Our Staff
At Etowah Recovery Center, our dedicated team of multidisciplinary professionals provides compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals seeking addiction treatment and long-term recovery in North Atlanta and surrounding communities. Our staff utilizes a trauma-informed, holistic approach to substance use and mental health treatment, recognizing that recovery looks different for every person and that there are multiple proven pathways to healing.
What sets Etowah Recovery Center apart is the depth of our team’s clinical expertise, ongoing education, and lived experience in recovery. Each staff member is committed to meeting clients where they are and empowering them with the tools, support, and accountability needed for sustainable change. Our culture is built on compassion, integrity, and a shared mission to help individuals and families reclaim their lives. Learn more about the professionals who make recovery possible at Etowah Recovery Center below.
Dr. Bryon McQuirt
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. McQuirt graduated from The University of Toledo (Ohio) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sciences. After graduating medical school in 2009, soon after he completed an internship and general psychiatry residency program at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. Following my training in New Orleans, he attended a one-year fellowship at Emory University in Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. McQuirt is a board certified adult and forensic psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of depression, mood disorders, and chemical dependency. By combining evidence-based practices and the client’s individual needs, his approach is to strive to optimize treatment goals and overall stability.
Shawn Witt LPC
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
As a trauma survivor herself, Shawn had the vision no person should ever feel alone in their recovery. This vision prompted her to embark on her therapeutic journey, obtaining her Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certificate and a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s in the psychoanalytic discipline from Northwestern University. Later, she became an LPC, with certifications in addiction (CAADC), trauma (CCTP-II), and personality disorders (C-PD), with a subspecialty in mass shooting survivors, first responders, and combat veterans. Shawn is also trained in Level Two EMDR techniques and utilizes this in her private practice. In 2015, she served on the Board of Advisors for The Ranch Recovery Center in Tennessee, specializing in trauma and addiction recovery, further cementing her passion for the cause.
Shawn often lectures throughout Georgia on trauma and recovery, introducing others to her innovative approach to trauma therapy with a unique connection to community. These experiences motivated her to establish TraumAnon, a peer-led, 12-step trauma support group. Founded in 2019, TraumAnon now has an over 9,000-member community spanning across the U.S. and multiple other countries. Shawn publishes a podcast, Trauma Talks with Shawn Witt, focused on trauma and addiction which can be found on Spotify..
Additionally, Shawn has been quoted in ` and is currently used as a source for Politico, regarding trauma and its effects on survivors. She has been a guest speaker at the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Conference and hosts certifications and training for CPSs throughout Georgia.
Shawn spends time between her home in Savannah and Atlanta with her husband, four children, and her mastiff, Ellie Mae. She coaches cheerleading for CHAA, a local Christian homeschool association, and is active in her church and community.
Patrick Ittleman
PRIMARY THERAPIST
Patrick Ittleman is a key member of the clinical team as a primary therapist. Starting as a case manager in late 2023, Patrick has been with the team from the beginning.
Patrick graduated from Touro University Worldwide with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This accomplishment included preliminary internship experience working in a substance abuse treatment center, where he ran groups, served as a secondary therapist for numerous clients, received supervision, and conducted clinical intakes. Since moving to the role of primary therapist at Etowah Recovery Center he has grown to carrying an independent caseload and helping to develop evidence based curriculum along side the clinical team. Some of his core values include vulnerability and authenticity, which ties into his passion for the arts.
Lura Snyder
PRIMARY THERAPIST
Lura is a Master’s-level Addiction Counseling professional with extensive experience in treating substance use disorders across diverse settings, including Family Treatment Court, Drug Court, and both inpatient and outpatient facilities. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and build fulfilling, sober lives free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Grounded in a person-centered approach, Lura’s work emphasizes addressing the underlying trauma and contributing factors that drive addiction. As a mother, wife, and in recovery herself, she brings a diverse and empathetic perspective to treatment, creating individualized plans that meet the unique needs of each client.
Lura is currently awaiting full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia and is dedicated to increasing awareness of substance use disorders and the importance of effective, compassionate treatment. She remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their strengths, develop resilience, and embrace lasting change.
