OUR EXPERIENCED CLINICIANS AND TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS ARE HERE FOR YOU, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Cory Cooper

Dr. Matthew Sommons

Lori Dumont, CPA

Lauren Nolan

Dana Kaufman

Manny Rivera, MA, LPC, NCC

Patrick Spearing

Dana Heileman

Chief Executive Officer
Cory Cooper
Cory has worked in the Behavioral Health field for over 15 years. He has a BA in Psychology from Temple University and an MBA from La Salle University. His passion for helping underserved communities began while working at an adolescent treatment facility in Bucks County, Pa. Since entering the Human Services field, Cory has worked with a variety of populations with diagnoses that range from Autism, IDD, Mental Health and Substance Use. His care philosophy revolves around not only understanding and empowering the individual, but embracing and aligning their stakeholders. His leadership focus is to build meaningful relationships and encourage mission-centered action. He started at Steps to Recovery in 2013 as the Director of Operations, opening one of the first true Extended Care providers in the Northeast Region. As the COO, Cory helped to form Civiq Health after a merge with Silver Pines Treatment Center in 2019. Outside of work, Cory spends most of his time with his wife, three young children, and dog (dinky).

Medical Director
Dr. Matthew Sommons
Dr. Matthew Sommons attended college locally in Allentown, PA at Muhlenberg College. Upon graduation, Dr. Sommons received a Navy scholarship to attend medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed his Psychiatry Residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. In his career as a Navy and civilian Psychiatrist, Dr. Sommons has worked in various capacities including inpatient psychiatry, adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, acute detox and geriatric psychiatry. As a private practice Psychiatrist, Dr. Sommons specialized in medication management of adult psychiatric conditions, addiction psychiatry and psychotherapy. His practice philosophy and approach varies between Rational Emotive Therapy and Insight Oriented Therapy depending on patient preference. In addiction treatment, Dr. Matthew Sommons relies heavily on the Motivational Interviewing philosophy to guide interventions as he believes this technique best honors individual responsibility, autonomy and choice, which are crucial in the recovery process.

Chief Financial Officer
Lori Dumont, CPA
Lori has worked in the accounting field for over 15 years. She is responsible for maintaining and analyzing the financial records, budgeting, establishing and implementing accounting policies & procedures, and payroll and benefit administration. Prior to joining STR, Lori worked in public accounting in the areas of corporate and individual taxation, financial statement preparation & analysis, and auditing. She also served as the Controller for a major manufacturing company.
Lori earned her Master’s in Taxation and Bachelor’s in Accounting degrees from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Director of Quality Assurance
Lauren Nolan
As Director of Quality Assurance, Lauren oversees the quality and efficacy of all of STR’s services, constantly striving to improve client care. Lauren is also our acting safety and infection control officer, ensuring that Steps to Recovery is a safe place for our clients to recover in. Lauren’s strong work ethic, attention to detail, and personal experience in recovery have made her a valuable asset to the team.

Executive Director | Lehigh Valley
Dana Kaufman
Dana has worked in the field of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment since obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University in 2011. In 2021 she received a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from The University of Scranton. She has been with Steps to Recovery since 2014, and since then has worked on various projects including our LGBTQIA+ and Health Care Equality Index initiatives, STR’s participation in Pennsylvania’s Adopt-A-Highway Program, service on the Culture Committee and many others. Dana managed our outpatient services and housing supports at STR Bucks County for 7+ years before transitioning to Executive Director in Lehigh Valley.
She believes in meeting clients where they are at, while also supporting their recovery and life-skill goals by adapting the program and approach to best fit the needs of the clients. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her daughter, 2 dogs, 2 cats, gardening and spending time outside.

Executive Director | Bucks County
Manny Rivera, MA, LPC, NCC
Manny is the Executive Director of Steps to Recovery in Bucks County and has over 10 years of experience in the treatment of Substance Abuse and Co-occuring disorders. Manny graduated from Rutgers University in 2008 with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and in 2011 completed his Graduate degree from La Salle University with a Masters in Clinical/ Counseling Psychology. Throughout his educational experience, Manny had worked in various clinical settings providing treatment to adolescent populations struggling with various Social Skills Deficits ranging from Autistic Spectrum Disorder to Conduct Disorder. In addition to this, over the last 10+ years, Manny has been providing treatment to those struggling with SUD and other related disorders. In terms of approach, both as a director and clinician, Manny implements a strategy in understanding the capacity for human relationships as being both rewarding and challenging. Early on in his education, his Professor said, “You cannot hope to know yourself (or anyone else) without understanding how the love-loss dynamic plays out in your life.” This has been a template for his experience of the work in developing relationships with people in order to invoke growth through social situations; while incorporating an understanding of one’s own issues of transference and counter-transference that often gets lost in most relationships where growth can occur.

