Meet Our Leadership Team
Louis Turdo
CEO
Louis Turdo is the CEO and founder of Avita Hope in Jersey City. Louis believes that an outpatient drug and alcohol rehab center should provide a program that does more than just address the addiction. It must also consider an individual’s medical needs, living situation, and any co-occurring mental health conditions that may be underlying factors in their substance use issues.
Prior to his part in Avita Hope, Louis ran a successful bail bond business for over 20 years. During constant interaction with his clients, he observed many families being destroyed by addiction. It seemed that one family member spent most of his/her time in and out of jail, draining their life savings due to the power of addiction. It is a vicious cycle, and one Louis is passionate about helping to change. Through his hard work and a desire to help people recover, Louis has acquired the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that the programs and staff of Avita Hope reach their maximum potential to best serve our patients.
Dr. Michael Lienhard
Director of Medical Services
Dr. Michael Lienhard obtained his medical degree from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, FL, completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, and completed two specialty fellowships in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and in Addiction Psychiatry at Montefiore Hospital. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and International Society for Sports Psychiatry (ISSP). Dr. Lienhard is thoughtful and empathetic in his approach to psychiatric treatment, utilizing well-studied interventions to alleviate the distress and improve the lives of those with mental health disorders.
Michael Jackson
Primary Counselor
Michael Jackson was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. A proud four-year veteran of the United States Navy, Michael developed a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, teamwork, and service to others. Michael holds an Associate Degree and has dedicated more than 12 years to working in the recovery field. Drawing from his own journey of 25 years of sobriety, he brings personal experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of the challenges associated with addiction and recovery.
As a community activist, Michael is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the community. His passion for recovery extends beyond professional responsibilities; he believes in helping people recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and build meaningful lives in recovery. Michael is known as a team player who is willing to assist anyone in need of recovery support. He believes that no one should have to walk the road to recovery alone and strives to create an environment built on encouragement, respect, accountability, and hope.
With his military background, educational accomplishments, community involvement, professional experience, and personal recovery journey, Michael continues to dedicate his life to service, recovery, and helping others achieve lasting positive change.
Tracy Pitman
Substance Abuse Counselor
Tracy Pitman is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) here at Avita Hope with more than 15 years of experience walking alongside individuals and families affected by addiction. Over the years, she has had the privilege of working in many different treatment settings—methadone programs, residential treatment, Mommy & Me programs, and outpatient substance abuse centers—and each has shaped how she shows up for the people she serves.
Her style is down‑to‑earth, honest, and rooted in the belief that recovery is possible when people feel seen, supported, and understood. She is passionate about helping clients rebuild their lives, reconnect with their strengths, and work through the realities of addiction with compassion and accountability.
When she is not working, you can usually find her spending time with her family, traveling, or cooking, all the things that keep her grounded and reminded of how important balance and joy are in the healing process.