As Director of Clinical Services for Beacon Center, Carolyn Grisko has been a consummate professional as both a counselor and clinical supervisor for years. Ms. Grisko began her career at Beacon Center in 1992 as a Substance Use Disorder counselor, subsequently receiving a promotion to Clinical Supervisor in 1994. Ms. Grisko received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The State University of New York at Buffalo and received Master of Science degrees in both Counseling Education and Mental Health Counseling from Canisius College. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). She holds a gambling specialty designation for the treatment of compulsive gambling.

Widely recognized in the community for her expertise and commitment to quality care in the substance use disorder field, Ms. Grisko continually presents to organizations throughout Western New York. Additionally, Ms. Grisko acts as the Drug Court Coordinator for the Town of Clarence.

Dr. O’Brien has been providing expert and compassionate care to Beacon Center patients for over five years. As a full time Clinic Physician, he is responsible for providing medication supported recovery to our patients. This includes prescribing buprenorphine, naltrexone (Vivitrol ®) and methadone at our newly certified Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) in Rome, NY. He is licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York and is Board Certified in both Family Practice Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulation. He earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. He completed his residency in Family Practice at Millcreek Community Hospital in Lake Erie, Pennsylvania.

He is the author of two medical school reference guides and was an instructor at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He worked in private practice in Utica, New York until 2010 when he joined Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, New York to practice at one of their primary care clinics. He resigned that position in 2015 and began working full time at various Beacon Center locations throughout Central New York.

Admira Spahic began her career at Beacon Center as the Clinical Supervisor in the Utica, NY office, where she played a vital role in designing and implementing a wide range of programs and treatment options to meet the diverse needs of clients. Her strong clinical foundation and deep understanding of administrative processes quickly propelled her into leadership, resulting in a promotion to Director of Program Operations.

In this role, Mrs. Spahic spearheaded the successful expansion of Beacon Center’s services, notably overseeing the opening of a new outpatient clinic in Rome, NY. She was also instrumental in launching Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) in both Rome and Utica—an essential step in responding to the growing need for comprehensive, medication-assisted treatment in the region.

Recognizing her leadership and contributions to service development, Mrs. Spahic was promoted to Regional Director of Central New York. In this expanded role, she now oversees operations across a wide geographic area, including outpatient services in Herkimer, NY; residential services at the Albert O. Nichols House; and mental health outpatient clinics certified by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) in both Utica and Herkimer, NY. These responsibilities are in addition to two outpatient clinics and two OTPs located in Utica and Rome NY. Her strategic vision and commitment to quality care have continued to guide the successful growth and integration of behavioral health services throughout Central New York.

Mrs. Spahic holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University at Buffalo and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University at Albany. She is both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). A strong advocate for evidence-based treatment and client-centered care, she remains deeply dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by substance use and mental health challenges.

Danielle Spain is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong background in substance use disorder treatment and healthcare administration. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling from the State University of Brockport (2013), a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Utica College (2015), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utica College (2022). In addition to her academic achievements, Danielle is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) through the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and a Registered Nurse through the New York State Office of Professions.

Danielle began her career with Beacon Center in 2015 as a Counselor in the Utica office. Her dedication to improving substance use disorder treatment quickly led to her promotion to Clinical Supervisor in 2016, where she oversaw the opening of the Cortland office and expanded patient access to medication-assisted treatment across Central New York. In 2018, she was promoted to Associate Director of Program Operations, and in 2022, she worked hard to launch of the Hepatitis C Treatment Program in Beacon Center’s Central New York locations.

In 2024, Danielle accepted the role of Director of Program Operations, overseeing Beacon Center’s locations across Central New York. She remains committed to providing high-quality care, expanding access to treatment, and increasing education and awareness surrounding substance use disorders within the community. Her leadership and dedication continue to drive Beacon Center’s mission of offering comprehensive recovery opportunities for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Shannon started her career with Beacon Center in 2013 as an Administrative Assistant in the Niagara Falls office. While in that role, she found that she had a passion for working in the Substance Use Disorder field and helping others. She was promoted to Office Manager in 2015 and then to Compliance Manager in 2016. Since beginning with Beacon Center she has obtained her Chemical Dependency Counselor certificate from Niagara County Community College in 2017 and her Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) through the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) in 2018. While working full time, Shannon has continued attending school and is planning on continuing her education to obtain her Master of Business Administration (MBA). Mrs. DeSantiago is committed to ensuring all Beacon Center locations and programs are in compliance with all operating regulations set forth by New York State OASAS.

Shannon Laventure received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2012 and went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2014 though The University at Buffalo.

Shannon started her career at Beacon Center as a substance use counselor in the Herkimer office in 2016. With a passion to provide services to those overcoming substance use disorders, she furthered her knowledge and experience in the field and obtained her Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (CASAC). Her dedication and commitment to patient care led her to being promoted to Clinical Supervisor in 2019. As the Clinical Supervisor she worked hard to improve patient care and ensure that quality services are delivered to all patient’s receiving services.

During her role as Clinical Supervisor of the substance use clinic, Shannon went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and played a vital role in the opening of the Mental Health Clinic’s that operate under the Office of Mental Health. After a year of providing therapy to these patients she was promoted to Clinical Supervisor of the Herkimer and Utica Mental Health clinics at Beacon Center.