Addiction Treatment Staff

Beth Dunlap, MD, is the Medical Director of Northern Illinois Recovery Center, where she leads the medical care behind every level of the program, from medically managed withdrawal through residential and outpatient treatment. She is board-certified in both Family Medicine (American Board of Family Medicine) and Addiction Medicine (American Board of Preventive Medicine), a dual certification that lets her treat the whole patient: the substance use disorder and the physical health around it.

Education & Board Certification

Dr. Dunlap earned her medical degree and completed her family medicine residency and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she served on the faculty of the Department of Family and Community Medicine until 2020. She holds board certification in Family Medicine (American Board of Family Medicine) and Addiction Medicine (American Board of Preventive Medicine).

Clinical Focus

Her clinical work centers on evidence-based addiction care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), harm reduction, and the integration of primary care into recovery. As Medical Director, she oversees the medical services behind NIRC's full continuum of care, coordinating physician oversight across the center's levels of treatment.

Academic & Teaching Roles

Beyond direct patient care, Dr. Dunlap has spent much of her career training other clinicians to deliver evidence-based addiction and behavioral health care.

• Course Director & Subject Matter Expert, Substance Use Disorders — ECHO-Chicago, University of Chicago (2026). Designed and led a grant-funded, 12-week case-based curriculum training medical and behavioral health professionals on the core concepts of substance use disorder care.
• Course Director, Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care — ECHO-Chicago, University of Chicago (2017–2020). Designed and led a grant-funded, 12-week case-based curriculum on integrating complex behavioral health care into primary care settings, educating and mentoring 50+ physicians, APNs, and PAs through an interactive tele-mentoring network.
• Subject Matter Expert — Illinois Project ECHO for the Judiciary, State of Illinois (2020–2021). Designed and co-led a grant-funded, 8-week medical-legal curriculum for Illinois State Judges to strengthen understanding of evidence-based medical treatments.
• Subject Matter Expert & Medical Educator — BRIDGE HCV Initiative, State of Illinois (2020–2021). Developed and delivered a CME/CE-accredited series on hepatitis C (HCV) management, presenting 20+ live sessions to clinicians across the state.
• Featured Instructor — Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) MAT Waiver Training courses (2017–2019), teaching physicians to prescribe buprenorphine-based treatment for opioid use disorder.

Research & Scholarship

Dr. Dunlap has written on addiction medicine and primary care for national medical audiences, including a first-author article on opioid use disorder in JAMA.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

• Dunlap B, Cifu AS. Clinical Management of Opioid Use Disorder. JAMA. 2016;316(3):338–339. View article (doi:10.1001/jama.2016.9795)
• Dunlap B, Weyer GW. Pulmonary Hypertension: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2016;94(6):463–469. View article
• Weyer GW, Dunlap B, Shah S. Hypertension in Women: Evaluation and Management. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2016;43(2):287–306. View on PubMed
• Dunlap B, Shelke K, Salem S, Keith L. Folic Acid and Human Reproduction—Ten Important Issues for Clinicians. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Assisted Reproduction. 2011;8:2.
• Dunlap B, Paice JA. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Need for Standardization in Measurement. Journal of Supportive Oncology. 2006;4(8):398–399. View on PubMed

Selected Presentations & Grand Rounds

• Dunlap B. Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: The Role of Buprenorphine-Based Treatment in Primary Care. Northwestern Lake Forest Case-Based CME Conference; October 28, 2016.
• Shah A, Dunlap B. A Case of Heroin Overdose and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy. Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Grand Rounds; June 27, 2017.
• Golden J, Dunlap B. Evidence-Based Management of Opioid Use Disorder in the Primary Care Setting. Family Medicine Midwest Conference; October 5, 2017.
• Hamlish T, Dunlap B. Building Community Capacity to Screen, Treat, and Cure Hepatitis C. Alliance of Chicago Conference; April 27, 2016.
• Benfer E, Dunlap B. Achieving Health Equity and Social Justice: Next Steps for MLP in Illinois. Chicago Bar Association; June 2015.

Additional Presentations

• Golden J, Dunlap B. Primary Care Management of Heart Failure: A Case-Based Approach. Family Medicine Midwest Conference; October 8, 2016.
• Chapman C, Zimmerman A, Dunlap B. Integrated Medical-Legal Partnerships for Special Populations. American Bar Association (ABA) Equal Justice Conference; May 13, 2016.
• Dunlap B. Poverty, Justice, and Health Outcomes: A View From the Front Lines. Loyola University School of Law; September 2015.
• Dunlap B, Dschida D. Asthma Synthesis and Assessment. Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) Annual Meeting; October 2015.
• Dunlap B, Fleming M. CURAR: Chicago URban Agriculture Research — A Pilot Project. IAFP Resident Research Webinar; May 26, 2011.

