Longview, Texas Drug Rehab Centers

"I love helping people reach their dreams. For 36 years I have devoted my life to mentoring, teaching, and counseling people who want to change their life for the better. I cannot think of a more fulfilling way to spend my time. That’s why I started AIM Recovery Center. At AIM, we have worked so hard to create an affordable, high quality program that works. This program is the culmination of a lifetime of learning what actually helps people make lasting change. I’m proud of what we have developed and can’t wait for you to join me and my staff as we work together to create an awesome future for you. When I’m not working at AIM, I get my joy from spending time with my 9 year old son, playing the piano [I’m a concert pianist], and playing ping pong. I have quite a collection of board games, so maybe we’ll have a chance to play a game or two while you’re here."

Jamie Thompson was born and raised in Bastrop, Texas. She attended Southern Career Institute for her Medical Assistant Certificate in 2002 and 2015, and went on to National American University, where she graduated with honors on the President’s List and Summa Cum Laude. Jamie also received her license for Vocational Nursing. Jamie got her start in the addiction field when she was working in a county jail for over 6 years. In the last 3 years, she was the Director of Nursing at an exclusive male rehab facility. Jamie is not in recovery; however, her life has been touched in so many ways by recovery. Her cousin and best friend overdosed in 2008 on opiates and it changed her world. After that tragedy and working in law enforcement, she really saw how challenging the world of addiction can be. Jamie enjoys being of service to people in recovery, providing encouragement and love, and showing them that people care and are invested in them. She loves to be a part of their recovery journey. Her favorite part of being the Director of Nursing at Banyan is supporting her team and advocating for her nursing staff and the clients. She loves creating a therapeutic environment for the staff and supporting them in creating the same for the clients. Jamie’s goal for her career at Banyan is to create an atmosphere of acceptance, encouragement and longevity amongst the staff. She wants to plant the seed and grow along with the other staff members to have the best working environment possible.

Melanie has counseled hundreds of clients in residential treatment. She is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and she has a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction Studies. Melanie has obtained her MA in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She has worked in several residential treatment facilities and intensive outpatient programs. Melanie is experienced with clients of all ages and she has extensive experience working with families. She practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused techniques, and is EMDR trained. She takes an existential attitude with any approach she employs. She is passionate about her work and believes freedom from addiction is available to all who are willing to work a recovery program.