Meet the Staff

Dr. Vernon Partello, MD has practiced medicine for over 2 decades. He is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine with Obstetrics treating both inpatient and outpatient addiction throughout his career and consulting work. He has served as the inpatient medical attending and director for the Rock County Detox Center and Rock County Jail respectively. This broad exposure to addiction has afforded him a deep understanding of the medication assisted treatment options that can be offered to patients including Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol.  He has been caring for patients with primary opiate addiction and co-addictions for years. His goal is to treat patients with addiction issues with dignity, respect and concern for their health as they begin and recover from this difficult illness.

Dr. Christopher Harkin, MD has practiced medicine for over 30 years and has been involved in caring for patients with addiction problems his entire career. He is board certified in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology and Family Medicine. For the past four years, he has been caring for patients with primary opioid addiction and other co-addictions as they arise. His goal is to treat patients with addiction issues with care and compassion and help guide them into recovery. With his years of experience he is well versed in the use of Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol as medication assisted treatment tools he can offer to his patients as part of their treatment plan.  

Michael York, SAC has been a licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Wisconsin since 2009. His experience in treating patients with opiate addiction started in 2012 at Quality Addiction Management in Beloit. York was promoted to the clinic manager position at Quality Addiction Management- Beloit in 2013 and transitioned to the clinic director position when Quality Addiction Management was acquired by Acadia Healthcare in 2015. In January of 2018 York left Acadia Healthcare to pursue other goals but has decided to return to counseling as he continues to have a strong desire to work with individuals suffering from the effects of addiction. York’s goal is to facilitate a treatment environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination which will allow all patients who seek treatment at ASAP to take active role in the success of their recovery.

Alyssa RN, graduated from Edgewood College with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). Nurse Alyssa began her nursing career working in Family Medicine giving her exposure to the full range of patient ages and ailments. She gained significant exposure and training in this environment to excel as the Assistant Director of Nursing and subsequent transition into her role as the Director of Medical Services for ASAP.  Nurse Alyssa is a strong patient advocate and believes in preserving human dignity, patient equality and freedom from suffering. Her goal is to break the stigma associated with opioid treatment to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for patients to begin their journey towards recovery and sobriety. With her impressive education and training she is comfortable with all aspects of the medication assisted treatment offered at ASAP including the use of Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol.

Rhonda is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she earned her Master of Science Degree in Counseling. As a dual-credentialed counselor, she utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Rhonda uses a Person-Centered approach with her clients to collaboratively develop a plan for recovery and long-term sobriety. She is deeply committed to developing strong relationships with clients, which she believes is the key to success.  

Jamie graduated with her BA in Communication Studies and Ethnic Studies in 2014 from Edgewood College. She is a semester away from completing her Master of Social Work: Health from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Jamie has a wide range of experiences from hospital discharge planning, homeless services, successful aging service programming and AODA counseling. She has a passion for comprehensive case management to connect patients to the resources they need to enhance their quality of life. She believes seeing the whole picture is critical in addiction treatment. Jamie reminds patients that they are not their addiction, and that they are capable and worthy of a happy, healthy life. 

Bethany graduated from Moraine Park Technical College's abuse counseling program.  She completed her substance abuse counseling internship helping patients in outpatient medication treatment programs in Madison.  She also has significant experience working with behavioral health patients with serious mental illnesses as a Psychiatric Care Technician.  She has an especially empathetic approach for patients in need of community resources and assistance.  Her personal experience in the recovery community has helped her gain insight into how to assist those in need of substance abuse treatment.

Erin graduated with her BS in Psychology from Truman State University in 2015. After working in healthcare IT for several years, she decided to pursue her interest in counseling and began her studies at Madison Area Technical College in the Addiction Studies program. Erin is passionate about ensuring that everyone who works with her feels that they are treated with respect and are able to determine their own goals and path towards those goals. For that reason, her counseling approach is tailored to each person rather than aligning with a certain therapeutic modality. Erin strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our clinic doors, especially those who are members of marginalized communities.  

Michelle graduated from the Human Services program at Madison College in 2018. In 2019 she completed her certificate in Addiction Studies at Madison College. She is in the process of completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services at Upper Iowa University. Michelle has been actively helping individuals with poly-pharmacology addiction as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Wisconsin after years of supporting different populations in Sauk, Adams, Juneau, Columbia, and Dane county. She gained significant experience through her direct practice providing individual and group counseling in residential treatment facilities. She has worked in the probation and parole outpatient settings and has extensive knowledge of deferred prosecution programming in Southern Wisconsin. Michelle uses a trauma informed care approach that is evidence and solution based. Michelle would be honored to meet you where you are at and support you through your recovery journey.

Tom graduated with a Master's degree in Addiction Studies in 2018 from Governors State University in Chicago and has been working as a substance abuse counselor for the past six years. Prior to relocating to Madison in 2021, Tom worked in outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities in the Chicagoland area, specializing in case management, adolescent, individual and group counseling. He believes in a holistic approach to recovery and is passionate about helping patients reach their treatment goals through a variety of methods. Before becoming a substance abuse counselor, Tom worked in occupational and physical therapy with disabled children and adolescents.  With Tom's broad background and skillset, he brings a comprehensive approach to has patients receiving treatment and guidance under his care.

Lori is a Substance Abuse Counselor and graduated from Gateway Technical College with an Associate Degree in Human Services, and a Certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Lori has worked in residential, inpatient, and outpatient treatment settings, working with individuals struggling with substance abuse. Lori is passionate about educating individuals about Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and the major barriers it can create for those working towards recovery. Lori believes her job is to meet individuals where they are, using empathetic support and motivation to create a treatment plan designed specifically for their individual needs and goals. Lori feels it is a privilege to work with individuals who allow her to accompany them on their journey to recovery.  

Sheryl...