Since childhood, Heather Downs has had a passion for helping others. Heather started her decorated career in the medical field at the tender age of 17, beginning as a nurse’s assistant.,  

She achieved a Master’s of Science in Nursing and has been certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2018. In the past ten years, Heather has been involved with substance dependency and recovery in both outpatient and inpatient programs. She now brings her considerable skill and experience to Avenues Recovery at Kentuckiana, in her role as a nurse practitioner  

Her passion for changing the lives of people affected by addiction is constantly evident. Heather  is driven to give her patients the hope and motivation necessary to attain sobriety and draws strength from seeing the real-life changes possible with recovery.  

Heather is a loving mother to four wonderful children and her oldest daughter serves in the United States Air-Force.  In her spare time, she and her family enjoy the outdoors, traveling, hiking, and practicing martial arts.  

Emily Forster is a nurse practitioner who combines her medical and mental health expertise to drive lasting positive outcomes for her patients.  She views educating clients as an important aspect of care, empowering them to take control of their lives and allowing them to discover their unique path to recovery.  

Emily holds a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing. She uses her extensive education, practical experience in the field, and a warm bedside manner, to establish an atmosphere of open communication with those under her care 

In her spare time, Emily loves to read and spend time with her family.