Maryland Operations

Andrew Stellato

Call Center Manager

Andrew Stellato was born and raised in Western Massachusetts and relocated to South Florida in 2016 to begin his own recovery journey. Shortly thereafter, he joined the USR call center upon its conception in January of 2017.
 Over the last seven years, Andrew worked diligently to master his craft and was recently tasked to take over as the Call Center Manager for USR Holdings. Andrew has personally helped thousands of individuals begin their own recovery journeys.

Andrew’s strengths include his remarkable ability to multitask with precision and ease while maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His optimism is infectious, inspiring those around him to persevere through difficult times with courage and determination.
 Outside of his professional endeavors, Andrew finds solace and joy in various activities that nourish his body, mind, and soul. An avid enthusiast of exercise, music, and the great outdoors, he can often be found exploring the depths of the ocean on fishing excursions or shredding the slopes on a snowboard during the winter months. Whether it’s riding bikes along scenic trails or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, Andrew finds immense fulfillment in every outdoor adventure he undertakes.

Geoffrey Smart

Admissions Director

Geoff is a compassionate and dedicated professional in addiction recovery, boasting nearly a decade of experience. He embarked on his journey as a Behavioral Health Technician and steadily ascended to the role of Admissions Director at USR Holdings. Hailing from Davie, Florida, Geoff not only cultivated a successful career but also forged a life of recovery, serving as a beacon of hope for those in need.

His commitment to helping others find their path to recovery is unwavering, characterized by an approach infused with empathy and understanding. Geoff treasures his time spent with his family and beloved dogs, finding solace and joy in their company. His journey transcends personal achievement, as he endeavors to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals grappling with addiction and mental health challenges, guiding them toward a brighter and healthier future.

Samuel Kesaris

CEO | Founder

skesaris@usrholdings.com
954.665.3826

Samuel Kesaris is the Chief Executive Officer of USR Holdings LLC, a substance abuse and behavioral health management and investment company. USR has a corporate leadership team that oversees 5 different substance abuse facilities, a billing company, clinical laboratories, and an internal digital marketing company.

Sam Kesaris grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina.

In 2011, Sam moved to Florida where he became part of an up-and-coming health and life insurance brokerage, becoming a partner in 2013. In 2014 Sam was approached to invest in a substance abuse treatment center—Amethyst Recovery Center. In 2015, Sam sold his insurance company and started as the CFO at Amethyst. He was then promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in 2017 of USR Holdings LLC and in 2019 took over as CEO of USR Holdings.

Throughout his tenure at USR, he has strategically purchased more equity stake in the company and is now the majority owner. Sam has continued to add new facilities to the portfolio and continues to grow USR’s revenue exponentially.

Sam’s strengths include recruiting, staff development, digital marketing, leadership, motivational speaking, emotional intelligence, financial modeling, patient outcome tracking, and strategic partnerships.

Sam’s mission is to provide a one size fits all behavioral health organization that can help anyone who reaches out in need, regardless of their financial situation.

Outside of the USR portfolio Sam also owns a multi-family real estate portfolio, digital marketing agencies, multiple insurance brokerages, a high-end watch dealership, and an IT company.

James Scriber

Chief of Corporate Operations

James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.

James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.

Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.

“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”

Nicholas Bellofatto

Chief Marketing Officer

Nicholas Bellofatto is the Admissions Director of USR Holdings LLC, a substance abuse and behavioral health management and investment company. Mr. Bellofatto oversees a team of 16 USR employees who arrange admissions at the company’s five substance abuse treatment facilities. Nick has said that knowledge, compassion, and compliance are the driving forces behind the decision-making in his department.

Nick Bellofatto grew up in Malden, Massachusetts, where he attended Malden Catholic Highschool. After graduating high school, he attended college at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning degrees in Communications and Journalism.

In 2015, Nick moved to Florida and began working as a project manager at a large general contracting company. While working in the construction business, he met Samuel Kesaris, the CEO and Founder of USR Holdings LLC. In 2017, Nick took a position in the admissions department at USR Holdings and enrolled at Florida Atlantic University to continue his higher education. In 2020, Nick Graduated from FAU with his MBA in Finance and a 4.0 GPA. Shortly after, he became the full-time admissions director for USR Holdings.

Nick’s strengths include recruiting, talent development, systems implementation and improvement, digital marketing, financial planning and analysis, risk management, and complex modeling and analysis.

