For Mental Health
Substance Use
Supporting children, adolescents, adults and their family members.
Supporting children, adolescents, adults and their family members.
Our Program
About the Program
The Up Center provides services to children, adolescents, adults and their family members whose challenges may include strained social or family relationships, chronic relapse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor self-care, legal consequences, increased psychiatric symptoms, and physical health illness. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies to ensure that treatment is specific to the needs of the client. Our clinicians are specifically trained to facilitate clients through the stages of change along with integrating a support system to create a positive path to improved well-being.
We offer support for children, adolescents, adults, couples, parents and families regardless of whether you are affected directly or indirectly, including:
- Individual, family and group therapy
- Screenings
- Evaluation/Assessment
- Case Management
Additional resources include:
Peer Recovery Services
Peer Recovery Services is community-based support led by a certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS). Services include coaching, assistance, and connections to resources for individuals with substance use or mental health challenges.
We offer one-on-one communication whenever needed, connections to community resources and events to aid recovery, modeling effective coping skills to manage challenges and ease everyday triggers, group support to build a social network for recovery, and developing and implementing a personal recovery plan.
New Visions Program
The New Visions program helps youth under age 18 and their families who are impacted by substance use to envision a life of wellness and recovery. This program is designed to help youth better engage in their community to build skills and strategies to change or avoid high risk behaviors. The New Visions program is now available to residents across Hampton Roads with or without insurance.
Meet the Team
Richelle Burney, LCSW, CSAC, SOTP Trainee
Substance Use Program Manager
Richelle (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/Virginia), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC/Virginia) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC/National). She obtained both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Richelle has been providing clinical therapy and other direct care services for the last 10 years with children, adolescents, adults and families. For the last 5 years Richelle has specialized in Substance Use Treatment as a result of the overwhelming need that she saw in the community. As a result, during her tenure at Community Solutions she was instrumental in opening the Hampton Roads first level 3.1 inpatient facility. During this time she served as the clinical and program director while supervising clinicians and peer recovery specialists. Most recently Richelle was drawn to The Up Center to start a Substance Use program to ensure outpatient services were accessible to under and uninsured individuals in her community. Richelle sees clients in person in the Ghent office and via telehealth on a limited basis.
Heather Harris, BA, QMHP-A/C, CSAC Supervisee
New Visions Program Supervisor AND CLINICIAN
Heather is an Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) clinician and the supervisor of the New Visions program at The Up Center. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Leo University and is pursuing her Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). For the past 13 years, Heather has provided direct care services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has provided services to adults in a substance use treatment inpatient facility and she specializes in working with at-risk youth. Heather is passionate about growing the New Visions program and helping youth and their families seek freedom from substance use.
Deona Moran, CSAC
Substance Use Disorder Supervisor and Clinician
Deona is a Substance Use Disorder Supervisor at The Up Center. She is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) from the Virginia Board of Counseling. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University and received her education in substance use from Breining Institute in California. She has provided counseling and support for over 7 years to individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders. Deona has previously worked in a hospital on an intensive detox/stabilization unit and in a clinic for medication assistance treatment. Deona has a deep passion to help individuals and their families to become successful in their lives and substance use free. Deona sees clients in person in our Ghent and Suffolk locations.
Teresa Stafford, MSW
Outpatient Program Coordinator
Teresa Stafford (she/her) serves as the Outpatient Program Coordinator. She is passionate about supporting our team in providing evidence-based, trauma-informed services, reducing barriers for both clients and staff, and finding ways to improve our programs and processes. In her career she has worked with individuals, groups, and systems on initiatives that support finding and addressing root causes of community challenges. Teresa has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Empowerment and Program Development, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Tranise Matthews, MA
Intake Coordinator
Tranise (she/her) serves as the Intake Coordinator for Outpatient Mental Health, Substance Use, Group, and Peer Recovery Services programs. She joined The Up Center initially in 2019, first as an undergraduate intern and later in 2020 in her current position. Tranise has a BA in Sociology from Norfolk State University and recently completed her Masters in Criminal Justice. She appreciates the great opportunity to touch the lives of individuals within the community and connecting clients with services to help them live their best lives.
