Unique Formula

ABOUT US

Independence for freedom

ABOUT US

The Beginning of Our Story

In early 2000, our founder and CEO, Terry Bruce found herself in what seemed like an impossible situation.

A loved one has just relapsed again after another attempt at getting sober. They had tried one-on-one therapy, 12-step programs, the whole works, but he just kept relapsing. The cravings for alcohol were just too strong.

Terry decided to take things into her own hands. After extensive research, she discovered the medication Naltrexone and its ability to help decrease the desire to drink alcohol. Terry opened up the Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia later that year and in the process pioneered into the world of medically assisted treatment. We are happy to announce Terry's loved one was our first patient and longest success story!

TEAM

Meet Our Staff

Medical Staff

Dr. Peter Rives

M.D.

Peter Rives MD, FAAFP is the Medical Director for Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia Inc. focusing on alleviating the suffering of addiction through strong psychological support with an emphasis on non-addicting medications providing medically assisted treatment (MAT) and detoxification. Clients are given the option of several protocols depending on the type of addiction and their personal characteristics. Long term follow-up is available to clients in a private, friendly, and caring environment.

Dr. Rives is an academic family physician who chose to pursue a medical career after his undergraduate experience at MIT. Having earned his medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, N.J., he completed his family medicine residency at JFK Medical Center in Edison, N.J., and completed a part-time fellowship in family medicine teaching at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He has lectured nationally and published on back pain. He has had extra training in addiction, geriatrics and pain management as well as clinical research and ethics.

Ray Schneider

R.N., BSN

Working at Assisted Recovery Center of GA has given me insight into the severity of addiction in our culture.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to help those who are feeling helpless

Clinical Staff

Denise Ferguson

LCSW Clinical Director

Denise is a Savannah native. She studied as an undergrad at Armstrong State and Savannah State University and completed graduate school at Savannah State University. Denise holds a bachelor's and master's in Social Work and received her clinical license in 2008.

Denise is the Clinical Director for the Assisted Recovery Center of GA. She has over twenty years of experience in the field of social work including addictions, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, child and family therapy and grief counseling.

Denise enjoys spending time with her husband, Keith, and daughter as well as visiting her son who is serving in the Navy.

Stephen B. Safer

LCSW

Stephen was born in Augusta, Georgia and, in 2008, he graduated with a Master's in Social Work from YU in New York City. Stephen has a very diverse background, having spent well over a decade in the music industry as well as having studied psychology, mental health, social work, spirituality and addiction during his professional education. He brings creativity and clinical acumen to his practice.

RoseAnn Williams

LCSW, LPC, LMFT, MSW, CAC I & II

RoseAnn is a Pennsylvania native. She studied as an undergrad at Wesleyan college and then went off to graduate school at Western Kentucky University.

RoseAnn has been working in the Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia's intensive outpatient program for eight years. She specializes in behavior modification, alcohol/drug education, rape crisis, and relationship counseling.

She has been the owner/operator of the Dui counseling center for over 18 years. In her spare time, she volunteers at Davies county hospital helping rape and alcohol/drug victims.

Laura Julius

MSW

Laura was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She studied as an undergraduate at Pennsylvania State University and completed graduate studies at Boston University. Laura holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in clinical social work. Laura enjoys spending time with her family. In her free time, Laura enjoys reading, baking, and traveling. She is also passionate about volunteering with military service members and their families. She brings warmth and unconditional regard into her work with clients and has enjoyed providing individual, group, and family counseling to clients at ARC.

Administrators

Amy Buttigieg

Office Manager/Medical Billing Specialist

Amy Buttigieg is the Office Manager and Medical Billing Specialist for Assisted Recovery Center of GA, Inc. She has over 19 years’ experience in Medical Coding and Billing and Office Management. She attended Macon State College in Macon, GA. She is a Certified Professional Coder and is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, singing and playing the piano.