Nick’s mission is to provide quality care to every person that reaches out to USR regarding substance abuse or behavioral health questions. Knowledge of an ever-changing industry, compassion when dealing with people, and compliance in every decision are the forces that drive his personal and professional growth.

When not at work, Nick fills his time golfing, woodworking, working out, playing basketball, playing the guitar, and spending time with his friends and family.

I welcome your contact via LinkedIn, if you are interested in learning more about our treatment centers and the services they offer.

Jared Turner

Director of Element Medical Billing

Jared Turner is the CEO of Element Medical Billing. Element Medical Billing LLC is a medical billing company specializing in behavioral health billing including mental health and substance abuse. Element provides the full revenue cycle as offered services.

Jared attended Indian River State College where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After college, Jared worked at a CPA firm focusing on tax and bookkeeping. Jared then moved on to being CFO of a medical billing company. In March 2020, USR Holdings partnered with Jared to form Element Medical Billing and named Jared CEO. Element currently bills for more than 30 treatment centers nationwide with a primary focus on inpatient and outpatient substance abuse and mental health.

When Jared isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his wife, 11-year-old daughter Addison, and 3-year-old son Jaxson.

Max Cohen

Director of Quality Assurance

Max Cohen, Director of Quality Assurance, exemplifies USR’s commitment to the core principles and values of promoting from within. A veteran of our armed forces and a Journeyman plumber, in 2015 Max traded his tools for an entry-level position at our flagship facility, Amethyst Recovery Center.

Like so many, Max battled with substance use and decided to leave the field he knew and forge a new path dedicated to helping others. Working as a behavioral health tech, Max continued his education and received his certification for peer support specialist, as well as recovery coach. With his new certifications, he began learning to co-facilitate groups and community meetings while slowly gaining additional responsibilities along the way.

In school, Max found he had a penchant for writing and was recruited by one of our former clinical directors to fill a much-needed role as a chart auditor. A strong attention to detail and an inclination toward systems and processes helped him thrive in this position, and his efforts reshaped many of our protocols for documentation. Max’s dedication to his role as chart auditor would prove crucial as insurance companies and accrediting bodies continue to elevate their requirements and enforce stricter guidelines.

Nearly a decade later, Max now leads the way in the development and maintenance of our records keeping systems at each of our facilities. He now works closely with each facility’s department heads to help ensure the most up-to-date industry requirements are met, and USR’s standards for quality records are exceeded.

Russ Warrington

Executive Director of Onyx Behavioral Health

A native of Kansas City, Russ Warrington attended the University of Central Oklahoma where he competed as an NCAA athlete until he completed his undergraduate in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Upon graduation, he worked in various capacities at a youth mental health facility in the Oklahoma City area. A few years later, he was recruited by Corporate America, ascending the ranks over the next two decades into various sales, marketing, and leadership roles. In 2014, Russ relocated to Florida to pursue a C-Suite level opportunity with a biotech startup that supported the substance abuse treatment industry. As Vice-President of Operations, he oversaw all non- scientific functions such as Business Planning, Human Resources, Benefits and Payroll Administration, IT Infrastructure, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Vendor Management, and Client Management. The experience enabled him to develop additional business operations skills where he focused on establishing processes and performance standards for each department of the organization. He believes that working as a member of the leadership team at USR has given him the opportunity to bring his career path full circle back to where he started in mental health treatment in 1996. Russ’ mission is to employ his many years of leadership experience in helping the organization to continue its well charted growth plans, while providing much needed and crucial behavioral health care to the community.

Corey Hasset

Executive Director of The Freedom Center

Corey Hassett is the Director of Business Development for The Freedom Center a substance abuse and behavioral Health treatment program. The Freedom Center has two locations in Maryland with Residential level 3.5, Partial Hospitalization level 2.5, Intensive Outpatient level 2.1 & Outpatient 1 levels of care.

Corey Hassett grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation. Outside of The Freedom Center, Corey enjoys playing golf, hiking and most of all being the best father to his three young boys.

Barbara Rivero-Nodal

Executive Director of Ignite

I have been in the field of psychology for over 25 years. I have a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and I am a licensed psychotherapist in the state of Florida, as well as a qualified supervisor. My passion is to help clients that are diagnosed with both mental health and addiction issues. For the past 15 years I have had the honor to work with this population. I currently enjoy being part of Ignite Recovery Center. As their Clinical Director, because I get to work with all the clients, as well as an amazing clinical team and staff who are focused on providing quality care to all its clients.

