Who We Are
Our Team Members
Matthew Dale Bauersachs ,MSW
Founder, Executive Director
Matt Bauersachs is the Founder and Executive Director for Learn to Live Recovery LLC. Matthew graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe) in May 2019. While attending SIUe he was elected President of the Student Social Work Association and he was the Service Award recipient. He began working in the field in 2018. He also graduated with his master’s degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University in December 2020. Matthew has been sober since January 3, 2011. He is passionate about recovery and the impact it can have on a person’s life. Matthew’s philosophy of recovery is to “learn to live again” which allows residents to learn about themselves, live with a positive mindset focused on self-improvement, and find a recovery path that does not just produce long term recovery, but overall happiness and success in life.
tstewart@learntoliverecovery.com
(314) 258 6131
Taylor Stewart BA, MHA
Director of Operations
Taylor Stewart is the Director of Operations at Learn to Live Recovery. Her function with us is strategic planning & implementation with a focus on organizational compliance and goals set by leadership. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology as well as a Master’s in Health Administration. Taylor has worked in the substance abuse field since 2015, having done work in direct care, case management, substance use counseling, program coordinating, and now operations. Taylor is passionate about using her strengths and skills to help others live a better life.
Elise Bellfontaine
Office Manager/Director of Admissions
Elise has been part of the Learn to Live team since opening in 2021, coming onboard to offer equine therapy services, and eventually integrating her many skills into individual and group work with our residents. She is especially skilled in targeting specific goals with residents and coming up with plans of accountability. She also assists in data tracking to monitor resident engagement as a part of holding residents accountable. Elise is a valued member of our team, playing an important role in resident advocacy and mobilizing residents’ dreams to make them into reality.
Lisa Goldman
Clinical Director
Dr. Goldman is a seasoned Licensed Psychologist with extensive leadership experience in outpatient, residential, and forensic/correctional settings. Recognized for visionary program development, evidence-based treatment strategies, and building strong therapeutic alliances that drive improved mental health outcomes across diverse populations. Brings robust expertise in clinical leadership, comprehensive assessments, and a wide range of therapeutic interventions. Proven record of designing tailored treatment plans and delivering psychotherapy that meets the unique needs of individuals. Guided by trauma-informed and family systems approaches, Dr. Goldman holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and has spent many years advocating for individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders involved in the court system. She takes a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnection of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and works with patients to develop comprehensive plans addressing lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, and overall well-being.
Max Rava
Primary therapist
Max’s passion is providing trauma-informed care for individuals addressing substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and other co-occurring diagnoses. His Why: To give to others what was so freely provided to him – a listening ear, and the support to chase his dreams. Max takes a holistic, strengths-based therapy approach to help clients gain insight and develop comprehensive wellness plans and skills to utilize their resilience, preparing them to better cope with the challenges in their lives.Max is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. He is also an alumnus of Saint Louis University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Latin American and International Studies, as well as a Professional Master of Business Administration degree. His previous professional experience includes entrepreneurial ventures and working with small businesses, social service organizations, and think tanks.
Katherine Fezzi
Social Worker
Katherine Fezzi is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a focused practice in addiction recovery and co-occurring mental health disorders. With a warm, pragmatic, and client-centered approach, Katherine supports individuals and families navigating the complex challenges of substance use, emotional distress, and interpersonal conflict. As a therapist, Katherine draws on evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care to support recovery and emotional regulation. Katherine is passionate about reducing stigma, promoting resilience, and walking alongside clients as they move toward recovery, reconciliation, and sustainable well-being. In her free time, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, two children, and two dogs, hiking, biking, and traveling.
Daron Burks
Daron has a sobriety date of 10/19/2010 and has a passion for helping others find their path to long term recovery from their addictions. He is grateful to be able to relate to just about anyone on any level. He has worked in the field of behavioral health for five years as a Certified Peer Specialist and addiction counselor. Prior to that he managed the Lindell Club in St. Louis which is an institution of recovery. He loves to travel and tries to keep life simple. He loves being content with his cats, Fred and Ethel, and spending time with family and friends. He says “I keep my recovery first as it’s because of recovery that I have a life.