About Empower Recovery
A trusted provider of substance use and mental health services across Wisconsin. Compassionate, personalized assessments and treatment guidance — meeting each person where they are, with care that's respectful, evidence-based, and rooted in hope.
More Than a Checklist
At Empower Recovery, we go beyond checklists and protocols, because recovery — whether from addiction or mental health challenges — is always personal. We opened our doors to our Wisconsin community to be a light where things feel dark.
Whether you're navigating addiction, mental illness, or just looking to move forward with more joy and balance in your life, Empower Recovery has a team dedicated to your growth. Addiction and mental health disorders don't discriminate against financial class, location, race, legal history, gender, sexuality, or religion — and neither do we.
We offer holistic care for everyone, regardless of your background. If you want to recover from substance abuse or mental illness, heal your emotional scars, and carve out a brighter future — Empower Recovery is the perfect place to start.
Quality Care, Statewide
Empower Recovery was created to bring high quality compassionate care to the greater Wisconsin area. Our team of expert therapists and advanced level providers lead with patience and kindness.
We know there are treatment deserts in Wisconsin, and we aim to fix that. Our telehealth and mobile urine testing collection systems make mental health and addiction treatment accessible even for those who live in the most rural corners of Wisconsin.
We also want to make treatment affordable, accepting over 20 different health insurances, including Medicaid. From Milwaukee to Eau Claire, and everywhere in between, Empower Recovery gives access to the highest quality recovery care for those who need it the most.
Fully Certified & Accredited
Empower Recovery is fully certified and accredited in the state of Wisconsin Chapter 75.50 to provide outpatient services in substance abuse and behavioral health treatment, ensuring we meet the highest standards of compliance.
CLIA Certified
Our high-complexity drug testing laboratory verifies our services meet federal standards for accuracy and reliability.
WI Chapter 75.50
Wisconsin Department of Health Services certified for outpatient substance abuse & behavioral health treatment.
LegitScript Certified
Recognized as a verified, legitimate addiction treatment provider, ensuring patient trust and safety.
Our Clinicians & Staff
A dedicated team of expert therapists, advanced-level providers, and compassionate support staff — all committed to your recovery journey.
Aaron Hoffnung, MD
Board-certified specialist in Addiction and Emergency Medicine, with over 24 years of clinical experience and the founder of multiple addiction clinics.
Pamela Tas, PhD
Dr. Tas oversees operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and drives strategic growth through her expertise.
Kim Riley, LMFT
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use certified. Specializes in family dynamics and effective communication.
Jaime Kremer, APNP
Dedicated and experienced provider, specializing in the treatment of substance abuse and coexisting mental health disorders.
Dan Sidesky, MSN, PMHNP
Dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with five years of experience. Specializes in dual diagnosis and addiction treatment.
Timara Gray
Brings extensive experience in healthcare, customer service, and data entry to her role as front desk manager.
John Gary Brital
Front desk associate and medical biller with extensive healthcare industry experience in billing and customer service.
Kailey Drennon, IT-LPC
Helps individuals navigate the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery.
Jamarri Rollock, LPC
Specializes in substance abuse, trauma therapy, and wellness education with over eight years of experience.
Paula J. Pettis
Skilled in addressing patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, ensuring patients receive the care they need.
Kevin Peterson
Brings 21 years of military service and a commitment to leadership, organization, and meticulous attention to detail.
Chris Lovelace
Over 15 years of experience in driving, material handling, logistics, and safety management.
Aaron Hoffnung, MD
Dr. Aaron Hoffnung is the Founder and Medical Director of Empower Recovery. With a focus on relationship-based care, Dr. Hoffnung is dedicated to making addiction and mental health treatment accessible and affordable for locals across Wisconsin. He believes in providing care rooted in empathy, dignity, and respect—never prioritizing profit over patient wellbeing.
Dr. Hoffnung leads Empower Recovery’s clinical approach, which emphasizes harm reduction and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine (Suboxone). His treatment philosophy centers on building early and sustained trust with patients, ensuring that care is collaborative, compassionate, and responsive to everyone's needs.
A strong advocate for ethical care, Dr. Hoffnung rejects punitive treatment models and instead supports patients through challenges, offering guidance and encouragement rather than threats of discharge or medication reduction. Under his leadership, Empower Recovery partners with community organizations, social services, and legal systems to provide holistic, community-connected care.
Dr. Pamela Tas
Dr. Tas lends her extensive experience in strategic management, program development, and operational leadership to enhance the organization’s position in the healthcare sector.
Her expertise in grant writing, project management, and laboratory operations underpins the company’s commitment to innovative care in addiction and mental health. Dr. Tas oversees all laboratory operations and ensures Empower Recovery maintains its excellence while maintaining state and federal regulations.
