Avenues Recovery Center at Richmond

 Amy Handley serves as the Executive Director of Avenues Recovery Center at Richmond, bringing both clinical expertise and strategic leadership to her role. Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Elmhurst, she earned her B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, followed by both an M.A and Doctorate (PsyD) from the University of Indianapolis. Amy practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist for several years before transitioning into executive leadership within the criminal justice system.

Amy was drawn to the field by a deep belief that everyone deserves access to quality care. She understands the complex, chronic, and often non-linear nature of addiction, and is committed to helping people reconnect with hope at every stage of recovery. Her approach emphasizes structured, accountable, and evidence-based programming. Grounded in compassion and skill, Amy works to help people learn to experience thoughts, cravings, and emotions without being controlled by them - while taking meaningful steps toward a life aligned with their values.

Outside of her role, Amy enjoys anything creative, and has taken up acrylic and watercolor painting, glass mosaics, and sewing. She is a proud married mom of two young children and, shares her home with a mastiff named Chloe and a 19-year-old cat named Roxi. 

Karen BenYacov is the Clinical Supervisor at Avenues Recovery Center at Richmond. Originally from  Litchfield, Minnesota, she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Art from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. She is also a Virginia Board Certified Supervisor for residents pursuing their LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) credentials. 

Karen's passion for mental health and addiction treatment grew out of personal experiences supporting loved ones through chronic illness. She believes healing happens on many levels—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and enjoys helping clients discover what works best for them. Her approach blends evidence-based therapies like DBT, mindfulness, and role-playing with creative techniques such as art and music to make the therapeutic process engaging and meaningful.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys singing, cooking, exploring art museums with her husband, and caring for their two rescue parrots. She also loves visiting family in her home state of Minnesota, where she's weathered more than her fair share of blizzards!

Connor Viland serves as Operations Manager at Avenues Recovery Center at Richmond. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he attended Unity College in Maine, an environmental-focused school that reflected his early interest in service and community.

Connor often says that the field of addiction recovery chose him. As a person in recovery himself, he recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety and is passionate about helping others realize that recovery is possible. He believes that a person’s past does not define their future, and finds purpose in sharing his own story to inspire hope and connection in others beginning their recovery journey.

 Outside of work, Connor enjoys spending time with his fiancée (to whom he recently became engaged!) and their playful orange cat, named Bug. He loves golfing,  pickleball, and board games, and tries traveling whenever possible to explore new cities and their local food spots, museums, and live sports. 

Frances Briscoe works as a Nurse Practitioner at Avenues Recovery Center at Richmond. Hailing from Chesapeake, Virginia, she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2006 before completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Norfolk State University, and her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner at South University. She is currently pursuing additional education with the goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Frances discovered addiction medicine unexpectedly when she accepted what she initially thought was a position in physical rehabilitation. Once she found herself working in addiction treatment, she quickly realized it was where she was meant to be. She is passionate about helping individuals on their recovery journey and values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives every day.

Outside of work, Frances enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, shopping, and spoiling her beloved dog, Opie.

Jamie Roy is the Lead Behavioral Health Technician at Avenues Recovery Center at Richmond. Based in Chester, Virginia, he is currently attending the University of Phoenix pursuing a degree in Business Administration in Healthcare and is also a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) in New Hampshire.

As a person in recovery himself, Jamie is passionate about helping others discover that long-term recovery and a fulfilling life are possible. Sober for more than six and a half years, he is also proud to be an Avenues alumnus, having completed treatment in Concord, New Hampshire. His lived experience allows him to connect with clients in a genuine and encouraging way as they begin their own recovery journeys.

Outside of work, Jamie loves spending time with his family, including his three daughters and new granddaughter, Violet. He is passionate about golfing and also loves everything football! As a dedicated New England Patriots fan, he's a season ticket holder.