The Team Behind The Mission at Embers Recovery

Meet Our Treatment Professionals & Recovery Community Leaders

Being A Team People Trust Matters

Our treatment strategy is rooted in expert, clinically informed methods, but our approach is compassionate, encouraging, and personable. We are invested in the healing and success of the human and not just the struggle—we are all so much more than our obstacles.

This is the expert, master-level team that can help our community create a positive, healthy future free of alcohol or substances. A life that gets them excited to live each new day. A life that helps them reimagine what’s possible.

Because everything they hope for is possible. And it’s on the other side of treatment and support. We stand in the middle, ready to help.

Learn More About Us

The Embers Recovery Team

Founding Partner and Executive Director

Antony Payne

Originally from Greater Boston, Antony is a father of two and a longtime member of the recovery community. With years of experience helping individuals and families heal, he founded The Embers to build a program that delivers nuanced, meaningful care.

Antony Payne is a native of Greater Boston and a proud father of two. He’s been sober for years and has dedicated his career to helping thousands of individuals and families overcome addiction and mental health challenges. Known for his personal approach and dedication to long-term recovery, Antony co-founded The Embers with the goal of building a program that never treats people like numbers—only human beings. His focus remains on creating spaces where recovery is personalized, dignified, and transformative.

Director of Admissions and Business Development

Lauren Kaiser

A top graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, Lauren brings deep personal recovery experience and a career spent helping others find care. From admissions to alumni support, she brings heart and excellence to everything she does.

A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill where she finished fourth in her class, Lauren Kaiser blends academic excellence with lived experience. Her journey in recovery fuels her commitment to helping others access high-quality care. She’s worked across admissions, alumni coordination, and recruiting, and moved from South Florida to Arizona to join The Embers. Her passion is evident in the high standard of care she ensures for every client and family she supports.

Holistic Specialist

Amanda Mayo

Amanda brings heart and healing through advanced meditation, breathwork, and music. As the voice behind The Embers’ signature guided meditations, she helps clients tap into something deeper.

Amanda Mayo brings a unique spirit to The Embers through her work in holistic healing. She specializes in breathwork, advanced meditation, and sound therapy, guiding clients through spiritual growth with compassion and presence. Amanda is the voice behind The Embers’ personalized meditation recordings, helping each individual reconnect with themselves as part of the recovery process.

Clinical Director

Debra Mayo, LPC

With decades of experience and a leadership role at The Meadows, Debra helped shape The Embers’ innovative clinical model. She blends time-tested methods with forward-thinking practices to help people truly recover.

Debra Mayo brings decades of clinical experience and a legacy of leadership, having previously served as the Director of Outpatient Operations at The Meadows. At The Embers, she was instrumental in designing a treatment program that merges proven therapeutic practices with the latest advancements in the behavioral health field. Debra is deeply passionate about helping people heal and believes that clinical care should always evolve while staying rooted in what works.

Case Manager

Kate Richards

With over a decade of case management experience, Kate is driven by her own recovery and deep commitment to helping others—both on and off the clock.

Kate Richards has worked in case management for over ten years, including time with the Arizona Department of Health Services. Her personal recovery gives her a strong sense of purpose, and she’s known for going above and beyond for the people she serves. Outside of work, Kate remains committed to helping those struggling with addiction and mental health, donating her time and energy to the community she loves.

Medical Director

Dr Roland Segal

Double board-certified in General and Forensic Psychiatry, Dr. Segal brings over a decade of leadership and clinical experience to The Embers. A former Chief Medical Officer and past president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society, he’s known for delivering thoughtful, ethical, and culturally informed psychiatric care across Arizona.

Dr. Roland Segal is a board-certified psychiatrist in both General and Forensic Psychiatry. With over a decade of experience, he’s held leadership roles including Chief Medical Officer at Valley Hospital and president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society. He also teaches at the University of Arizona and serves as a psychiatric consultant for courts and federal agencies. At The Embers, he provides thoughtful, ethical, and culturally aware psychiatric care.

Behavioral Health Technician

Angel Mugizi

Originally from Uganda, Angel traveled from Boston to bring her unwavering dedication to care to The Embers. Known for her warmth and high standards, she’s a favorite among staff and clients alike.

Originally from Uganda, Angel Mugizi came to Arizona by way of Boston to join The Embers. She’s known for her kind presence and dedication to delivering exceptional client care. With a deep understanding of what compassionate support looks like in action, Angel is a daily source of encouragement and stability for those navigating early recovery.

It All Starts Here. And We Want To Help.

The journey through mental health and addiction recovery is never a solo mission. We are here to help everyone reach for their best self, pursue the light on the other side, and be a cheerleader every step of the way. We are the community you need. Build a life that’s exciting to live and a future free of fear or dread.