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.

For more than 30 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.

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.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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’ Executive Director, Scott’s mandate is to establish a network of resources for Algamus clients. 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.

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Billy Bilbray, MS LISAC

Billy earned his undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego in Business Administration and his Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Billy is a Somatic Experiencing trauma therapist. Billy uses an eclectic blend of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Strength-Based, Solution-Focused approaches to help clients make positive changes in their lives.

Billy promotes “Living in Integrity” to help clients build self-esteem and alleviate shame and guilt. Billy encourages clients to achieve and maintain a proper recovery balance consisting of self-care (exercise, good nutrition, sleep, etc.), family, spirituality, 12 step program, career development, and the all-important fun and play. Billy also encourages clients to view music as a valuable recovery tool. Everybody has a song or band that lifts their spirits no matter how down they may be. Music also has the power to alleviate anxiety and fear.

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.

PROGRAM MANAGER
Ryan Pienovi

Ryan began his recovery at Algamus in North Palm Beach, Florida in 2006 and became a resident manager there late in 2007. In 2008, he relocated and became the lead resident/operations manager for Algamus Gambling Treatment Services in Prescott, Arizona.

Ryan is in the process of becoming a certified gambling counsellor, and as program manager coordinates a variety of activities for residential clients. He also functions as a group facilitator and peer counsellor.

Algamus Gambling Treatment Staff