About us
Life Recovery Center is an outpatient facility specializing in the treatment of problem gaming, substance use, and mental health for adolescents, adults, and families. Offering both in-office and online treatment services, we offer services throughout Indiana. Our comprehensive approach focuses on various aspects affecting the well-being of our clients, including psychological and emotional issues, social and family relationships, personal and professional goals, wellness, spirituality, and coping with trauma and life stressors.
Awards and Recognition
2016 Outstanding Community Partner: Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work, University of Indianapolis
Three Best Rated – Best Addiction Treatment Centers in Indianapolis: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Our Mission
Life Recovery Center exists to help individuals and families find freedom in recovery by promoting growth, respect, and integrity through outpatient services addressing mental health and addiction issues.
Our Accreditations and Certifications
We are accredited by CARF International and certified by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health & Addiction (DMHA), the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), and the Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program (IPGAP).
Specialized Services
Life Recovery Center offers services designed to assist our clients in developing and maintaining a sober and healthy lifestyle.
Our Leadership
Dr. Eric L. Davis, DSW, LCSW, LCAC, ICGC-II, BACC
Chief Clinical Officer for Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI)
- Dr. Eric L. Davis is the Chief Clinical Officer for Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI). He also teaches for the Indiana University School of Social Work at Indiana University – Indianapolis. He co-founded Life Recovery Center in 2004 and served as Executive Director for 20 years until the agency’s merger with MHAI in 2024. Dr. Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, ICADV-Certified Abuse/Batterers Intervention Program Senior Facilitator, International Certified Gambling Counselor-II, and was the first person in Indiana to become certified as a Board Approved Clinical Consultant in Problem Gambling. He obtained his Doctor of Social Work from Barry University, Master of Social Work from Indiana University, and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Indianapolis.
- Dr. Davis has appeared as a clinical expert on Fox News, Sky News, and other television outlets, on the radio and podcasts, and in the Indianapolis Star, USA Today, and the NY Daily News. He has presented at numerous professional conferences, universities, courts, and treatment facilities.
- Always involved and passionate about mental health and addiction recovery, Dr. Davis served as Chairman of the MHAI board of directors from 2022-2024. He also served three terms as President of ICAADA, from 2014-2016, and two additional terms from 2018-2022, during which he was instrumental in the creation of the BCPG (Board Certified in Problem Gambling) credential, a state-recognized certification for behavioral health professionals. He also served on the board of directors for the Indiana Counseling Association from 2016-2021.
- Dr. Davis currently serves on the boards of directors of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Council on Problem Gambling and a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
- In 2015, Governor Mike Pence appointed Dr. Davis to the State of Indiana’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Council, which allocates state funding to help survivors of domestic violence. Later that same year, he was named Outstanding Batterers Intervention Professional of 2015 by the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The following year, for his work at Life Recovery Center, he was named Outstanding Community Partner of 2016 by the Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work at the University of Indianapolis.
Niki Angelaki, MSW, LCSW, LCAC, ICOGS, BCPG
Vice President of Clinical Treatment Operations
- Niki received her Master’s in Social Work from University of Southern Indiana after studying social work in her native country of Greece. Niki became fascinated with addiction recovery as an intern and has been dedicated in offering best treatment practices for people seeking recovery since 2002. Niki has also worked with schools, substance use prevention, children with developmental needs, adolescents with behavioral issues, and community education in Greece, England, and Peru. Niki is inspired by the resiliency of survivors and the people’s ability to thrive despite terrible adversities. Niki has received extensive training on various clinical models to treat trauma, substance use, and gambling, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, and Certified International Co-Occurring Gambling Specialist.
Dr. Katrina Thomas, EdD, LCSW, LCAC, CADAC IV, BIP-F
Clinical Director
- Experience: I have over 15 years of experience and specialize in substance use disorders and trauma.
- Specialization: I work with individuals, couples, and families including some experience with reunification. I also have experience in Biblical-based counseling.
