Avenues Recovery Center at Metairie

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.

Susan Julius, MD, ABAM, ABFM, AAMRO, Medical Director, is a clinician, speaker, and teacher. She is board certified in Family and Addiction Medicine and 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, the 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.

Saudi Lateef, an accomplished administrator hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA, has forged a remarkable path in her educational and professional journey. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Hunter College in New York and the University of Phoenix, where she earned an Associate's degree in Health Care Administration.

Saudi's unceasing commitment to personal and professional growth is evident as she prepares to embark on a new academic endeavor. She is set to enroll at UNO in the upcoming fall, with her sights set on earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Her career in addiction treatment was born out of a profound passion for witnessing the incredible transformations that occur in her clients. Saudi finds deep satisfaction in being part of a field that allows her to witness firsthand the profound positive impact of treatment on individuals and their families. Her dedication to giving back to her community is unwavering, particularly when it comes to assisting those who have lost their hope and will to live. While her journey into addiction treatment was not initially planned, Saudi has come to adore her career, her clients, and the privilege of collaborating with like-minded individuals who share her deep commitment to helping others.

Beyond her professional life, Saudi treasures her family, holding them close to her heart. She finds joy in the art of cooking, takes pleasure in watching classic movies, and seizes every opportunity to explore new horizons through travel. Her multifaceted life reflects her unwavering dedication to her career, her profound love for her family, and her enthusiasm for life's culinary, cinematic, and adventurous pleasures.

Donna Doolen, M.Ed., LPC, has been working in the addiction field for over 10 years and at Avenues Recovery Center for over 2 years.  She started as a school intern with Addiction Recovery Resources and set her career roots with the company, finding gratitude and humility every day. She entered recovery herself in 2005 and returned to graduate school at the University of New Orleans in 2007, earning her Master's of Education degree in Counseling.  Since then, Donna has served as Primary Program Counselor, Residential Clinical Manager, Intensive Outpatient Director, RTP Lead Counselor, and, ultimately, Clinical Director of Townsend Recovery & Detox Center in New Orleans.

Donna’s previous career was in hospitality; she earned her bachelors degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism from the University of New Orleans. Donna evolved from managing boutique hotels to planning and hosting large-scale events for thousands. Her catering and design skills led her to curate junkets for Caesars Palace and to travel extensively exploring culinary trends in other cities. Her decades of organizational prowess and attention to detail enhance her management skills.

Donna has made it her mission to serve the population and families that battle the disease of addiction. Many have called her God’s warrior on Earth. She volunteers in the community and started a Substance Abuse Ministry (SAM) in her church parish.

Randi Menesses Bird is a compassionate healthcare professional born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She holds a undergrad BSN from William Carey University, as well as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is also a family nurse practitioner (FNP-C).

Randi's journey into addiction treatment began during her tenure as an Emergency Room nurse, where she spent eight years caring for patients grappling with addiction. Witnessing the human stories behind the clinical labels, she realized that addiction is not merely a behavioral choice but a complex disease deserving of empathy and care. Armed with her nursing experience and a deep understanding of addiction, Randi is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. 

On a personal note, Randi is a devoted wife and mother of two children aged three and five. In her free time, she loves embarking on family adventures and exploring new destinations, as well as caring for her pet chickens and family dog!

Elizabeth Cagnolatti, FNP-C is a native of DeRidder, Louisiana and a resident of Donaldsonville. Liz graduated from Our Lady of the Lake College of Nursing and Allied Health with honors.  Her further education includes a bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Loyola University, and a master’s of Science in Nursing with a specialty in family practice from Louisiana State University.

Liz has 25 years of emergency and urgent care experience and is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has practiced family medicine since 2010 and opened a private practice in a medically underserved area in Baton Rouge. Her contributions were instrumental in bringing quality healthcare back to the downtown Baton Rouge area. After just two years, she was presented the Louisiana Economic Development Small Business Excellence  State Award and the  Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension Parish small business of the year award.  

Liz obtained her Suboxone Waiver in 2018. At the time, she was one of only 10 nurse practitioners in the state of Louisiana to obtain certification. She sold her private practice, began practicing addiction medicine in 2019, and joined the Avenues team in March of 2020.