Co-instructor, PCSS MAT Waiver Training sessions — University of Chicago (June 6, 2019), Advocate Christ Medical Center (September 26, 2019), and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital (May 19 & December 6, 2019; and with E. Salisbury, June 6, 2017).

Derek graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BA in Theater and then returned for a Masters in Social Work with focuses in mental health and children/families. He used this diverse academic background to dive into a variety of clinical implementations including running an after school theater program with inner city youth, serving as a crisis intervention specialist at a therapeutic day school, working as the youth director and then Director of Operations at a transitional living program, and accumulating over seven years working in behavioral health hospitals in varied roles. Most recently, Derek was the supervisor of education programs at a domestic violence agency. His therapeutic ideology is that each person is unique in their own way and he aims to highlight an individual’s strengths to overcome any obstacles. Derek leans into this strengths-based model with strong focuses on DBT, CBT, family systems theory and multiple intelligence theory in his practice.

Erika Heatley is a licensed Social Worker and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. She received her undergraduate degree from University Wisconsin- Whitewater with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Family and Health Studies. Erika also completed her Master’s of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions from Loyola University Chicago. Erika has experience working in outpatient services including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment in the fields of mental health, addictions and co-occurring treatment. Erika utilizes a person-center and holistic approach. Erika has a variety of experiences including biopsychosocial assessment, admissions and intake, insurance support and clinical services for the adult population in co-occurring mental health and substance use.

Erin Fowler is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Erin received her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and History from Cornell College. Erin received her CADC education from Elgin Community College. Erin graduated in August 2020 from George Williams College with her Master’s in Social Work. Erin has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field for the last 14 years. Erin has a variety of experiences working with children, adolescents and adults.

Tess holds a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) from Loyola University Chicago and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). With experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, she has worked extensively with adults and adolescents navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Drawing from a strengths-based, client-centered approach, Tess empowers individuals to recognize their resilience, build self-efficacy, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Michael is a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a Master’s degree from Aurora University. He draws on his education as well as his personal background in addiction to provide clients with empathy and person-first care, using evidence-based tools to help them navigate the stormy waters of addiction. Michael has dedicated his life to supporting those in need and promoting emotional resilience and self-determination, both in the field of addiction and in mental health.

Kirsten began her journey with NIRC in 2023 as a Behavioral Health Technician and completed her clinical internship with the organization in 2025. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University in 2025, following her Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology in 2022. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), her approach is client-driven and rooted in empathy, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Kirsten is known for her genuine care, active listening, and ability to build trusting relationships that foster recovery and personal growth. She is passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing and is excited to continue serving the NIRC community in a clinical capacity.

Sam obtained their license in Social Work (LSW) from Loyola University of Chicago, focusing on clinical work. They have experience working with both individuals and groups. Sam is passionate about providing compassionate trauma informed care. They utilize person-centered, relational, strengths-based approaches to support their clients in creating meaningful change.

Gwenyth is a Support Clinician at Northern Illinois Recovery Center and a recent Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate from Aurora University. She brings a background in both the creative arts and supportive roles within the mental health field, with a clinical focus on addiction and trauma. Gwenyth provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals navigating co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges. She believes in meeting each person where they are and helping them cultivate healthy coping skills, confidence, and meaningful connections. Gwenyth is committed to fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth, resilience, and lasting recovery.

Emily is a Licensed Social Worker who received her undergraduate degree from Franciscan University. Having worked across inpatient care, residential treatment, community-based services, and youth ministry, Emily has a strong background in supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Through coordinating care plans, advocating for resources, and teaching practical skills, Emily creates a supportive and compassionate environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered in their recovery. She is passionate about reducing barriers to care and believes healing is best achieved through connection, dignity, and a holistic approach to wellness. This philosophy has allowed her to walk alongside individuals across a wide range of life stages and circumstances.

Eric is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with undergraduate education from Aurora University and the College of DuPage. His clinical background spans a range of behavioral health settings, including working as a Behavioral Health Technician at an inpatient mental health facility, serving as a group therapist at the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) level, conducting intake assessments, and completing his internship as a primary therapist.
While his primary focus has been treating substance use disorders, Eric has also worked extensively with clients navigating eating disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and at-risk youth. His diverse clinical background allows him to provide compassionate, individualized care that meets clients where they are in their recovery journey.
Eric is passionate about partnering with clients to help them reach their fullest potential in a supportive, approachable, and empathetic environment. He is a dedicated advocate for equity and social justice, recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals affected by racism, transphobia, LGBTQIA+ discrimination, and socioeconomic barriers. Eric believes every person deserves compassionate, affirming, and individualized care tailored to their unique experiences and goals.

