Our Addiction Experts

Dr. Ash Bhatt serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Legacy Healing Center, overseeing the clinical and psychiatric integrity of Legacy’s Ohio-based dual-diagnosis and addiction treatment programs. A quintuple board-certified physician, Dr. Bhatt brings unmatched expertise in addiction medicine, psychiatry, brain injury medicine, and co-occurring disorders. His approach blends evidence-based medicine with compassionate, trauma-informed care - ensuring patients in Ohio receive individualized treatment plans that address both substances use and underlying mental health conditions.

With more than 15 years of clinical leadership across detox, crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric care, and residential treatment, Dr. Bhatt ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, and medical excellence. His work is central to Legacy Healing Ohio’s mission of providing integrated, whole-person healing for every client.

Marc Effron, Co-Founder and COO of Legacy Healing Center, brings a powerful blend of personal experience, executive leadership, and recovery advocacy to Legacy’s Ohio programs. Sober since 2008, Marc uses his journey to help shape treatment services that meet the complex needs of individuals managing addiction and dual-diagnosis conditions. His commitment to ethical operations and high-quality clinical care has guided Legacy Healing Center’s growth into Ohio, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive support - from detox to long-term mental health stabilization.

Marc’s focus on empowering clients with accountability, resilience, and purpose has made Legacy a trusted name in recovery. His leadership continues to drive innovation, expanding access to transformative care across the region.

Ben Fox is the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Legacy Healing Center, bringing his passion for ethical, client-centered behavioral health innovation to the state of Ohio. With personal recovery dating back to 2009, Ben is driven to create treatment environments that prioritize dignity, trauma-informed care, and comprehensive support for individuals facing addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. His leadership is instrumental in shaping Legacy Ohio’s holistic, evidence-based programs designed to help clients rebuild stability and emotional wellness.

Ben’s mission has always been to build a center he would trust for his own family - focusing on safety, compassion, and long-term healing. Under his guidance, Legacy Healing Ohio continues to grow as a trusted resource for recovery in the Midwest.

Amber Asher brings extensive experience in mental health and substance use treatment to Legacy Healing Center Ohio, specializing in dual diagnosis and trauma-informed care. She has worked across inpatient, outpatient, IOP, and residential levels of care, shaping programs that support individuals with complex behavioral health needs.

A Licensed Social Worker with advanced DBT and CBT training, Amber is actively pursuing her LISW. She also contributes to regional committees addressing addiction, mental health impacts, and homelessness.

Amber is committed to person-centered, culturally responsive, and compassionate treatment for Ohio communities.

Valerie Puffenberger is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, and dual diagnosis care for Ohio clients. She blends evidence-based psychiatric treatment with a compassionate, relationship-focused approach. Valerie is dedicated to trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and integrating behavioral medicine into addiction treatment. 

Known for her strong rapport-building skills, she creates a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their mental health needs.

Her mission is to advocate for whole-person wellness and long-term emotional stability.

Jacob Sowry brings strong experience working with individuals facing severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders in the greater Cincinnati area.

As a case manager at Legacy Healing Center Ohio, he helps clients navigate treatment, coordinate resources, and build stability in early recovery. Jacob is dedicated to strengthening client support systems through consistent communication and advocacy. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in counseling to expand his clinical skills.

Jacob is passionate about empowering clients to achieve resilience and long-term success.

Shelby Taulbee specializes in treating dual diagnosis clients across Appalachian and Ohio communities, including those facing severe mental health and trauma histories. Her experience spans inpatient, outpatient, IOP, ACT teams, and high-acuity populations such as trauma survivors, veterans, and justice-involved individuals.

Shelby holds LPC and CDCA credentials and is pursuing advanced clinical licensure and trauma certification. Her therapeutic approach integrates motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and reality therapy.

Shelby is committed to helping clients break cycles of trauma and addiction while reaching meaningful recovery goals.

Megan Shaver has six years of experience supporting individuals with mental health challenges and co-occurring substance use disorders. As a primary therapist at Legacy Healing Center Ohio, she uses evidence-based strategies in a safe, supportive environment to help clients build healthier lives. Her previous work with adult psychiatric populations strengthened her understanding of trauma-responsive care.

Megan is passionate about teaching practical tools that improve emotional regulation and long-term stability. She is dedicated to helping Ohio clients and families heal through education and compassionate support.

Kristina Daniels, a proud Cincinnati native, uses her personal recovery journey to inspire and support individuals seeking addiction and mental health treatment. As National Director of Business Development, she helps connect Ohio communities with accessible, high-quality dual diagnosis care.

Kristy holds a degree from Purdue Global University and is currently pursuing her MBA. Her lived experience drives her passion for outreach, advocacy, and breaking the stigma around recovery.

For Kristy, this work is more than a profession - it is a calling.

Jessica Danner supports individuals and families across Ohio through her work as an interventionist, recovery coach, and Alumni Director. She brings professional expertise and lived experience to guide clients coping with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Jessica plays a vital role in connecting Ohio residents with Legacy’s full continuum of care, from treatment entry through long-term recovery. Her work emphasizes education, empowerment, and reducing stigma.

Jessica’s leadership fosters lasting connection and accountability within the alumni community.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist for the past 11 years, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families dealing with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues, helping them manage emotional challenges.

My strong clinical foundation in behavioral health and addiction recovery helps me to support clients as they navigate complex recovery journeys and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I am committed to supporting people with trust and intimacy issues and relationship conflicts, helping them build stronger connections through evidence-based care.

Additionally, I support individuals and families in addressing patterns of codependency in relationships and repairing those that may have been affected by substance use.