Director of Operations | Bucks County
Patrick Spearing
Pat Spearing is the Director of Operations for Steps to Recovery in Bucks County. Previously Pat was the Phase 1 Program Manager, Pat helps create StR’s program structure both at the clinical office, and outside of normal business hours at housing. He does this by supervising the Care Coordinators, Housing Supports, Family Programming, and our client’s community integration. Pat also orients new clients to the program, addresses their individual concerns, ensures community engagement, and integrates their experience from daytime to night time programming. He has worked in every direct support role there is at StR. Pat uses that experience to teach others by leading through example and relating to both clients and staff. He is currently enrolled at Delaware Valley University, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. His years of experience, combined with a natural passion to understand and help people heal, makes him an ideal leader.

Program Manager
Dana Heileman
Dana has been with Steps to Recovery for over 7 years and has been promoted to Program Manager in Bucks County. Before becoming the program manager she was the Lead Certified Community Recovery Specialist for the STRide program. She enjoys connecting our clients with community and recovery resources, while encouraging them to become self-sufficient and confident in their recovery journey. Dana is also an advocate and ally for the LGBTQIA+ community and is passionate about the Harm Reduction approach to recovery. Dana has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Services and is currently working on her Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Chestnut Hill College. In her free time, Dana enjoys spending as much time as possible with her children, friends and family.

Dr. Newman, MD

Derrick Boyd

Erin Carey, MS

Megan Toroni, LPC

Marianna “Mace” Cooper-Drew, MA, LPC

Joe Beck, CADC

Pete Demeester, MS

Michelle Quinones

Jennifer Bell

Matt Leonard

Psychiatrist
Dr. Newman, MD
Dr. Newman is a graduate of Temple University Medical School. She did her residency in psychiatry at Hahnemann University. Her undergraduate training was at The University of Rochester where she obtained a B.A. in Music. Following this, she spent some time in New York City working in the musical theatre.
Her areas of concentration in psychiatry have included substance use disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and other process addictive disorders. She has worked in long-term recovery programs, including mother-child programs substance use recovery treatment programs in Philadelphia, and was in private practice previously.
Dr. Newman believes that evidence-based, relational, and holistic approaches are the guide to optimizing care. She seeks out team-based treatment settings and continues to be enthusiastic about working with individuals on their journey and the advances in our field.

Physicians Assistant
Derrick Boyd

Lead Clinician
Erin Carey, MS
Erin is a Clinician at Steps to Recovery, focusing primarily in StR’s Phase II Outpatient Program. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Desales University and received her Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, specializing in Addiction Treatment at Chestnut Hill College. Erin has worked in the field since 2008 at various levels of care and specializes in treating the high-risk/chronic relapse population as well as young adults. Erin believes in both an eclectic and holistic approach to treatment; treating the individual as a whole. Erin strives to individualize treatment, instill hope and utilizes CBT, motivational interviewing and strength-based modalities within the treatment process. Erin is compassionate and her passion for the field fuels her work.

Clinician
Megan Toroni, LPC
Meg began her career in the Drug & Alcohol field in 2011 after graduating with a BA in
psychology from Shippensburg University. She has worked a variety of different positions at a residential rehab and detox center until 2015 when she received my master’s from La Salle in Professional Clinical Counseling. After nearly 10 years in the D&A field, Meg decided to transition to family-based services working with high-risk adolescents. She was able to enhance her family therapy skills. She found that it was not the right fit for her because she missed the dynamics of the D&A field. She was able to use what she learned to apply it to her current work at STR.
Meg thinks family/marriage counseling is a crucial asset in strengthening sobriety since
relationships most often are strained. Working with the individual and their support system
is a large component of Adlerian Therapy. This is the therapeutic style she tends to practice in session because there is great focus on perception, trauma, family roles, and goal directed behavior. She believes ultimately the goal is to re-establish a new healthy sense of self through recovery. Early recovery is difficult but how STR designs our program to coordinate with housing and accommodate individual needs is unique. She believes it provides stability and safety with genuine staff that care.
Meg is very proud to be a member of this clinical team. So other than feeling passionate
about the power of recovery, Meg is devoted to her family – a husband and three ginger
babies. Meg’s major interests are live music, scary movies, gardening, Egyptian culture, and Sixers basketball. During the winter, you will find her refereeing youth basketball.

Family Program Clinician
Marianna “Mace” Cooper-Drew, MA, LPC
Mace is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty years experience in community treatment services. She has a passion for helping people and is committed to individuals and families impacted by trauma, loss, substance abuse, and neglect. As Vice President of Behavioral Health Services for one the largest providers in Southeastern PA. she has the opportunity to provide consultation and supervision to therapists, clinical administrators, and interns. Mace also maintains a private practice in Bucks County working with individuals and couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy. A certified anger management specialist, she is also trained in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; ESFT (Eco-Systemic Family Therapy); the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, Competency) Model. Mace’s work at StR includes developing and leading our Family Program, Anger Management Curriculum, and Trauma informed Resiliency groups. Always passionate about ensuring quality clinical care, promoting self-motivation, and learning, she is left believing that “sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” (Brene Brown).

Clinician
Joe Beck, CADC
Joe Beck is a Clinician at Steps to Recovery who has worked in the field of Substance Abuse Treatment since 2014. Joe is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) in Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services from Penn State. He is also a 200-Hour Registered Yoga and Meditation Teacher. Currently, Joe is pursuing his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. Fueled by his passion for recovery and wellness, Joe believes in treating the individual through a holistic approach. He strongly believes that his ability to help others comes directly from his own personal work. Utilizing a blend of modalities such as Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy, Joe believes that all beings have the capacity to heal and recover. In his personal life, he is a devoted partner and father who has a passion for life, movement, and spirituality.

