Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk

Kelly Craven is the executive director of Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk, and is a distinguished leader in the mental health sector. With a robust background in public administration and special education, she brings to her role a unique blend of strategic oversight, compliance expertise, and facility operations experience.

Kelly holds a master's degree in public administration from Old Dominion University, and has honed her skills in organizational leadership, policy development, and regulatory compliance. This academic foundation, coupled with hands-on experience in the field, has equipped her to effectively navigate the complex landscape of mental health services. She has also worked in special education, developing a profound appreciation for the intersection of education and mental health. This experience has been instrumental in shaping her approach to mental health care. Kelly’s unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her expertise in public administration and special education, positions her as a leading force in mental health care - ensuring that her facility meets and exceeds the highest standards of service delivery.

In her personal life, Kelly is the proud mother of 3 children and 3 adorable grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes are relaxing on the beach, travelling, and getting lost in a good book. She recently spent 8 days with her family in Ireland!

Sergio Neal serves as the Operations Manager at  Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk. Born and bred in Portsmouth, Virginia, he brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional dedication to the field of addiction recovery. A 2005 graduate of Churchland High School, Sergio has built a foundation of skills and certifications that make him a valuable asset in multiple areas. He holds certifications from OSHA as a Construction Safety and Health Manager, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) as a Certified Facility Manager, and from ServSafe as a Food Protection Manager. Although he is not actively pursuing further education at the moment, he has completed college-level coursework toward a degree in Business Management.

Sergio’s commitment to addiction recovery stems from his own personal experiences with family members who have struggled with substance abuse. He believes that hidden potential often exists within those in recovery, and helping individuals unlock that potential is incredibly rewarding.

Outside of his professional life, Sergio treasures time with his two sons and finds fulfillment in his faith. He also enjoys exploring the varied local cuisines of different cultures, making culinary discovery a favorite pastime.

Vinessa Owen is a primary therapist at Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk. Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, she now resides in Suffolk, VA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Norfolk State University and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Currently, she is pursuing licensure with the Virginia Department of Health Professionals Board of Counseling in Social Work, under the supervision of a board-registered LCSW.

Vinessa's career in addiction treatment was sparked during her Master’s Degree field placement, where she learned from clients, whom she views as the true experts. This experience ignited her passion for addiction recovery. She employs a trauma-informed and solution-focused approach in her practice, aiming to provide empathetic and effective therapeutic interventions.

In her personal life, Vinessa is happily married with a blended family of six. She enjoys tending to her flower garden, reading suspense thrillers, working on puzzles, and most importantly, creating cherished memories with her children through new adventures and experiences.

Savannah Mathias hails from Virginia Beach, VA, and now serves as a primary therapist at Avenues Recovery Center She attended Old Dominion University and George Mason University, earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Addiction Prevention and Treatment. She furthered her education with a Master's in Social Work and is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Savanna is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy to those suffering from substance abuse. Her therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, integrating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Savannah tailors her methods to fit each individual's unique needs and circumstances, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment plan.

Outside of her professional life, Savannah enjoys traveling with her husband and tackling challenging hikes together. They share their home with three beloved pets—two cats and a dog.