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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).
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,
Rick now provides a variety of consulting services including admissions and network/marketing to Algamus. Contact Rick at 888-527-2213.
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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
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & ADMISSIONS 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
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.
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PRIMARY THERAPIST | ICGC-I
Victoria Stallings
Victoria is the Primary Therapist and Case Manager at Algamus. She facilitates individual sessions and group therapy on psycho-education with a focus on recovery and family systems.
For three years prior to joining the Algamus team, she managed the Neuro-Feedback Center and was a group leader at A Sober Way Home. She earned her Bachelor's degree in psychology and is presently completing her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
OPERATIONS 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.
GAMBLING THERAPIST | MSW
Brian Paneth
Brian has been a therapist intern at Algamus for the past year. He facilitates group therapy on the dangers of gambling. He also uses CBT to help clients change their thought patterns. For ten years prior to joining the Algamus team, he ran a nursing home as a Licenced Nursing Home Administrator. Brian earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology and completed his Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California.
