Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville

Rafi Weinschneider is a Chicago native, and serves as the Executive Director of Avenues Recovery Center at  Clarksville. He earned his MBA at Johns Hopkins University, and now brings his expertise to the field of addiction treatment. With a background in senior health, Rafi chose to transition to the field of addiction treatment to help prevent some of the unfortunate challenges he witnessed, hoping to make a positive impact at an earlier stage in people’s lives. He finds immense reward in offering individuals the chance to rebuild and redefine their lives after addiction.

Rafi’s passion lies in seeing clients transform, from reuniting with their families to finding stable jobs and building meaningful connections. For him, the most rewarding moments are seeing his alumni succeed and thrive. These victories, big and small, are what drive him in his work and make the "daily grind" so worthwhile.

Sarah Johnson is a dedicated addiction psychiatrist from Louisville, KY, and serves as the medical director of Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville.  She completed her studies at the University of Louisville, earning an MD, a Master’s of Science in Clinical Investigational Sciences, and an Executive MBA. Her choice to specialize in addiction psychiatry stemmed from a passion for partnering with patients on their recovery journeys and helping them make profound life changes. Sarah finds great reward in witnessing patients not only transform their own lives but also positively impact their families and future generations.

At home, Sarah enjoys a beautiful, full life with her spouse and their active 6-year-old. Outside of work, her family loves staying on the move—whether through travel, sports, or other active pursuits. Her enthusiasm for learning remains as vibrant as her commitment to supporting others in their paths to recovery.

Megan Stevenson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience in providing therapy, case management, and other clinical roles to adults, children, and families. She has a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Louisville and is licensed to practice in Kentucky and Indiana. Megan believes in treating the whole person and building upon their strengths to help them develop healthy habits for long-term sobriety. As the Clinical Director at Avenues Recovery, Kentuckiana, Megan has implemented new strategies, techniques, and modalities to ensure top-notch client care. She is committed to evidence-based approaches and considers clients as members of the Avenues Recovery Community family for a lifetime.

Brittany Middendorf is a social worker with a passion for addiction treatment. Originally from Evansville, IN, Brittany moved to Louisville, KY in 2016 after attending the University of Southern Indiana, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work.

Currently, Brittany is working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Kentucky and Indiana. Her passion for addiction treatment stems from personal experience, having lost loved ones to the disease. She takes a person-centered approach, meeting each individual where they are in their journey and helping them to become the person they aspire to be.

Outside of work, Brittany is a proud homeowner in Louisville, KY. She values her relationships with family and friends and enjoys going on new adventures, having game nights, being a part of her book club, and dog-sitting for her friends’ furry companions. And, of course, she enjoys long walks on the beach.

Since childhood, Heather Downs has had a passion for helping others. Heather started her decorated career in the medical field at the tender age of 17, beginning as a nurse’s assistant.

She achieved a master’s of Science in Nursing and has been certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2018. In the past ten years, Heather has been involved in substance dependency and recovery in both outpatient and inpatient programs. She now brings her considerable skill and experience to Avenues Recovery at Clarksville in her role as a nurse practitioner  

Heather's passion for changing the lives of people affected by addiction is always evident. She is driven to give her patients the hope and motivation necessary to attain sobriety, and draws strength from seeing the real-life changes possible with recovery.  

Heather is a loving mother to four wonderful children, and her oldest daughter serves in the United States Air Force.  In her spare time, she and her family enjoy the outdoors, traveling, hiking, and practicing martial arts.  

Emily Forster is a nurse practitioner who combines her medical and mental health expertise to drive lasting positive outcomes for her patients. She views educating clients as an important aspect of care, empowering them to take control of their lives and allowing them to discover their unique path to recovery.  

Emily holds a master's of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing. She uses her extensive education, practical experience, and warm bedside manner to establish an atmosphere of open communication with those under her care.

In her spare time, Emily loves to read and spend time with her family. 

Luisha Mcardle, originally from Jeffersonville, Kentucky, is a compassionate clinician and advocate for addiction treatment. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Spalding University and a Master's degree from Lindsey Wilson College, specializing in Psychology and Mental Health Education, respectively.

Continuing her dedication to professional growth, Luisha is currently pursuing her LPCC certification, scheduled for completion in October of this year. Beyond that, she plans to obtain certifications in DBT and EMDR, recognizing the importance of utilizing diverse therapeutic modalities to support individuals on their healing journeys.

