The Meaning Behind the Laurel Leaves
The leaves of the Laurel tree, which is actually a bush, were used to create the headpieces of Olympians in ancient Greece. Through this historic use, they have come to represent the achievement that these incredible athletes displayed.
Recovery is a path that is challenging. It takes focus, perseverance, diligence, and hard work. Every milestone from starting the recovery journey to completing a treatment program are all achievements that are worth being proud of. At Laurel Healing Center, we adorn the leaves of the laurel to remind our clients of their incredible achievements.
Our Mission
To provide a safe and caring clinical environment for women to work through their trauma and pain while attaining and maintaining a substance-free, independent, and purpose-driven life.
Our Values
To be the women’s treatment center of choice in our local community for those suffering from trauma and shame related to their addiction. We seek to make a positive impact in our community by providing a path to healing for those who are suffering from substance use disorder.
Meet Our Founders
Michelle Rodgers
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Rodgers founded Laurel Healing Center following nearly a decade of dedicated work in the substance abuse treatment field. Drawing from her personal journey with recovery, Michelle developed a profound commitment to supporting women in achieving lasting sobriety and realizing their fullest potential. Her extensive experience spans direct patient care, operational management, and program development, ensuring that Laurel Healing Center meets and exceeds industry standards to deliver the highest quality of care. Michelle deeply believes that when women cultivate a healthy self-understanding, they unlock the strength to overcome any challenge, creating lasting change in their lives.
Michael Rodgers
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
Michael Rodgers brings a wealth of experience in community engagement to Laurel Healing Center, with nearly a decade dedicated to the substance abuse treatment field. Throughout his career, he has built an extensive network of community resources to support clients, families, and loved ones impacted by addiction. A person in long-term recovery himself, Michael brings empathy, understanding, and unwavering support to the Laurel Healing Center community. Whether you’re a prospective client, currently enrolled, or an alumni, Michael is here to guide and support anyone on their journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Michael Zornberg
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Michael Zornberg, a Long Island, New York native, brings both personal insight and professional expertise to his role at Laurel Healing Center. A seasoned leader in operational management, Michael draws on his firsthand experience with addiction recovery to drive impactful change within the field. His dedication to sobriety has instilled a deep-seated commitment to helping others find their voice and achieve their goals. Known for his strong community focus, Michael serves on the Board of Directors for two respected non-profits and actively contributes to multiple philanthropic initiatives. His vision and values continue to shape a compassionate approach to addiction recovery.
Meet Our Staff
ALEX SHAW
Director of Substance Abuse Counseling Services
With over 10 years of experience in the substance use field, Alex Shaw brings deep expertise and compassion to their role as Director of Substance Abuse Counseling Services at Laurel Healing Center. Alex is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor, with a thorough understanding of clinical modalities and evidence-based treatment. Alex’s unique approach to therapy and programming focuses on holistic empowerment, particularly supporting women to achieve wellness, resilience, and lasting recovery.
Danielle bonds
Director of Business Development
Danielle Bonds serves as the Director of Business Development at Laurel Healing Center, bringing a wealth of experience and personal insight into the substance use disorder treatment field. Her commitment to helping others is fueled by her family’s journey through addiction, a motivation that inspired her to found the Bobby Bonds Memorial Foundation. With a focus on long-term recovery, Danielle dedicates her career and personal life to supporting individuals in need, embodying a compassionate approach that speaks to her pure-hearted dedication to the field.
GIA CAROSIELLO
Primary Therapist
Gia serves as the Primary Therapist at Laurel Healing Center, bringing a compassionate, innovative approach to client care. Her methods are shaped by her personal journey through addiction and recovery, which enables her to connect deeply with clients and empathize with their unique challenges. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University, Gia is dedicated to giving back to the recovery community that played a pivotal role in her own healing. Her unwavering commitment to her clients’ paths toward wellness and sobriety is inspiring, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, transformative presence on our team.
Leslie Yerkes
Nurse Practitioner
Leslie Yerkes is a highly skilled Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with a career dedicated to compassionate care and specialized expertise in substance use disorder. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Penn State University and Holy Family University in 1988, Leslie earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2014. Nationally certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, she has been actively treating patients with substance use disorder since 2015, a field that has since become her true calling. Known for her holistic approach, Leslie is deeply committed to treating not only the condition but also the person behind it, always aiming to provide understanding, empathy, and individualized care to each patient she serves.
Sarah Ross
Client Coordinator
Sarah Ross serves as a Client Coordinator at Laurel Healing Center, bringing both personal and professional experience in addiction recovery to her role. With many years dedicated to supporting women through the recovery process, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges women face on their path to sobriety. Her commitment goes beyond basic support; she actively ensures each client has the essential tools and resources needed to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. Through her compassionate approach and firsthand insights, Sarah provides clients with guidance, encouragement, and the practical support necessary for lasting success.
Achieve Recovery
Begin your journey to recovery at Laurel Healing Center. We are dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives through holistic treatment tailored towards women.