Despite Lockdowns, Asheville Sober Living Program Expands Admissions Team

Next Step Recovery, based in Asheville, North Carolina, has announced that despite the lockdown, they have been expanding their admissions team for their Asheville sober living program. They have recently hired John E. Ferris and Luana Olavarria as admissions coordinators. They had previously hired Bryan Johnson at the start of 2020 as new director of business development, which means that they have three new hires so far in 2020. It should be noted that as part of their response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, they have hired new personnel and improved their telecom capabilities.

They want people to know that they continue to operate despite the lockdown, offering comprehensive treatment services and programs while following infectious disease protocols. And in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, they have adopted additional protocols to ensure the health and safety of their guests, families of their guests, and their employees. These include the suspension of visitation until further notice; screening of those applying for admission with questions regarding their health, recent travel, and recent interactions with people who have traveled; suspension of guests’ participation in outside NA and AA meeting until further notice; maintenance of cleanliness and sanitation in all homes; provision of all therapy sessions and IOP group sessions through telehealth; and taking of the temperature of everyone at least once a day.

John E. Ferris has known Susan Stader, Founder and Executive Director of Next Step Recovery, for the past six years within the treatment community, Therefore, he understands the Next Step model for recovery and has admired Susan’s dedication and passion for her work. He has relevant experience in addictive disorders and the different approaches to treatment. He has been observed to have compassion and empathy for people who are in need of treatment.

Luana Olavarria, who is the other admissions coordinator newly admitted to the Next Step team, has years of experience serving as admissions director for another facility. She has a Master’s level clinical education and nine years of Al-Anon. She believes that her experience and her education make her perfectly equipped to work with families and clients when they make their first phone call to the facility. She fully comprehends the compassion and sense of urgency required to help each client and every family feel confident that they will be able to get the help that they require for the addicted person to begin the journey to recovery.

Susan Stader says, “I'm most excited about what this will mean for families of our residents. We're big on family recovery and this will open up more room for our family support groups and education.”

Bryan Johnson says, “And as the country opens back up, we also want to let the primary treatment providers, wilderness programs, and others we work with know that our program is stronger than ever. Our extended care program continues to pick up momentum. Now, we can do an even better job communicating what makes Next Step different.”

Next Step Recovery is a provider of one of Asheville’s leading addiction treatment programs for men. They combine intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and sober living to offer a unique extended care model that results in personal transformation and recovery. They ensure that each client is offered a continuum of care that is required for sustainable recovery. They also assist men who are in recovery to make lifelong changes that result into healthier daily habits, relationships, and overall well-being.

They focus on post-detox support programs and rehab aftercare to help clients achieve sustainable recovery. They know that like most mental health problems, addiction is a multi-faceted problem, and men’s issues add to the complexity of the problem. While the journey from the trap of addiction is never easy, they believe that taking that important step towards recovery is worth it, allowing people to finally have a life with meaning and value.

Those who are interested in the services offered by Next Step Recovery or want to learn more can visit their website or their frequently asked questions page, or contact them on the telephone.