His therapeutic approach is grounded in active listening, collaboration, strategic goal setting, validation, and genuine respect for each client's lived experience. By fostering trust and creating a safe, inclusive space, Eric empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Ethan has been a valued member of NIRC since 2022, beginning his journey as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in our housing program before advancing to Second Shift Operations Lead. Through these roles, he gained invaluable hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day operations and management of Northern Illinois Recovery Center. These experiences ultimately paved the way for his transition into Case Management.

Ethan’s commitment to this work is deeply rooted in personal lived experiences with family and friends, giving him a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by individuals navigating similar struggles. These experiences have strengthened his desire to support others and contribute meaningfully to the recovery community.

Driven by a passion for helping others, Ethan brings together his professional experience, personal insight, and compassionate approach to his work in Case Management. He is dedicated to empowering individuals as they navigate their recovery journey, overcome challenges, and work toward reaching their full potential.

Evan brings years of experience working in inpatient treatment programs starting as a Behavioral Health Technician at a treatment center in New Mexico. Here he gained experience with experiential therapies through running wilderness retreats and music therapy groups. After returning to Illinois and earning his CADC he transitioned into clinical work at an inpatient facility and completed his BA in Social Work. After recognizing his clients’ need for empowerment and a greater sense of control over their response to stress he developed a passion for teaching the practical application of mindfulness and breathwork skills. Evan specializes in understanding substance use and mental health disorders through a physiological lens drawing on the principles of The Polyvagal Theory. He combines this with an understanding of the need to help clients foster their own unique spiritual perspective as a source of strength and resilience through the recovery process. His goal is to help clients tap into their innate potential for healing and growth.

Besnik is a Primary Residential Therapist at our facility. He earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Besnik completed his internship hours at NIRC and was subsequently hired as a full-time case manager before transitioning into his current role. Combining his therapeutic expertise with a friendly demeanor, Besnik works directly with clients one-on-one, facilitates group sessions, and conducts clinical assessments to effectively and compassionately address their addiction and mental health wellness needs, all while supporting them throughout their recovery journey.

Holly Magdalin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She currently holds a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and has a background in Communicative Disorders both from Northern Illinois University. Holly has ten years of professional experience working beside people struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Her experience includes working in an inpatient facility as a chemical dependency primary counselor, an outpatient therapist, working with individuals, groups, and families battling their mental health, and supervising a clinical team. She comes with an eclectic approach with an emphasis on DBT, CBT, and Person-Centered therapies.

Shira is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been in the field since 1985. Since then, she has held a variety of positions in mental health and substance abuse settings. She has been with NIRC since its beginning and feels honored to have witnessed the healing of so many. In addition to her work with people with substance use disorders, she has done extensive research and training in positive psychology and believes in the possibility of people to not only survive but to thrive.

Sandra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescent and adult clients in both our outpatient and inpatient facilities. She is passionate about supporting individuals who have experienced traumatic events or other stressful life occurrences, helping them heal and begin their recovery journey. By learning and practicing healthy coping skills and behaviors, individuals can feel empowered to better manage their mental health symptoms. Sandra utilizes modalities such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, with a particular focus on conflict resolution, family roles, healthy habits, and somatic healing.

As a Primary Therapist at NIRC, Noreen conducts counseling sessions with both groups and individuals to guide them through the addiction recovery process. Noreen’s background in program design, ACT, intervention, drug and alcohol education, and narrative therapy, coupled with her collaborative and supportive facilitation style, creates a strong foundation for her clients. She holds a BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences and an MS in Human Services/School Counseling, both from National-Louis University. Her previous experience and supplemental education in trauma, grief and loss, co-dependency, and mental health are blended into her carefully crafted and individualized recovery plans. Children, adolescents, and adults of all ages have benefited from Noreen’s focused attention on them as individuals—a trait she weaves through her personal life with ease and grace. Her love for photography, nature, animals, and people rounds out her character, as she enjoys operating as both a team leader and team player.

Corin brings both compassion and experience to her work supporting adolescents through challenging chapters of their lives. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Michigan – Flint, she began her career as a foster care worker, where she spent over a year and a half walking alongside youth and their families during moments of transition and hardship.

Today, Corin is deeply immersed in school-based substance use prevention, helping young people navigate one of the most stigmatized topics they face. Her mission is simple but powerful: create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where adolescents feel cared for, respected, and ultimately empowered to believe in themselves. She is a firm advocate for breaking down systemic and social barriers, working closely with schools and community partners to foster healthier, substance-free lifestyles for youth.

Erin is an experienced educator with 25 years of High School teaching and administrative experience in Cook, Dupage, and Lake counties. Erin earned her Bachelor's in English at the University of Illinois Champaign / Urbana and her Master's at Concordia University. Erin's work with the school improvement process helped support all students from a social / emotional, behavioral, academic, and language perspective. Her work alongside MTSS and SEL committee's strengthened her skills in the student services arena. Her expertise centers around high school students and their overall success. She is an experienced teacher, former athletic and fine arts coach / sponsor, and also has acquired her recovery coach certification.