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.

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.

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.