Meet Our Compassionate Care Team & Staff
🤝 Meet the Team
You won’t find a bunch of clipboards and cold stares here. At Passages, our team is made up of doctors, nurses, therapists, recovery coaches, and admin staff who actually give a damn. We’re highly trained, down-to-earth, and more than ready to help you tackle what life’s been throwing at you.
Our crew includes:
Psychiatrists & MDs who understand both the science and the chaos of the human brain
Nurse Practitioners and LPNs who manage medication with care, not condescension
LPCs, LICSWs, LGSWs, and LCSWs who are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and people-first
Recovery Coaches who’ve lived it and now help others through it
A full admin team who keep the chaos in check and make sure you don’t miss your appointment
We don’t wear capes, but we do show up. And while we take mental health seriously, we’re not above cracking a joke or two when the timing’s right.
No egos. No lectures. Just a solid team who wants to see you win.
đź’¬ Ready to meet someone who gets it? See our passionate and professional team members below.
Book an appointment today—we’ll match you with the right provider, whether it’s therapy, MAT, or something in between. (681) 684-SAFE
Clinical Team
Dr. Kambiz Soleymani, MD
Neurologist & Addiction Specialist
Dr. Soleymani brings unmatched expertise in neurology, psychiatry, addiction medicine, and medication-assisted treatment. With decades of experience, he has earned a reputation as the premier physician in the region for his thoughtful, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. His knowledge and dedication make him an integral part of the Passages treatment team through our partnership with Infinity PLLC, our sister program. Together, we work to ensure every client has access to the highest quality community mental health care.
Known for his calm, detail-focused, and approachable style, Dr. Soleymani makes complex treatment plans clear and manageable for his patients. He has a rare ability to combine clinical precision with genuine compassion, making clients feel both cared for and empowered.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Soleymani is an avid traveler with a curiosity for the world — but he’ll never pass up McDonald’s fries. (Even the best physicians have their guilty pleasures.)
Sara Zahlen, LICSW-S, LCSW
Clinical Director
Sara has been serving the community for over 15 years, guiding clients through some of life’s hardest battles — trauma, addiction, MAT, parenting challenges, and recovery after sexual assault. As Clinical Director, she leads with both expertise and empathy, making sure every client and provider feels supported.
Her style? A little tough love, a little sarcasm, but always rooted in compassion. Sara has a rare ability to meet people exactly where they are — whether that’s in their darkest moments or on the edge of breakthrough — and connect with them as a human first, not just a patient.
Originally from Florida, Sara jokes that she came to West Virginia on her own version of the Oregon Trail, “digging for gold and finding purpose instead.” Now based in Cabell County, she proudly serves the entire Tri-State area.
Amanda Poff, LGSW
Therapist
Amanda specializes in helping people of all ages find healing — whether that’s a preschooler working through big emotions or an adult navigating addiction recovery after decades of struggle. With advanced training in Play Therapy, TB-FST, CBT-I, ITR Therapy, and as a certified Rape Crisis Advocate, she brings both clinical expertise and a deeply compassionate approach to every session.
Her style blends nurturing support with a clear, goal-oriented focus. Clients describe her as approachable, sweet, and refreshingly real — someone who can balance tough-love honesty with genuine warmth. Amanda’s superpower is her ability to connect across generations, making therapy accessible for children, teens, and adults alike.
When she’s not in session, Amanda is a proud dog mom. She swears her pups have taught her as much about patience, loyalty, and unconditional love as any textbook ever could.
Sydney Copley, LGSW
Therapist
With more than 20 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, Sydney brings both depth and joy to her work. She’s skilled in supporting clients through recovery, trauma, and MAT, always making sure they feel heard, respected, and cared for.
Sydney’s approach is nurturing, uplifting, and almost contagious — she’s the kind of therapist who can turn even the hardest day into a hopeful one. In fact, for the last eight years, her colleagues swear every single day has been “the happiest day of her life.” Her unshakable optimism sets her apart and makes her a steady presence for clients and staff alike.
Outside the office, Sydney is a dedicated thrifter with a sharp eye for deals. She once passed up a store’s 50%-off sale, calling it “amateur hour.” For her, the real treasure hunt starts at 90% off — and she’ll proudly tell you all about her finds.
Edgar Hernandez, LGSW
Therapist
Edgar brings expertise in trauma, addiction, and MAT, paired with a style that’s calm, steady, and approachable. His soft-spoken presence makes clients feel safe to open up, while his clinical skill ensures they’re guided toward meaningful change.
What makes Edgar stand out is his consistency — he’s the kind of therapist you can rely on to show up, listen deeply, and help you sort through the mess without adding to the noise. Clients often describe him as “grounding,” the kind of person who makes even the hardest conversations feel manageable.
Outside of work, Edgar is a proud chicken owner. Whether it’s tending to his flock or swapping chicken stories, he brings that same steady, down-to-earth energy to life on the farm as he does in the therapy room.
April Rideout, LGSW
Therapist
April’s journey to therapy took a unique path — she started out as a lab tech here before going back to school to pursue her passion for mental health. Today, she specializes in trauma, addiction, MAT, and family therapy, bringing both scientific precision and human warmth into her work with clients of all ages.
Her style is a balance of straightforward honesty and nurturing support. April is known for creating an environment that feels safe and restorative, right down to the details. She’s famous for using ambient light in her office — no harsh fluorescents, just a calming glow that helps clients settle in and feel at ease.
When she’s not helping clients, you’ll likely find April near the water. The beach is her happy place, and she brings that same calming, grounding energy into every session she leads.
Administrative Team
Amber Howard
Services Coordinator
Amber is the calm in the storm — the person who keeps everyone connected and everything moving. She’s the bridge between staff and patients, making sure no detail falls through the cracks, whether she’s at the front desk or working behind the scenes. With more than a decade of experience in community mental health centers, Amber knows exactly how to set the tone the moment someone calls or walks in the door.
Cool, collected, and unshakable, Amber’s superpower is her ability to stay steady no matter what’s happening around her. Whether the phones are ringing off the hook or a dozen things need attention at once, she doesn’t let her feathers get ruffled.
When she’s not holding it all together at Passages, Amber leans into her love of horror — fall is her season, and nothing makes her happier than a crisp October night with a good scare.
Amanda Kelley
Claims Expert – Billing Department
Amanda is the wizard behind the billing desk — fast-talking, fast-thinking, and always three steps ahead. With her knack for working with the public and her manic organizational energy, she makes the complicated world of copays, deductibles, and insurance claims feel (almost) simple.
Clients love her because she can break down even the most confusing medical bill in plain English — and do it with a smile. Around the office, Amanda is known for her energy, her positivity, and her ability to juggle about ten things at once without breaking stride.
When she’s not managing claims, you’ll find her running — 5Ks, marathons, maybe even 401Ks if you let her. You betcha.
Joshua Parker, LPN
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of Passages, Joshua leads with both vision and heart. With a clinical background as an LPN and years of experience in MAT, he understands the challenges clients face on the road to recovery. His approach blends tough love with genuine compassion — he’ll hold you accountable when you need it, but he’ll also remind you that you’re worthy of care, respect, and healing.
What makes Joshua stand out is his relentless commitment to people, no matter their circumstances. He has a gift for meeting clients exactly where they are, fighting for the underdog, and creating a professional, welcoming space where recovery feels possible.
When he’s not running Passages or working with clients, Joshua is known for one thing: his borderline obsession with Ranch Dressing. Ask him about it, and you’ll see the same passion he brings to leadership come out over a fresh crispy plastic jar of salad dressing.
