Meet the Staff – West Allis / Milwaukee

Dr. Vernon Partello, MD, FASAM, DABFM – Milwaukee Medical Director/Kenosha Medical Staff

Dr. Vernon Partello, MD, has practiced medicine for more than two 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 and substance abuse has afforded him a deep understanding of the medication-assisted treatment options that can be offered to patients, including Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol. As a result, he is now dedicated to caring for patients with primary opiate addiction and co-addictions, with the mission of always treating patients struggling with addiction issues with dignity, respect and concern for their health as they begin and recover from this difficult illness.

Dr. Michael Oster, DO, FACEP, FAOCEP – Kenosha Medical Director/Milwaukee Medical Staff

With more than 40 years of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Oster has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of substance abuse and opioid use disorder. Dr. Oster focuses on educating patients about neuroplasticity and its role in recovery. His undergraduate background in philosophy, history, community service, and medicine has enabled him to create a supportive environment for those seeking recovery. As such, his treatment philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to helping others, addressing the urgent need for specialized addiction treatment, mitigating the community impact of overdose deaths, and leveraging his unique skills and experience to combat the opioid epidemic.  

Working with the Northern Illinois NICASA organization and Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Dr. Oster helped reduce overdose deaths in Lake County. Beyond his work in addiction treatment, he has also been involved in volunteer efforts with the Exchange Club’s focus on preventing childhood abuse and the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, which has saved thousands of infants from abandonment, inducing those affected by opioid use disorder.

Alyssa, RN, BSN – Director of Medical Services

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 then a 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 toward 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.

Susan, RN, BSN, SAC-IT – Director of Support Services/Quality Assurance

Susan, RN, graduated from San Diego State University with her BSN and moved directly into the Neonatal ICU at UCLA satellite hospital. It was here she received her first exposure to treatment of addiction in the care of infants, mothers, and families. Her experience and passion for care of individuals suffering with addiction broadened upon relocating to Wisconsin with her family and transition into the Emergency Department (ED). There, she expanded on her exposure, assisting in the care and direct treatment of individuals of all ages suffering with addiction.  

With her years of experience, including OB and high-risk nursery, it seemed a natural transition to continue her work at ASAP. Sue has taken the opportunity to complete a state-certified course in addiction counseling to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles her patients have, and feels blessed to be able to go on this journey with them. She thoroughly enjoys the relationships she has developed over time with the patients and staff.

Kristin, MS, CSAC, ICS, LPC – Director of Clinical Services

Kristin began her studies after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She continued her education and graduated with her Master’s degree in Community Counseling, with a specialty focus earning her Addiction Counseling Certificate from Winona State University. She has years of experience working with adults with a variety of therapeutic issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment difficulties. She has worked in residential and outpatient treatment settings, working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. 

In addition to her broad range of work experiences during and after graduation, she has hands-on working experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment utilizing a harm-reduction approach. Kristin’s approach to therapy utilizes evidenced-based practices, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered Therapy. She works to develop strong relationships with clients, believing the relationship is the core to successful therapeutic changes. She utilizes humor, acceptance, and compassion to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Tajuan, MS, MSE, CSAC, ICS, LPC-IT – Clinic Manager

Tajuan received her first Master’s Degree in Human Services from Springfield College in 2004. Her background consists of working with a diverse culture in various human service settings. In 2014, Tajuan began her career in the Opioid Maintenance Treatment as a Substance Abuse Counselor. In 2021, Tajuan received her second Master of Science in Education with an Emphasis in Professional Counseling at UW Platteville. 

Tajuan utilizes a variety of theoretical orientations that include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy according to the client’s individual needs. Her approach involves empathy, sincerity, and non-judgment. She works with clients from a strength-based and positive perspective. In addition to providing individual counseling, Tajuan also enjoys facilitating groups (relapse prevention and driver safety plan).

Cori, MSW, APSW, CSAC, CS-IT

Cori completed her graduate-level studies from UW-Milwaukee, earning her Master’s degree in Social Work, with a specialization in Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse. During the time she also sought specialty training and received her Trauma-Informed Care Certification. She has extensive experience working in the AODA field, including Intensive Outpatient and MAT. 

Cori utilizes Motivational Interviewing along with other selected treatment modalities, including CBT, Solution Focused, and Person-Centered Therapies to help her patients achieve their goals during recovery. She feels a gentle, nonjudgmental approach is the best way to build rapport with her patients. She has developed a special skill set over the years that allows her to navigate specific frameworks, including those related to pregnancy and cultural sensitivity, within an AODA context. Cori is committed to her patient’s recovery and long-term success with sobriety.

DawnMarie, MS, LPC, CSAC, CS-IT – Clinical Supervisor

DawnMarie Suchorski, MS, LPC, SAC-IT, graduated from Alverno College in 2017 with a Master’s degree in Community Psychology, as well as Trauma Certification. She has more than five years of AODA experience, including Intensive Outpatient and Medication-Assisted Treatment, as well as experience in Outpatient Mental Health. 

Utilizing different therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, DawnMarie works with individuals to provide them with the coping skills and strategies to be used throughout their recovery. With a focus on veterans’ issues, DawnMarie works in collaboration with staff at the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Administration (VA) to ensure continuity of care for our vets receiving services there.

Pennie, MA, LPC-IT, SAC-IT

Penelope, MA, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, graduated from Ottawa University, earning her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling. She has more than five years of experience working in the AODA field, including residential and Medication-Assisted Treatment.  

Penelope utilizes different therapeutic approaches, which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered Therapy to help individuals develop coping skills and strategies to aid them throughout their recovery journey. She believes recovery is not a one-size-fits-all situation and approaches everyone with genuine care, empathy, and non-judgmental treatment. Penelope is committed to helping individuals with their recovery and achieving long-term success with their sobriety. 

Daniel, SAC-IT

Daniel has been a dedicated Substance Abuse Counselor since 2023 upon earning his Associate’s degree in Human Services from MATC. Daniel works hard every day to show his patients that it is never too late to change their lives around. He treats all his patients with dignity and respect, taking a non-judgmental attitude with all his patients. He understands that no one is perfect and everyone has a hiccup or two in life. Daniel’s number-one goal is to help his patients to achieve and maintain their sobriety. 

Lisa Purtue, MS, BS, AAS, CSAC

Lisa is a NAADAC/NBCC Minority Fellow 2022-2023, and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Mount Mary University. She is a licensed clinical substance abuse counselor with a demonstrated history of working within residential, alternative to revocation, community-based MAT-OPT, and adult IOP groups in addiction treatment services. 

Lisa is a passionate advocate for underserved communities and was a volunteer representative board member on the SCAODA board for Governor Tony Evers, with an open invitation to return to this board upon completion of her student internship. Lisa has been a public servant for many years with the hope and perseverance to improve the lives of others within diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities.

Teresa, SAC-IT

Teresa is distinguished as a United States Army Veteran, who has also served as a motivational speaker and group facilitator with an emphasis on building healthy relationships, self-care, and empowerment. She continues to work with community agencies providing advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, with experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor at Milwaukee County inpatient/outpatient, mental health and criminal justice facilities.  

She joined ASAP with significant experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment and shares that strength with the patients in her care. Teresa serves all individuals with empathy and compassion, using effective techniques that include Client-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help patients on their journey to achieve their goals. She believes that it always seems impossible, until it’s done.