Johnny Gau

Operations Director of Amethyst Recovery Center

As the Director of Operations for a leading substance abuse treatment center, I bring a wealth of expertise and experience to my role. With a strong background in healthcare administration and a deep passion for helping individuals overcome addiction, I have dedicated my career to improving access to high-quality care for those in need.

In my role as Director of Operations, I oversee all aspects of the treatment center’s operations, including clinical services, staff management, and administrative functions. I work closely with our team of licensed clinicians and healthcare professionals to ensure that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care throughout their recovery journey.

Outside of work, I am a devoted partner and parent to four beautiful children. I treasure the time I spend with my fiancé and family, and make sure to prioritize my role as a loving partner and parent above all else.

In addition to my family commitments, I also have a passion for tattooing, which I pursue as a second job in my free time. I have honed my skills over many years and enjoy the artistry and creativity involved in this unique form of self-expression.

Overall, my diverse experiences have helped me to become a well-rounded and empathetic leader in the field of addiction treatment. I am committed to working tirelessly to improve access to high-quality care for those in need, while also cherishing the time I spend with my loved ones and pursuing my artistic passions.

Amanda Daniels

Executive Director of Vital Behavioral Health

Amanda Daniels grew up in California and attended Fresno State University. She began her professional career in 2001 with Flight Centre, an international travel company. For over a decade, she delivered consistently successful results as the Director of Operations.

Responsible for the strategic direction, vision, and growth, Amanda is the CEO of our Kentucky facilities. She has experience in operational processes, regulatory compliance, and professional development. With high energy and a motivational style of leadership, she builds strong teams to achieve results in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Amanda envisions communities in which substance abuse and mental illness are recognized as public health issues that are treatable and preventable and a society in which stigma and other barriers to recovery are eliminated.

Amanda is a bestselling author and mom to a teenage boy and two Dobermans.

Jimmie Powers

Executive Director – Ignite Recovery Center

James Powers is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of success in a variety of industries. With a strong work ethic and a keen eye for opportunity, he has founded and grown multiple successful businesses over the course of his career. James started his recovery journey in 2013 and has been sober for over 10 years. He feels strongly about his work in the substance abuse and behavioral health fields and continues to work closely with those in early recovery to help them achieve long term sobriety.

Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer for multiple entities and Chief Operating Officer of Ignite Recovery Center, James is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in strategic planning, team management, and financials. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving growth and profitability across each of these organizations.

In addition to his impressive business accomplishments, James is also a dedicated student and lifelong learner. He earned an A.A. degree in Business Administration from Palm Beach State College and is pursuing a B.A. degree in Business Administration and Management from Florida Atlantic University.

Through his hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, James has become a respected leader in the business and recovery communities. He is known for his innovative ideas, his ability to build and motivate high-performing teams, and his commitment to delivering exceptional results.

Laurel McGinnis

Director of Compliance

Laurel, as the Director of Corporate Compliance for USR, is responsible for ensuring that the facility follows all federal and state regulatory requirements, accreditation standards and industry best practices. Laurel has over twenty years’ experience in legal and regulatory affairs in both the public and private sectors. She attended the University of Kansas where she studied political science, and she is designated by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) as a Certified National Investigator and Inspector (CNII). Prior to joining Amethyst, she served as the Director of Enforcement for a state regulatory body.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Bishop

Corporate Medical Director

Dr. Jeffrey M. Bishop is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine.
He earned his degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985.
He spent 10 years in the United States Navy as one of the youngest Physician Assistants, which acted as a major stepping stone for his entry into Medical School.
From 1986 to 2006 -Former owner and practicing physician at Western Communities Family Practice, the largest Primary Care of its time in Palm Beach County.
2006 – Retired from Family Medicine and became the CMO of Wellington Regional Medical Center, in Wellington, Florida, until 2013.
Served 25 years on The Board of Governors for WRMC and was Chairman of the Board for 5 years.
Served as Vice Chief and Chief of Staff of WRMC for 6 years.
Served as Chief of Family Medicine Department for 2 years.
Served as Program Director for Family Medicine Residency from 1993-2007.
Served as Director of Medical Education for 10 years at WRMC.
Served as Chairman of Utilization Management Committee.
Developed the Surgery and Medicine Peer Review programs at WRMC.
Received a proclamation from the Mayor of Wellington in 2007.
Served as Chairman of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 2012-2013.
Since 2018 to present- serves as a Board Member for Trustbridge-Hospice/Palliative Care.
Since 2020 to present – is a Board Member/Director for AllTech Industries.
2019 to present – Medical Director/Faculty for South University West Palm Beach Master of Science Physician Assistant Program.
2014 to present – Medical Director for several Substance Abuse Centers in Broward, Palm Beach and Indian River Counties.
2019 to present – Medical Director – Flight Physician for SkyCare – Repatriation of patients back to country of origin.
1997, 2004 and 2005 – Diabetes Research Studies