Liz has 6 daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Britt Benson, PLPC, NCC, received her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Comparative History of Ideas from the University of Washington in 2011. After subsequently obtaining a paralegal studies certificate in 2012 from the same institution, Britt gained life-changing insight into the criminal justice system and developed a passion for helping justice-involved individuals. 

Britt earned her M. Ed. in Clinical Counseling from the University of New Orleans and became a National Certified Counselor in 2019. She completed her clinical internship at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Program and gained post-grad experience as a counselor at the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Adult Diversion Program. Britt’s work within the criminal justice system has provided her with an acute appreciation for the many ways in which addiction touches her community and galvanized her commitment to helping it heal. 

Britt is dedicated to authentically and ethically serving individuals from diverse backgrounds who are struggling with mental health concerns, substance use disorders, and other chronic illnesses. Her existential theoretical approach to counseling provides clients with a non-judgmental space to explore their experiences of the human condition, and empowers clients to turn toward life through interpersonal and intrapersonal skill development, connection, and meaning-making. Britt uses an intersectional framework to understand and collaboratively address challenges and strengths unique to each client. 

Originally hailing from Seattle, Washington, Britt enjoys travel, hiking, photography, and philosophy. She recharges by spending quality time with family and her goofy rescue greyhound, Lulu, whose antics are a constant reminder of the restorative power of laughter.

Caroline Caronna is a proud graduate of the Southern University of New Orleans School of Social Work in 2018. Caroline has worked in substance use treatment as an IOP counselor, in Admissions, and as a general chemical dependency Social Worker.  She has been an important member of the Avenues family since 2019.  

Her special interests include group dynamics and the important and restorative work that can be done in group and individual therapy as well as family counseling. When Caroline is not at Avenues with clients, she is the pet parent of a clingy chihuahua mix breed dog, Baba.  

Stephen Kessler, MHS, LPC, LAC, has been working in the addiction field since 2003. He began his career with Dr. Alphonse Kenison Roy at Addiction Recovery Resources where he worked in a variety of settings including as Primary Counselor in the programs of Intensive Outpatient, Residential Treatment, Continuing Care, and Intake and Assessments. After Hurricane Katrina, Stephen was promoted to the position of Residential Program Coordinator, a position he held for 12 years before being promoted to Clinical Director. In 2018, Stephen continued his work as Clinical Director with Avenues Recovery Center by overseeing both the Residential and IOP programs and supervising a staff of dedicated counselors. In 2019, Stephen began working in direct client care again due to missing direct interactions with patients. Stephen freely shares his experience and expertise by mentoring new counselors in the addiction field. Stephen uses a Cognitive Behavioral / REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) counseling approach to help patients to become aware of their distorted thinking and how it plays into their addictive mind. Stephen received his master’s degree in 2003 from LSU Health Science Center. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. Stephen lives in Metairie with his wife, Melissa, and their two young daughters, Lucy and Reagan. 

Hayden Zoller is a dedicated mental health professional and advocate hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. Having earned a bachelor's in psychology from UNO and a Master's in social work from Tulane University, alongside a certificate focusing on Mental Health and Family Addiction, he brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the field. 

Hayden is currently a LMSW, and is actively pursuing further credentials as a LCSW. His passion for addiction treatment stems from his own recovery journey, which began on June 3, 2013 with the help of an addictions treatment center. In his work, Hayden uses a diverse toolkit of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and IFS (Internal Family Systems). He believes in a collaborative approach with clients, fostering a supportive environment where both client and counselor work together to address individual needs and goals. 

Beyond his professional life, Hayden is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, sings and plays various musical instruments, and is a devoted weekly player of Dungeons and Dragons. He is proud papa to two beautiful girl dogs. 

Nancy Davis is a certified interventionist and registered addictions counselor based in the vibrant city of New Orleans. After attending UNO briefly, she found her true calling in addiction treatment and pursued certifications in that field. 

Originally hailing from New Orleans, Nancy has always had a passion for connecting with and helping people. having overcome personal struggles with addiction, her passion for helping others find their path to recovery only deepened. It's this firsthand experience that shapes her unique approach to addiction treatment -  a compassionate understanding coupled with unwavering support. 

Nancy remains dedicated to her career, guiding individuals towards a life of sobriety and fulfillment. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her nieces, nephews, and their children, and embracing the peaceful life her recovery has granted her.