Her strategic vision and administrative acumen are instrumental in steering Empower Recovery’s growth, ensuring both operational efficiency and the delivery of high-quality care. Her role is pivotal in establishing Empower Recovery as a leader in addressing the complexities of addiction treatment.
Daniel Sidesky, MSN, PMHNP
Daniel Sidesky is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over five years of experience in both mental and physical health care. He specializes in dual diagnosis and addiction treatment, with a focus on patient education and holistic care. Daniel earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and has worked in a variety of settings, including psychiatric institutes and trauma surgery. Most recently, Daniel served as Head Program Provider at WisHope Recovery, managing care for patients with substance use and dual diagnosis disorders. Daniel understands that the complexity of substance use disorder does not discriminate against gender, age, creed, race, sexual orientation, or social status, and emphasizes the importance of educating his patients and their loved ones to remove the commonly perceived stigma that substance use disorder is solely structured around, “Will power.”
His expertise includes psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapeutic communication, and the development of clinical programs that support sustained recovery. He fastidiously prioritizes the development of interpersonal skills, stimulates a positive perspective by utilizing his motivational interviewing skills, and promotes the acquisition of a strong support system by mending family and personal relationships. Daniel does not just treat a substance or a disorder, he treats an individual. He believes the most successful road to sustained recovery is achieved by diligently working with his patients to set and achieve desired outcomes and goals. Daniels ultimate goal as a provider is to collaboratively work with his patients by using a multimodal approach to help his patients gain insight that sobriety is not a problem to be solved, rather an experience that manifests a lifetime of health, wellness, and positive relationships. He has dedicated his career to help others without judgment, without hesitation, without question, and without ever expecting anything in return.
Daniel is also a community speaker on the neurobiological origins of substance use disorder and an advocate for family involvement in the recovery process. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys coaching youth basketball, marathon running, painting, and serves as an ambassador for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing.
Jamie Kremer
Jaime is a seasoned addiction medicine provider specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and brings over nine years of focused clinical experience in addiction and mental health care, along with more than 20 years of overall medical experience. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cardinal Stritch University.
Jaime is recognized for her patient-centered, evidence-based approach to care. She has advanced expertise in comprehensive psychiatric and substance use assessments, diagnostic evaluation, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and longitudinal medication management. Her clinical approach emphasizes individualized, integrated treatment planning that combines behavioral health interventions with pharmacotherapy to support sustained recovery and improved functional outcomes. She is equally committed to patient education, fostering engagement, autonomy, and adherence throughout the recovery process.
Throughout her career, Jaime has demonstrated a strong commitment to compassionate, stigma-free care. She is adept at managing the complex interplay between substance use and mental health disorders, making her a valuable member of multidisciplinary care teams. In her role at Empower Recovery, Jaime contributes meaningfully to advancing the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality, accessible care for individuals affected by opioid use disorder and related conditions.
Katie Harrison
Katie Harrison is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor with more than a decade of experience providing mental health and addiction treatment across outpatient, hospital, residential, and community health settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Cardinal Stritch University and has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents navigating mental health, trauma, and co-occurring substance use disorders. Throughout her career, Katie has conducted assessments, developed treatment plans, facilitated therapy groups, and provided evidence-based care using approaches such as CBT, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
Currently serving as a Behavioral Health Consultant in a primary care setting, Katie is passionate about making compassionate, accessible mental health care available to diverse populations. Her background includes leadership, crisis intervention, case management, and program development, along with a strong commitment to ethical, client-centered treatment. Known for her collaborative and adaptable approach, Katie strives to create supportive therapeutic environments that empower clients toward healing, stability, and long-term growth.
Aneisha Scott
Aneshia Scott brings a strong background in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community-based services to Empower Recovery. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College and has experience providing therapy across outpatient, community, and behavioral health settings.
Throughout her career, Aneshia has provided individual, group, and family therapy, conducted psychosocial assessments, developed treatment and safety plans, and supported clients through all phases of care. Her clinical experience includes diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, implementing evidence-based interventions, and maintaining thorough clinical documentation. She has worked with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and families, always prioritizing rapport-building, empathy, and culturally responsive care.
In addition to her therapy experience, Aneshia has a strong background in substance use services and harm reduction. She has developed and implemented community-based harm reduction programs, provided overdose prevention education, distributed Narcan, and connected individuals to treatment and recovery resources. Her work reflects a deep commitment to meeting clients where they are while promoting safety, stability, and long-term recovery.
Aneshia utilizes evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, psychodynamic techniques, and strengths-based interventions. At Empower Recovery, she is dedicated to delivering compassionate, client-centered care that supports individuals and families in achieving meaningful and sustainable change.
