Meet the Stoa Wellness Team:Dedicated professionals guiding your journey to recovery

Wesley Brown is our Clinical Director. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and lives in the Baton Rouge area. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2021 with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Additionally he holds two undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Kinesiology. He is trained in Brainspotting and Animal Assisted Therapy. He considers Trauma to be a specialty that he enjoys working with. He is a results-driven leader that is excited to help people overcome issues in their life. He enjoys efficiency with structure and will push people to be the best version of themselves. When he is able to take a break, he enjoys playing sports and watching the Saints win on Sunday."It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up". - Vince Lombardi

Dell Guerra, a dedicated healthcare professional, brings many years of experience to her role as Director of Nursing. She is well known for her leadership and knowledge, ensuring the highest standards of patient care.Her nursing career began as a Hospital Red Cross Nurse's Aide volunteer at age 15. She later became a Licensed Practical Nurse and then earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. Her passion for caring led her to study Holistic Nursing and becoming a Certified Holistic Nurse.Some of her experiences include hospital settings (Emergency Room, Nursery, Infection control, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Hospital Supervisor, Medical-Surgical Unit Director), and she served as the Board Chair of this hospital (Lane Regional Medical Center) for many years. Other experiences include Nursing Director in a psychiatric facility and a substance use disorder facility, Endoscopy Nursing, Physician Office Nurse, and Deputy Coroner.She has also served as a consultant to many Substance Use disorder Facilities, and is well-versed in quality assurance/performance improvement, and compliance.

Amanda Kennedy is our Director of Admissions. She is a resident of Hammond, LA, home to her alumni, Southeastern Louisiana University. She graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of General Studies. She is also currently working on her MBA. She brings a passion for treatment and recovery to the table as she started her own recovery in 2020. She wants others to know the freedom that comes with sobriety. She credits her success as an admissions director largely due to her honesty and transparency regarding her own personal journey. When Amanda isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her children and Fiancé. Adding: "They will always be my WHY."To start your recovery journey today contact her at [email protected]"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are." -Carl Jung

Crystal has been with STOA Behavioral Health since its opening in May 2024 and currently serves as the Program Director and Counselor for the 90-Day Long Term Treatment Program. Crystal began her journey in the addiction field as a Mental Health Case Manager with Volunteers of America in 2016. In 2017, she expanded her career into inpatient addiction treatment and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), achieving her CIT certification in March of 2018. She is also certified in Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) and SMART Recovery.In August 2022, Crystal received her Registered Addiction Counselor licensure, and she achieved her Certified Addiction Counselor licensure upon graduating from Southern New Hampshire University in January 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating in addiction. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology, with expectations to graduate and become a Licensed Addiction Counselor by late 2026.With a profound passion for aiding individuals struggling with addiction and their families, Crystal is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. She is a proud mother of three—two sons, Bradyn and Brentyn, and a daughter, Taryn. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Crystal relocated to Lafayette following Hurricane Laura in January 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, kayaking, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.

Andrew "Andy" Plaisance LMSW, CEAP is a devoted substance abuse professional assisting those he serves to reach their full potential and begin a new way of life. He began his career in the behavioral health field as a Mental Health Technician, later advancing to the role of Technician Supervisor. These early experiences gave him a deep, hands-on understanding of client needs, treatment structure, and compassionate care.He earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University and went on to earn his Master of Social Work at Louisiana State University. As a Board Licensed Social Worker, Andy works diligently to utilize evidence-based practices, while prioritizing the inherent needs and worth of clients he serves.As a person in long-term recovery, Andy often uses his personal experience to connect with clients in a meaningful way, encouraging them to see recovery as something possible and achievable. He views his recovery as a powerful tool that enhances his ability to support others facing similar challenges. Being able to understand clients on a deeper level is instrumental when helping them overcome their challenges and enact positive change. His professional expertise and lived experience allows him to create an empathetic and empowering environment for those seeking healing and growth. While helping clients work hard on their recovery journey, Andy also believes in teaching clients to have fun in sobriety. Showing newcomers that sobriety can be fun and enjoyable is a core tenant of his approach to therapy.

Joel Pinell, is a provisionally licensed professional counselor (PLPC) dedicated to supporting clients through meaningful personal growth and emotional healing. With a clinical focus on existential therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Joel helps individuals explore life's deeper questions while building practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Their approach emphasizes authenticity, self-awareness, and resilience, creating a safe space for clients to navigate challenges, clarify values, and cultivate a more purposeful life.

Jaycee Broussard, BS, CAC is a Substance Abuse Counselor at STOA. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is actively working toward her LPC, continuing her commitment to professional development in the field of mental health and addiction treatment.As a woman in long-term recovery, Jaycee brings both clinical knowledge and lived experience to her work, offering clients a level of empathy, authenticity, and understanding that is both grounding and motivating. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.Jaycee uses a client-centered, compassionate approach, meeting each person exactly where they are in their recovery journey. She is dedicated to helping clients build healthy coping skills, develop insight, and reconnect with their strengths as they work toward long-term sobriety.Outside of her professional role, Jaycee enjoys spending quality time with her family and rehabbing animals—activities that reflect the patience, care, and compassion she brings into her counseling practice each day."Every person has the strength to rewrite their story. Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them while they learn to believe in themselves."

Diana Sarieddine is a dedicated professional in the field of addiction treatment, bringing five years of experience in the treatment setting and three years as a clinician to her role as both a Residential Counselor and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Counselor. With six years of personal sobriety, Diana understands the challenges and triumphs associated with recovery, enabling her to connect deeply with clients.Of Lebanese descent, Diana draws strength and inspiration from her two young boys, who motivate her in both her personal and professional endeavors. She is currently pursuing further education to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.Diana's passion for helping others navigate their paths to recovery makes her an invaluable asset to our team and the clients she serves. Her empathetic nature and transformative journey empower those around her to find hope and healing.

Jason Kearns is a CIT Counselor at STOA Behavioral Health 3.1 ASAM Long-Term program with more than four years of experience in the overall treatment field. Drawing from both professional training and his own journey in recovery, Jason brings a grounded, compassionate, and client-centered approach to his work. He is dedicated to helping individuals build stability, strengthen life skills, and discover their capacity for long-term change.Jason is known for his supportive presence, practical guidance, and ability to connect authentically with clients navigating early recovery and transitional living. His work is rooted in empathy, accountability, and a genuine passion for seeing others succeed.Outside of his professional role, Jason enjoys fishing, following LSU sports, and spending time in the outdoors.

Jamie Kushen is a dedicated behavioral health professional with three years of experience in the addiction treatment field. As someone in recovery themselves, Jamie brings authenticity, empathy, and real-world insight into his work, helping clients feel understood and supported through every stage of the process. Jamie specializes in the day to day care of clients, creating a structured and compassionate environment that promotes accountability, skill-building, and long-term recovery.Outside of work, Jamie enjoys playing pickleball and volleyball, watching sports, and unwinding with video games and his cat Leo.

Bio Coming Soon!