Our dedicated team of compassionate professionals is committed to guiding you on your journey to recovery. With years of experience and expertise, our team understands the challenges of addiction and we’re passionate about helping individuals overcome these obstacles. Each team member brings unique skills and a devotion for helping others as well as creating a supportive environment that fosters healing and recovery.
Corporate Leadership Team
Greg Kazarian
Executive Chair of CPF Recovery Ways Holdings
Coming soon…
DJ Padjen
Chief Administrative Officer
DJ has worked for Recovery Ways since 2014 in various roles including direct care and admissions. DJ has lived in Utah his entire life and really enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and sports. He graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Science in Economics before finding an opportunity to work with people in recovery. DJ enjoys working with clients and families to assist in starting them in the recovery process and has seen amazing transformations in people from all walks of life. Finding appropriate treatment can be a daunting task and his team welcomes the opportunity to help people start that process to change their lives.
Richard Gillette
Chief Financial Officer
Rich has an extensive background in Healthcare and Financial Management. He has worked with some of the largest healthcare organizations in the US (Intermountain, Ascension, Dartmouth, Baptist), and prior to was a partner at Accenture. Rich joined Recovery Ways 3 years ago, and is leveraging his operating and revenue cycle expertise across the organization.
Carolynn Clement
Director of Human Resources & Contracts
Carolynn has been working for Recovery Ways for over four years. Having experienced addictions and mental health challenges with many family members and friends, she was led to work at Recovery Ways. Her undergraduate degree is in psychology from Westminster College. She enjoys working with all the staff at Recovery Ways to provide the best care for all patients that are served. She was raised a Wyoming country girl and always will be at heart; spare time is often spent in the mountains. She enjoys photography, cooking and laughing as much as possible. She is also loves to spoil her nieces and nephews to keep the favorite Aunt title.
Daria Montgomery
Executive Director, Utah
Daria serves as the Executive Director for the Utah locations of Recovery Ways. In her role, she oversees building operations, patient engagement and satisfaction, quality outcomes, and leads the Utah-based business development team. With 18 years of experience in the behavioral health field and a master’s degree from Georgetown University in International Relations and Global Business, Daria is a recognized leader. In 2024, she was appointed to the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) – Education and Training Committee. Before joining Recovery Ways, she spent 15 years in hospital administration at the University of Utah – Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), where she expanded her professional relationships across the greater Salt Lake Valley, with an extra focus on veteran hospitals, psychiatry, and counseling professionals.
Business Development Team
Matt McBrier
Regional Referral Relations Specialist
Regional Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: UT & surrounding central region
- Cell/Text: (801) 809-9505
- Email: Mmcbrier@recoveryways.com
I was born and raised in Erie Pennsylvania and moved to Utah in early 2011. I have been working in the treatment industry for 7 years 6 of which have been spent working with Recovery Ways. As an alumni of our program I care deeply for the work we are doing and believe in the approach Recovery Ways takes in helping build strong foundations for our patients.
I enjoy skiing, crossfit and running. Getting out into nature with my dog is one of my favorite things to do with my off time. I work hard to have the opportunities to travel when I can and love finding delicious new food where ever I may be.
Rudy Ascuncion
Referral Relations – Labor Liaison
- Cell/Text: (773) 294-7790
- Email: Rascuncion@recoveryways.com
Rudy Ascuncion was hired by United Airlines in December 1969, and became a member of the International Association of Machinists at the same time. Rudy became involved with the Machinists EAP in 1984, and began full time EAP work in 1989.
He became the National Director of EAP for District 141 in 2003, representing members on United Airlines, USAirways, Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha, and Phillipine Airlines.
He retired from UAL in January of 2012 after 41 years of service. While Director, the IAM/UAL EAP program twice won the Ross Von Wiegand award for best labor/management program, and he was recognized as the Labor Member of The Year in 2009 with the John J. Hennessey award from EAPA.
He holds the following certifications, CEAP, NCAC1, SAP, LAP-C.
Rudy has worked as a EAP consultant for the Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists from 2012 to 2014. Rudy now works as a Labor Liason consultant.
Kari Evans, CADC-I, Clinical Yoga Provider
Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: Oregon
- Cell/Text: (541) 760-5080
- Email: Kevans@recoveryways.com
My passions combine in helping those who are justice-involved, trauma-impacted, and at-risk for or struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. I am honored to Represent Recovery ways through meaningful referent relationships. I feel immensely proud of our Valor Healing Program for First Responders, Veterans, and Active Duty Military. Healing IS possible. I am your direct line to accessing treatment services.
Working in close partnership with:
• First Responder Support Network
• West Coast Post-trauma Retreat
• Lines for Life
• Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership
• QPR for Construction
POPULATIONS OF FOCUS
• First Responders
• Military/Veteran
• Labor Industries
• LGBTQIA+
AREAS OF FOCUS
• Health, Wellness & Resiliency
• Workplace Well-being Initiatives
• Community Engagement and Events
Daniel DeGryse B.A., B.S., CADC, CEAP
National Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: National
- Cell/Text: (773) 875-3560
- Email: Ddegryse@recoveryways.com
Dan is a retired Battalion Chief following a 30-year career with the Chicago Fire Department. Presently, Dan is the National Referral Relations Specialist with Recovery Ways which offers the Valor program to treat first responders, veterans, and frontline workers facing substance use and mental health issues.