Adrienne Smith, LPC
OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
Adrienne (she/her) is a graduate of Howard University (B.S. Child and Adolescent Development, 2007) and Liberty University (M.A. Professional Counseling, 2015). She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). She is also working towards certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Adrienne currently works as both a mental health and substance use disorder clinician and sees clients in person in our Ghent and Portsmouth Offices as well as via telehealth. Adrienne’s passion is working with the child and adolescent population, specifically dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder. In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys running and spending time with her pup, Dallas Emmitt Smith.
Arielle Shipp, PMH-C, Resident in Counseling
OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
Arielle (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling working towards her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Urban Education Community Counseling from Norfolk State University. Arielle worked in Community Based Services for over 10 years including Mental Health Skill Building and Intensive In-home Services prior to Outpatient Services. Arielle is certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and is currently working on completing her certification in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She provides counseling services to individuals and families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a focus on trauma, Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders, and sees clients in person in our Suffolk office as well as via telehealth. Arielle enjoys being outdoors, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with family.
Asha Utz, LCSW, SOTP Trainee
OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
Asha (she/her) is a Trauma informed, client-centered approach clinician. She utilizes CBT, EMDR, DBT, and conflict-resolution therapy approaches when working with clients. She currently sees clients in person in the Suffolk office and via telehealth. Asha specializes in complex trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting fatigue, self-esteem issues, suicidal ideation, self-harm, maternal mental health (peri & postnatal), grief, bipolar disorder, anger management, substance use, and youth with sexualized behaviors. She is currently working towards certification in Sex Offender Treatment as well.
Ashlee Collister, LCSW, CSOTP
OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
Ashlee (she/her) serves as an outpatient clinician at The Up Center and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), holding state licenses in both Virginia and North Carolina. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of New England and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She provides counseling services to adults, children, and families. She specializes in working with children, trauma, substance use disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and youth with sexualized behaviors. Ashlee strives to help the individual process their traumas and believes that no one person is defined by their trauma. She currently sees clients in person in our Ghent and Portsmouth locations as well as via telehealth for clients living in Virginia or North Carolina.
Dr. Bonita Jackson-Vergara, LPC, LSATP, LCMHC, ACS
OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
Dr. Bonita (she/her) is originally from Brooklyn, NY and while in school obtained a BA in psychology, an MA in Clinical Psychology, and a doctorate in counseling psychology. Dr. Bonita is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and is dually licensed to practice in Virginia and North Carolina as well as trained to provide supervision to Residents working on their LPC. She has over 22 years of counseling experience primarily with children, adolescents, college students, and families. She also enjoys working with women, teen mothers, military community, and those with substance use disorders. She takes a directive yet client-centered approach to concerns brought forward in therapy and tends to utilize cognitive behavioral and family systems approaches when working with clients. She currently sees clients in person in the Suffolk Office and via telehealth. Dr. Bonita has been married for over 30 years and was a military spouse for 22 years. She and her spouse have five wonderful sons and have lived in places such as Billings, Montana and Puerto Rico. She looks forward to meeting and working with you and helping you on your personal journey.
Christopher Brydge, RPRS
Peer Recovery Specialist
Chris joined The Up Center in 2021 after spending 14 years in the public school system and as an adjunct professor at William & Mary. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University. Chris has a passion for recovery and is looking forward to sharing his experience, strength and hope to all who come through Peer Recovery Services. He is also an accomplished jazz bassist and performs throughout Virginia.
Cindy Kimmons, RPRS
Peer Recovery Specialist
Cindy (she/her) is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist and Forensic Peer Support Trainer. She has been peering for over 3 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Old Dominion University with a certificate in Addictions and Prevention. Cindy is passionate about sharing her experiences with others to bring about hope through Peer Recovery Services and likes to refer to herself as a ‘broker of hope”. Cindy is also a professional dog trainer and has volunteered her talents at the VBSPCA to increase the likelihood that a dog will be adopted.
Lauren Lock, MA, Resident in Counseling
New Visions Clinician AND OUTPATIENT CLINICIAN
Lauren Lock is Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and pursuing a certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). She is also working on becoming certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). She is a native Hampton Roads resident who has a deep passion for serving her community. She earned both her B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Over the last two years, Lauren has worked in the Substance Use community, where she has worked with individuals of all different ages who have struggled with a wide range of addictions. Currently, Lauren works with teens in the New Visions program and is excited to serve them as the program continues to grow. Lauren sees clients in person at the Ghent office and over telehealth.
