Meet the Staff – Madison

Dr. Todd Kammerzelt, MD, FASAM, DAAAP – Madison Medical Director

Dr. Todd Kammerzelt, AKA Dr. K, is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 10 years of experience specializing in adult and addiction psychiatry. Originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Dr. K has lived in a variety of places, including New Orleans, New York, Washington, D.C., Australia, and the United Kingdom. For much of the past two decades, he has called Madison home, where he continues to build a rewarding career focused on patient-centered mental health and addiction care. 

Dr. K earned his medical degree and training from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, after completing a postbaccalaureate premedical program at Columbia University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical-Economics from Tulane University. Before pursuing medicine, Dr. K served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where he taught Math and English, gaining invaluable experience in cross-cultural communication and international education.  With over a decade of clinical experience, he is deeply committed to respecting patient autonomy and taking time to understand the unique challenges each individual faces in their recovery journey.

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.

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.

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.

Tom, MS, SAC

Tom graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Studies in 2018 from Governors State University in Chicago, and has been working as a substance abuse counselor for the past six years. Prior to relocating to Madison in 2021, Tom worked in outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities in the Chicagoland area, specializing in case management, adolescent, individual, and group counseling. 

He believes in a holistic approach to recovery and is passionate about helping patients reach their treatment goals through a variety of methods. Before becoming a substance abuse counselor, Tom worked in occupational and physical therapy with disabled children and adolescents. With Tom’s broad background and skillset, he brings a comprehensive approach to has patients receiving treatment and guidance under his care.

Theresa, MS, SAC-IT

Theresa began her studies with a Bachelor’s in Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.  She then continued her education and earned a Master’s in Counselor Education. Theresa spent more than 20 years in the area as a high school guidance counselor, her specialty and expertise working with at-risk individuals struggling with mental health, behavioral, and addiction issues. Following this passion, Theresa switched paths to Substance Abuse Counseling, with experience in the residential, intensive outpatient, and clinical settings.  

Theresa’s goal is to help create a non-judgmental setting of support. Breaking the stigmas of addiction and mental illness is her primary motivator. Helping people overcome their shame and find recovery, she says, is the most rewarding experience in the world.

Katie, BA, SAC-IT

Katie, BA, SAC–IT, is one of our first counselors to go through the internship program ASAP offers and she continues to demonstrate a desire to expand her skills through experience and education. She believes in the power of authentic listening and creating a space for individuals to be heard, supported, and empowered. Both lived experience and working in the AODA field have shown her that recovery is most meaningful when people are motivated by their own unique interests or skills and have a few genuinely supportive people. Katie aims to help patients by providing a compassionate, nonjudgemental environment where people can work on honesty, self-efficacy, and finding resources in their own communities.

Jason, SAC-IT

Jason, a graduate of Madison College’s Addiction Studies Program, works to promote respect and dignity for those experiencing substance use disorders. Through his work in homeless services, Jason has gained knowledge and a deeper understanding for those living with substance use and co-occurring disorders and the effect these conditions can have on their lives. With his life experiences, training, and a passion to improve the lives of those suffering with addiction, he strives to bring a better life to those he feels fortunate to care for.