Felicia is a proud New Orleans resident, a 1987 graduate of Tulane University, parent of a 2021 Tulane graduate now in her second year at Tulane Law School, and parent of an LSU senior. She is on the Family Leadership and National Campaign Councils at Tulane, and a Board member of National Foundation for Collegiate Recovery. In addition, she works closely with and supports Tulane University’s Collegiate Recovery Program.

Felicia has been working in the mental health/substance-use field since 2010, spending a great deal of her time working with families and individuals looking for help. She is passionate about creating solutions that give people hope. Felicia has formed and continues to build relationships with top local and national mental health professionals and treatment centers who have the same ethics and commitment to help others. As a woman in long-term recovery, her personal and professional life is all about connection, collaboration, healing, and living a big, authentic, fun-filled, purposeful sober life. 

Felicia is a dedicated community member that devotes her time and love supporting various organizations in Louisiana and around the country: ARHE (Association of Recovery in Higher Education) nationally as well as Bridge House/Grace House and Covenant House in New Orleans. Felicia’s love for Harmon Recovery Foundation runs deep and is grateful to participate in HRF’s yearly fundraiser in Indian Wells, California.

You may reach Felicia any time on her cell (225) 937-1132 or email felicia@imaginerecovery.com.

Christopher is a native New Yorker who has fallen in love with life in New Orleans. He has a Masters Degree in Social Work and is a person in long term recovery. Christopher has many years of experience in the substance use and mental health treatment field locally and nationally. He is the Co-Founder of Trusted Provider Network/TPN.health, a digital company focused on local community with a national reach, headquartered in New Orleans. Christopher is on the Tulane Parents Council, National Campaign Council, Tulane School of Social Work Addiction Studies and Brain Institute boards. Christopher spent many years in the military and his experiences there led him to mental health advocacy. Upon his return from the Middle East, he was instrumental in the passing of the Clay Hunt Act, helping veterans with suicide prevention. Christopher’s passion for recovery and people is palpable and inspiring. His huge heart and vast knowledge of substance use and mental health issues makes him the perfect person to turn to for hope and solutions. He loves to connect with individuals, families and professionals and is all about collaboration and helping improve the quality of life of others.

P. August Boyd, LCSW-BACS is the Clinical Director of Imagine Recovery in New Orleans, Louisiana. Imagine Recovery is a renowned treatment facility that specializes in treating adults with substance misuse and co-occurring disorders. August is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. She has developed programs that integrate a range of techniques and theoretical designs that focus on treating the whole person. She provides a variety of clinical services such as individual, group, and family treatment, as well as biopsychosocial and other diagnostic assessments. Further, August has extensive training and experience utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with populations challenged by substance use, emotional dysregulation, suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors. August is a certified Mind-Body Medicine Practitioner and facilitates weekly mind-body skills groups.

Originally from Upstate New York, August moved to Los Angeles, California to attend the University of Southern California where she earned a B.A in English (Creative Writing) and double minor in Screenwriting for Film and Television and Jazz Studies. August moved to New Orleans in 2009 and worked as a professional musician for several years.  In 2013, August returned to school and completed her graduate work at Louisiana State University’s School of Social Work. Prior to joining Imagine Recovery, she worked as Lead Social Worker at Seaside Behavioral Center, an inpatient psychiatric hospital located in Metairie, Louisiana. August enjoys incorporating creative and experiential modalities into her therapeutic practice.

August’s love for community and intrinsic positive regard for all people are the foundation of her clinical practice. August’s published works reflect her additional interests in gerontology, public policy, and social welfare. Her research interests include dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease with psychiatric comorbidities, chronic mental illness, and substance use disorders. She is a strong advocate for mental health reform to improve the quality of behavioral health services, strengthen treatment outcomes, and increase accessibility for all. 

Dr. Calderón is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, with an additional certification in mind-body medicine. He is the Medical Director at Imagine Recovery where he oversees the medical care of patients undergoing Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient treatment for co-occurring addictions and mental health, conducts mind-body medicine skills groups, and collaborates on clinical programs and quality. Dr. Calderón is also the Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health at Optum/United Health Care, Louisiana. In his position, he helps design the behavioral health strategy for the health plan aligning with the state’s priorities, and public health indicators. In particular, integration of behavioral health with primary care, behavioral health expansion, quality of care, addressing the substance use epidemic, health equity, social determinants of health, and crisis response.

