Meet the Staff

 With over 40 years of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Oster has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of substance abuse and opioid use disorder.  Working with the Nothern Illinois NICASA organization and Lake County Sheriff's Department, Dr. Oster helped reduce overdose deaths in Lake County.  His undergraduate background in philosophy, history, community service, and medicine has enabled him to create a supportive environment for those seeking recovery.  Dr. Oster focuses on educating patients about neuroplasticity and its role in recovery.  His philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to helping others, addressing the urgent need for specialized addiction treatment, mitigating the community impact of overdose deaths, and leveraging his unique skills and experience to combat the opioid epidemic.  Beyond his work in addiction treatment, he has also been involved in volunteer efforts with the Exchange Clug's focus on preventing childhood abuse and the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, which has saved thousands of infants from abandonment, inducing those affected by opioid use disorder.

Dr. Vernon Partello, MD has practiced medicine for over 2 decades. He is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine with Obstetrics treating both inpatient and outpatient addiction throughout his career and consulting work. He has served as the inpatient medical attending and director for the Rock County Detox Center and Rock County Jail respectively. This broad exposure to addiction has afforded him a deep understanding of the medication assisted treatment options that can be offered to patients including Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol.  He has been caring for patients with primary opiate addiction and co-addictions for the past four years. His goal is to treat patients with addiction issues with dignity, respect and concern for their health as they begin and recover from this difficult illness.

Alyssa RN graduated from Edgewood College with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). Nurse Alyssa began her nursing career working with Dr. Partello as his nurse (and right arm) in the Primary Care Practice he and Dr. Harkin were partners in. She gained significant exposure and training in this environment to transition into her role as the Director of Medical Services for ASAP.  Nurse Alyssa is a strong patient advocate and believes in preserving human dignity, patient equality and freedom from suffering. Her goal is to break the stigma associated with opioid treatment to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for patients to begin their journey towards recovery and sobriety. With her impressive education and training she is comfortable with all aspects of the medication assisted treatment offered at ASAP including the use of Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol.

Susan RN graduated from San Diego State University with her BSN and moved directly into the Neonatal ICU at UCLA satellite hospital.  It was here she received her first exposure to treatment of addiction in the care of infants, mothers and families.  Her experience and passion for care of individuals suffering with addiction broadened upon relocating to Wisconsin with her family and transition into the Emergency Department (ED).  There she expanded on her exposure assisting in the care and direct treatment of individuals of all ages suffering with addiction.  With her years of experience including OB and high risk nursery it seemed a natural transition to continue her work at ASAP.  Sue has taken the opportunity to complete a state certified course in addiction counseling to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles her patients have and feels blessed to be able to go on this journey with them.  She thoroughly enjoys the relationships she has developed over time with the patients and staff.

Andrews ("Drew") has been a dedicated and caring Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Wisconsin since 2013 when he started his new career path from the trades.  He has nearly a decade devoted to helping people suffering from both primary opioid, and polypharmacological addiction having worked in Racine county at a certified Opioid Medication Treatment program.  He has a strong desire to work with individuals suffering from the effects of addiction and helping them succeed in their goals.  His philosophy for client care is to facilitate treatment in an environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination.  This will allow all patients seeking treatment at ASAP under his care to take an active role in the success of their recovery.

Wallace graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration. He is a licensed Independent Clinical Supervisor and a licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. Wallace has worked in a variety of addictions treatment modalities including outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), residential with emphasis on dual diagnosis, and residential treatment within the Department of Corrections. Wallace believes that everybody can recover from addiction if given the chance. He has facilitated Addictions Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Aggression Control Training, Men’s groups, Parenting classes and employment coaching using a variety of counseling theories and approaches.  Wallace strives to create an environment that is safe, therapeutic, and spiritually open. Wallace loves to assist in and see both staff and patients succeed in life goals. 

Shelly is a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor licensed as an addiction counselor since 2017 having worked with a variety of diverse populations since 2015. Through this work she as acquired extensive experience working with patients that are living with mental illness and addiction. Shelly earned her Associate’s degree at Gateway Technical College with honors and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with focus on Social Work at Upper Iowa University. Shelly is currently working on her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is empathetic and her philosophy for client care is to meet an individual where they are at; treating them with respect, compassion, and kindness; and to provide the knowledge and tools for one to succeed in their recovery.  

Charise has worked with Crisis Stabilization patients and Detoxification patients since 2015 working at Kare Center as a Teaching Counselor. She is purpose driven to assist those who suffer with addiction in their transformation and recovery.  She earned an associate degree in Human Services and took a break following this to spend more time working with at risk patients addicted primarily to opiates. She also dedicated 2 years to work with patients whose loved ones had given up on them. She assisted them in seeing the brighter picture and not focus on past mistakes but live their best life for today. She is currently working with a team focused on the patient and harm reduction as they achieve their goal of abstinence. Her colleagues and patients describe her warm, caring, and easy to talk to.  She believes that anyone can change when they are given the opportunity.  She excels at 1 on 1 Counseling, education, guidance, and motivation to help her patients improve and reach their goals through her lifelong motto of, " Just do it.”