Townsend Recovery Center

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.

In my role as Marketing Director at Avenues Recovery Center, I combine my love of people and my passion for addiction recovery to make a difference.

Our marketing team is the mouthpiece through which our mission at Avenues Recovery is articulated, and our vision expressed. Our staff devotes their creativity, empathy, and love, to build people and change lives.

Our job is to illustrate those efforts in full color. My day is occupied with thinking of new ideas, setting goals, directing projects and most importantly, empowering my team to succeed with their specific skillsets, and doing everything I can to make their jobs fulfilling.

There are a multitude of moving pieces, and I am learning when it is ok to leave something for tomorrow. It is difficult, but I am improving, I promise!

Marketing is my passion but being a wife and mother is my biggest source of pride. “Juggle the job, delegate, and assign, but always be there to celebrate the joys of the people you love most,” are words I try my darndest to live by.

When I am not obsessing over the next big idea, I can be found at home with the family, traveling, or in my favorite place on earth, our summer spot in South Haven, Michigan.

Susan Julius, MD, ABAM, ABFM, AAMRO, Medical Director, is a clinician, speaker, and teacher. She is board certified in Family and Addiction Medicine, as well as 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, 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 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 journey of recovery!

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 masters 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 Avenue’s. 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 the community leaders to advocate for prevention, treatment, and recovery resources through a non profit group he helped founded St Bernard Recovery Awareness. Robert believes that every client has the potential to recover and looks forward to working with every client that enters our Avenue’s Facility!

Julie Batt, originally from Metairie, Louisiana, is a dedicated Clinical Directorwith a strong background in mental health counseling. Her educational journey led her to the University of New Orleans (UNO), where she earned a B.Sc in Psychology, and later to Our Lady of Holy Cross College, where she attained her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Julie's professional accolades include being a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her career focus and specialty lie in trauma and sexual abuse counseling, and she brings a unique perspective to addiction treatment. Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Julie recognized the vital need for trauma-informed care within substance abuse treatment.

Outside of her career, Julie enjoys a fulfilling personal life. She is married and has two children who bring joy and balance to her life. Her interests include tennis, travel, and the thrill of rollercoasters. These hobbies provide her with a well-rounded perspective on life, complementing her passion for helping individuals on their journey to recovery.

Brandie Smith, hailing from Destrehan, Louisiana, is a Nurse Practitioner with a remarkable commitment to addiction treatment. She pursued her education at Southeastern Louisiana University, earning a BA in Nursing and later a Masters in Nursing.

Brandie's journey in the field of addiction treatment is driven by her passion for making a profound difference in people's lives. She relishes the opportunity to help individuals overcome addiction, viewing it as a chance to bring about lasting positive change. What sets her apart is her determination to find innovative approaches to addiction treatment, going beyond the standard practices often seen in detox centers.

In her words, "I love a good challenge." When faced with patients who have struggled with previous treatment programs and seem resistant to conventional medications, Brandie takes it upon herself to discover alternative solutions. Her unwavering dedication to finding the right approach for each individual underscores her commitment to their well-being.

Outside of her professional life, Brandie shares a fulfilling personal life with her husband and best friend, Matt, along with their three beautiful children: 7-year-old twin girls, Avery and Emerson, and their 6-year-old son, Luke. Their household is also home to Rigley, their faithful dog, and Mila, their cat. Despite their busy schedule filled with sports and dance activities, the family cherishes weekends spent camping together. Brandie's dreams include exploring destinations like Italy, Fiji, or Bora Bora, reflecting her love for travel and adventure.

Noel Miles, a dedicated Primary Counselor, calls the vibrant city of New Orleans home. His educational journey took him to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he pursued his undergraduate studies. Noel's academic pursuits didn't stop there, as he continued to expand his knowledge by earning a Masters of Education degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Masters of Counseling from the University of New Orleans (UNO).

Currently working as a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) on the path towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Noel's career is driven by his deep passion for participating in people's mental health journeys.