- Approach: My approach is through CBT, mindfulness, EMDR, Brainspotting, problem-solving, and motivational interviewing. My doctorate focused on traumatology.
- Philosophy: My therapeutic philosophy and approach to client care is simple: everyone deserves hope and healing, and it is my goal to help people find their own personal hope, healing, and purpose.
Dr. Nicole Taylor, PhD
Supervising Clinical Psychologist (HSPP)
- Dr. Nicole Taylor is the supervising clinical psychologist (HSPP) for Emberwood Center since 2011. Dr. Taylor received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Toledo in 1999, and is a professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Indianapolis where she started her employment in 2000. Dr. Taylor’s clinical and research interests include topics such as substance use, coping with illness, training and supervision issues in graduate clinical psychology, women’s issues, psychology and primary care, factors related to medical compliance and non-compliance, behavioral health and prevention, psychoeducational assessment, ADHD assessment, and psychotherapy treatment outcome in psychology training clinics. Dr. Taylor teaches at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and covers such courses as Life Span Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Tests and Measurements, Theories of Counseling, Foundation Skills of Psychotherapy, Supervision and Management, Ethics, Professional and Legal Issues, and Clinical Assessment.
Our Therapists
Larisa Barannikova, LMHCA, M.A.
Therapist
- Larisa graduated from Indiana University in 2024 with a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. Her prior experience in the mental health field includes inpatient residential substance use treatment at Volunteers of America, outpatient counseling at Centerstone, and crisis support at the Lafayette Crisis Center. Before pursuing her Master’s degree, Larisa worked as a language educator with both children and adults in Japan.
- Specialization: Larisa works with children, adolescents, and adults seeking support for issues of mental health, relationships, life transitions, mood disorders, and substance use. Larisa is training on EMDR to process trauma, and is passionate about working with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
- Approach: Larisa uses a trauma-informed and intersectional approach while drawing on a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness practices, and Motivational Interviewing. She regularly implements art-based practices to guide clients through unique, non-verbal methods to foster connection with self and expression of their inner world.
- Philosophy: Larisa believes that with guidance and support, everyone can draw on their strengths and values to create positive changes in their lives.
Samantha Froh, MA, LMHCA, ATR-P
Therapist
- Experience: Sam (she/her/hers) has been working as an art therapist in the mental health field for 2 years. She received her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from George Washington University in Washington, D.C, and her Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Art Therapy with a minor in Sociology from the University of Indianapolis.
- Specialization: Sam primarily works with children, adolescents, and adults identifying symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety with complex trauma histories. She has experience in a variety of community-based settings working with culturally and neuro-diverse populations.
- Approach: Sam uses a combination of art therapy and mindfulness to support clients in exploring and attuning to the whole self. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
- Philosophy: Sam approaches therapy from an intersectional, trauma informed, strengths-based lens while utilizing creativity to support those she works with in finding their own path to change. She believes that the client and the therapist are partners in the journey, and as such, brings her whole authentic self to the relationship.
- Additional Info: Sam also finds joy in connecting with the world through time spent in nature and exploring the community on her bike. She is an avid reader, music listener, and artist.
Jolene Hamilton, MA, LMHCA
Therapist
- Experience: 1 year as an intern for Life Recovery Center, now an official employee as of May 2024
- Specialty: Specializing in the treatment of substance use disorder and mental health
- Approach: I take on a more diverse approach in figuring out what will work best for the needs of the individual; I try to utilize a combination of different elements from different approaches, including motivational interviewing, person-centered, strengths-based, CBT, and so on.
- Philosophy: I believe in an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone can feel welcome and like they are truly cared for. It’s important to emphasize a non judgmental positive environment for clients to strive in.
- Additional Info: I love to read and write, and I’m currently striving to strengthen my cooking skills and green thumb!