Addie Weatherford
Program Manager
Addie is the Program Manager at Etowah Recovery Center in Atlanta, GA, bringing years of experience in addiction treatment and medical detox services. Starting as a behavioral health technician, she developed a deep understanding of client needs and recovery challenges. Today, she leads one of Atlanta’s most trusted drug treatment programs, ensuring every client receives personalized, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment. Addie’s compassionate leadership promotes clinical excellence, client satisfaction, and long-term recovery success. Her passion for helping individuals overcome addiction drives Etowah Recovery Center’s mission in guide people toward lasting sobriety and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Lydia Lenzen
Program Manager
As a Program Manager at Etowah Recovery Center, Lydia Lenzen is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges. Her role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, all aimed at ensuring that each client receives the comprehensive care and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Lydia oversees admissions, verifies insurance information, and assist clients in obtaining critical community services such as Food Stamps, short-term and long-term disability, and FMLA benefits. Additionally, Lydia serves as a liaison between clients and legal personnel, facilitating communication regarding court matters, probation, and hearings to ensure they have the advocacy and support they need during treatment.
As a person in long-term recovery, Lydia has a personal understanding of the challenges and triumphs of this journey. Lydia is actively integrated in the 12-step community volunteering in leadership roles across multiple service positions, reinforcing her commitment to service and the power of peer support. By fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, she champions each individual’s goals, reminding them of their progress and potential.
Holding a degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University, Lydia brings a global perspective and deep empathy to her work. Her background enables her to appreciate the diverse experiences of our clients and advocate for equality, understanding, and compassionate care. With years of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment across multiple roles and facilities,
Lydia has developed a multifaceted approach to helping clients break down barriers and build sustainable, healthy futures.
At Etowah Recovery Recovery Center, Lydia is committed to ensuring that every client receives the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed in their recovery journey.
Spencer Gregory
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Spencer has spent several years in the substance use and mental health field and has built a reputation for showing up with both heart and purpose. He’s a dedicated Recovery and Mental Health Advocate and currently serves as the Director of Business Development at Etowah Recovery in Atlanta, Georgia.
He’s passionate about connecting individuals and families with meaningful treatment options and takes real pride in pairing his strategic growth experience with a people-first approach. Compassion drives every decision he makes, and he works hard to make sure each person feels understood, supported, and guided toward care that fits their needs.
Zach Kozel
ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
Zach a dedicated professional in long-term recovery with over three years of sobriety, bringing lived experience and professional expertise to the behavioral health and addiction recovery field. His career began as a Behavioral Health Housing Technician in a PHP/IOP program, where he developed a strong foundation in client support, program operations, and recovery-focused care.
He was recently hired at Etowah Recovery Center as a Case Manager and has since been transitioning into the role of Admissions Coordinator. This progression has allowed him to expand his skill set from direct client care and case management to program admissions, bridging operations with client engagement to ensure individuals receive the appropriate level of care.
Zach is passionate about giving back to the recovery community. He strives to use his personal and professional journey to support others in achieving lasting change. Outside of work, he enjoys riding motorcycles and playing music, both of which provide balance, creativity, and connection in his life.
Andy Drexler
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN
Trinity Pruitt
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN
Ashley Zimmerman
COMPLIANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES
Ashley specializes in building strong organizations, overseeing licensing and regulatory standards, and creating systems that support safe, ethical, client-focused care. She currently leads compliance for multiple facilities in the greater Atlanta area. She is responsible for managing policy development, accreditation readiness, staff training oversight, and the day-to-day structure that keeps a facility running smoothly and responsibly.
With years of operational experience, staff development, and extensive licensing and accreditation work, Ashley has successfully navigated Joint Commission surveys, DEA compliance, pharmaceutical standards, and state-level licensing processes. Her most recent work in the clinical laboratory space strengthened her understanding of how critical accurate, timely testing and clean documentation are both to client safety and regulatory expectations. Her work consistently supports stronger teams, safer environments, and cleaner operational processes.
Casey Armiger
FOUNDER
Casey Armiger’s journey from studying political science to becoming a dedicated advocate for substance use treatment is marked by his passion for creating positive change. After his time in political science, Casey’s realization that his true passion lay in entrepreneurship led him to venture into business ownership. Over the course of a few years, he honed his skills and gained valuable experience by establishing and running his own companies.
With genuine empathy and an unwavering commitment to helping others, Casey transitioned into the field of substance use and mental health treatment. He initiated a new venture in Etowah Recovery Center, with a primary focus on providing comprehensive and accessible treatment options for individuals facing substance use disorders. As one of the founders of Etowah Recovery Center, Casey Armiger is a driving force behind the center’s mission to transform lives and communities through effective and compassionate treatment.
Why Choose Etowah Recovery Center?
At Etowah Recovery Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive addiction treatment services in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on meeting you where you are in your recovery journey. Whether you are overcoming substance abuse, addressing mental health issues, or seeking guidance in long-term sobriety, we are here to support you every step of the way.
We use evidence-based practices in all of our programs and have a team of compassionate professionals ready to guide you through every phase of recovery. With a holistic approach to treatment, we help you build the skills necessary to live a fulfilling, sober life.