Kailey Drennon
Kailey Drennon is a dedicated mental health counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University and a strong foundation in psychology from Washburn University. She specializes in addiction recovery and co-occurring mental health disorders, bringing a compassionate, client-centered approach to her work. Across residential, outpatient, and telehealth settings, Kailey has provided individual and group counseling, developed personalized treatment plans, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support diverse client needs.
Driven by a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, Kailey creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to grow and heal. She is committed to fostering self-awareness, resilience, and lasting recovery, and continues to expand her expertise through ongoing professional development, including pursuing advanced certifications in trauma-informed therapies.
Kim Riley
Kimberly Riley is an experienced clinical leader and licensed therapist with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. With a strong background in substance use and mental health treatment, she has held roles ranging from psychotherapist to clinic director, bringing both clinical expertise and operational leadership to her work. Kimberly has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy, conducting assessments, and ensuring compliance with state regulations, while also supervising and mentoring multidisciplinary teams across outpatient and treatment center settings.
Currently serving as a Clinical Director, Kimberly is dedicated to maintaining high standards of care while supporting both clients and clinicians. Her approach emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and compassionate treatment, particularly for individuals navigating addiction and co-occurring disorders. With multiple certifications—including trauma and clinical supervision—she continues to strengthen her ability to lead effective programs and foster meaningful, lasting recovery outcomes
Jamarri Rollocks
Jamarri Rollocks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience in behavioral health leadership, substance abuse treatment, and community advocacy. With over eight years of experience managing clinical programs and healthcare facilities, he specializes in trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, wellness education, and addiction recovery. Jamarri has served in leadership roles across outpatient, residential, and drug court settings, overseeing clinical operations, staff development, compliance, and program growth while maintaining a strong focus on delivering compassionate, high-quality care.
In addition to his clinical work, Jamarri is deeply committed to community outreach and advocacy. As founder of Our Heroes’ Homes Inc. and an active volunteer with organizations focused on homelessness prevention and substance abuse awareness, he works to expand access to support and education within underserved communities. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership and Behavioral Health at Grand Canyon University, Jamarri continues to combine clinical expertise, organizational leadership, and community engagement to empower individuals and promote long-term wellness.
Paula J Pettis
Paula J. Pettis is a compassionate and dependable Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant with hands-on experience in both hospital and clinical settings. She has worked with organizations including the University of Chicago Medicine, Green Valley Health and Wellness Suites, WHASN OB Clinic, and Boulder City Hospital, providing patient-centered care through vital sign monitoring, patient intake, rooming, charting, specimen collection, and clinical support procedures. Known for her reliability and strong interpersonal skills, Paula is committed to creating a supportive and comfortable experience for patients while contributing effectively to collaborative medical teams.
With training in both CNA and Medical Assisting, Paula brings a versatile clinical skill set that includes phlebotomy, injections, EKG procedures, glucose testing, and patient care coordination. Her passion for healthcare is reflected in her dedication to compassionate service, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in fast-paced medical environments while maintaining a caring, professional approach to every patient interaction.
Kia Urena
Kia Urena brings extensive experience in legal case management, insurance claims, and client advocacy to Empower Recovery. With a strong professional background in personal injury law and casualty claims, Kia has managed high-volume caseloads, coordinated complex documentation, and served as a primary point of contact for clients navigating challenging circumstances.
Throughout her career, Kia has worked closely with attorneys, medical providers, insurance carriers, and third parties to ensure cases move efficiently from intake through resolution. Her experience includes reviewing medical records, compiling detailed documentation, assessing risk, negotiating settlements, and maintaining meticulous case files in compliance with legal and regulatory standards. She is recognized for her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex situations with professionalism and clarity.
At Empower Recovery, Kia applies her expertise in documentation management, insurance coordination, and structured case tracking to support efficient operations and accurate records. Her experience navigating complex claims environments strengthens communication between providers, payors, and patients, helping ensure that processes are organized, compliant, and completed in a timely manner.
Timara Gray
Timara Gray is a highly motivated healthcare professional with extensive experience in patient care, hospital operations, and administrative support. With a strong background in roles such as Patient Care Technician, Nursing Assistant, Health Unit Coordinator, and Patient Access Representative, she has worked across emergency departments, inpatient units, and hospital systems to support both patients and medical staff. Timara is skilled in patient intake, scheduling, medical records management, billing coordination, and healthcare communication, bringing a detail-oriented and compassionate approach to every aspect of her work.
Known for her adaptability, leadership, and strong work ethic, Timara has also trained new staff, assisted with auditing and workflow coordination, and served as a key support resource within fast-paced healthcare environments. Her experience with systems such as Epic, combined with her commitment to patient-centered care and operational efficiency, allows her to contribute effectively in both clinical and administrative settings while fostering positive experiences for patients and healthcare teams alike.