Dr. Calderón is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry with LSU School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry; teaching clinical faculty at Tulane University, and he is senior faculty at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington D.C. where he conducts national and international trainings and supervision in mind-body medicine skills for healthcare providers, patients, and the Department of Defense.

His current interests include the behavioral health impact of climate change on behavioral health and healthcare systems, mind-body medicine approaches for addiction recovery, and healthcare disparities. He is a member of the advisory board for the Antidefamation League South Central chapter and testified at the US Congress hearings on gun-violence reduction in support of mind-body medicine and mental health initiatives, and on mind-body interventions in healthcare, education, and crime rehabilitation. He teaches meditation and mind-body medicine skills at hospitals, corporations, and other religious and secular institutions.

Dr. Calderón graduated with honors from the National Autonomous University of México and pursued his residency in psychiatry at Sinai Hospital of Detroit/Wayne State University. He was born in México City and currently lives in New Orleans with his family. 

Dr. Williams trained at LSU/Ochsner for residency and has completed fellowships in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Williams is currently a Gratis Associate Professor with LSU in the department of Psychiatry. He has spent over a decade as the Director of Psychiatry at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans treating patients, their families and educating medical students, adult residents, and fellows. He has lectured throughout the state has completed board certifications in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, and has continued to work with addicted adults in inpatient and outpatient facilities throughout his career.

Dr. Williams believes in a holistic approach to treating addiction and has strong interests in the developmental impact of epigenetics on the expression, maintenance, and exacerbation of this disease. He has a strong focus on positive psychology and the promotion of health, wellness, and self-actualization through evidence-based, sustainable practices.

Dr. Lee Michals is a Psychiatry and Behavioral Health specialist. He is a Board Certified in Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Michals joined the Imagine team in March 2024. Full bio coming soon!

“What I love most about working at Imagine is the privilege to be your truest self. Imagine embraces creativity and freedom of expression, which are absolutely imperative in the healing process. Clients and staff are invited to show up authentically, with pride. Genuine connection thrives in our space. Imagine celebrates individuality and ensures care is tailored to fit each person who walks through the doors. 

Also can’t forget the impromptu dance parties AND the Imagine mascot, Griff!” 

Kirsten is a two-time graduate from Louisiana State University; she obtained her BS in Psychology with a minor in Human Resources, and soon after, a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Kirsten moved to New Orleans after falling in love with the vibrancy and culture of the city and is over the moon excited to be a part of the Imagine Recovery family. Kirsten has a passion for counseling and enjoys adding a creative and holistic perspective in the work she does with others. She loves playing music, creating art, and approaching each day with humor and gratitude. Kirsten works with clients through a person-centered lens, recognizing that each individual is uniquely their own. She has extensive experience with and a passion for working with individuals in recovery. She admires their resiliency, creativity, and strength. Kirsten has a profound enjoyment for facilitating counseling groups, as they foster deep connections with others and a sense of unity. Geaux Tigers!

Brian grew up in Metairie, Louisiana and has made New Orleans his proud home for the last fourteen years. He earned his B.A. in Addictions Counseling and is M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Holy Cross in 2017. Brian brings an array of experience to Imagine through not just his education, but through his personal experience with his own journey of recovery:

“When I got into my own recovery in 2009, I opened the door to chase recovery like so many alcoholics and addicts chase their substances. I have seen and lived through the challenges that attaining and maintaining sobriety can bring for myself, and I love to bring that experience and guidance to clients as well as their families.”

Brian is an avid fanatic of all things intellectual and humorous, and that shows in his counseling approach. Brian’s counseling approach is passionate, animated, and uplifting. “Recovery, while challenging, does not have to be all doom and gloom. Recovery from addiction gives people the chance to start over and begin a new journey with their own experience, strength, and hope.” Brian believes in the power of educating clients and their families about the biology of addiction as well as learning skills on how to regain trust, exploring the pros and cons of addiction, and how can family members support their loved ones in a healthy way. 

“My go-to saying is ‘if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.’ Allowing clients to find their own program that works for them is one of the best parts of my job, and I am grateful to turn my experience into something beneficial for those we treat.”

Russ Rhodes began working with individuals struggling with substance misuse while employed by the Division of Children and Family Services in 2012. It became apparent that drugs and alcohol were the primary factors that disrupted families in his work. 

After 3 years in this field, he decided he wanted to become a therapist. Service to others is important to Russ. He has a deeply spiritual outlook, and this shows itself in his belief in others. “I consider myself a cheerleader of the human spirit. I believe that it is never too late to begin one’s healing journey, and that there is no work more worthy or sacred.” Russ has a robust mindfulness meditation practice which has been strongly informed by DBT.