Cori Baiza

Corporate Director of Finance

Cori Baiza is the Corporate Director of Finance at USR Holdings, LLC, a substance abuse, and behavioral health management and investment company.

After graduating high school in 2009, Cori attended college at Central Florida Community College, and University of Central Florida.

In 2015, Cori moved to Port Saint Lucie, where she became part of a substance abuse treatment center- Amethyst Recovery Center. Cori worked as the Office Manager of Amethyst Recovery Center until 2018.
In 2018, she was promoted to Corporate Director of Finance at USR Holdings, LLC. In 2021, Cori was approached with an opportunity to invest in an upcoming substance abuse treatment facility, and Sober Living residence located in Lauderdale Lakes- Ignite Recovery Center, and Ignite Sober Living. In 2021, she became a partner at Ignite Recovery Center, and the Vice President of Finance. Cori is commissioned as a Notary Public in the state of Florida, certified with the Florida Certification Board, and is the current Certified Recovery Residence Administrator at Ignite Sober Living.

Cori’s strengths include financial planning, financial modeling and forecasting, expense and budget management, revenue management, order and efficiency, interpersonal relationships, communication, empathy, compassion, honesty, and integrity.

Cori’s goal is to enable corporate success, by working to ensure financial sustainability for USR Holdings and its subsidiary companies. She prioritizes providing support to other key executives, to ensure the organization is continuously able to help anyone who reaches out in need.

Outside of her professional life, Cori has been married to her loving husband, Nicholas, for four years. They share a cozy home together, along with three dogs they love and adore- Sammy, Frankie, and Mia. In her free time, Cori cherishes spending quality time with her husband, their three dogs, and their family.

Brie Rodriguez

Director of Human Resources

Brie joined the USR team in 2017 as an HR assistant. Her over 15 years’ experience working in healthcare administration and management quickly launched her into a leadership role. Now serving as the Director of Human Resources since 2018, she leads our organization through the intricate requirements of recordkeeping, recruitment, staff development as well as compliance. While also directing all aspects of HR including payroll, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as licensing and accreditation standards.

Brie graduated as a high school valedictorian with a major in Health Technologies and continued her studies at Springfield Technical Community College with a focus on healthcare. She served in Operations and HR for a finance company for ten years, before returning to healthcare and eventually arriving at USR.

Brie works closely with the leadership team to develop and implement effective HR strategies that support our organization’s goals and values. As an HR professional, Brie’s primary focus is on ensuring that our organization attracts and retains the most talented and qualified individuals to help us fulfill our mission of providing compassionate care to those struggling with addiction. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those working in the substance abuse field, Brie is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.

Brie is known for being compassionate and empathetic as well as for her ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations and find solutions that benefit everyone involved. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and their fur babies!

Jarret Adamo

Director of Business Development

Jarret Adamo grew up in Deerfield Beach Florida. After graduating high school and attending some college at Palm Beach community college, he relocated to Port St. Lucie Florida to peruse a career in healthcare.

Jarret started out as part of the ground-level marketing and outreach team and over the years has excelled in his craft, proving himself to the organization, gaining profit share in USR Holdings, and eventually sweat equity. He is now the second largest stakeholder in USR holdings behind Samuel Kesaris.

In his current role as Director of Business Development, Jarret Adamo is responsible for researching and vetting competitors, and collaborating with other executives to grow the company’s portfolio. His ability at Developing, yet more importantly maintain high-level relationships with partner facilities and members of their executive staff has made him an invaluable member of the team.

Client relations, including new client acquisition and current client retention is also something he is very passionate about.

Outside of work, Jarret enjoys most aquatic activities. He is an avid fisher and enjoys traveling to different locations in search of big game fish. More recently has picked up golf and fly fishing.

