Gambling Addiction Rehab Staff

FOUNDER | ICGC-II, CPGC

Rick Benson

Rick founded Algamus Recovery Centers in 1992 and has directed gambling specific, Algamus residential facilities in Florida, South Carolina, Quebec, and Arizona.

A Cornell University graduate, Rick is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-II) and a Canadian Problem Gambling Counselor (CPGC). Algamus and Rick were featured on the very first episode of Intervention on the A&E channel.

He currently serves as a clinical supervisor for the Canadian Problem Gambling Counselor Certification Board and as an International Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board member. He has been an advisory board member of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, and a founding executive board member of both the North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling and the South Carolina Council on Compulsive gambling.

For more than 25 years he has been both a student and a facilitator in Bonding Psychotherapy, Holiotropic Breathwork, Primal Therapy, and the Enneagram. He is presently a member of both the Arizona Enneagram Association and the International Enneagram Association and was deeply involved in the Enneagram Prison Project. He is an executive board member of the International Primal Association.

Rick now provides a variety of consulting services including admissions and network/marketing to Algamus. Contact Rick at 888-527-2213.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Bryan Hullihen

For over 14 years, Bryan Hullihen has been a noteworthy leader in the addiction treatment space. Bryan is the author of “Destructing Self," founder and CEO of High Standards Recovery, Program Director of Algamus Gambling Treatment Services since 2010, and Co-founder and Director of Outreach for Paramount Recovery Center which is the home of the Algamus Gambling Treatment program.

Bryan holds an applied science degree in chemical dependency, a level one and level two certificate in substance use disorders, and a national certification for peer support.

Bryan specializes in creating and managing teams of professionals to deliver unparalleled treatment outcomes for those who suffer from gambling disorder.

CEO | ICGC-II

Jody Pegram

Jody is an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-II) and, in 2007, he co-founded the Algamus Recovery Center of Arizona after serving as the program director of Algamus of North Palm Beach, Florida. Jody entered into the addiction recovery field in the late nineties. Beginning in Palm Beach, FL, he was integral in the development of C.A.R.E. in southern Florida and was appointed associate director/founder in 1999.

His insight and creative ability have also earned him positions in a broad range of capacities in the Behavioral Health field: Consultant/Therapist, Director, Executive Director of Addiction Management, and responsibilities for developing and instituting extended care planning at notable addiction treatment centers around the country.

PSYCHIATRIST

Dr. Terry Vaughan, M.D.

Dr. Terry Vaughan was most recently the Medical Director of West Yavapai Guidance Clinic and has practiced in Prescott for 11 years. She was one of 41 Psychiatrists nationally awarded the 2009 “Exemplary Psychiatrist” award by NAMI (the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill).

She works with patients suffering from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance dependence, developmental disabilities and psychotic disorders. She is board certified in Psychiatry and works with adults and adolescents 13 and up. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association.

AFTERCARE COORDINATOR | COUNSELOR

Scott Melissa

Scott holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts. Prior to joining Algamus, he was an expert trainer in MA with the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling where he focused on problem gambling in the criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse communities. In this capacity as Director of Outreach and Training, Scott’s primary goals were to develop, enhance, and support partnerships with stakeholders in the problem gambling field.

Scott was also part of the leadership committee which managed the operation of the state-wide helpline as well as coordination of supportive referrals and resources. Scott’s dedication has led to the capacity building that has enabled more clinicians throughout the state to identify, screen, assess and treat disordered gambling.

As Algamus’ Aftercare Coordinator, Scott’s mandate is to establish a network of aftercare resources for clients graduating from our program. He brings positive energy and is held in the highest regard by those who have encountered him in the problem gambling community. The MA Council on Compulsive Gambling has a long tradition of being proactive, innovative and is a leader in the area of problem gambling support, advocacy and education. Part of their success is attributable to Scott’s hard work and dedication. He is warm-hearted, caring and empathic.

FAMILY LIAISON | CASE MANAGER

Peter Nolan

Peter joined the Algamus team in October of 2021. He serves as a case manager/family liaison while facilitating psycho-education groups focusing on recovery and conflict resolution. As a constructive thinker, he values a practical and sustainable approach to recovery.

Peter began working in the addiction field in 2018. Before joining the Algamus team, he held various roles within addiction treatment facilities with core responsibilities being program development and client advocacy. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies.

CLINICAL DIRECTOR | LPC

Donna Jordan

Donna is an independently Licensed Professional Counselor for the state of Arizona. Donna received her Masters of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from New Mexico State University before relocating to Arizona.

Donna has been working in the field of general mental health and substance use counseling since her 2015 in a mix of outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities and detox facilities in the Phoenix area before advancing her career to administration and supervision in 2021.

Donna joined the Algamus team as clinical director in November of 2021 and is working to establish a client-centered and evidenced-based approach to recovery for individuals in the Algamus program. Donna specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with an emphasis on Rogerian/Existential approach and client-driven goals. Donna also specializes in anxiety and depression, PTSD, mood and personality disorders through a trauma-informed approach. Donna provides administrative supervision to the behavior health technicians and counselors throughout the treatment process for clients at Algamus.

Algamus Gambling Treatment Staff