MEET THE TEAM
That Will Change your Life
Our esteemed team at The Summit comprises an exceptional assembly of dedicated professionals, each committed to providing the highest standard of care in the realm of mental health and substance abuse recovery. Â Our distinguished staff includes seasoned clinicians, accomplished therapists, and wellness experts, all united by a shared passion for guiding individuals toward transformative healing. Renowned for their expertise and compassionate approach, our staff members bring a wealth of experience in evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, and personalized treatment strategies. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our residents is reflected in every interaction, creating an environment where trust, empathy, and genuine connection thrive. Â With a focus on fostering resilience and empowerment, our team is not only dedicated to addressing immediate challenges but also to inspiring lasting change, laying the groundwork for a future marked by sustained well-being and personal fulfillment.
MEET YOUR
Operations Team
Chris Drake
Director of Operations
Chris focuses on enhancing daily operations to provide a top-tier client experience. Chris’s extensive background spans a variety of leadership roles, including National, Regional, and Executive positions in the nonprofit and private sectors, specifically focusing on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services. Chris’s professional journey is driven by a deep-seated passion for serving the individual needs of those in recovery. He is committed to making sure clients’ needs are not only heard and understood but also supported and fulfilled by the team he leads. This client-centered approach has been a guiding principle throughout his career.
Ryan Jongeward
Director of Admissions
With seven years of experience in substance abuse treatment, he is a professional known for guiding families through the admissions process with understanding and effortless compassion. Dedicated to making a positive impact, Ryan has been instrumental in providing support to individuals and their families on the journey to recovery.
MEET YOUR
Clinical Team
Dr. Abraham Sayegh, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Sayegh was raised in New York where he trained at NYU Brooklyn campus in Brooklyn, NY and continued to become board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Sayegh's extensive 38-year career in substance abuse treatment enriches The Summit with invaluable experience, elevating its mission. With 16 years of personal recovery, Dr. Sayegh not only brings professional expertise but also a profound empathy from his own journey. His firsthand understanding lends a depth of insight into the struggles faced by those battling addiction.
Dr. Paula Brungardt, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatry Director
Dr. Brungardt is a dual-boarded psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her current treatment ideology is treating mental health and substance abuse as a co-existing concern through individualized treatment planning. She has been dedicated to providing equitable and effective care to thousands of patients seeking mental health treatment. Dr Brungardt graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Doctor of Nursing Practice and then from Maryville University with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. She chooses to work in addiction and mental health medicine because it's meaningful and she’s able to contribute to a positive, resounding and lasting impact on the lives of others.
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Matthew King, LPC
Clinical Director
Matthew serves as Clinical Director to The Summit, bringing over 15 years of dedicated experience in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Leading with expertise and compassion, Matthew oversees the implementation of evidence-based clinical programs, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Group Therapy Expert, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge in various therapeutic modalities. His dedication to excellence and client-centered care is evident in his commitment to fostering a supportive environment where every individual's needs are not only heard and understood but also met with compassion and understanding. His leadership ensures that The Summit remains at the forefront of delivering transformative care for those seeking recovery.