He finds immense fulfillment in witnessing individuals embark on a path of self-awareness and personal growth, helping them become the versions of themselves they aspire to be. As someone who has been in recovery for 12 years, Noel can empathize with the clients he serves, providing them with valuable insights and support on their own recovery journeys.

In his personal life, Noel shares his home in New Orleans with Alice, his beloved pup and companion. While he spent 12 years in North Carolina, his heart now belongs to the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

He enjoys various pastimes, including fishing, watching the Saints play, strumming his guitar, and exploring mountainous landscapes through his love for travel. Noel's candidness extends to his strong preference for a child-free lifestyle, allowing him to fully embrace his chosen pursuits and passions.

Hailing from Kenner, Louisiana, Langley Laporte is a dedicated Primary Counselor with a strong commitment to mental health and addiction treatment. Her educational journey led her through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for her undergraduate degree and the University of New Orleans, where she earned her Master of Education degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Langley's academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Sciences degree in psychology and her ongoing pursuit of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana, currently holding the status of a Pre-Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC).

Her career choice was guided by a deep-seated desire to help others and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, including addiction. Langley believes that every individual deserves a welcoming and accepting environment to address their goals, personal growth, empowerment, and overall life satisfaction. In her therapeutic approach, she employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Practices, Solution-Focused Approaches, Motivational Interviewing, and more to meet each client where they are on their journey towards healing and positive change.

Outside of her profession, Langley embraces life with a love for travel, recently experiencing the beauty of France in a memorable trip visiting three cities. In her leisure time, she immerses herself in the world of psychological thriller novels, and she shares her life with a beloved canine companion named Lucy. Langley's diverse interests reflect her well-rounded approach to both her personal and professional life.

Hailing from Destrehan, Louisiana, Nicole Pichon is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in addiction treatment. She holds a portfolio of degrees, including RN, BSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, earned through her educational journey at Charity School of Nursing, LSU, and the University of South Alabama.

Nicole's career path was driven by her deep compassion for individualized patient care during their most challenging moments. After 12 years in hospital and ICU settings, she sought a new path and found her calling at Avenues, an addiction treatment center.

Her personal connection to addiction, through her mother and brother's experiences, grants her unique empathy and insight.Nicole is committed to expanding her knowledge and providing exceptional care to those battling addiction.

In her personal life, she's a proud mother to 4-year-old Elliot and relishes sunny days and water-related activities, from the beach to the bayou. Quality time with family and friends completes her world.

Amy Wise, a dedicated Primary Counselor, proudly hails from her hometown of Covington, Louisiana, with roots stretching back through five generations. Amy's life journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering faith.

With a deep commitment to her family, she is a loving wife and mother of three children, whose ages range from 18 to 31. Amy's educational path took an inspiring turn when, at the age of 30, she obtained her GED and embarked on a new chapter in her life. Fueled by the desire for a better future, she and her best friend embarked on a journey to Delgado Community College, with a focus on nursing.

Amy's story is one of transformation and faith, as she credits her sobriety, which she has maintained for 14 years, to a divine intervention. Her sobriety date, August 26th, 2009, marks a turning point in her life, and she fully embraces her identity as a child of God.

Her career path reflects her deep passion for helping others, as she spent five years as a Case Manager at NAMI. Amy's journey to healing and recovery also led her to become a certified Peer Support Specialist. She has come full circle by sharing her experiences, speaking at jails and courthouses for eight years, and spreading the message of hope and transformation.

In her personal life, Amy and her husband, who have been together since they were 17, have entered a new phase as almost empty nesters. They share their home with an array of beloved pets, including two basset hounds, a white boxer, a new chocolate dachshund, and a cockatiel. Amy's interests span from drag races to culinary adventures, inspired by Food Network Restaurants. Her love for reading delves into topics related to the brain, trauma, and addiction.

Amy's dedication to her work and her passion for helping people find a path to recovery shine through in her role as a Primary Counselor. She firmly believes in meeting patients where they are on their journey, recognizing that every encounter has the potential to plant seeds of change. Amy's life journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the ability to create positive transformations.