Clinician
Pete Demeester, MS
Pete Demeester is a Master’s level Clinician who has over twenty five years of experience in the mental health and drug and alcohol field. Throughout the years, Pete has worked at a variety of providers and therefore has a strong Clinical background and supervisory experience. Pete has extensive experience in Individual and group counseling, trauma and addictions counseling, Treatment planning, discharge planning and case management. He’s also been trained in crisis prevention (CPI) and management of aggression using the Mandt System. As a clinician, Pete focuses on developing and enhancing skills for clients that include budgeting, after-care planning, goal setting and relapse prevention.

Clinician
Michelle Quinones
Michelle is a Clinician at Steps to Recovery, focusing primarily in the STRIDE/MH program. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Widener University and received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College. Michelle has over eight years of experience in the field, providing treatment in various levels of care with a number of different populations. Michelle utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral practices (CBT), specifically focusing on the Socratic Method, as her main goal is to provide awareness and security for one’s core values, principles, and beliefs. Michelle strives to ensure that each client’s care is individualized and meaningful to one’s own needs and grasps strongly on not just what is being communicated, but also what is not being communicated through nonverbal cues. Michelle’s passion to help others continues to be the driving force in her work daily, which has allowed the opportunity for opening trust and communication and ultimately witnessing great successes.

Care Manager
Jennifer Bell
Jennifer Bell is our Care Manager here at Steps to Recovery. Jennifer attended Delaware Valley University where she received for B.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2019 and is working toward her Master’s in social work at Rutgers University. Jennifer’s personal experience with recovery and passion for helping others has been her motivation for working in the treatment as well as continuing her education. As Care Manger, Jennifer orients clients to the program, faculty, and facilities while introducing the treatment schedule. Jennifer is the point of contact for clients in need of navigating legal issues and leave claims so that they can focus on their recovery. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and finding bingeworthy T.V. series to watch.

Alumni Coordinator
Matt Leonard
Matt Leonard is the Alumni Coordinator at Steps to Recovery. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with Majors in Marketing and Supply Chain Management and a Minor in Economics. Matt’s background in the healthcare field includes working on National Institutes of Health grant funded research. Matt’s role at STR includes client engagement in all levels of care (both current and alumni) to ensure their needs are being met to best support their personal recovery. He organizes events for the community and engages in our Family Programming to bridge the gap between clients and their loved ones. Matt offers a unique perspective to clients and the organization as an alumni of the STR program himself. In his personal life, Matt loves to lift weights and is a certified personal trainer. He also enjoys playing saxophone and piano, self-development, and learning.

Jessica Hoffman MSPAS, PA-C

Chalain Hart

Zaria Raymond

Leah Crouthamel

Physician Assistant
Jessica Hoffman MSPAS, PA-C
Jessica is a physician assistant who has worked in various fields of medicine. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies at Arcadia University. After years of clinical practice, she took some time away as a stay-at-home mother to take care of her three children, including being an advocate for her son who is on the autism spectrum. Returning to clinical practice after navigating the healthcare system for a child with special needs helped Jessica gain a perspective and approach to patient care which is unique. Her focus on compassionate care fits well with Step to Recovery’s client-centered approach. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, reading, and listening to her vinyl album collection.

Clinician
Chalain Hart
As someone who has been employed in the profession since 2017, Chalain is
knowledgeable in both the domains of mental health and substance use. Chalain graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science from Central Penn College and is presently pursuing her master’s degree at Rosemont College in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Chalain believes that everyone should have access to a supportive environment where they may work through their personal challenges. Chalain likes to read, listen to live music, go on hikes with her dog Max, and spend time with her family, especially her three nephews.

Clinician
Zaria Raymond
Zaria works as a Clinician in the Outpatient program at Steps to Recovery. Throughout her college career, she has devoted time to studying the effects of racial microaggressions in a college environment. She has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and has provided counseling to children and adolescents who have been given a variety of mental health diagnoses. She is interested in looking at family systems to understand each person as a whole and focuses mainly on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Zaria is passionate about helping each person develop their autonomy and confidence so they can successfully navigate the challenges of life. She has experience working with people at different levels of care in the SUD field and is passionate about creating an environment that fosters growth and development. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, parasailing and activities rooted in self-growth and development.

Office Manager
Leah Crouthamel
Leah has held a variety of positions ranging from healthcare, mental health, and finance. Leah graduated from Cedar Crest College in 2015 after 10 years of night school. She has worked as a counselor at Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley as well as a Mental Health / Intensive Case Manager across Lehigh County. She is also an interfaith ordained minister. She believes that equality means “everyone, all the time” and there is always a solution, for every problem. Leah knows first-hand that doing things differently and making changes in ourselves is possibly the hardest thing a human can do. In her free time Leah makes soap, lotions, and lip balms, researches her health and organic living, digs up the garden on weekends, raises bunny rabbits, and does crafts.