Gaiser’s team of addiction treatment professionals is driven by leadership who understand the science behind recovery. Our team addresses the link between mental/behavioral health and substance abuse, the chemistry of addiction and the key role Medication Assisted Treatment plays in helping people build a healthier future.
Executive Director
Joe Mahoney joined the Gaiser Center as executive director in May 2021, focusing on building partnerships in the Butler Community and creating new programs for the center to address behavioral health needs along with addiction treatment.
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A licensed social worker with more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health services, Joe earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and English from Duquesne University and a master's in social work with mental health certification from the University of Pittsburgh.
He joined Gaiser from Intermediate Unit 1, an educational service agency serving school districts and communities of Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. Working his way from a school-based social work position up to director of Mental/Behavioral Health and Social Work Services for Intermediate Unit 1, Joe had direct oversite over eight outpatient clinics in Greene County, a Partial Hospitalization Program, 12 school-based mental health programs, and more than 60 school-based, master-level social workers.
Joe looks forward to finding opportunities to take Gaiser’s mission of recovery beyond the border of Butler County.
Medical Director
Dr. C. Thomas Brophy began working with the Gaiser Center in 2019 and serves as medical director for the facility. Dr. Brophy earned a neuroscience degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his medical residency at Allegheny General Hospital to become one of the region’s only physicians board certified in both addiction medicine and emergency medicine.
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With a passion for teaching, Dr. Brophy is known for his educational outreach efforts. He is a regular contributor to KDKA radio and has conducted more than 100 public education seminars on topics related to addiction. He dedicates his life to helping those struggling with addiction while promoting an understanding of the neurophysiology of addiction, so we can all be part of the solution.
Clinical Director
Anna Shuster is the clinical director at the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center. Anna oversees both inpatient and outpatient programs to ensure quality services and clinical interventions for individuals in treatment. Anna obtained her master’s degree in community mental health counseling and is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania.
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She is also a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor through the PA certification board. Anna has worked in the addictions field since 2004 and has held positions from residential aide to clinical director in several different programs. Anna started with the Gaiser Center as a counselor in the inpatient program in 2017 and became the clinical director in 2021. She chose this field to help empower others to make positive changes in their lives.
HR Specialist
Gretchen Howard serves as Gaiser’s human resources specialist. Gretchen has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and organizational development and earned an MBA with an emphasis in finance in May of 2022. After working in the insurance industry, Gretchen changed careers in September 2019, becoming the front desk coordinator of Gaiser’s outpatient facility.
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She was quickly promoted to her HR role where she oversees all HR functions. Gretchen strongly believes in the Gaiser mission and is happy to work with intelligent and talented staff in an organization where individuals with addiction are treated with respect and kindness.
Executive Assistant
Ave Jack started her Gaiser career as executive assistant to the director in June 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource management in 1998 and is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Butler County.
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While Ave primarily supports the executive director and Gaiser’s board of directors, she also coordinates Gaiser’s IT services and phone system and enjoys having a hand in the center’s marketing, branding, social media and web projects. Ave looks forward to many more years of fulfilling work at Gaiser.
RA Manager
Amy Morris is the recovery assistant manager at Gaiser. Amy graduated from Westminster College then obtained her Paralegal Certificate and worked for a Pittsburgh law firm for 11 years. After a hiatus from the workplace, she started at Gaiser in 2019 as a recovery assistant.
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Amy became a certified recovery specialist and was soon promoted to recovery assistant manager. Amy is proud to support the Gaiser mission to reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
Fiscal Manager
Maria Slaugenhoup is the fiscal manager of the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center. Maria is responsible for the oversight of all accounting processes and ensures the integrity of all accounting records including SAGE accounting software, general ledger and financial statements.
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Maria is a member of the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center Finance Committee. She is a graduate of the Bradford School and Leadership Butler County class of 2011. Maria has devoted 24 years to supporting the mission of the Gaiser Center.
Facilities Manager
Chet Garland is the facilities coordinator at the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center where he also oversees the culinary division. Chet obtained his associate’s degree in culinary arts and has been in the culinary field for more than 30 years.
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He is known for his southern American food mixed with French influence. Chet started at Gaiser in March of 2018 as the kitchen manager and was promoted to the facilities coordinator position in July of 2021.