John Gary Brital
John is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. Over the years, he has served in multiple capacities—including medical biller, training specialist, and customer service representative—developing a strong foundation in both administrative operations and patient care support.
Currently, John works as a Medical Billing Manager at Empower Recovery, where he plays a key role in streamlining administrative processes and enhancing operational efficiency. His work involves assisting individuals, physicians, and healthcare professionals with essential billing and documentation tasks, ensuring smooth coordination across departments.
In his role, John conducts comprehensive training sessions for member and provider services, helping staff and healthcare partners improve their understanding of administrative systems and protocols. He also builds and maintains productive relationships with providers and members, swiftly resolving issues to promote seamless communication and service delivery.
John’s responsibilities extend to claims processing and documentation, where he reviews, assesses, and investigates medical service authorization requests. He communicates effectively with providers regarding authorizations, referrals, and inquiries, always ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
As a medical biller, John expertly verifies insurance coverage, enters and updates patient data, and submits accurate claims using ICD-10 and CPT coding standards. He corrects and resubmits rejected claims, tracks unpaid balances, and ensures timely follow-up to maintain financial accuracy. His comprehensive experience directly supports his front desk role—managing patient check-ins and check-outs, verifying personal and insurance information, and maintaining an efficient billing workflow within Empower Recovery.
With a strong commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and compassionate service, John continues to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field while ensuring that every patient interaction reflects care, respect, and reliability.
Lands Asuncion
Landher Paula Asuncion is a customer service and front desk professional with experience in client support, community engagement, and communications. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management at the University of the Philippines, she combines strong organizational skills with a passion for delivering positive customer experiences. Through roles in customer service, social media engagement, and communications support, Landher has developed expertise in appointment setting, customer relations, ticket management, and digital communication platforms, consistently thriving in fast-paced and collaborative environments.
Known for her leadership, adaptability, and relationship-building abilities, Landher has earned recognition for her performance, including ranking among the top customer service agents at SITEL. She is skilled in tools such as Zendesk, Canva, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack, and brings a proactive, team-oriented approach to every role. With experience supporting both operational and creative initiatives, she is committed to promoting efficiency, engagement, and meaningful connections within the organizations she serves.
Christine Joy Corral
Christine Joy Corral is a dedicated medical billing and customer support professional with a strong background in healthcare customer care and administrative services. She has extensive experience handling billing inquiries, processing payments, documenting account concerns, and supporting both members and providers in fast-paced, HIPAA-compliant environments.
Known for her attention to detail and clear, empathetic communication style, Christine effectively resolves client concerns while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality. She is proficient in a range of industry tools, including Salesforce, Zendesk, Microsoft Office, and Slack, enabling her to deliver efficient and organized support.
Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Her academic excellence, combined with her professional experience, reflects her commitment to quality service and continuous growth in the healthcare support field.
Erin K
Erin brings over a decade of laboratory experience and academic training to her role as Laboratory Manager at Empower Recovery. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she has spent nearly nine years supporting research in genetics.
Erin has played a key role in managing complex research projects, coordinating multi-year experiments, organizing lab operations, and training and mentoring. Her background in lab operations, data integrity, and genetic research makes her uniquely qualified to oversee Empower Recovery’s CLIA-certified high-complexity toxicology lab. Erin ensures rigorous standards for accuracy, compliance, and quality in all lab testing that supports our patient and workplace programs.
Gardner Dorton
Gardner Dorton is the marketing manager at Empower Recovery, and he is a writer, marketing professional, and mental health advocate. A traditionally published poet and creative professional, Gardner holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the College of Charleston and has been recognized for his work in publications including Narrative, Rattle, The Florida Review, and The Greensboro Review. In addition to his literary career, he has extensive experience in behavioral health marketing, communications, and community outreach, combining creativity with a strong passion for mental health awareness and recovery-focused care.
With a background in copywriting, social media strategy, and patient-centered storytelling, Gardner brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. His work emphasizes authentic connection, reducing stigma, and fostering environments where healing and personal growth can thrive. Through both his professional and creative work, Gardner is committed to helping individuals feel seen, understood, and empowered in their recovery journeys.
"Informed by my extensive experience treating patients with Substance Use Disorder, and driven by a passion to help people in crisis, I created Empower Recovery — a comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment program able to reach all populations of Wisconsin, including those in underserved and rural communities."
Aaron Hoffnung, MD
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
Recovery starts with one step. We're here to guide you — non-judgmentally, compassionately, and professionally — every step of the way.
We accept most insurances including Medicare, Medicaid & personal payment options