Quality Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Center

Philosophy

We believe that a desire to recover and live a healthy life exists, in varying degrees, within all people that we treat at Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. The role of our staff is to help nurture that desire by creating an emotionally safe environment in which clients can learn about their illness and explore how they want to establish a life they find enjoyable and fulfilling without the use of alcohol or other substances. In addition to the direct provision of quality services, we will promote our mission by being leaders in the behavioral health field as our skilled and trained clinical team stay current with various treatment modalities and evidence-based practices. Our programs and services were developed to meet higher standards of care with the intent to create the best outcome for our clients. Services will be tailored to meet the needs and choices of the person being served.

Overview

Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. is a holistic outpatient center for alcohol and substance use disorder treatment serving adult men and women. With its unique combination of innovative and traditional therapies, we bring to the Frederick and Washington County communities a private, individualized and exceptional program.

What distinguishes Serenity Treatment Center is our small, client centered, high-quality clinical program that creates an environment ideal for beginning the unique journey to recovery for our clients. We are committed to maintaining a confidential and safe place that is intimate and friendly, where the work of recovery can begin.

Our facility is clean and peaceful, where our clients can let down their walls, open their hearts and learn ways to find meaning in their lives again. Each personalized program focuses on the mental, physical and spiritual well-being so our clients can begin to facilitate change in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment.

Deb Conroy and Christine Marquardt - Owners

About Us

Deb Conroy - President/CEO

Deb has been in the healthcare industry since 2003. In her career, Deb has served as a Regional Director where she supervised, trained personnel and delivered presentations. Serenity Treatment Center started as a dream and a desire to help those suffering from addiction. Deb was instrumental in developing the policies and procedures, as well as the gratification of seeing the Center come to fruition in 2010. Deb has been actively involved in women’s programs and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people in the community.

Deb is certified as a Life Coach and facilitates the drumming circle at Serenity, which is always a great hit with the clients.

In her spare time, Deb enjoys spending time with family and friends. On a lazy Sunday you will find her snuggled up with her dogs, Bella and Liam and reading a good book.

Ms. Conroy received her B.A. from Mary Baldwin College. She is committed to delivering quality, cost-effective outpatient services in a safe, respectful and warm environment.

Christine Marquardt BSN, RN - Vice President/COO

Christine has led a gratifying career as a Registered Nurse since 1995. She has been able to utilize her clinical skills, knowledge and expertise from the beginning when Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. was in the development stages. Christine received her BSN from Columbia Union College, now known as Adventist University. Christine has worked in several area hospitals as a staff nurse, educator, preceptor, project manager and case manager for medically complex patients. Christine still holds a strong desire to help people and promote wellness. Christine will exemplify leadership while working closely with the clinicians to ensure that each person is treated with dignity and receives the appropriate level of care in the most cost-effective manner. Christine has implemented the Vivitrol program at all three of the locations which has shown to be successful in treating alcohol and opiate use disorder. Christine has educated staff, clients, their families, and the community about the benefits of Vivitrol and encourages each person to decide if it is the right choice for them. All newly hired RN's are trained by Christine to ensure that best care is offered to our clients. Christine has been a Frederick County resident since 2003 and has served on the Frederick County Substance Abuse Council, ROSC development team and committee and is a member of the American Nurses Association. During her downtime, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two dogs Cookie and Milo.

Amanda Allison - Regional Director

After graduating college in 2009, Amanda worked in the "call center" industry for over 5 years. Amanda taught over 2,000 new hires the basics of troubleshooting, customer service, and contract negotiations. Amanda left the call center industry to explore career options, however, realized the customer service skills that were taught over the years would become a great asset. Amanda started with Serenity four years ago as the Hagerstown office was just opening. Amanda has been instrumental in developing and updating policies pertaining to operations. Amanda strives to make sure that all clients needs have been met. Amanda strives to be knowledgeable about all resources to ensure that she is continually up to date on best practices. Amanda serves on local committees to help inform the public about the ongoing drug epidemic, to lead others to sobriety. Amanda attends local events and gives back to the community.

Lisa Gwyn Paar, CAC-AD , Clinical Supervisor

Lisa Gwyn Paar is currently Serenity Treatment Center, Inc.’s Clinical Supervisor in our 3 offices throughout the Washington and Frederick County area. After graduating from Shepherd University with a degree in Psychology and English she went on to work as an Addiction Counselor. Lisa has been an Addiction Counselor for over 15 years and is a Member of NAADAC. Lisa is the mother of 4 awesome boys who are the loves of her life. Lisa spends nights cheering for her boys while they are playing basketball. Lisa has two rescue pitbulls, Eleanor Roosevelt and LeBron Haydn James that keep her busy and on her toes.

Georgia Handy, ADT - Day Supervisor Frederick, Frederick Probation Liasion

Georgia Handy is an Addictions Clinician, Probation Liaison, Day Time Supervisor, and Adult Drug Court liaison for Frederick County. Georgia graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Psychology from Salisbury University in 2014. She chose the field of addiction because of her desire to give back and help others. Georgia joined our professional team in April 2016 and has been a great asset to us in our Frederick office. She is a kind and compassionate person and the clients feel comfortable with her. Georgia facilitates our morning IOP sessions, as well as some OP groups. Her hobbies include spending time with her husband and baby, attending Oriole’s games, going to the beach, and reading.

