Meet the Staff

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 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.

Dr. Christopher Harkin, MD has practiced medicine for over 30 years and has been involved in caring for patients with addiction problems his entire career. He is board certified in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology and Family Medicine. For the past four years, he has been caring for patients with primary opioid addiction and other co-addictions as they arise. His goal is to treat patients with addiction issues with care and compassion and help guide them into recovery. With his years of experience he is well versed in the use of Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol as medication assisted treatment tools he can offer to his patients as part of their treatment plan.  

Alyssa RN, graduated from Edgewood College with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). Nurse Alyssa began her nursing career working in Family Medicine giving her exposure to the full range of patient ages and ailments. She gained significant exposure and training in this environment to excel as the Assistant Director of Nursing and subsequent 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.

Tom graduated with a Master's degree in Addiction Studies in 2018 from Governors State University in Chicago and has been working as a substance abuse counselor for the past six years. Prior to relocating to Madison in 2021, Tom worked in outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities in the Chicagoland area, specializing in case management, adolescent, individual and group counseling. He believes in a holistic approach to recovery and is passionate about helping patients reach their treatment goals through a variety of methods. Before becoming a substance abuse counselor, Tom worked in occupational and physical therapy with disabled children and adolescents.  With Tom's broad background and skillset, he brings a comprehensive approach to has patients receiving treatment and guidance under his care.

Bethany graduated from Moraine Park Technical College's abuse counseling program.  She completed her substance abuse counseling internship helping patients in outpatient medication treatment programs in Madison.  She also has significant experience working with behavioral health patients with serious mental illnesses as a Psychiatric Care Technician.  She has an especially empathetic approach for patients in need of community resources and assistance.  Her personal experience in the recovery community has helped her gain insight into how to assist those in need of substance abuse treatment.

Theresa began her studies with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville.  She then continued her education and earned a Master's Degree in Counselor Education.  Theresa spent over 20 years in the area as a high school guidance counselor.  Her specialty and expertise were working with at risk individuals struggling with mental health, behavioral, and addiction issues.  Following this passion Theresa switched paths to Substance Abuse Counseling.  She has had experience in the residential setting, Intensive Outpatient Setting, and clinical setting.  Theresa's goal is to help create a non-judgmental setting of support.  Breaking the stigmas of addiction and mental illness is her primary motivator.  Helping people overcome their shame and find recovery is the most rewarding experience in the world. 

Holly brings a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their path to recovery and wellness.  She brings years of experience as a peer support specialist to her role as a counselor.  Holly has helped many individuals access critical resources within their communities, including housing, financial assistance, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs. Her approach is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and a profound understanding of the unique challenges her clients face. As a counselor, Holly fosters a welcoming and non-judgmental space, where individuals feel safe to express themselves and work toward their goals.

Katie, BA, SAC –IT, is one of our first counselors to go through the internship program ASAP offers and she continues to demonstrate a desire to expand her skills through experience and education. She believes in the power of authentic listening and creating a space for individuals to be heard, supported and empowered. Both lived experience and working in the AODA field have shown her that recovery is most meaningful when people are motivated by their own unique interests or skills and have a few genuinely supportive people. Katie aims to help patients by providing a compassionate, nonjudgemental environment where people can work on honesty, self-efficacy and finding resources in their own communities.