Opioid Care As
It Should Be

With over a decade of experience in emergency medicine and telehealth, Shauntara Brown, a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, has consistently demonstrated her commitment to accessible and innovative healthcare. Her proficiency in leveraging technology has not only facilitated remote patient care but also showcased her dedication to making healthcare more inclusive. Beyond her clinical expertise, Shauntara is a passionate advocate for mental health, actively engaging in community outreach programs and workshops to reduce stigma and empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

Shauntara's approach to patient care is rooted in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship. Through her work in emergency medicine, virtual healthcare, and mental health advocacy, she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves, contributing to a broader conversation about holistic well-being and the importance of mental health awareness.

Ashley Ross is a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with a robust nursing background, demonstrating a profound commitment to delivering quality care within the realm of addiction medicine. Boasting over a decade of nursing experience, she has spent the last five years leaving a positive impact on the lives of individuals grappling with addiction.

Her healthcare journey commenced at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she pursued her undergraduate studies. Following the completion of her master's degree in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner at Grand Canyon University, Ashley seamlessly transitioned into the field of addiction medicine. Her passion for supporting and empowering individuals facing a dearth of resources and understanding in their recovery journey led her to find her calling in this domain.

Believing in patient empowerment, Ashley involves her patients in care decisions and tailors treatment plans to meet their unique needs. As a certified buprenorphine prescriber with five years of experience, she has worked across diverse settings, including detox, outpatient MAT, rehab, and residential facilities, catering to male and female populations aged 18 and older.

Beyond her professional commitments, Ashley discovers joy in reading, maintaining an active lifestyle through workouts, and cherishing precious moments with her family. Proudly a mother of two—a 6-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter—she has dedicated her life to making a positive difference in the lives of others, a mission she ardently pursues in her role as a Nurse Practitioner.

Ashley is committed to supporting her patients on their path to recovery, prioritizing their well-being and success.

Ashley Dawson, APRN, specializes in addiction medicine. Her journey in healthcare began with a bachelor's degree from Kaplan University, which laid a strong foundation for her subsequent academic pursuits. She later graduated from Purdue University Global, earning her master's degree in Family Medicine in Nursing. Additionally, she holds board certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, reflecting her unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in her practice.

Over the past 5 years, her focus has centered on detoxification and outpatient behavioral health, where she has had the privilege of supporting individuals in their journey towards recovery. Witnessing the positive transformations and the impact of her guidance has been incredibly fulfilling for her.

Driven by a passion for advancing the field of addiction medicine, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction. Her goal is to continue contributing to the healthcare community, making a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.

Taylor Rentschler is a dedicated Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner who has recently been involved in medically assisted treatment for addiction. She obtained her board-certified APRN degree from Purdue and has a twelve-year history in the nursing field. Her recent career shift into addiction medicine was driven by the profound impact addiction has on individuals and the transformative potential of medication-assisted treatment in restoring lives.

Taylor's mission is to advocate for healthy and joyful lives, and her personal philosophy revolves around treating each person as the unique individual they are, placing a strong emphasis on compassion, accountability, and collaboration.

Megan Arens, PA-C, is a Board Certified Physician Assistant who specializes in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Megan earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota. With over 8 years of dedicated service, she has consistently prioritized personalized, empathetic care in her practice.

Megan's commitment to continual education and additional training in Suboxone-related treatments has sharpened her skills, ensuring the delivery of the most effective and individualized treatments to her patients. Witnessing the transformative impact of medication-assisted treatments on patients, including the restoration of hope and overall quality of life, has made her work in this field profoundly rewarding.

She wholeheartedly believes in the life-changing potential of medication-assisted treatments, always placing compassion and understanding at the forefront of patient care to provide the best possible support. Recognizing that the initial step towards recovery is often the most challenging, Megan aims to create a judgment-free environment where patients can comfortably seek help.

Her unwavering commitment remains dedicated to assisting individuals and families affected by addiction. For anyone seeking guidance and treatment, Megan wants to emphasize that she is readily available to provide support and guidance on the path to recovery.

Amy Noroozian holds the distinction of being a certified Physician Assistant. She completed her undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, majoring in Biology. Subsequently, Amy pursued her Master of Physician Assistant studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Her professional journey encompasses work in the fields of Family Medicine and Orthopedics, with the most recent seven years dedicated to General Surgery.

Within her surgical practice, Amy has been an eyewitness to the profound impact of opioids on patients, particularly their challenges in discontinuing opioid use post-surgery. This experience prompted her to explore alternative options for post-operative care and ignited a newfound passion for assisting individuals grappling with addiction.

This burgeoning commitment to aiding those facing addiction concerns ultimately led her to Curednation. Amy firmly believes that her medical expertise and unwavering dedication can serve as a compassionate resource for individuals seeking to overcome addiction. She places great faith in the efficacy of medication-assisted treatment and is steadfast in her belief that each patient is a unique individual deserving of personalized care. Amy's empathetic approach to patient care drives her determination to enhance the lives of many who are in search of help.

I attended Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. I went on to earn my Master of Medical Science – Physician Assistant degree from the College of Health Sciences at Arcadia University. I am board-certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and licensed in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

For 10 years, I have practiced in emergency and urgent care medicine. During this time, I developed a passion for helping those battling with addiction, as I recognized the devasting effects of this disease. I made the decision to devote the rest of my career to providing non- judgmental and patient-centered care for those with opioid use disorder. I’m committed to ending the stigmatization that surrounds this disease and decreasing barriers in access to essential treatment. I joined the team at Curednation to become part of a knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated group of clinicians providing evidence-based care in a safe space to those suffering with addiction.

