ARC Leaders Named NAMI Conference Distinguished Speakers

Addiction Recovery Care employees Dr. Sarah Johnson, Dr. Matthew Pierzala, DO, and Leon Heaton, MA, RTC, LADC will present at the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) first-ever Virtual Education Conference. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Pierzala and Heaton will present a learning session called “Moving Towards the Future in Substance Use Disorder Treatment,” which will center around substance use disorder and the best practiced treatments.

Dr. Johnson’s has extensive clinical and administrative experience, as well as expertise in addiction treatment. She is board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed her medical training and master’s degree in Clinical Investigative Sciences and Epidemiology at the University of Louisville, where she remains on volunteer faculty. Her work at ARC is focused on Behavioral Health initiatives, program development, and supervision of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner staff. 

Dr. Pierzala holds Board certifications in Internal Medicine (ABIM) and Addictionology (ABPM). He has worked with Addiction Recovery Care, ARC, since 2016. In June of 2021 he took on the position of Medical Director of Primary Care Services in which he coordinates care of nearly 3000 patients with a team of ~25 Nurse Practitioners and other Physicians specializing in Addiction Psychiatry and Family Practice. He received a BA in Biology at University of Kentucky followed by an Osteopathic degree at Pikeville University.

Heaton is the Senior Director of Treatment Services with Addiction Recovery Care. He has 30 years of experience, primarily working with those with addictions in a residential setting. Leon holds master’s degrees from Morehead State University in Sociology, with an area of concentration in addictions, and a Master’s of Counseling.

Dr. Johnson’s and Heaton’s session will be on October 22, from 10 AM until 11 AM. The conference is free to attend. You must register to attend with your name and email address to jessie.powell@namiky.org or mcunningham@namiky.org