Psychological Services in Addiction Counseling and Nicholls State University for her Master’s in Psychological Counseling, Kelly has been a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Louisiana since 2000.

Her journey into this career began after four years of sobriety , when she realized her calling to serve others struggling with addiction. Fueled by gratitude for her own recovery and inspired by those who showed her the way, she brings a deeply personal and empathetic approach to her work.

Believing in the importance of person-centered and holistic addiction treatment, Kelly strives to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Outside of work, Kelly cherishes her role as wife and mother to four children, along with two grandchildren - and another on the way! With a love for animals, she shares her home with a cat and frequents her mother's house, which is a sanctuary for three more feline friends.

Kelly is a self-professed homebody, and finds solace and community in the fellowship of AA and NA, embracing the principles of recovery that have guided her since her sober date of May 24, 1996. She lives by the motto "Just For Today."

Meet Mike McShan, Med., LPC, LAC, primary counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington. He has earned a Master of Education degree in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University, and certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Licensed Professional Counselor Board of Examiners, as well as a Licensed Addictions Counselor with the Addictive Disorders Regulatory Authority.

Mike has been working in Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorder treatment programs since graduating Southeastern in 2012. His area of focus is substance abuse counseling, including co-occurring disorders such as trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management and life skills. He has worked with adults in both individual and group settings, in residential as well as outpatient facilities.

Mike works from a Rogerian theoretical approach and utilizes both MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in his work. Using these modalities, Mike meets the client where they are at in their recovery journey and gives them the life skills necessary to survive and thrive in recovery. He walks with them through the stages of change needed to move themselves toward a fulfilling and self-directed life, free from substance use.

Laurne Rivet works as a primary counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Covington.

Originally from Franklinton, Louisiana, Laurne began her career path with a medical assistant certificate from Delta College. However, she soon recognized her own struggles with addiction and shifted gears. Undertaking LADRA courses, she became a Certified Interventionist Technician (CIT) and is currently working towards her Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC) certification. Her ultimate aspiration is to pursue further education and obtain her Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential.

Laurne's personal journey of recovery, which began in 2018, profoundly changed her outlook and aspirations. Now driven by a newfound purpose, she is passionate about supporting others in their own recovery journeys. Currently engaged and a mother of three wonderful children, Laurne finds fulfillment and joy in spending time with her family and playing anything sports-related. Whether at the beach or in the mountains, Laurne embraces life's adventures with enthusiasm and a commitment to growth and healing.

Derek Daigle, LPC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor who has worked in the field of addiction since 2016. Since beginning with Avenues in 2018, Derek has taken on multiple roles, including intake coordinator and now residential counselor. Derek obtained his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Holy Cross, and his bachelor’s in psychology from Louisiana State University.