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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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CO-FOUNDER & 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
CO-FOUNDER & COO | ICGC-I
Joel W. Elston, CHt, MLC
Joel W. Elston is a Master Life Coach and accomplished author. He began his career as a client at Algamus and thereafter became Director and co-owner of Algamus of South Carolina. He later served as the Director of operations for Williamsville Wellness and as COO at Master Center for Addiction Medicine.
Joel is a certified Hypnotherapist, Brain Health Coach, Health Coach, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner. He also holds advanced certifications in Emotional Freedom Technique and Positive Psychology and has received certification in Nutrition, Health, and Lifestyle from Vanderbilt University, and in Nutrition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from the University of California. He has a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Science from The Institute of Metaphysical Humanistic Science.
Joel is actively involved in researching the use of psilocybin for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction, and he advocates for the clinical use of this substance. He is also a vocal advocate for difficult-to-place children in foster care. Joel enjoys powerlifting, hiking, movies, and spending time at the beach.
Joel is the author of the book "The Bench", a detailed description of his Algamus journey and is publishing "The Law of Action," set to be released soon. He also co-hosts the podcast "LOA Today," which explores the topic of the Law of Attraction.
CLINICAL DIRECTOR | LPC
Donna Jordan, MA
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.
TRAUMA THERAPIST
Billy Bilbray, MS LISAC
Billy joined the Algamus staff in 2021 and 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 Trauma Therapist with certification and deep experience in Somatic Release therapy. 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.
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.
ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR
Anthony Williams
Anthony Williams is an Arizona native and dedicated professional in the field of addiction treatment, bringing his compassionate curiosity and mindfulness practices to help individuals on their path to recovery. With over six years of experience working with individuals with diverse backgrounds, Anthony has made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Since 2017, Anthony has been unwavering in his commitment to providing support and guidance to those struggling with addiction. His approach is grounded in the belief that a life lived authentically is a life well lived. Anthony finds purpose in helping individuals rediscover their passions and who they were meant to be.
Anthony is dedicated to creating, maintaining, and improving operational systems that maximize the use of a client's time in care. Integrity and efficiency are deeply engrained in his management style of both staff and clients. He believes that when you walk your talk, others are inspired to do the same.
DIRECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jack Van Kooten
Jack Van Kooten began working in gambling addiction treatment in 2010 and has been with Algamus since 2021. With experience in operations, admissions, business development, and management, Jack understands all facets of the treatment experience. Whether it is an initial phone call, a mid-treatment workout, or a post-graduation ride to the airport, Jack plays a vital role in ensuring that Algamus clients receive the inspiration and care that they need.
Jack is also in recovery and is able to utilize many years of experience to connect with clients. Jack holds a degree in chemical dependency, has peer support certification, and is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) personal trainer. His passion in life is helping individuals transcend addiction. “I strive to create the conditions that allow individuals to become connected to the whole. Through this process, I am able to find my flow, my spiritual connection, and my purpose for living.”
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 Arizona.
Ryan is in the process of becoming a certified gambling counselor, and as program manager coordinates a variety of activities for residential clients. He also functions as a group facilitator and peer counselor.
YOGA INSTRUCTOR & BREATHWORK FACILITATOR
Nicole Warren
Nicole Warren has been practicing yoga for 16 years. She was born in California and comes from a military family. She studied art history and early childhood education in Santa Barbara, CA. She is 500 YTT certified and teaches Bikram yoga, Pilates, HIIT, Barre, meditation, breathwork, power & vinyasa yoga, restorative yoga, and sound vibrational therapy through drumming.
She left her career in the corporate industry to follow her passion to teach full-time in February 2020. She has dedicated her teaching career to helping serve others, donating her time to give back to multiple communities. She teaches at The Foundry Yoga and started teaching yoga & meditation to the airmen at Luke AFB in 2020. She continues to bring movement and mindset to many. She leads weekly yoga sessions with young baseball players in California looking to take their game to the next level. She helped launch the wellness program at Wigwam Resort and teaches both a weekly class and teaches for groups and conference attendees at the resort. She recently became the newest yoga ambassador for Lululemon and will be bringing more movement to more communities. She has taught at local and international yoga retreats and will lead her first yoga retreat in Bali in August 2023.
Her philanthropy extends to different communities around her and she believes in helping others through breath & connecting the mind and body.
She is an incredibly proud and grateful mom of 2 sons.
She left her career in the corporate industry to follow her passion to teach full-time in February 2020. She has dedicated her teaching career to helping serve others, donating her time to give back to multiple communities. She teaches at The Foundry Yoga and started teaching yoga & meditation to the airmen at Luke AFB in 2020. She continues to bring movement and mindset to many. She leads weekly yoga sessions with young baseball players in California looking to take their game to the next level. She helped launch the wellness program at Wigwam Resort and teaches both a weekly class and teaches for groups and conference attendees at the resort. She recently became the newest yoga ambassador for Lululemon and will be bringing more movement to more communities. She has taught at local and international yoga retreats and will lead her first yoga retreat in Bali in August 2023.
Her philanthropy extends to different communities around her and she believes in helping others through breath & connecting the mind and body.
She is an incredibly proud and grateful mom of 2 sons.