Olivia Johnson, MSW, LSW
Therapist
- Experience: 2+ years of experience
- Specialty: Mental Health & Addictions
- Bachelor of Arts from Hanover College with a Major in Sociology
- Masters of Social Work from Indiana University – Purdue University
- Approach: I pull from many different treatment approaches, including, but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT. I also place a large focus on strengths-based and the person-in-environment perspective. I often encourage clients to tune into the world around them and view each lived moment as an opportunity for learning.
- Philosophy: My philosophy is based off of a motto I use with my group members: “Maximize positive outcomes, Minimize negative consequences”. I believe that these are words that have the ability to inform our interactions not only with substances, but with our relationships, at home, in the workplace, how we treat ourselves and those around us. However, as we all know saying this and doing it are two different things .The act of playing basketball is simply “putting the ball in the basket”, but somehow we are not all NBA or WNBA superstars (myself included). Practicing the motto is a lifelong journey that takes a commitment to improving oneself each and every day. Though daunting for many, it does not have to be boring or overly-difficult. It is a journey packed full of positive experiences that I believe we can use to lift ourselves up on a day-to-day basis in order to grow into the 2.0 version of ourselves.
- Additional Info: I enjoy fishing, binge watching horror movies, and spending time with my three guinea pigs whom I often partner with in my practice as a social worker.
- I have been Safe Zone LGBTQ+ trained and have my gamblers awareness certificate from IPGAP through IUPUI. I am working to gain more experience with gamblers in recovery and am in the midst of completing my registration and certification through the Pet Partners program. My hope is to utilize AAI (animal assisted interventions) in order to create a safe space for clients looking to begin their recovery journey.
Shana M. Pierson, LMHCA
Therapist
- Experience: Shana received her Master’s in Counseling from Ball State University with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. Shana completed her clinical internship providing individual and family counseling to cancer patients where she was given the opportunity to explore her passion for working with older adults. Before pursuing an education and career in counseling, Shana served in the U.S. Army as a paralegal.
- Specialization: Shana has an associate license in Mental Health Counseling and works mainly with clients addressing Substance Use issues. Shana is trained in both EMDR and Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) and is interested in addressing issues of trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, grief, death and dying with diverse populations.
- Approach: Shana strives to implement integrative approaches to therapeutic interventions that best meet the client where they are in their journey. Client strengths and the principles of positive psychology and existentialism are incorporated along with evidence-based therapeutic models like EMDR, TFCBT, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. Shana creates a safe environment utilizing a person-centered approach that allows clients to process and explore.
- Philosophy: Shana’s philosophy as a therapist is to empower individuals to seek their truth and find balance through a deeper understanding of self. She strives to enter a therapeutic relationship with curiosity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard for each individual. Shana believes that there is no better gift to oneself than an opportunity for healing and growth.
- Additional Info: Shana enjoys small town living and the quiet of nature. She loves being surrounded by natural elements in her space such as plants.
Ashtyn Taylor, MSW, LSW, RYT-200
Therapist
- Experience: Ashtyn received both her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in psychology and master’s degree in social work with a concentration in mental health and addictions through Indiana University Indianapolis. During her graduate career, Ashtyn completed her clinical internship at Eskenazi’s Adult Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Program working with individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Upon graduation, Ashtyn worked as a clinician at Eskenazi’s B.A.S.E. and Mood Program, serving individuals with personality and mood disorders, as well as a medical social worker at IU Health University Hospital’s cancer units.
- Specialization: Ashtyn received her Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification through Indianapolis’s CityYoga program in 2023 and is currently pursuing certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
- Ashtyn enjoys working with a broad range of clientele, including those of any age seeking support for mood, anxiety, eating, and/or substance use disorders as well as those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Approach/philosophy: Ashtyn draws upon the wisdom of several therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and various exposure therapies to challenge and empower clients to lean upon their values and existing strengths to reach their goals. Ashtyn regularly implements mindfulness and somatic-based practices and provides a trauma-informed, compassionate space for clients to process trauma, challenge unhelpful patterns, and practice newfound skills for life-long healing.
