Who We Are

Our Physicians and Co-Owners​

Dr. Patel

Dr. Patel is a co-owner of Mayrx who earned his doctorate degree from Kansas City University of Medicine. He is dual board certified in Emergency and Addiction Medicine with over 15 years of clinical experience.

Dr. Halberg

Dr. Halberg is a co-owner of Mayrx. He is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Addiction Medicine with clinical interests in preventative medicine. Dr. Halberg utilizes a harm reduction, and empathic approach to his patients. When he is not working towards reducing the health-related burdens associated with the disease of Addiction, Dr. Halberg is spending quality time with his family. Any free time outside of that, he is enjoying the hiking trails or camping proximal to Asheville, playing tennis or reading.

Our Team

Paula Bynnom, LCAS

Executive Director

With over three decades of hands-on experience working with dual diagnosis patients, I have honed my ability to navigate the complexities of mental health and addiction with empathy and expertise. Through years of dedication to understanding the unique needs of each individual, I have developed a comprehensive approach to treatment that combines clinical knowledge with compassion. My deep understanding of the challenges faced by dual diagnosis patients allows me to tailor interventions that promote lasting recovery and holistic well-being.

In addition to my clinical expertise, I bring a wealth of skills in business management to the table. From overseeing daily operations to implementing strategic initiatives, I excel in optimizing organizational efficiency and driving sustainable growth. My proficiency in hiring, HR, and employee relations, coupled with meticulous attention to maintaining accurate employee records, ensures a harmonious and productive work environment. Moreover, my experience in business development equips me with the acumen to identify opportunities for expansion and cultivate fruitful partnerships. Combined with my effective communication skills, these attributes enable me to foster collaborative relationships and achieve tangible results in any professional setting.

Jameson Halberg, LCSW

Clinical Services Director

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, Jameson Halberg possesses advanced cognitive behavioral training. She specializes in helping adults navigate their relationship with substances be it illicit drugs, or food, and how substance use disorders as well as disordered eating are often intertwined with trauma and mood disorders. Beginning her career in 2012 with a focus on eating disorders through private practice (jamesonhalberg.com), she has become a community advocate and speaker on eating disorder awareness, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma and mood disorders. Her approach empowers clients to navigate their intuitive journeys with their substance use or disordered eating as well as improving any co-existing mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Ashley Carr, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC

Clinical Director

Ashley Carr is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a passion for helping individuals heal and grow through all stages of life. She earned her master’s degree from Virginia Tech University in 2017 and brings a diverse range of clinical experience to her role as Clinical Director at Mayrx.

Throughout her career, Ashley has worked in various therapeutic settings, including play therapy with children and teens affected by trauma and behavioral challenges, intensive in-home therapy with families, and as a Rehabilitation Counselor with the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Most recently, she served as a substance use counselor at a local men’s treatment facility, where her passion for recovery work deepened.

Ashley is a client-centered therapist who draws from a variety of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and expressive therapies such as art and music. She is trauma-informed and brings a compassionate, real-world perspective to her work. Having experienced addiction from multiple angles, Ashley understands the complexity of the recovery journey and believes strongly in the power of trust, connection, and individualized support in helping clients reach their goals.

Outside of her professional role, Ashley has been married to her husband, Drew, for 25 years, and they share two wonderful children—a son and a daughter. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, exploring, and relaxing by the creek. Their home is joyfully full with a collection of pets, including cats, dogs, and a beloved turtle named Tilly.

Ashley is deeply committed to serving her community and is excited to help lead Mayrx in expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care for all individuals seeking support on their healing journey.

Alexandra Alspaugh, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Allie Alspaugh first witnessed the power and importance of comprehensive behavioral healthcare while attending medical school. She became deeply drawn to the critical emotional support and case management services social workers provided to patients and families to ensure continuity of care. As a result of these experiences, she left medical school and enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Edinboro University.

Since her transition to behavioral health, Allie has worked with diverse patient populations in a myriad of practice settings, including residential treatment, the Department of Veterans Affairs, community mental health, and medical detox and stabilization. In these settings, Allie has embodied a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to her work with all clients.

Allie is dual licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, empowering her to address behavioral health issues, trauma, and co-occurring addiction. Allie utilizes a number of interventions in her therapeutic work, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, SMART Recovery, and Seeking Safety.

When not working in a therapeutic capacity, Allie can be found tromping through the woods with her husband and pupper, foraging for edible and medicinal mushrooms and plants in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Rachel Cooley, PMHNP, CARN-AP

Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner

I grew up in Kansas and earned my first bachelor’s degree in literature and writing from the University of Kansas. I went to Thailand to teach English as a foreign language in 2012. After returning from Thailand I went back to school for a registered nursing degree. After earning my RN degree in 2015 I continued my education and received a BSN and MSN from Walden University. I have been practicing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner since 2020. I became a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse-Advanced Practitioner in 2023. My primary specialties are addiction medicine and dual diagnosis substance use/psychiatric disorders. In my free time I enjoy classic literature, Sci-Fi, hip hop music, travel, hiking, and scuba diving.

Brandi Edwards, BSW, QP

Case Manager/Discharge Planner

As an experienced Case Manager and Discharge Coordinator at Mayrx Recovery, I am responsible for helping clients set and achieve their goals throughout their recovery journey. With a Bachelors in Social Work from Mars Hill University and five years of experience in the IDD, Mental Health, and Substance Use fields, I feel I bring a comprehensive background to my role.

My experience includes internships focusing on supporting teens aging out of foster care, providing food assistance to the community, planning for elderly individuals aging at home, and facilitating equine therapy. I am completely dedicated to being a supportive resource for those facing substance use challenges, offering guidance and companionship throughout the recovery process.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

Taylor Chenoweth

Admissions Coordinator

Taylor brings a strong background in both military service and residential treatment to her role as Admissions Coordinator. A proud Navy veteran, Taylor served for eight years before transitioning into the recovery field, where she found a new passion in supporting individuals through transformative care.

Taylor is deeply committed to client-centered care—prioritizing each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals in the recovery journey. She has a passion for helping clients reconnect with themselves, especially when removed from the environments, stressors, and patterns that previously shaped their lives. Being in the Admissions Coordinator role excites her as an opportunity to work with adult clients and being the first contact connection on their journey with Mayrx Recovery. She hopes to continue building meaningful, client-focused connections.

Taylor is currently working toward her associate’s degree in Human Services Technology with a focus in Addiction and Recovery Studies, further deepening her expertise and dedication to the field.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, finger crocheting, and going on backpacking trips.

Miranda Allison, QP

Housing Supervisor

With an extensive background in being the support to a variety of ages, I bring a sense of structure and skill to being the house manager for the women. I enjoy being that contact outside of the treatment environment to continue to keep them going in the right direction.

Clayton Hutchison, AP

Business Development/Case Management

Clayton brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to his multifaceted role at Mayrx. As a Behavioral Health Technician and Case Manager, he works closely with clients to support their daily routines and ensure they feel safe, empowered, and supported throughout their recovery journey.

In his capacity as Business Development Coordinator, Clayton builds and nurtures relationships with regional facilities to expand access to high-quality services and resources for our clients. His collaborative mindset and dedication help bridge the gap between care coordination and community partnerships.

Clayton is deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. He is committed to creating an environment where every client feels seen, heard, and valued.

Outside of work, Clayton enjoys playing music and performing in a band—a creative outlet that brings him balance and joy.