Who We Are
Our Physicians and Co-Owners
Dr. Patel
Dr. Patel is a co-owner of Mayrx who earned his doctorate degree from Kansas City University of Medicine. He is dual board certified in Emergency and Addiction Medicine with over 15 years of clinical experience.
Dr. Halberg
Dr. Halberg is a co-owner of Mayrx. He is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Addiction Medicine with clinical interests in preventative medicine. Dr. Halberg utilizes a harm reduction, and empathic approach to his patients. When he is not working towards reducing the health-related burdens associated with the disease of Addiction, Dr. Halberg is spending quality time with his family. Any free time outside of that, he is enjoying the hiking trails or camping proximal to Asheville, playing tennis or reading.
Our Team
Lara Yahav, MBA
Director of Operations
Dynamic and accomplished healthcare leader with a proven record of managing healthcare operations and optimizing service delivery across diverse medical settings. Currently serving as Director of Operations, with a strong commitment to patient care and organizational excellence. Skilled at implementing innovative policies and systems that boost operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes. Recognized for exceptional leadership, fostering collaboration, and driving interdisciplinary teamwork. Known for achieving measurable improvements in patient satisfaction, staff performance, and program outcomes. Dedicated to leveraging data-driven insights and technology to strengthen healthcare initiatives, elevate service quality, and align organizational goals with patient-centered care. Passionate about building sustainable, equitable, and high-quality health systems that improve access and outcomes for all.
Jameson Halberg, LCSW
Director of New Clinical Services
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, Jameson Halberg possesses advanced cognitive behavioral training. She specializes in helping adults navigate their relationship with substances be it illicit drugs, or food, and how substance use disorders as well as disordered eating are often intertwined with trauma and mood disorders. Beginning her career in 2012 with a focus on eating disorders through private practice (jamesonhalberg.com), she has become a community advocate and speaker on eating disorder awareness, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma and mood disorders. Her approach empowers clients to navigate their intuitive journeys with their substance use or disordered eating as well as improving any co-existing mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Alexandra Alspaugh, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Allie Alspaugh first witnessed the power and importance of comprehensive behavioral healthcare while attending medical school. She became deeply drawn to the critical emotional support and case management services social workers provided to patients and families to ensure continuity of care. As a result of these experiences, she left medical school and enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Edinboro University.
Since her transition to behavioral health, Allie has worked with diverse patient populations in a myriad of practice settings, including residential treatment, the Department of Veterans Affairs, community mental health, and medical detox and stabilization. In these settings, Allie has embodied a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to her work with all clients.
Allie is dual licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, empowering her to address behavioral health issues, trauma, and co-occurring addiction. Allie utilizes a number of interventions in her therapeutic work, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, SMART Recovery, and Seeking Safety.
When not working in a therapeutic capacity, Allie can be found tromping through the woods with her husband and pupper, foraging for edible and medicinal mushrooms and plants in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Julia Powers, MA, MSN, CNS, FNP-BC
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 40 years experience in Nursing. I began my career working in Emergency Rooms and Critical Care Units. After several years I obtained my Masters degree in Nursing and became a Clinical Research Coordinator, conducting clinical drug trials for 18 years. The research focus was on the development of new psychiatric medications. During those 18 years I obtained an advanced degree in clinical psychology. I then transitioned into Family Medicine, practicing both in the hospital and in a retail health clinic setting.
I became interested in Addiction Medicine several years ago and completed the training to become a Medication Assisted Treatment provider. I joined Mayrx at its inception in 2020 and have been providing MAT services both locally and in several states throughout the United States.
I enjoy the outdoors and living in the mountains of North Carolina has been a perfect choice for my husband and I. We enjoy hiking, weight lifting, antique hunting and long walks with our two Australian Shepherds.
Dale Wicker, DNP, FNP-C
I am a nurse practitioner and have practiced for over 25 years. I have worked in family and internal medicine. I received my doctorate degree in nursing practice from Gardner-Webb University and my family nurse practitioner degree from East Tennessee State University. I love trout fishing and hiking. I have three children who I try to see often. I enjoy helping patients achieve their optimal wellness.
Ashlyn Baggett Saucier, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
My name is Ashlyn Baggett Saucier and I earned a BSN and MSN from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. My background as a registered nurse is in ICU and ER. I have over 5 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner in Emergency medicine, Urgent Care, and Cardiology.
Sonja Davis, APRN, CNP
I’m an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner with 4 years experience in treating substance abuse disorders. I love spending free time with my family that includes my husband of 21 years and my 10 and 16 year old daughters.
Cristena Cook, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CEN
Cristena Cook is a dedicated and experienced healthcare professional based in central Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and young son. With over a decade of hands-on experience in emergency medicine, she began her nursing career after graduating from Baptist Health Schools of Nursing. Her passion for providing comprehensive patient care led her to earn a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University in 2021, followed by the completion of her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in December 2024.
Throughout her career, Cristena has developed expertise in emergency medicine, mental health, and nursing education. She is committed to lifelong learning and advancing the nursing profession through both clinical excellence and educational mentorship. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new places together.
Dr. Thomas Harrell, MD
I have been treating folks with opioid and alcohol addiction for 18 years. Being able to help folks in their recovery is very personally rewarding. My goal is to aid and assist my patients with their struggle to have a normal life.