Shanise Taylor, MS
AIP/BIP Facilitator
- Experience: I worked 14 yrs with The Indiana Department of Child Services as a Family Case Manager and Assessment Supervisor. I worked 7yrs with Central Indiana Coalition On Aging. Other employment opportunities were with Bloom Assisted Living as a Business Office Manager. Went back to the State of Indiana, working at the Disability Determination Bureau, as a Claims Adjudicator.
- Additional Info: My education is MA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and BA from Marian University.
Lindsey Wakefield, MSW, LSW
Anger Management Facilitator
- Experience: 2 years of experience
- Specialization: Lindsey specializes in trauma therapy and behavioral coaching
- Approach: Lindsey uses an eclectic therapeutic approach focused on trauma-informed care incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
- Philosophy: “I believe everyone has the ability to overcome challenges and sometimes we all need a village in our corner.”
- Additional Info: I am attaining my LCSW license.
Andrew Saunders, MSW, LCSW, LCAC, CADAC IV
Therapist (part-time)
- Experience: Andrew is a lifelong Indiana resident with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions. Andrew is a Licensed Social Worker and person in long term recovery who has worked in addiction services for over 5 years. His other professional experience includes recovery coaching, advocacy for the recovery community at the state and local level, and consulting with physicians who treat addiction and mental health issues. Andrew found his passion to help others through his own journey in addiction recovery. Andrew is a part-time therapist with LRC and provides individual sessions in the evenings.
- Specialization: All SUD and Mental health
- Approach: CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention
- Philosophy: “Nine times out of ten the story behind the behavior won’t make you angry, it will break your heart.”
- Additional Info: Andrew enjoys being part of the recovering community and is involved as a Board Chair for Thrive RCO, and a Board Member of Indiana Addictions Coalition (IAIC).
Amanda Adhami, LCSW, ICOGS
Therapist, Gambling (part-time)
- Experience: Amanda received her Master’s in social work from IUPUI School of Social Work, with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions, and her bachelor’s in social work from Indiana University Bloomington (IUB). She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents that struggle with issues of mental health and substance use, however in the past year she has been providing gambling treatment specifically. Amanda began working in the addiction field as an intern and has over 6 years of experience working with adults and adolescents from diverse backgrounds. Amanda has experience working as a school counselor, and she continues to work as an adjunct instructor at IUB teaching substance use and diversity courses at the Bachelor and Master level.
- Specialization: Amanda received extensive training in treating gambling addictions and is a Certified International Co-Occurring Gambling Specialist. She holds certificates in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy and utilizes this as well as other evidence-based practices (including Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help individuals achieve their goals and live healthier lives.
- Additional Info: Amanda is passionate about community service, social justice, building interfaith connections, and serving at her Mosque.
Client Support
Jennifer Bellah, CAPRC II
Peer Support Specialist, Client Advocate
- Experience: Jennifer is a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach I (CAPRC I) through ICAADA. Jennifer’s personal recovery journey provides clients the perspective of lived experience. After having gone through her own 8-year battle with addiction and getting her life back together, she is devoting herself to giving others that same chance. Having been through the struggles of addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, she has a unique connection to those that are currently experiencing these themselves. Jennifer has been with MHAI since February 2023.
- Specialization: Jennifer focuses on our clients that struggle with substance use providing recovery support, skills training in many life areas, and educational groups in the various community agencies. Jennifer connects our clients to needed resources, especially employment and housing. Her connections in the community are extensive and very valuable to our clients. Jennifer is passionate about helping incarcerated and recently released individuals and is currently working toward her CADAC I and NCPRSS certification as well as specialized training for gambling issues.
- Approach: Jennifer approaches her clients from a place of lived experience and personal recovery. She aims at passing on the knowledge and support that was given herself during her recovery journey. Jennifer is trained in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Cultural Diversity and constantly seeks to further her knowledge. She promotes honesty and accountability in her journey with clients and provides emotional support every step of the way leading her clients through the 5D phases (Define, Discover, Dream, Design, Destiny) to improve their lives.
