Dr. Mark Illumanti, MD
Medical Director
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
Juddy Morgan, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Juddy Morgan is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is also a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been working in the mental health field for more than 4 years in outpatient and long-term care settings. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtained her Master’s degree from Walden University and her post-master’s certificate from the University of Cincinnati. She strives for excellence in caring for her patients. Her approach in care is holistic and she has experience treating patients of all ages. As the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Juddy works with the clients to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications to dual diagnosis clients in the partial-hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program and outpatient groups. In addition, she manages Vivitrol clients and works with The Freedom Center team on the management of clients' medical issues related to addiction.
Deirdre Angelastro, CRNP, MPH
Family Nurse Practitioner
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Judy Serfaty, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="2tjsMsFhhTQ" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders, and is skilled in providing Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Vanessa R. Hill, CAC-AD
Clinical Supervisor - Primary Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="etJPypKrmkQ" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Anya Kholodnov, LCSW‑C
Group Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="sazEaTbcT2A" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Anya is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration, mental health specialization, and substance abuse sub-specialization. She graduated from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and has years of experience providing direct services to individuals and groups with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Anya is dedicated to building rapport with clients and establishing a relationship of trust.
Anya treats clients using a holistic approach incorporating experiential, cognitive, behavioral and psychoanalytical theory and modalities. Anya keeps a strong focus on addressing triggers, underlying issues, building and accomplishing goals, addiction education and connection to supports. She brings experience in working with addiction, trauma and LGBT issues with an individual, group, and families.
Mitchell Cohen, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="VUohUA3j9-c" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Mitchell is an experienced, licensed social worker with over 19 years of experience serving the substance abuse and mental health populations. He has a passion for leading engaging groups, providing individual and family therapy. Mitchell brings evidenced-based techniques that assist clients in their recovery. His experience and education have provided him with a deep understanding of experiential therapy, motivational interviewing, and medication managed recovery. As a Primary Therapist, Mitchell facilitates groups, provides assessments, as well as individual and family therapy for clients recovering from substance use disorders and related mental health issues.
Thomas Blaine Kuss, LMSW
Primary Therapist
Blaine is an experienced, licensed social worker experience treating clients recovering from substance use disorders. He provides counseling for substance use disorders on an individual basis and in group for clients at the partial-hospitalization and intensive outpatient level of treatment. As a Primary Therapist, Blaine facilitates groups, provides assessments, as well as individual therapy for clients recovering from substance use disorders and related mental health issues. Blaine is committed to intervening on behalf of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring disorders to enable them continue through their recovery.
Amanda Cook
Primary Therapist
Mandy is a licensed graduate professional art therapist who holds a Masters in Art Therapy with a specialization in counseling. She graduated from an American Art Therapy Association approved program at Seton Hill University and has years of experience providing direct services to individuals and groups with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Mandy is dedicated to expressing full emotional understanding, empathy, and stability when facing critical situations. As a Primary Therapist, Mandy facilitates groups, provides assessments, as well as individual therapy for clients recovering from substance use disorders and related mental health issues. Mandy treats clients using a person-centered approach incorporating a variety of art therapy modalities, the creative process, and individualized therapy. Mandy has a deep compassion for those in recovery and a real desire to help them learn to express themselves through art. Her energetic and fun attitude helps to create an environment where patients can relax and feel comfortable confronting uncomfortable emotions. "The wound is the place where light enters you" -Rumi
James Scribner
Executive Director, Co-Founder
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Alexandra Gifford
Director of Operations
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
Dr. Mark Illumanti, MD
Medical Director
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
Juddy Morgan, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Juddy Morgan is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is also a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been working in the mental health field for more than 4 years in outpatient and long-term care settings. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtained her Master’s degree from Walden University and her post-master’s certificate from the University of Cincinnati. She strives for excellence in caring for her patients. Her approach in care is holistic and she has experience treating patients of all ages. As the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Juddy works with the clients to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications to dual diagnosis clients in the partial-hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program and outpatient groups. In addition, she manages Vivitrol clients and works with The Freedom Center team on the management of clients' medical issues related to addiction.
