Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel

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.

Jeff is the Executive Director of Avenues Lake Ariel, and has been in the recovery field for 8 years. Originally from Greenfield Township, Jeff is also a CPR Instructor at Avenues. He found his way to the recovery field because of his love for helping people, and watching their amazing transformations as they go through the program.

Jeff has 2 wonderful kids who are the soul and spark behind everything he does. He loves to take his vacation to the beach, where he can get on a boat, go fishing, and escape the shore for a bit.

Joseph Kane, LSW,  is the Regional Clinical Director of Avenues Recovery's Pennsylvania locations. Raised in Scranton, PA, Joe began his educational journey at Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Following this, he attended Marywood University, completing his Master’s in Social Work and becoming a licensed social worker (LSW) in Pennsylvania. Joe feels his path in substance abuse treatment chose him, rather than the other way around. He views the events and circumstances leading him to this field as far more significant than mere coincidence, fueling his sincere dedication to supporting individuals in their recovery journeys.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife, two children, and their dog. He spends his free time with family and friends, taking on various home projects, and recently began learning to play the piano. Additionally, he has a passion for live music and loves attending concerts, which he finds both inspiring and refreshing.

Colleen Gluc serves as the operations manager at Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel. Born and raised in Dorrance, Pennsylvania, she has spent her adult life in nearby Mountaintop. She earned her Certified Recovery Specialist credential through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) in 2016, and became a Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor in 2018.

Colleen joined Avenues in November 2020 and has served in several roles, including case management, aftercare, alumni support, and intake coordination. Through her dedication and leadership, she was promoted to Operations Manager in December 2024.

After achieving sobriety in 2015 following her own battle with addiction, Colleen chose to dedicate her career to helping others find recovery. Her lived experience allows her to connect with clients with deep empathy and understanding, especially during vulnerable moments. She finds great meaning in watching individuals grow from despair to hope as they rebuild their lives and rediscover their sense of purpose.

Colleen lives with her fiancé, John, and their two daughters, Riley and Hailey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and dreams of one day traveling across the country in an RV to explore new places.

Cassandra is a graduate of Lackawanna College with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She has also obtained certifications in trauma-informed yoga along with grief and loss counseling. Cassandra believes in family education about the disease and finds her passion educating and supporting both clients and family members on their road to recovery. She prides herself on her hands-on approach and ability to help clients find internal motivation for change. Cassandra lost her brother in 2020 to a drug overdose, and she uses his story to  empower others to walk the road of recovery. When Cassandra is not at work you can find her spending time with her children, watching football (Go Steelers!), or out on her daily run. 

Caleya Velez, a compassionate healthcare professional, spent her formative years in Duryea, PA. She embarked on her educational journey by initially attending community college for a year before pursuing her passion for healthcare. Caleya achieved both her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Marywood University in Scranton, PA.

Her personal experiences have shaped her career path. Caleya has witnessed the challenges of addiction within her close family circle and understands the devastating consequences of untreated addiction. Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference, she chose a profession that allows her to provide comprehensive care and support to patients struggling with addiction. In the field of addiction medicine, Caleya recognizes that healthcare providers must not only treat medical needs but also serve as vital sources of support in the journey to sobriety. For her, it's about helping patients transform into the best versions of themselves.

In her personal life, Caleya finds joy and companionship in her German shepherd puppy, Areys. Family and friends hold a special place in her heart, and she treasures their presence above all else. Her love for travel fuels her desire to explore new places, with Greece ranking high on her list of dream destinations. During her free time, Caleya enjoys hosting game nights and indulging in her favorite TV shows, reflecting her love for connecting with loved ones and finding relaxation in the simple pleasures of life.

Jenna Smith is from Tunkhannock, PA. She went to Keystone College and achieved a MPAS at Marywood University. She is CAQ-psych. She chose this career because she watched loved ones suffer tremendously from addiction and she felt compelled to show the same amount of compassion, love, and support to other individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her 2 dogs, Xena and Lola, playing softball, and going to the gym. She loves to travel and experience new places.

Victoria Ramsamooj serves as the Nurse Manager at Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel. Born and raised on Long Island, NY, Victoria brings over a decade of valuable nursing experience to her role - with six of those years dedicated specifically to the field of recovery. A graduate of Eastern Suffolk BOCES with  Licensed Practical Nurse credentials, Victoria is currently advancing her education and will graduate as a Registered Nurse in 2027.

Victoria’s passion for addiction treatment stems from her deeply rewarding experiences in the field. She finds profound fulfillment in witnessing individuals enter recovery with little hope, and watching them transform into empowered people ready to embrace a new chapter in life. This transformation fuels her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those facing addiction.

When she’s not at Avenues, Victoria loves spending time with her two children, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and visiting family on Long Island. Her dedication to her work and her family reflects her compassionate and determined spirit.

Valeria Paz is a counselor at Avenues in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. She went to Clarion University for her undergraduate degree and is currently working on her masters in Social Work at Widener University. Valeria has always been passionate about helping others, especially those who suffer from mental health and addiction issues. She believes that every person who comes through the doors at Avenues has the ability to make a beautiful life for themselves, regardless of their past struggles. In her free time, Valeria enjoys writing, painting, reading, and preparing for her first baby.

Makayla Seifert is a certified alcohol and drug counselor at Avenues in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. She was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania and went to Lackawanna College for her bachelors degree in human services. Makayla is currently pursuing her masters degree in social work at Widener University and her main goal is to obtain her license in clinical social work. She chose this career  because of her passion for helping and supporting others in need. Makayla has worked in the substance abuse field for several years now, and truly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to get sober and live a happy and healthy lifestyle. She loves Avenues' commitment towards clients' recovery, and their family approach that provides clients with genuine care and love. In Makayla’s free time, she loves to be outdoors and go hiking with her dog Malcom while listening to Elton John.

James Walsh is the Primary Counselor at Avenues Recovery and a lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania, originally from Mountain Top, PA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University, along with a minor in Addictions and Recovery, and is currently considering pursuing a master’s degree in counseling or social work.

James chose a career in addiction treatment because he wanted to help others and make a meaningful impact. Having seen people close to him struggle with addiction while growing up, he believes individuals should never be defined by the disease and is passionate about supporting people as they work toward lasting change.

Outside of work, James enjoys watching and attending sporting events—especially football and motorsports—and has been a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan since childhood. He also enjoys golfing, skiing, fishing, and hiking.

Michael Larkins serves as a primary counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel. Originally from the Bronx and now living in Swiftwater, PA., he studied counseling at Argus Career Institute and earned his NY State credential as a Comprehensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).

In addition to his clinical work, Michael serves as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for the United States government, conducting assessments for military personnel, pilots, and other federal officials.

Michael’s path to counseling is deeply personal. After overcoming significant challenges with substance use and rebuilding his life following incarceration, he chose to dedicate his career to helping others find recovery. Having witnessed addiction impact both his own life and the lives of loved ones, he is passionate about guiding individuals toward lasting freedom from drugs and alcohol.

A proud father of twin boys and grandfather to six grandchildren, Michael is grateful for the support of his family and the opportunity to help others build new lives in recovery.