Russ is originally from a small town in Oklahoma and moved to Baton Rouge as a teenager. He moved to New Orleans in 2016 and has loved it here ever since. He received a BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, and a Masters of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. Russ uses a mixture of modalities such as DBT, Person Centered Counseling, and Existential Counseling.

Sonia Gupta grew up in Acadiana and has mostly lived in New Orleans since 2003, with stints in Denver and Los Angeles. She earned a B.A. in English and American Literature from New York University before graduating from law school at Loyola University New Orleans.

Sonia then proudly served as a public defender, prosecutor, and assistant attorney general for the State of Louisiana. She also took a brief detour into tech as a software developer and developer advocate, which taught her that our social ills are best handled in the analog world, present with each other. Eventually Sonia found her way to social work and earned her MSW from Tulane’s School of Social Work. Since then, Sonia has worked primarily with individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.

Sonia believes in human resilience and redemption, and understands that social change happens most powerfully in the connections between individuals. When she’s not actively working to improve her little corner of the planet, Sonia likes to hang out with her pup and enjoy all the perks of living in the beautiful City of New Orleans.

“What I love most about working at Imagine Recovery is the feeling of ‘home’ when you are here. I felt like family the moment I first walked through the door. The staff is professional, encouraging, supportive, and empowering of one another and every client. It is a beautiful experience to witness an individual embrace their recovery throughout the program and to be able to celebrate their victories with them along the way.”

Summer started with Imagine Recovery as an intern in the 2021 Fall semester and now is a full-time clinical staff member. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern University in New Orleans with a health/mental health concentration. She is passionate about working with individuals with substance use disorders. Summer has also studied and obtained her addiction counseling CIT certification.

Summer graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice in 2004. She worked for the State of Louisiana as a Probation and Parole Officer for 11 years, during which time she supervised hundreds of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This experience inspired her to go back to school to obtain her Master’s degree to work with these individuals in a supportive rather than punitive role.

Summer loves to travel and lives an active lifestyle. She is active in her own recovery journey and is passionate about bringing her lived experience and the knowledge she has obtained in school to her future clients.

Aliyah is a provisional licensed professional counselor (PLPC) with the State of Louisiana. She is from Harvey, Louisiana, and attended the University of Holy Cross, where she earned a Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December 2022 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in December 2018. Aliyah has been working in the mental health field for five years, and has obtained very valuable, hands-on experience with clients. Aliyah works with clients through Person-Centered Therapy and a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Aliyah believes that change is obtainable by every client who is willing to put in the work needed to make positive changes within their life. Aliyah also acknowledges that life can be hard, and, through consistent work, life’s struggles can take on a new meaning. She has experience working with adolescents, and individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addictions, and general life issues. In her free time, Aliyah enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Damon!

Sophia is a Licensed Master’s of Social Work, graduating from Tulane University’s School of Social Work in 2021. Before coming to Imagine, Sophia worked at the Covenant House New Orleans as an intern and case manager. While born in Louisiana, Sophia grew up up as a military brat, moving to different parts of the country. Sophia eventually came back to New Orleans to attend Loyola University and has resided here ever since. She has always been interested in the arts, working as a pastry chef assistant and then going on to create a career in film and television. After eventually starting her own recovery journey, Sophia found a passion for therapy and sharing her life experience to help other’s interested in recovery. She loves hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. 

We are delighted and proud to have Parker as Imagine’s Clinical Program Consultant. She is the Director of Porter Cason Institute for the Family. In this capacity, she runs the Family Practice Certificate Program at the Tulane School of Social Work. She teaches at the master’s level. She runs the Continuing Education Program at the Tulane School of Social Work.

In addition to consulting with Imagine Recovery’s clinical team, Parker has private and pro bono practices that focus on families, couples, and children. She has done extensive work in grief, shame, trauma, and life transitions.

She is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Narrative, Systems, DBT, and CBT.

Parker has served on the Louisiana State Board of Social Workers as the Vice-Chair and Chair of the Continuing Education Committee. She continues to serve on the technology committee of the State Board and on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation Board.

Gryffindor “Griff” is our sweet Imagine dog. He comes to work with his mom, Felicia, almost every day. The clients love playing with Griff and turn to him for emotional support. Griff brings an energy of unconditional love, the spirit of play, and a sense of calm. Imagine is so grateful to have Griff in our Imagine family!