Our Mission
ABBA’s Hands is committed to providing quality, individualized, evidence-based treatment to those who suffer from addiction and mental illness, and doing so in such a way that promotes each person’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Guided by principles of integrity, empathy, and evidence-based practice, we are dedicated to offering accessible, patient-centered treatment that addresses the complex needs of each individual. Our goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where every patient feels valued, respected, and heard.
Through the use of medication-assisted treatment, including Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), combined with counseling, support services, and ongoing monitoring, we aim to alleviate the physical and psychological effects of opioid dependence and foster sustainable recovery.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of clinical excellence, continuously advancing our knowledge and skills, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals and community partners to optimize patient outcomes.
At ABBA’s Hands, we believe in the inherent potential for growth and transformation within every person. Our mission is to walk alongside our patients on their journey to recovery, offering hope, encouragement, and support every step of the way.
Vision Statement
At ABBA’s Hands, our vision is to be a beacon of hope and healing for individuals affected by opioid dependence, and we aim to do so by transforming lives and communities through comprehensive, compassionate care.
We envision a future where every individual struggling with opioid addiction and/or mental illness has access to effective treatment and support, enabling them to reclaim their health, dignity, and sense of purpose. Our goal is to break the cycle of addiction and empower individuals to achieve lasting recovery and fulfillment.
Through our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, we aspire to set the standard for evidence-based treatment and holistic care in the field of opioid dependence.
Ultimately, our vision is to create a world where addiction is no longer a barrier to anyone wanting to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Through our unwavering dedication to our patients and our community, we strive to make this vision a reality, one life at a time.
Our Philosophy
At ABBA’s Hands, we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual seeking recovery from opioid dependence and mental illness. Our philosophy is rooted in compassion, respect, and empowerment, guided by the understanding that addiction is a complex medical condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support.
Our primary goal is to provide accessible, high-quality care that addresses the unique needs and challenges of each patient. We recognize that recovery is a deeply personal journey, and we are committed to meeting patients where they are, without judgment or stigma.
Central to our philosophy is the belief in the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment, particularly Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), in supporting long-term recovery. We view Suboxone as a valuable tool in managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and restoring stability, and we also recognize the importance of holistic, patient-centered care.
We understand that not everyone who is suffering from addiction has the same story, and with that in mind, our outpatient treatment program is individualized to meet the personal needs of each patient, and our providers have over 14 years of experience in providing quality care through the means of evidence-based practice.
We are committed to fostering a culture of trust, open communication, and collaboration among patients, families, and the community. We recognize the importance of building strong therapeutic alliances and empowering patients to reclaim their health, autonomy, dignity, and bring their dream of living a life of freedom from addiction and mental illness.
Dr. Elijah Wilder, D.O.
Was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Campbell University. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed Psychiatry residency training at prestigious Duke University, followed by Addiction Psychiatry fellowship subspecialty training at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Wilder is dual board-certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and he is also a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association. He has over 10 years of experience providing specialized care in mental health and addiction treatment. Prior to joining Roadways to Recovery, he has worked in various care settings including inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, detoxification, and residential facilities, and he has recently served as Regional Medical Director for a large addiction treatment consortium with countless facilities across the entire country. He also holds an ongoing appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Cincinnati – Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience.
Dr. Wilder comes to ABBA’s Hands with a strong passion, dedication, and commitment to providing compassionate, high quality, individualized, and evidenced based patient care. He also prides himself on pioneering and delivering the most up-to-date and cutting-edge treatments to help patients live beyond their mental health and substance abuse issues as successfully as possible.
Phylliss Flowers, RN, MSN, FNP-C
Was born and raised in Memphis, Tn. She graduated from East High School in 1988. In 1994, she earned her Associates of Science Degree in Nursing from Shelby State Community College and began her nursing career in pediatric oncology. Inspired by her family to further her education, Phylliss returned to college in 1999 and acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Science of nursing from Union University in year 2000. With her bachelor’s degree, Phylliss had the honor of becoming a research nurse and later transitioned to pediatric emergency medicine followed by adult emergency medicine. In 2006, Phylliss returned to Union University to obtain a Master’s Degree of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Practice. She graduated in winter of 2007.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Phylliss’s worked in rural health for nearly 13 years where she passionately provided holistic care (treating the mind, body, and spirit) to those 18 months and older in the states of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. In 2020, Phylliss returned to Tennessee and began working in behavioral health at a local hospital in Murfreesboro, TN. It was there, she discovered her passion for Addiction medicine.
Phylliss is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and obtained a Data waiver (Certification) to prescribe Suboxone to those suffering with opioid addiction. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going on nature walks, and traveling.
Lakesha Goodwin, AGNP-C
Was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. She attended Waldren University in Minnesota where she completed her Mastered of Nursing Degree with an Advance Degree in Adult/Gerontology. She is looking forward to entering the University of Maryville to obtain her Advance Degree in Addiction Medicine. Lakesha has been in the medical field for over 19 years, she has worked in long term care, management, medical surgical unit, psychiatric and mental health wellness, with a 6-year stent spent as a traveling provider working in ER and trauma unit. Lakesha has spent the last 3 years working in addiction medicine, where she went from triaging patient to being promoted to providing care to patient in an acute detox setting.
Lakesha aims to enhance the comprehensive care services provided by the addiction medicine team and collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative treatment approaches. She looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.
Driven by a deep passion for helping individuals overcome addiction, Lakesha is committed to reducing stigma and increasing access to effective treatment options. Her personal experiences with family members affected by substance use disorders have fueled her dedication to this field. She is looking forward to providing compassionate, individualized, evidence- based care, and promises to deliver that care with integrity, and respect.