In all my years no one has ever answered the question as to how they became addicted by saying “I was bored and decided to ruin my life”. Addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives and families. This demon does not care who you are, what you do, your pedigree or personal accomplishments. It is relentless and uncaring. Some patients view their doctors as heroes, but we are not. They are. We are hopefully excellent guides to help them stay on the right path.
Adrienne Shambray, CRNP
I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Troy University in 2013 and subsequently my Master of Science in Nursing at Troy in 2017. I went on to receive my Doctor of Nursing Practice from Jacksonville State University in 2021. I am board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons in my free time as well as traveling and reading.
Leah Tapp, FNP-C
I attended Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah where I obtained my Masters degree in Nursing and completed a community education project that was heavily focused towards one of my passions, public health. I have worked at a level 1 trauma center, primarily in the Pediatric/Cardiac ICU, as a registered nurse and a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner for over 9 years. When not working, you can find me spending time with my family, riding bikes, or skiing.
Elysia Stonem, NP
Elysia Stonem is an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner who specializes in addiction medicine. While working in the Medical-Surgical ICU she completed her Master of Science in Nursing degree at Georgetown University in Washington DC. Elysia is a board certified practitioner currently licensed in Washington State, Nevada, and North Carolina. She has a passion for holistic medicine and working with marginalized and neurodivergent populations.
Alicia Eifler, NP
Alicia Eifler earned degrees from VA Tech, Western Carolina University, and East Tennessee State University. Her nursing background includes Emergency Medicine, Forensics, and Sleep Medicine. She is originally from Virginia and moved to Oregon upon completion of nursing school. She relocated to North Carolina in 2008 with her husband, with whom she shares two children, a dog, and two cats. She works primarily in Occupational Medicine and enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, reading, live music, and traveling. She is passionate in connecting with patients and hearing their stories to thoroughly understand how to partner with them in meeting their goals.
Matthew Slawter, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
My name is Matthew Slawter and I earned my BSN from Chamberlain College of Nursing and MSN from South University. My background as a registered nurse is in Cardiothoracic Surgery Critical Care, Electrophysiology Studies, and Emergency Medicine. I have over 6 years experience as a Nurse Practitioner in Chronic Pain Management and Addiction Medicine.
Keeton Bower
I completed my nursing degree in Anchorage, AK. I then completed my Family Nurse Practitioner degree through Regis College in Boston, MA. My background is in high-risk maternity and family medicine where I worked with patients of all ages and those who struggled with addiction. My passion is in both addiction medicine and integrative medicine. Some of my favorite things to do are hiking, traveling, camping, skiing and most importantly spending time with my family.
Amanda Rose
Medical Assistant
Hey, I’m Amanda Rose, a proud graduate with my AAS in Medical Office Administration, honored to receive the dean’s award. Alongside my studies, I delved into the world of Addiction recovery, working with federal probation and the criminal justice system. Combining my passion for helping others with my diverse experiences, I’m eager to make a positive impact wherever life takes me.
Clayton Hutchison, AP
Business Development/Case Management
Clayton brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to his multifaceted role at Mayrx. As a Behavioral Health Technician and Case Manager, he works closely with clients to support their daily routines and ensure they feel safe, empowered, and supported throughout their recovery journey.
In his capacity as Business Development Coordinator, Clayton builds and nurtures relationships with regional facilities to expand access to high-quality services and resources for our clients. His collaborative mindset and dedication help bridge the gap between care coordination and community partnerships.
Clayton is deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. He is committed to creating an environment where every client feels seen, heard, and valued.
Outside of work, Clayton enjoys playing music and performing in a band—a creative outlet that brings him balance and joy.
Brandi Edwards, BSW, QP
Case Manager/Discharge Planner
As an experienced Case Manager and Discharge Coordinator at Mayrx Recovery, I am responsible for helping clients set and achieve their goals throughout their recovery journey. With a Bachelors in Social Work from Mars Hill University and five years of experience in the IDD, Mental Health, and Substance Use fields, I feel I bring a comprehensive background to my role.
My experience includes internships focusing on supporting teens aging out of foster care, providing food assistance to the community, planning for elderly individuals aging at home, and facilitating equine therapy. I am completely dedicated to being a supportive resource for those facing substance use challenges, offering guidance and companionship throughout the recovery process.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
Taylor Chenoweth
Admissions Coordinator
Taylor brings a strong background in both military service and residential treatment to her role as Admissions Coordinator. A proud Navy veteran, Taylor served for eight years before transitioning into the recovery field, where she found a new passion in supporting individuals through transformative care.
Taylor is deeply committed to client-centered care—prioritizing each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals in the recovery journey. She has a passion for helping clients reconnect with themselves, especially when removed from the environments, stressors, and patterns that previously shaped their lives. Being in the Admissions Coordinator role excites her as an opportunity to work with adult clients and being the first contact connection on their journey with Mayrx Recovery. She hopes to continue building meaningful, client-focused connections.
Taylor is currently working toward her associate’s degree in Human Services Technology with a focus in Addiction and Recovery Studies, further deepening her expertise and dedication to the field.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, finger crocheting, and going on backpacking trips.
