Avenues Recovery Center at Bucks

Akiva Stern is from Lakewood, NJ and works in addiction treatment. The idea of spending his days with people who are working on themselves to be better people was very appealing to him. He has lived all over the world and loves to travel. In his free time, Akiva enjoys top foraging, yoga, hiking, and reading.

Shawn has over 15 years in the medical field and holds a dual master’s as an Acute and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has broad and extensive experience in ICU Trauma, emergency medicine, surgery, geriatric, internal medicine, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatry.

Fairly new to the area, and originally from Colorado, Shawn has lived in well over 15 states. She has personal experience with multiple loved ones losing their lives to substance abuse, and the feeling of helplessness that follows.

It has been one of her aspirations to offer support to those in need in a safe environment. She believes that a collaborative approach to treatment gives clients the best chance at success.

Warren has more than 8 years of experience in the addiction recovery field after going through his own personal journey out of addiction. He has been clean and sober now for more than 11 years. Prior to joining Avenues Recovery, Warren worked in a hospital setting, treating individuals with substance abuse disorders. Believing that the best successes in recovery are achieved through a team effort, he uses a motivational style of therapy combined with cognitive behavioral therapy to foster personal growth and spiritual development. Warren structures his own life around recovery-based activities and helps his clients learn to do the same.

Mike Mancuso is a Certified Addictions Counselor as well as a Certified Recovery Specialist. He's worked in the addiction space for the past nine years, helping individuals with both co-occurring and substance use disorders get their life back. Mike has extensive training in the mental health field and was the recipient of the 2015 Loren H. Crabtree Innovation in Recovery Award. He likes to emphasize that relationships are essential in building strong foundations in both treatment and recovery in order to sustain long-term abstinence. Mike’s unique, strength-based approach encompasses the idea of finding “the diamond in the rough”, and uses that as a tool in promoting healthy growth.

Joyce Roberts is an accomplished Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with expertise in psychotherapy, family systems, and relationship issues. With 35 years of experience under her belt, Joyce possesses extensive knowledge of 12-Step principles and has gained valuable post-university experience in delivering evidence-based psychoeducation.

As a skilled practitioner, Joyce specializes in providing therapeutic assistance to individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of concerns. She is well-versed in treating issues such as substance use disorders, and skilled at resolving relational conflicts among family members, romantic partners, friends, and coworkers. She has a deep appreciation for the systemic perspective offered by MFT, valuing its ability to address individuals within the context of their relationships, rather than in isolation.

Joyce’s training equips her with a diverse set of clinical skills aimed at facilitating connection and healing within the relational context of her clients. She excels in increasing insight and awareness of relational strengths and resources, empowering individuals, couples, and families to make behavioral changes that align with their unique goals for improved functioning.

Fully committed to her clients’ well-being, Joyce approaches her work with empathy and professionalism. Through her guidance, individuals, couples, and families find support as they navigate their therapeutic journeys, fostering growth and nurturing resilient relationships.

Cristi Brown has a B.A. in Behavioral Health and has worked as a primary therapist in the field of addiction for the past eight years. She specializes in working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. Throughout her years of experience working in the mental health field, she's learned that the need for help comes in all shapes and forms. Cristi feels honored to walk along the the path of recovery with her clients and assist them in becoming to the best and healthiest versions of themselves. She takes a diverse therapeutic approach in her work, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused care, motivational interviewing (MI), and psychodynamics. It is Cristi's fervent hope that the individuals she works with not only find inner peace, but revel in the fact that all their dreams and goals are attainable. She is there to assist them in transforming their lives with purpose!

Alexandra Farrell-Poley, hailing from Horsham, PA, is a dedicated professional who has made a profound commitment to the field of social work. She embarked on her educational journey at Monmouth University, where she pursued both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work. Her impressive academic journey also led her to achieve her Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential.

Driven by a passion for helping others and a genuine desire to assist individuals in achieving their goals and making positive changes in their lives, Alexandra's career focus is deeply rooted in addiction treatment and recovery. Her dedication to standing by individuals and fighting alongside them against the challenges of addiction is not only a professional calling but also a deeply personal mission, enriched by her professional education and personal experiences.

In her leisure time, Alexandra thrives on enriching her life with experiences near and far. She relishes spending quality moments with friends and family, cherishing the bonds that bring joy and fulfillment. Her love for travel takes her to both familiar and unexplored destinations, with Germany in 2022 and an upcoming Caribbean cruise in November marking her recent and future adventures. Additionally, Alexandra's avid passion for reading transcends her profession, as she eagerly delves into books of all genres, always open to new and intriguing recommendations.