Meet the Team

  • Arwen Podesta, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM is a New Orleans based board-certified adult psychiatrist with sub-specializations in addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative medicine. Dr. Podesta also offers treatment via telemedicine to patients in North Carolina and Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Podesta completed her psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University before pursuing fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Tulane University.

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Podesta became involved in actioning psychiatric care for underserved and disenfranchised populations and was awarded the Gambit’s 40 Under 40 in 2009.  Since then she has been an enthusiastic participant in the public sector as Medical Director of multiple addiction treatment centers, and a consultant for the Orleans Criminal Court, Drug Court and Re-entry Services.  Additionally, she maintains status as a consulting Addiction Medicine Specialist, and an expert witness.  Across all contexts and venues, Dr. Podesta’s primary focus has been and continues to be access to integrative mental health and addiction treatment, and rational prescribing practices.

    Dr. Podesta maintains an active role in the academic community as a clinical faculty for Tulane Psychiatry Residency, Louisiana State University Psychiatry Residency, and Tulane Addiction Medicine Fellowship. Her outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of medicine earned her a nomination for the role of President of the Louisiana chapter of the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 2017. In 2019 she was awarded the honor of Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and in 2022 Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. A renowned speaker, Dr. Podesta regularly travels to teach and speak on the topics of Addiction Medicine and Integrative Psychiatry.

    Since opening Podesta Psychiatry LLC in 2012, Dr. Podesta has been voted into the ranks of New Orleans Magazine’s Top Doctors on an annual basis.  The Podesta Psychiatry team includes some of the best treatment providers in the Gulf Coast, and Podesta Psychiatry continues to evolve toward the multi-disciplinary collaborative model that embodies Dr. Podesta’s wellness model for whole health.

  • With a family full of healthcare professionals, I was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field from an early age. I graduated with honors from US Careers Institute’s RMA/CMA program, earning my place on the Dean’s List. I am also BLS and CPI certified, always striving to expand my knowledge and skills.

    Addiction is a cause that I am deeply passionate about, and being able to be part of a team that aids in recovery is something I truly cherish. As an Injection Specialist, I've had the privilege of contributing to patients' journeys toward healing, and it has been an eye-opening experience. The opportunity to continue my education while working in this field has enriched my skills, deepened my knowledge, and reinforced my commitment to providing the best care possible.

    Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of healthcare specialties, but my true passion lies in addiction treatment. My goal is to continue my education and one day become a Nurse Practitioner, further enhancing my ability to provide quality care.

    -Lexi

  • Brittany Badinger, FNP-C, CARN-AP is a compassionate Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of healthcare experience; Ms. Badinger is the owner of Pathways Addiction Recovery and NOLA Par Intensive Outpatient Program, both located in Metairie, La. Ms. Badinger has dedicated the majority of her time as a Nurse Practitioner to providing unparalleled care to those battling substance use disorders. She also has a background in primary care, alternative & holistic medicine, and aesthetics. Ms. Badinger also enjoys creating art, exploring scientific research and spending time with her husband and two young children.

    Ms. Badinger has developed a known reputation for her individualized, passionate patient care, addressing patient’s physical, mental and emotional needs. Ms. Badinger thrives on taking the time to get to know each patient individually, while making sure that all of their healthcare needs are addressed. She values the relationships she develops with each patient, understanding that providing quality healthcare entails far more than simply providing a prescription.

    Ms. Badinger completed both her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Nursing at Louisiana State University; she is board certified in Family Practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and received her CARN-AP board certification from the Addiction Nursing Certification Board. She is also a SMART Recovery Facilitator and a Non-violent Crisis Intervention Instructor. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse in a variety of settings ranging from intensive care to home health, with each contributing valuable experience in providing the best possible care for others.

  • Amy Woodruff, LPC, brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to her role as Outpatient Program Director. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with individuals navigating the challenges of mental health issues and addiction, and her commitment to supporting long-term recovery is at the heart of everything she does.

    Amy’s approach is grounded in compassion, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of the recovery journey. She believes in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them as they build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Her leadership helps shape a program that is both structured and supportive, empowering clients to achieve lasting sobriety.

    Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys the simple pleasures of home, especially when accompanied by good music and her loyal dog, Ollie. She is the proud mother of two grown sons and values the balance between her personal and professional worlds.

    Amy’s dedication, warmth, and steady guidance make her an invaluable part of our team and a trusted resource for those seeking meaningful change.

  • Joshua Scuderi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) with extensive experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate recovery and life’s challenges. He specializes in supporting those impacted by addiction, codependency, trauma, low self-esteem, life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, and grief.

    Throughout his career, Joshua has been dedicated to helping individuals and families heal from the pain and suffering that often accompanies addiction. He approaches therapy with the belief that many struggles are rooted in unresolved wounds and unprocessed trauma. To address these deeper concerns, Joshua is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful therapeutic approach that supports healing and fosters lasting change by transforming negative core beliefs.

    Joshua’s hope is to provide a safe and collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences, gain insight, and make meaningful progress toward their personal goals.

  • Bryanne brings a warm, welcoming voice to every phone call as the first point of contact for our patients. In her dual role as Admissions Coordinator and Marketing Supervisor, she keeps things running smoothly—handling scheduling, outreach, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes our connection to the community strong. With just over two years at Pathways, Bryanne combines on-the-ground experience with ongoing academic growth: she’s currently completing her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of New Orleans, concentrating in Math and Psychology. Empathy comes naturally to her, and she takes every opportunity to help make someone’s day a little easier. Outside of work, you’ll find Bryanne crocheting cozy creations or spending quality time with her child.