I believe addiction is a complex and chronic disease. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, with medication being the most critical of components. The wealth of evidence that has amassed over the years demonstrate the profound effectiveness of medication used in treatment. It can provide stability enabling a person to move forward in life – making long term recovery possible.

I’m ready to guide you along your path to recovery – supporting you each step of the way. Let me help you start your next chapter.

Kara Lloyd, APRN, is duly certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Acute Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. She holds alumni status at Marquette University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the University of South Alabama, currently residing in the Charlotte area of North Carolina.

In recent years, she has worked as a Nurse Practitioner, dedicating her service to vulnerable populations in underserved regions of North Carolina. Kara frequently encounters heart-wrenching stories from parents who have lost their children to overdoses, particularly due to Fentanyl. Many of her patients are long-term users of opioids, with only a few having sought treatment. She vividly recalls a patient who spoke about how suboxone had saved his life, leading to a positive transformation in his job and family life, including the regaining of custody of his children. Kara aspires to assist others in rewriting their stories in a similar uplifting manner.

Kara's personal connection to addiction medicine is profound, as substance abuse has affected her family for generations. She is committed to offering empathetic, supportive, passionate, and patient care to those struggling with this devastating disease, drawing from her own experiences on various sides of the issue.

Kara is a mother of three young children and her personal interests include participating in sprint triathlons and the art of gardening.

As a novice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I specialize in inpatient psychiatric treatment and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. I earned my BSN from The University of Maryland and my MSN from Walden University.

Professionally, I have a history of diverse roles in numerous care settings, from working in med- surg, ER, IMC and case management. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations where recognizing and understanding the importance of a patient’s overall mental health was an essential part in providing effective treatment. Since becoming a nurse over 10-years ago and Nurse Practitioner in 2021, I have always maintained an empathic and compassionate nature, and have devoted my career to serving many individuals from all walks of life. I have had additional training in Medication-Assisted Treatment and obtained my X- waiver to help me provide the most effective treatment options to my patients.

Having witnessed the profound impact addiction has on individuals and their families, both professionally and personally, I have made it my duty to ameliorate the stigma of addiction. I believe that every patient should be treated with unprejudiced and effective individualized care.

“Although you cannot go back and change what has occurred, your past does not define your future and every day is a brand-new start.”

Amanda Ferguson, FNP-BC is a dedicated and compassionate nurse practitioner specializing in Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) for opioid withdrawal. Amanda is committed to providing comprehensive care to individuals struggling with opioid addiction and she strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those seeking recovery.

Amanda graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing in Family Practice from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She continues to stay up-to-date on current addiction medicine practices to ensure her patients receive the best treatments available.

Amanda became passionate about addiction medicine after seeing several family members and friends struggle with addiction. Her practice philosophy is rooted in a non-judgmental, patient-centered approach where individualized care is the cornerstone of every treatment plan. She believes in building trust and maintaining open communication with her patients to build a strong foundation. This helps her gain a comprehensive understanding of their unique circumstances, in order to tailor MAT interventions to patient- specific needs.

Amanda is dedicated to her patients and she continues to see the transformative power of MAT in the lives of patients. If you or a loved one are seeking support for opioid addiction, please reach out.

As a highly experienced board-certified Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MAT or MOUD). I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2006 and practiced as an RN for over 10 years before I earned my Masters of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Central Missouri in 2019.

Over the course of my career, I have served a variety of populations from the indigent at an inner-city safety net hospital in Kansas City to our Nation’s veterans at multiple VA hospitals in Kansas City and Arizona for over 7 years. I possess nearly 10 years as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and have more recently found that this translates very well to the field of Addiction Medicine, utilizing many of the same techniques of motivational interviewing, empathetic and active listening, and education to achieve rapport and trust with patients, and to empower them to make necessary changes in their lives. I have provided telemedicine services for many years and have found it to be extremely rewarding and effective to be able to provide care to patients when and where it is convenient for them.

Addiction Medicine is my newfound passion as I am able to witness patients suffering in the depths of addiction turn their lives around—often very quickly. I have experience treating patients with both Suboxone and methadone and have found that both can be highly successful. I possess additional certifications and maintain continuing education training annually on the use of medication for opioid use disorder, and strongly believe in this evidence-based treatment. It is an honor to help facilitate recovery by providing medication for opioid use disorder which helps bring stability to patients’ lives. If you or someone you know is in need of treatment, I am here and ready to help you on this journey.

Trent Carter, FNP-BC, CARN-AP, is a dedicated nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine. Board-certified and backed by 10+ years of hands-on experience, Trent has been at the forefront of providing compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals battling addiction.

Driven by a passion to destigmatize addiction and offer tangible solutions, Trent champions a holistic approach to treatment, viewing each patient as a unique individual with distinct needs. This patient-centered philosophy has been the foundation of his practice, leading to many success stories and a reputation for excellence.

Educated at Texas Tech University and the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with honors and is a continuous learner, Trent remains updated with the latest research and advancements in addiction medicine. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that his patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

In addition to clinical practice, Trent advocates for community outreach, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention in addiction prevention. He is a vocal advocate for addiction medicine and destigmatizing substance abuse. He also has many publications in various articles, driving home the message that recovery is possible and that support is always available.

Outside of work, Trent cherishes quality moments spent with family, creating memories and strengthening bonds. An avid advocate for a healthy lifestyle, he is passionate about regular exercise and the numerous benefits it brings, both mentally and physically. Travel is another source of joy for Trent; exploring diverse cultures, savoring new cuisines, and encountering different perspectives enriches his worldview. This love for exploration extends to personal development as well. Always on a quest for self-progression, Trent continuously seeks avenues to grow, improve, and better himself, embodying a life of perpetual learning and evolution.

For those seeking a compassionate and expert partner in their recovery journey, Trent stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of dedicated healthcare.