- Philosophy: Jennifer’s philosophy is that everyone deserves a chance to recover and is passionate to show others that everyone can change. She understands that asking for help is the hardest first step some will ever make and provides that safe place that those in recovery need in order to talk about their struggles and fears. She also knows the struggle that lies ahead in the beginning of recovery and the support needed in multiple life areas. Having experienced similar struggles, she is able to relate to what her clients are going through, provide valuable insights and make a plan based on each person’s needs and goals.
- Additional Info: Jennifer’s passion to help others recover from addiction leads her to be very involved in the recovering community and volunteers for organizations that helped during her own journey. She is also an avid baker and has started a small business as a result of the lessons she received through Launch Hope Foundation in partnership with Butler University during her time in early recovery.
Haley Hammonds, BS
Client Advocate
- Experience: Haley graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a major in Psychology, a concentration in Clinical and Counseling Studies, and a minor in Child and Youth Programs. Haley started her journey with MHAI when she spent seven months as an intern, starting in May 2022 and accepted a full-time position as a Client Advocate in December 2023. Haley assists our clients with finding needed resources and learning and practicing new skills; she also leads psychoeducational classes in various agencies in the community. Haley is also working in the community, at our partner agencies’ locations, providing groups that teach various skills (e.g. trauma response, emotional regulation, stress coping skills).
- Specialization: Haley has been specializing in delivering psychoeducation classes on issues of substance use and trauma, skills training in maintain long term sobriety, and how to apply the principals of cognitive behavioral therapy to manage emotions and change behaviors. Haley has received extensive training on being an advocate, specializing on victims of crimes.
- Approach: Haley has received training in Trauma Informed Care, Cultural Diversity, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness/Grounding Techniques and has started specializing training on treating gambling issues.
- Philosophy: Haley understands that reaching out for help can be a difficult thing to do, and she hopes to provide a safe space that allows everyone to feel comfortable enough to receive the treatment they deserve and improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Additional Info: Haley is working toward her master’s degree and her goal of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Administration
Summer Mefford, ASMBC
Practice Manager
- Mrs. Summer Mefford has been with Life Recovery Center since 2015 and serves as the Practice Manager. She plays an integral role in helping to manage the day-to-day operations of our agency, including phone calls, scheduling, billing, and more. Summer holds an Associate of Science in Medical Billing and Coding (ASMBC) from Indiana Business College.
Chelsea Sturgill, CAPRC II, ICPR, NCPRSS
Executive Assistant
- Ms. Chelsea Sturgill serves as an Executive Assistant to MHAI’s Chief Operations Officer, Stephanie Anderson, and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Eric L. Davis. She is a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach, Internationally Certified in Peer Recovery, and a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. A person in long-term recovery, Chelsea uses her experience, strength, and hope to assist our clients with peer support and access to a vast array of community resources, recovery support, and services.
Barbara Cook, BA
Intake Coordinator and Client Relations
- Barbara Cook is part of the administrative team at Emberwood Center. She serves as the first point of contact for Emberwood Center and coordinates our clients’ intakes. She provides customer service working closely with the director, therapists, and clients providing assistance in many different areas within the agency. Barbara holds a BA in English from IUPUI and has over 20 years of customer service experience. She has a passion for working with individuals suffering from the disease of addiction and making a difference. Barbara joined the Emberwood Center team in 2021.
Leslie Bell
Data Entry and Quality Assurance Specialist
- Leslie Bell is the Data Entry and Quality Assurance Specialist at Emberwood Center. Leslie has an eye for detail and takes pride in being thorough in her work. She enters data regarding our services into specific data bases and audits our chart files for accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance with all our accreditation bodies and contracts. Leslie’s previous work experience ranges from Corporate Law and Corrections to a variety of non-profit agencies. She has recently retired from Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana which she enjoyed thoroughly as she has a heart for helping those in need.