Outside of the USR portfolio Jarret also owns a digital marketing office and a hand full of other small business ventures. One of his favorite quotes is “Help others achieve their dreams, and you will achieve yours.” Les Brown

Mark Gudim

Director of Facilities

My key responsibilities include the implementation and oversight of Environment of Care, Life Safety and Emergency Management Plans to ensure compliance with site specific authorities such as The Joint Commission, CARF, ACHA, CPS, and DCF.

Formal education includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Economics from the University of Rhode Island. Additionally, I’m a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) through the IFMA, and licensed Home Inspector (HI11409) in the state of Florida through the DBPR.

This unique skill set allows me to navigate local regulatory requirements, analyze property and environmental conditions, prioritize needs, implement a plan of action, properly train staff, and maintain necessary documentation in order to meet or ideally exceed these requirements.

While each building and geographic location provides unique challenges, the goal is always the same: To provide a safe, secure, aesthetically pleasing environment, where treatment can be the primary focus for clients and staff alike.

Hobbies/Interests: I believe the “bucket list” is just a “to-do-list” after you’ve hit 40 and you shouldn’t hold back when an opportunity presents itself. Love my adventures with my girlfriend and our goofball white lab “Goose,” and anything water related. I like to challenge myself physically and mentally with workouts like Spartan Races or my most recent accomplishment, the ½ marathon. Proud supporter of Mont Sinai Ministries, a non-profit dedicated to helping Haitian orphans in Gonaives, Haiti, where we have taken a few mission trips.

If anyone would like to “nerd-out” and discuss regulations or safety items, I’d love to hear from you: mgudim@usrholdings.com

Carlos Hernandez

CEO Scientific Laboratory Company

Jared Turner

CEO of Element Medical Billing

Jared Turner is the CEO of Element Medical Billing. Element Medical Billing LLC is a medical billing company specializing in behavioral health billing including mental health and substance abuse. Element provides the full revenue cycle as offered services. This includes verification of benefits, utilization review, claim billing, claims follow up, medical records, payment posting and analysis, reporting and patient collections. Jared is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, marketing, accounting, budgeting, human resources, credentialling, client relationships and accounts receivable at the company. Jared has a strong focus based on his accounting background on reimbursement analysis and trends.

Jared Turner grew up in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He spent his childhood playing baseball and a variety of other sports with his 3 brothers. He attended Lincoln Park Academy for high school in Fort Pierce, Florida. After graduating high school, he attended Indian River State College where he where he was a teacher’s assistant, tutor and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After college, Jared worked at a CPA firm with a focus on tax and bookkeeping. Jared intended to become a CPA himself and was working toward his hour requirements and master’s degree at Florida Atlantic University at this time. In 2015, Jared was approached by one of the CPA firm’s clients to join their company as Chief Financial Officer. The company who offered him the position was a medical billing company specializing in substance abuse treatment centers. Jared accepted the position and grew to love medical billing and claims analysis. During his tenure, Jared became an expert in managing a medical billing company, medical billing, coding, complex claims issues, reimbursement analysis and reporting. This coupled with his accounting background allowed him to easily explain and breakdown complex data to their clients’ citing trends and changes in the industry. Jared became the main point of contact with the facilities and their owners as he could convey information and communicate with these owners on their level as executives. In March 2020 USR holdings partnered with Jared to form Element Medical Billing and named Jared CEO, along with his wife, Erica Turner, who also is an expert in medical billing with more than 10 years of experience and serves as Element Medical Billing’s COO. Element currently bills for more than 30 treatment centers nationwide with a primary focus in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse and mental health.

Aaron Almeida

Aaron Almeida was born and raised in New England and finds joy in spending time with his family and children. Aaron excels in building relationships for organizations and individuals through many years of working in the field of addiction and mental health. He has gained the knowledge that no single approach to addiction and mental health treatment is the right one for every individual. Being knowledgeable in all areas of expertise is imperative to the position. Aaron is also a father in recovery himself with a passion for helping those that want it and those that need an understanding of what’s available to them. Aaron brings a life story that gives him the opportunity to connect with people who have experienced trauma and/or severe life stressors that lead to requiring professional intervention. His great passion is guiding people onto a path of healing and healthy perceptions of themselves.

The Freedom Center

Gaithersburg, MD

The Freedom Center Residential

Buckeystown, MD

National Recovery Housing

Gaithersburg, MD