Avenues Recovery Baton Rouge Rehab

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!

Mason Smith is the Executive Director at Avenues Recovery Center at Baton Rouge, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Originally from Houma, Louisiana, he completed his undergraduate studies at Husson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He then furthered his education at Rutgers University, obtaining a Master of Social Work.

Mason's passion for helping individuals battling addiction and mental illness has been a driving force throughout his career. He finds real fulfillment in watching clients progress through their treatment journeys, noting that there is something truly remarkable about seeing individuals reclaim their lives. He believes that effective addiction treatment requires a commitment to work harder than the clients themselves, providing compassionate guidance and unwavering support as they navigate their paths to recovery.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mason enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their two beloved cats. An outdoor enthusiast, he loves riding his motorcycle, exploring new places, and  staying active in mind and body through regular exercise. With his unique perspective and commitment to quality care, Mason is dedicated to fostering an environment where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered on their recovery journey.

David Beckham, originally from Waco, Texas, holds a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Trevecca Nazarene University. As an Operations Manager at Avenues Recovery Center at Baton Rouge, David is deeply committed to helping individuals reclaim their lives and find hope in recovery. His personal experiences with addiction and witnessing the profound impact of effective treatment have fueled his dedication to ensuring that the facility runs at the highest standards. David believes in a holistic, individualized approach to treatment, understanding that each person's journey is unique and requires tailored care and support.

Outside of his professional life, David is a devoted family man. He is happily married and the proud father of two children and two grandchildren. His large extended family includes five stepchildren and thirteen step-grandchildren, and together they enjoy spending quality time outdoors. With their black Labrador, Titan, by their side, they often engage in activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting, fostering a love for nature and strengthening their bond as a family.

Melissa Blackson,PLPC, works as a primary counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Baton Rouge. Hailing from Winnsboro, Louisiana, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Sciences and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern University. Currently, Melissa is working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and anticipates full licensure by the end of this year.

Melissa's passion for addiction treatment ignited during her internship, where she witnessed the profound struggles of individuals battling severe addictions. This experience deepened her commitment to helping others find hope and purpose in their lives. With a focus on empathy and respect, Melissa strives to ensure that those facing substance abuse feel seen, understood, and valued, recognizing the emotional neglect they may have endured.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Melissa is the youngest of four siblings, cherishing the dynamics of her close-knit family, whose parents have been married for 39 years. She enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, playing video games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5, engaging in chess matches, and learning pop and alternative songs on the piano.

Mytasia Thompkins serves as Primary counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Baton Rouge. Originally from the small country town of Raceland, Louisiana, Mytasia holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Southern University. She is currently enrolled in graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, on her way to becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

Her passion for addiction treatment stems from personal experiences, as she has seen firsthand the devastating impact of substance abuse on her family. Mytasia lost her grandfather to Fentanyl, her grandmother battled cocaine addiction, and her uncle passed away from a heroin overdose. Her sister’s ongoing struggle with addiction has also deeply affected her family. Additionally, her time in the Criminal Justice system further highlighted the connection between addiction and societal challenges. Mytasia's approach to treatment is grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model, focusing on the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social influences on addiction.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Mytasia enjoys traveling, connecting with nature, and practicing prayer and meditation before bed. She also loves watching historical documentaries and is a proud dog mom to her Yorkie, Riley.

Antonio Miller, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, has a diverse educational background, attending Southern University in New Orleans, the University of Phoenix-Metairie Campus, and Capella University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Office Management and Secretarial Sciences in 1987, followed by a Master of Science in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in 2001. In 2012, Antonio completed his Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University.

Currently a Counselor-In-Training (CIT), Antonio is working toward becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). His passion for addiction treatment stems from his understanding of the pain caused by addiction, not only to those who struggle with it but also to their loved ones. Antonio believes in meeting individuals where they are, offering support without judgment, and recognizes that everyone has experienced some form of pain or grief. His approach is rooted in humility and connection, aiming to help those in need find healing and hope.

Shakira Edwards is a primary counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Baton Rouge. She is a native of New Orleans, and holds a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Southern University and A&M College, as well as a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. She is currently pursuing her credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), driven by a passion for supporting individuals battling substance use disorders. Inspired by personal experiences from her childhood, Shakira approaches addiction treatment with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. She focuses on helping clients identify and correct maladaptive behaviors, enhance their motivation for change, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Outside of her professional life, Shakira enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking delicious meals—often for her beloved fur baby, Princess—and traveling to meet new people and experience different cultures.