Luisha's career choice stems from her belief that individuals struggling with addiction are often overlooked and misunderstood. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of recovery, she is passionate about providing empathy, support, and encouragement to those in need. Her unique approach emphasizes seeing the inherent beauty and potential within each individual, fostering belief and empowerment.

In her personal life, Luisha embodies the principle of living her best life to better serve others. She finds joy in gardening, relaxing by her pool, and spending time with her beloved family and dog. She has just begun to take yoga classes, and loves that as well!

James “Chris” Parker is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a passion for addiction treatment. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Chris attended the University of West Georgia where he earned his Bachelor of Psychology degree. Since 2009, he has been a licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Consultant II.

Chris’s passion for addiction treatment began in the early 90s, and he has found it to be the most rewarding both personally and professionally. He believes that addiction affects not just the individual, but also their family and community. Chris takes a head-on approach to addiction treatment, helping his clients to build themselves up to be the best version of themselves while addressing the social and mental destruction that addiction can cause.

Outside of work, Chris is happily married with a young son. He also has three cats and loves to travel to either London, England, or Cancun, Mexico. In addition to his work in addiction treatment, Chris has a huge passion for music and enjoys being on stage playing various instruments.

Kathleen Ritchie hails from the vibrant city of San Diego, CA. She has earned counseling credentials in both Kentucky and Indiana, showcasing her dedication to her profession. Currently, Kathleen is on a journey to expand her knowledge and skills by pursuing a Social Work degree at the University of Louisville.

Kathleen's career trajectory took a significant turn after her personal battle with addiction. Leaving behind a successful career in advertising, she embraced a new path focused on aiding others in their recovery journeys. She firmly believes in the power of mindfulness as a potent tool for individuals seeking recovery. Kathleen places great emphasis on helping individuals become aware of their thought patterns and the emotions that drive them, recognizing mindfulness as a key to sustained recovery.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kathleen is an avid traveler who seeks to explore the rich diversity the world has to offer. Her passport bears stamps from a variety of destinations, including Canada, England, Mexico, Spain, Egypt, Germany, Poland, the Bahamas, and various locales across the Caribbean. Kathleen's love for travel serves as a testament to her appreciation for the different cultures, experiences, and perspectives that the world has to share.

Jacob Pickerill, hailing from New Albany, IN, is a dedicated professional in the field of addiction counseling. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, complemented by a Master's of Education in Counseling and a Master's of Business Administration from Lindsey Wilson College.

Currently focused on furthering his credentials, Jacob is  working towards obtaining LMHCA and LCACA certifications, recognizing the importance of continuous growth and development in his field.

Jacob's passion for addiction counseling stems from his desire to address the crucial mental health aspect of addiction, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in achieving successful outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use. Committed to staying abreast of current research and innovative approaches, he aims to improve patient outcomes and challenge conventional practices in the field. Jacob's ultimate goal is to advocate for individualized client care, pushing the boundaries of traditional treatment methods.

In his personal life, Jacob finds fulfillment in spending time with his family, and his two children hold a very special place in his heart. His diverse range of hobbies includes a love for music, NBA basketball, Sci-fi, reading, and eating.

Jared Hill is a dedicated Certified Addiction Consultant with a profound commitment to aiding men and women on their journey through early recovery. His work is centered around empowering clients to navigate post-acute withdrawal, bolster their self-esteem, and establish short-term, attainable life goals.

Jared's approach is rooted in authenticity and genuineness, creating a strong rapport with his clients as they navigate the often uncertain path of early sobriety. His educational foundation includes both undergraduate and master's degrees earned from Murray State University, providing him with a solid knowledge base to support his clients effectively.

Outside of his professional life, Jared finds solace and joy in playing golf with his son, cherishing those moments of connection. Additionally, he shares his life with Lola, his emotional support dog, who adds comfort and companionship to his daily routine. Jared's dedication to his clients and his personal interests reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those he serves.

Andrew Daubs is originally from Charlestown and currently resides in New Washington, Indiana. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a focus on Addictions at Purdue University Global, Andrew is set to graduate in April 2025. Alongside his academic pursuits, he holds a CADAC II certification and plans to continue his education with a master's degree and potentially beyond.

Andrew's journey towards helping others conquer addiction is deeply personal. Having battled addiction, homelessness, and incarceration for a significant portion of his life, he intimately understands the challenges individuals face on the road to recovery. His passion for aiding those in similar situations stems from his own triumphant journey out of darkness.

In his personal life, Andrew finds fulfillment and joy in his role as a husband to Kayla and a father to their two daughters, Naomi and Natalya. Whether spending quality time at home or going out with his family, Andrew cherishes every moment he shares with his loved ones.