Meet the Team
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Chief Executive Officer
My name is Amanda, I am from Williamstown, KY. I have a wife, 3 daughters, and a puppy. I went to Lindsey Wilson College for a BA in Human Services/Counseling and now hold my tCADC. I started with Summit BHC in October 2020 and relocated to Iowa in February 2023 as Chief Executive Officer. My favorite part about working in the industry is helping our clients achieve sobriety and watching them turn Their lives around. I also enjoy working with my teams to help them succeed. We offer a therapeutic environment at both of our Iowa facilities. You can truly focus on healing and start your recovery journey. I would love to welcome you or someone you know to our facilities. Our teams are here to improve the lives we touch!
Director of Utilization Review
Hi, my name is Andy and I am the Director of Utilization Review for St. Gregory’s and Ivory Plains. I started at St. Gregory’s in 2016. I left for other opportunities but ultimately came back because of my love for the position. I take pride in helping clients to get their maximum length of stay for our clients and then seeing the transformation clients make from admission to discharge. I attended the University of Northern Iowa for a BSW and achieved my CADC. God first in every aspect of my life along with 3 amazing children. My children are all actively involved in multiple sports, vocal music, band, mock trial, dance team, competitive Olympic weightlifting, and church. Little Fun Facts – Met a US president, my father, and grandfather are veterans, I’m a former probation officer, my best bench press was 535 lbs., saved a child from drowning when I was in college, two of my best friends played in the NFL and was re-baptized ten years ago which was a life-changing event.
Director of Clinical Services
Maribeth Christensen, BSW, MA, MSW is a licensed social worker and joined St. Gregory’s as its new in-house therapist at the end of March. She comes from Toronto, Canada, <br> where she had been a practicing social worker for almost 15 years. Maribeth has primarily worked with victims of domestic violence, and families involved in child custody/access issues. In recent years, she held senior policy, program, and management roles within a government context. Maribeth is excited to return to her roots working directly with vulnerable people. She takes an eclectic approach to her therapeutic practice, drawing mostly from humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapy, with a specialization in motivational interviewing. Maribeth embraces and promotes positive change, as evidenced by her recent move to the Bayard area. When not at St. Gregory’s, you can find Maribeth reading, crafting, attending local community events (including being really excited for her first trips to the Guthrie County and Iowa State Fairs!), as well as spending time with her husband and their many fur babies.
Human Resources Director
I am Tessa, the HR Director for the Iowa Market. Healthcare has been a rewarding experience in many ways. I have met so many talented individuals who have made such a positive impact in my professional career. I pride myself on being a part of a team that strives to do the best they can do every day, to make a positive impact on the clients we serve daily. I love meeting new people and continuously finding ways to create a positive work environment that our employees thrive in. I am from Lakefield MN and graduated from Minnesota State University in Mankato. I have a 7-year-old son and 2 dogs, Bella and Bear. I love 90s Country music, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. My motto is, “It’s a good day, to have a good day”!
Recovery Life Coach / Alumni Coordinator
Hi, I am Wilma the Recovery Life Coach / Alumni Coordinator at St. Gregory Recovery Center. I originally started in 2016 and then started as the Recovery Life Coach in 2022. I have a master’s in psychology from the University of Phoenix and later became a SMART Recovery facilitator. I do what I do to help make a difference in someone else’s life. I enjoy getting to know the clients and working with the alumni in general, especially providing additional support when needed. The curriculum at St. Gregory’s is unique and gives those who are serious about their recovery all the necessary tools they can use once back in the community. I was born and raised in the Orange Free State, South Africa. I am a mother of four biological children and two non-biological children. I have eleven biological grandchildren and two non-biological. All my children, but one, live here in the USA. I have one sister who is residing in the southern part of South Africa, near Cape Town. I am here to help when you need me. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Market Director / Community Outreach
Hi, I am Alexis, the Market Director of Business Development / Community Outreach at St. Gregory Recovery Center. I started with St. Gregory's in 2021 and moved to Market Director in 2023. I have had the opportunity to see some amazing changes and growth at the Iowa facilities. I love coming to work every day! The saying, “You will never work a day in your life when you do something you love!” has come true for me. I have been a director for many companies in my career, but nothing compares to what I do now. I enjoy working in the community, finding help and resources for individuals, and most of all, educating people about addiction and mental health. I went to Upper Iowa University for Psychology and Business Management, where I met my husband. We now have 2 very active boys, 2 horses, and a basset hound. In my free time, you will find me with ALL of them at the barn or on the trails. Otherwise, look for me in the community proudly representing our Iowa facilities and the support we bring to the recovery community.
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