Our Leadership Team
Experienced professionals with personal recovery journeys and clinical expertise, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that transforms lives.
Patrick Santosuosso
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
CEO, Recovery Advocate, 10+ years in behavioral health
Patrick Santosuosso is the visionary co-founder and CEO of Amity Behavioral Health Network. With over a decade of experience, Patrick combines clinical expertise with deep personal understanding of recovery. Having personally navigated addiction and recovery, he is uniquely positioned to create safe, nurturing environments where patients can heal and transform their lives. Patrick is a tireless advocate for ethical care, ensuring each patient is treated with dignity and respect. Under his leadership, Amity has become known for innovative approaches to treatment, rooted in evidence-based practices and a patient-first philosophy.
Michael Clark
President & Co-Founder
President, Strategic Operations Leader
As President and Co-Founder of Amity Behavioral Health Network, Michael Clark leads strategic business operations across the network of premier treatment programs. With a strong commitment to safe, effective, and patient-centered care, he drives initiatives that enhance organizational performance. Michael oversees multidisciplinary teams focused on delivering forward-thinking, data-driven solutions that elevate the quality and consistency of behavioral health services. Passionate about improving systems and outcomes in behavioral healthcare, Michael continues to position Amity as a leader in the field.
Mark Santosuosso
Chief Operating Officer
COO, Operations Excellence, Personal Recovery Experience
Mark Santosuosso is the COO of Amity Behavioral Health Network, bringing deeply personal and passionate leadership. With years of recovery experience himself, Mark champions treatment environments that are clinically sound yet rooted in dignity, hope, and connection. He oversees daily operations across multiple facilities, ensuring consistent, high-quality care. His strategic vision and operational discipline fuel growth while preserving core values. Mark transforms his own recovery experience into a catalyst for change—building programs and teams that empower individuals to thrive beyond addiction.
Ryan Higgins
Chief Financial Officer
CFO, 20+ years executive finance experience
Ryan Higgins brings over two decades of executive experience guiding organizations toward financial stability and growth. He leads company-wide financial planning, budgeting, accounting, treasury, and risk management. Known for his creative, solutions-driven mindset, Ryan helped launch one of the first 1:1 student and employee technology platforms in partnership with Google. A lifelong learner who studied Computer Science and Educational Administration Leadership, his cross-disciplinary expertise enables him to connect departments and improve patient care. Passionate about helping others, he believes there are only solutions, not problems.
Angela Smith
Executive Assistant & Director of Community Engagement
12+ years in behavioral health, Family Liaison & Case Management
With over twelve years in mental health and addiction treatment, Angela's career is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and organizational excellence. Before serving as Executive Assistant, she worked as a family liaison and lead case manager, developing deep insight into both clinical and family support. In her current role, Angela supports the executive leadership team through scheduling, reporting, and coordination. Her background in family engagement adds empathy and understanding to her administrative expertise. Outside of work, Angela enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, and attending sporting events.
Dr. Eric Chaghouri, MD
Medical Director
MD, Chief Resident, Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship, UCLA & USC
Dr. Chaghouri earned his B.A. in Biology from UCLA (Summa Cum Laude) in 2007 and his M.D. from the Keck School of Medicine in 2011. He completed his residency in general adult psychiatry at LAC + USC Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident in psychiatric emergency services. He completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the USC Institute of Psychiatry and Law, where he published and presented research. Dr. Chaghouri has built a thriving Southern California practice specializing in co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders, supported by a clinical team providing cutting-edge interventional treatments.
Gabe Allran
Director of Business Development
Director of Business Development, 10+ years in recovery
Born and raised in North Carolina, Gabe attended Appalachian State University before confronting his own struggles with substance abuse. Seeking lasting change, he relocated to Florida and has maintained sobriety for over a decade. Gabe's personal recovery experience fuels his mission to guide others toward healing, deeply committed to helping individuals achieve sustainable recovery and rediscover purpose beyond addiction. Outside of work, Gabe enjoys scuba diving and cherishes time with his two daughters, his greatest source of pride and motivation.
Rachel Kessler
Director of Business Development
Director of Business Development, Recovery Advocate
Originally from Virginia, Rachel moved to Florida to begin a new chapter after overcoming addiction. There, she found a supportive recovery community that reshaped her life and inspired her to help others. Rachel has played key roles in building and scaling multiple treatment centers, particularly within admissions and business development. Her blend of lived experience, professional expertise, and empathy allows her to connect deeply with clients and colleagues alike. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for healing and helping others find the same hope that once changed her own life.
Experience Matters in Recovery
Our leadership team's expertise and dedication ensure you receive the highest quality care throughout your recovery journey.