Spencer Torgerson, ADT - Day Supervisor and Probation Liasion

Spencer Torgerson works in the Hagerstown Office as our Day Supervisor and Probation Liaison. Spencer has been working in this field as a substance abuse counselor for 3 years. Spencer has been employed with Serenity since December of 2017. Prior to that Spencer worked at the Massie Unit and Jackson Unit in Cumberland, MD. There he worked as a case manager for adults and adolescents suffering from substance use disorders. Spencer has always had a desire to help people which is what initially pulled him towards this field. After completing an internship at an inpatient treatment center while in college at Frostburg State University Spencer knew he wanted to help people battling addiction. Spencer loves to spend his free time with Penny his Shi tzu/poodle, watching movies, and spending time with his friends playing video games.

Administrative Staff

Our caring and compassionate administrative staff can help you get scheduled for your first appointment and answer insurance related questions during your first phone call. Our administrative staff work with clients to ensure that we have met the needs of the clients that we serve.

Frederick:

Corinne Diggs - Administrative Manager

Christina Mueller

Anna Darr

Hagerstown:

Lydia Hill

Amy Kann

Clinical Staff

Our caring and compassionate clinicians at Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. know that there are many roads that lead towards the recovery of alcohol and drug addiction. Our clinicians place heavy emphasis on giving each client a voice and choice during their treatment. Our combined experience exceeds 30 years, giving us the cutting edge ability to make a difference in the lives of each person that enters our center.

Frederick:

Jeanine Aubertin LCADC, LCSW-C

Lisa Paar CAC-AD: Maryland approved Clinical Supervisor

Georgia Handy ADT

Judy Austin ADT

John Plaster, MS, ADT

Hagerstown:

Shelby Bish LGPC, NCC

Frank Vincent CAC-AD

Spencer Torgerson ADT

Laurie Lafollette ADT

Sarah Brooks ADT

DRC:

Michael Mossburg CSC-AD

Brittan Jordan CSC-AD

Programs

Assessment and evaluations within 48 hours of your initial call
Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment
VIVITROL injections provided by Registered Nurse
VIVITROL is a non-addictive, once-monthly treatment proven to help treat alcohol and opioid dependent clients when used with counseling. The active ingredient in VIVITROL® (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) — naltrexone — works as a “blocker.” It attaches to certain opioid receptors in your brain and blocks the feelings associated with taking opioids and/or drinking alcohol.
DWI/DUI Education and Treatment programs certified by the State of Maryland
- 12 Hour Educational Course
- 26 Week DUI/DWI Outpatient Treatment Program
Alcohol and drug testing
Court ordered substance use disorder evaluations
Court approved substance use disorder related services
Employer referred alcohol and substance use disorder related services
Family counseling
Anger Management classes
Criminal Justice specific programs
- Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a type of behavioral therapy aimed at decreasing the likelihood of someone returning to abusing substances or alcohol. It teaches people in the criminal justice system with substance use disorders to focus on the moral aspects of their illness, and the social consequences that may be associated with using drugs or alcohol.
Traditional Outpatient Program
- Group sessions meet weekly / 1.5 hours per session
- Individual therapy sessions
- Random urinalysis testing
Intensive Outpatient Program
- Group sessions meet 3 times a week / 3 hours per day
- Individual therapy sessions
- Random urinalysis testing
Extended Intensive Outpatient Program
- Group sessions meet 4 times a week / 3 hours per day
- Individual therapy sessions
- Random urinalysis testing
Mental Health Evaluations at the Frederick location
Walk In Assessment Hours Tuesday 10am - 2pm

Additional Services

Day Reporting Center - Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s Day Reporting Center is alternative to incarceration. It is an on-site, nonresidential, program that is designed to change an offender’s adverse thinking patterns and attitudes, improve job skills and job retention. Our talented team is onsite at the Day Reporting Center to provide Substance Use Disorder treatment and VIVITROL therapy.
Adult Drug Court - Drug court is a longer program than the Day Reporting Center and typically would be more appropriate for offenders facing up to 10 years in prison. Drug Court is new to Washington County. Our team has been instrumental in developing an appropriate treatment program to support long term sobriety and prevent recidivism.

What to expect during your first visit.....

The Assessment Process, in most cases, will be completed within an hour. A Serenity staff member will greet you upon your arrival. We offer a calming, confidential, and soothing environment in all of our centers. Your appointment will be completed in a private office by one of our licensed counselors. All information shared at the time of your evaluation will remain confidential. Evaluation results can only be shared with written permission in the form of a signed release.

The assessment process is a time of information gathering. You will be asked to share any pertinent history as well as to respond to a variety of questions. It is our goal to utilize the information provided to meet your specific recovery needs. Each treatment plan is individualized and shared with the client at the time of assessment.

Based on the results of your assessment as well as your own self reporting, the Serenity counselor will most likely place you in one of our varied treatment groups. These include but are not limited to, Extended Intensive Outpatient Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient Program, Relapse Prevention Program, Anger Management, DWI Education, DWI/DUI Outpatient Program, Women’s Recovery Group’s or Men’s Recovery Group’s. We also provide referrals when/if needed as well as individual treatment sessions.

We strive to create an environment in which clients feel both safe and respected. If you or a loved one are in need of an assessment, please contact Serenity Treatment Center. We currently take walk-ins and can complete same day assessments if needed. You don’t have to wait to get help and there is no need to be scared.

We can be reached at 301-898-2627 – Frederick location or 301-732-5328 – Hagerstown location. Messages left after hours will be returned the following day.

Accreditation

Additional Information

Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. has been awarded the highest level of accreditation by CARF International for Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and Other Drugs/ Addictions (Adults) and Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and Other Drugs/Addictions (Adults).

CARF accreditation is a public seal of trust and commitment to quality based on internationally accepted standards. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates Serenity Treatment Center's commitment to exceptional, personalized care. An organization receiving the highest level of CARF accreditation has undergone a detailed peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors, during an on-site visit, its commitment to providing programs and services of the highest quality. For more information on CARF, visit www.carf.org.