Our Staff

Andrew Slavens, MA, LISAC.

Andrew is the Clinical Director at Illuminate Recovery. Andrew has been working in the field of substance abuse counseling for the last eight years. He has his Masters Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling. He has received training in the styles of CBT, Mindfulness, MRT, Solution Focused, Anger Management and Trauma. Prior to entering the field of substance abuse counseling Andrew worked in churches and has experience with Christian counseling. He is currently working on his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership in Behavioral Health. In his spare time he enjoys playing rugby and soccer and spending time with his family. 

Lucas Fernandez

Having been on both sides of active addition, both the person using, and the person affected by a loved one’s addiction, Lucas has been involved in recovery since 2009. He has been working in the treatment industry since 2013. Using his personal experience and wealth of knowledge learned from professional development and immersion in the recovery field, he has spoken with thousands of families and helped hundreds of people attain long-term sobriety. In 2020, the opportunity presented to join in and start Illuminate Recovery. Lucas is currently the CEO.

Nicole Fernandez

Nicole Fernandez is the current Chief Operating Officer at Illuminate Recovery. Her professional background in Administration and Finance gives her a unique perspective, balance, and ability to ensure the daily operations. Nicole is currently in school and working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which well further help the clients at the center. Illuminate Recovery is Nicole’s first position in the substance abuse treatment industry, but she is no stranger to addiction. Nicole’s mother and father are both addicts. Her personal experience dealing with the two of them has given her a skill set and a unique perspective to the addict. Her husband is active in recovery and her ongoing support to him and the recovery community makes her an asset to our team. When Nicole is not working, she enjoys spending time with her twin boys and family.

Amanda Hicks

Amanda is the newest member of the Illuminate Recovery family. Amanda was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Grand Canyon University. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2016 and her master’s in professional counseling in 2021 She completed her internship and gained graduate experience at the Phoenix Rescue Mission, Changing Lives Center. Having personal experience with addiction, Amanda comes to Illuminate Recovery with a genuine passion to help others overcome the issues and obstacles they might struggle with. Amanda’s hope while at Illuminate Recovery is to create a safe, empowering, and therapeutic experience for her clients. 

Amanda and her husband share 6 children together and in her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, paddleboarding, reading and spoiling her family’s Bull Terrier.

Chandelle Gill

Chandelle comes to Illuminate as Staff after being a successfully completing client. With her wealth of experience and knowledge as well as her personal experience and struggles with addiction, she is an integral part of the team. She is Peer Support certified and is currently attending school to pursue her Bachelor’s in Social Work. In her free time away from work she enjoys going to concerts and spending time at home.