Since 1986, Dan has been providing substance use and mental health services for all demographics with a focus on frontline personnel. Dan has always been a strong advocate for the awareness, education and best practices in the treatment of this population. He has presented and led training for fire and police departments locally and nationally and has collaborated with state, national and international organizations to build behavioral health and peer support curriculum.
Dan has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and fire science management. He is certified as an addiction counselor (CADC), certified employee assistance professional (CEAP), certified labor assistance professional (LAP/C), and been certified as an ARISE interventionist.
Cale Steines
National Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: National
- Cell/Text: (815) 847-0784
- Email: Csteines@recoveryways.com
Cale Steines brings more than 30 years of experience to Recovery Ways as a National Referral Relations Specialist. Cale recently retired as the UAW Employee Assistance Program Representative at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois. For 10 years, Cale was the National Treasurer for Labor Assistance Professionals (LAP) while also serving as the Treasurer of the Midwest Chapter of LAP since 2005.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and his certifications include LAP-C and NCAC-II. Additionally, Cale has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Founders Award and Mickey Diamond Award from LAP. He currently lives in Roscoe, Illinois, with his wife, Jennifer, where they have raised three wonderful children and recently welcomed their first grandchild.
Cale has seen firsthand in his personal and professional life the effects of mental illness and addiction. He is passionate about using his life experiences to help guide individuals and their families toward a path of hope, healing, and recovery.
Tomi Robie
Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: Idaho
- Cell/Text: (208) 571-8498
- Email: Trobie@recoveryways.com
I am an Idaho native, I grew up in Kuna, ID and graduated from Boise State University. My passion for advocating for mental health and substance use initiatives is deeply rooted in personal experiences, particularly witnessing the impact of addiction on my own family. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a profound understanding of the importance of compassion, empathy and understanding, which drives my passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me enjoying time with my husband and our fur babies, enjoying the sunshine and savoring life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s exploring nature or experimenting with new recipes, I believe in finding joy in every moment.
I am a true believer in the power of human connection and community, I eagerly seek opportunities to forge new relationships and extend a helping hand whenever possible.
Sarah Banfield
Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: Colorado
- Cell/Text: (303) 902-7133
- Email: Sbanfield@recoveryways.com
Sarah started her career in marketing and business development in the healthcare industry a decade ago and has been able to take that experience and transition it into the substance use and mental health industry where she has spent the last seven years, starting as Executive Director of a Colorado treatment center and transitioning back to doing what she loves in business development. She is excited for the opportunity to continue to learn and enhance her own skillset, and to work together with the Recovery Ways team in the Colorado recovery community.
Anita Zufelt
Referral Relations Specialist
- Territory: Southern Utah
- Cell/Text: (775) 233-8838
- Email: Azufelt@recoveryways.com
Anita has worked in the healthcare industry for 18 years, focusing on mental health and substance use disorder for the past 6 years. Her passion began with her own lived experience, providing her with skills, knowledge, understanding, empathy and pure love for those suffering with mental health and substance use issues. Anita’s journey led her to being the Program Director for an MAT clinic, as well as obtaining her education as an LSUDC. Being a community resource for those seeking treatment is where she wants to be. She is excited about the opportunity that Recovery Ways has provided to continue learning and growing in her own skill set as she serves the communities of Southern and Central Uta3
Patrick Gleeson
Referral Relations Specialist
- Cell/Text: (703) 980-4634
- Email: Pgleeson@recoveryways.com
Patrick has an impressive professional background, having dedicated 28 years to IBM where he specialized in sales and eventually rose to the position of National Sales Manager. During his tenure at IBM, Patrick found recovery and embraced a new mission: “to help as many people as possible get the treatment they need like I received”. This newfound passion spurred a significant career change, leading Patrick to become an Independent Business Development Consultant for several behavioral health companies. His focus has been on fostering relationships with corporate Employee Assistance Professionals (EAPs) to ensure employees can access services efficiently. For the past 10 years, Patrick has worked exclusively with Recovery Ways, continuing his commitment to helping others with an organization worth his reputation. Pgleeson
Admissions Team
John Michael Harris
Admissions Coordinator
John Harris was born and raised here in Salt Lake City. He has been with Recovery Ways for 8 years in several different capacities. He started at the Resident Coordinator position and eventually managed that team for some time before transitioning to Admissions. He has one daughter, whom he says is the most amazing person he has ever known. He attended college at the University of Utah where he received a bachelor’s degree in information systems. He is an avid skier; his home mountain is Snowbird. He enjoys heavy music and games of skill.
Jessica Cruz
Admissions Coordinator
Jessica graduated the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She has a wide range of experience in the mental health working with adolescents, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Jessica started with Recovery Ways in 2016 as a Resident Coordinator and also managed that department before stepping into her current role. She enjoys being outdoors, going to Jazz games, hiking, working out, traveling, drinking coffee and spending time with her daughters.
Specialty Group Team
Stormy Hill, MD, OTR/L
Life Skills Department Head
Dr. Hill has worked for over nine years in the field of mental health as an occupational therapist. Stormy has a BA from Duke University‚ her medical doctorate from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine‚ and her MS in Occupational Therapy from University of Southern California with an emphasis in sensory integration. A main focus for Dr. Hill is to provide design and implementation of sensory rooms‚ staff training and education‚ and life skills program design for substance abuse/dual diagnosis treatment centers.
Alumni Team
Meela Taft
Alumni Coordinator
Meela is passionate about working with those new to recovery as she can perfectly relate to the pain of a life of addiction, the difficulties of experiencing triggers when striving to stay sober, and thus makes herself available to speak with those who are fighting to get out of “the revolving door.”