Deirdre Angelastro, CRNP, MPH
Family Nurse Practitioner
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Judy Serfaty, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="2tjsMsFhhTQ" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders, and is skilled in providing Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Vanessa R. Hill, CAC-AD
Clinical Supervisor - Primary Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="etJPypKrmkQ" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Anya Kholodnov, LCSW‑C
Group Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="sazEaTbcT2A" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Anya is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration, mental health specialization, and substance abuse sub-specialization. She graduated from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and has years of experience providing direct services to individuals and groups with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Anya is dedicated to building rapport with clients and establishing a relationship of trust.
Anya treats clients using a holistic approach incorporating experiential, cognitive, behavioral and psychoanalytical theory and modalities. Anya keeps a strong focus on addressing triggers, underlying issues, building and accomplishing goals, addiction education and connection to supports. She brings experience in working with addiction, trauma and LGBT issues with an individual, group, and families.
Mitchell Cohen, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="VUohUA3j9-c" width="550" height="315" auto_thumb="1" ]
Mitchell is an experienced, licensed social worker with over 19 years of experience serving the substance abuse and mental health populations. He has a passion for leading engaging groups, providing individual and family therapy. Mitchell brings evidenced-based techniques that assist clients in their recovery. His experience and education have provided him with a deep understanding of experiential therapy, motivational interviewing, and medication managed recovery. As a Primary Therapist, Mitchell facilitates groups, provides assessments, as well as individual and family therapy for clients recovering from substance use disorders and related mental health issues.
Thomas Blaine Kuss, LMSW
Primary Therapist
Blaine is an experienced, licensed social worker experience treating clients recovering from substance use disorders. He provides counseling for substance use disorders on an individual basis and in group for clients at the partial-hospitalization and intensive outpatient level of treatment. As a Primary Therapist, Blaine facilitates groups, provides assessments, as well as individual therapy for clients recovering from substance use disorders and related mental health issues. Blaine is committed to intervening on behalf of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring disorders to enable them continue through their recovery.
Amanda Cook
Primary Therapist
Mandy is a licensed graduate professional art therapist who holds a Masters in Art Therapy with a specialization in counseling. She graduated from an American Art Therapy Association approved program at Seton Hill University and has years of experience providing direct services to individuals and groups with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Mandy is dedicated to expressing full emotional understanding, empathy, and stability when facing critical situations. As a Primary Therapist, Mandy facilitates groups, provides assessments, as well as individual therapy for clients recovering from substance use disorders and related mental health issues. Mandy treats clients using a person-centered approach incorporating a variety of art therapy modalities, the creative process, and individualized therapy. Mandy has a deep compassion for those in recovery and a real desire to help them learn to express themselves through art. Her energetic and fun attitude helps to create an environment where patients can relax and feel comfortable confronting uncomfortable emotions. "The wound is the place where light enters you" -Rumi
James Scribner
Executive Director, Co-Founder
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Alexandra Gifford
Director of Operations
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
Dr. Mark Illumanti, MD
Medical Director
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medi
Juddy Morgan, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Juddy Morgan is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is also a
Deirdre Angelastro, CRNP, MPH
Family Nurse Practitioner
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at
Judy Serfaty, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="2tjsMsFhhTQ" width="550" height="315" auto_thu
Vanessa R. Hill, CAC-AD
Clinical Supervisor - Primary Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="etJPypKrmkQ" width="550" height="315" auto_thu
Anya Kholodnov, LCSW‑C
Group Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="sazEaTbcT2A" width="550" height="315" auto_thu
Mitchell Cohen, LCSW-C
Primary Therapist
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="VUohUA3j9-c" width="550" height="315" auto_thu
Thomas Blaine Kuss, LMSW
Primary Therapist
Blaine is an experienced, licensed social worker experience treating clients rec
Amanda Cook
Primary Therapist
Mandy is a licensed graduate professional art therapist who holds a Masters in A
James Scribner
Executive Director, Co-Founder
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s R
Alexandra Gifford
Director of Operations
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are