Heather Arnett, EDS, LPC, LSATP, CSAC
Outpatient Clinician
Heather (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Heather graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling (1994) and Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling (2015). After an 18 year career as a school counselor, Heather became an LPC to expand her clinical mental health services to adults, children, and families. She specializes in substance use recovery, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and Navy mom. Heather also supervises residents working towards their LPC and sees clients via telehealth only.
Hunter Staylor, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Hunter (he/him) is a Supervisee in Social Work, working towards his Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Mr. Staylor serves as an outpatient clinician for mental health and substance use services. Hunter provides individual and group counseling services to individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds in person in our Ghent and Suffolk offices, as well as via telehealth. Mr. Staylor utilizes various therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, and Solution Focused Therapy to address treatment goals with clients. He specializes in substance use recovery, anger management, and co-parenting education and is working towards becoming trained in EMDR Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT. When not at work, Hunter enjoys playing soccer and engaging in glass lamp work art.
Lynette Johnson, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
New Visions Clinician and Outpatient Clinician
Lynette (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work working in two different programs in the Outpatient Department. She obtained both her Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees in Social Work from Norfolk State University. For the past 10 years, Lynette has provided direct care services for adults and families. During the last five years, Lynette has been providing clinical therapy for children, adolescents and families. She is certified in the evidenced-based model Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) and utilizes it when working with youth with substance use concerns in the New Visions program. She also uses a variety of trauma informed approaches when working with individuals in Outpatient Counseling and is currently working towards becoming trained in EMDR Therapy. She sees clients in New Visions both in the office and in the community and sees clients for Outpatient Counseling in person in the Ghent and Suffolk Offices, as well as via telehealth.
Rachel Micheletti, MA, Resident in Counseling, CCTIS, CCTS-F
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Rachel (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling and holds master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Addictions Counseling. As a licensed Be Body Positive group facilitator and graduate of The Body Project presented by Ophelia’s Place, Rachel hopes to provide support to clients on their journeys to living their best lives through body kindness, dance, performance, and confidence-building. Rachel is currently continuing her educational journey by working toward a self-designed PHD highlighting gender and sexuality studies. Rachel is trained in EMDR and sees individual clients virtually via telehealth, as well as facilitates several groups that seek to empower women. When not working with clients Rachel is a mom to rescue kitties, a Boston Terrier named Violet, and can often be found teaching dance or performing with her band.
Rebecca Ellis, LCSW
Outpatient Clinician and Group Facilitator
Rebecca (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Roanoke College and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. She joined The Up Center in 2018 and serves as the Intake Coordinator for the Therapeutic Foster Care Program, in addition to her roles in the Outpatient and Substance Use programs. Rebecca is trained in TF-CBT and EMDR and serves clients virtually or in-person at our Norfolk and Portsmouth locations. Rebecca has a passion for working with survivors of trauma and specializes in working with foster and adopted youth as well as adults with substance use disorders.
Renee Spence, RPRS
Peer Recovery Specialist
Renee is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in the Substance Use Program. She has over 20 years of human service experience and has been a volunteer working with low-income inner-city youth for over 10 years. Renee is an advocate, and is passionate about helping others and giving back to her community.
Sharon Reams, LCSW
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES and Outpatient Clinician
Sharon (she/her) is the Director of Youth Services at The Up Center. She oversees the Foster Care & Adoptions program as well as the Team Up youth mentoring program. She has been with The Up Center since 2005. In addition to her role as director, she currently sees Outpatient clients on a limited basis both in person in the Ghent office and via telehealth. She is a native of Hampton Roads and is dedicated to helping and giving back to her community.
Contact Us
Phone: (757) 965-8623
Email: sudservices@theupcenter.org
Location: 222 W 19th St, Norfolk, VA 23517
Our Mission
We are committed to partnering with children, families, and communities to improve lives and outcomes through prevention, intervention, and support services.
580 E. Main Street, Suite 400
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
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