About - Medicine Wheel Clinic in Auburn, GA

About Medicine Wheel Clinic

Established in 2007, Medicine Wheel Clinic is a family-owned and operated Outpatient Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) located in Auburn, GA. We are dedicated to helping individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) reclaim their lives through compassionate, evidence-based care. Our approach is deeply rooted in education, experience, faith, and empathy, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and respectful treatment.

Unlike corporate-owned facilities, Medicine Wheel Clinic operates independently, allowing us to maintain a patient-centered philosophy that prioritizes well-being over profit. The clinic's name is a tribute to the founder's Indigenous heritage, as the Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol representing health, healing, and balance—values that guide our mission.

Our Mission

Our goal is to provide comprehensive opioid treatment while fostering stability, healing, and personal growth for our patients. We proudly serve Barrow County, GA, and the surrounding region, offering Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), counseling, and recovery support services tailored to each individual.

Beyond patient care, we are committed to advancing the field of addiction treatment, providing training and education to counselors seeking certification, and actively working to reduce opioid overdoses and reduce crime in our community.

Leadership & Expertise

Reverend Jennie Leyva – Founder, President, & Sponsor

With over 35 years of experience in addiction treatment, Reverend Jennie Leyva MDiv has dedicated her life and career to supporting individuals struggling with substance misuse. A Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force, she brings a deep sense of service and commitment to her work in recovery. She has worked across various areas of addiction recovery, including 12-step abstinence-based programs, faith-based models, the MATRIX model, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.

An ordained Reverend with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), she has founded multiple nonprofits and ministries to aid individuals in recovery. Her vision for Medicine Wheel Clinic was to create a safe and effective treatment space where individuals can heal, rebuild, and achieve long-term stability. She has since passed this mission down to her two children, ensuring that her legacy of care and healing continues.

Adriana Chiknas – Program Director

Bringing corporate expertise and a deep passion for addiction recovery, Adriana Chiknas leads daily operations at Medicine Wheel Clinic. She is a Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC), IC&RC Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS), and Medication-Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS).

Before joining the family mission, Adriana worked with prestigious organizations such as the American Medical Association and Joint Commission Resources in corporate account management and IT project management. She now plays a vital role in shaping addiction treatment policies, serving as the Executive Secretary for Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia, 2024 Regional Advisory Council Chairman for Region 2, and a member of the Georgia Substance Use Disorder Policy Panel.

A sought-after speaker, she has led trainings and educational sessions on opioid treatment providers, overdose prevention, and harm reduction for professionals in the court system, healthcare, and addiction recovery.

Dr. Christina Chiknas – Finance Manager

With a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, Dr. Christina Chiknas brings extensive expertise in financial management and nonprofit administration. She has served as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for multiple nonprofit organizations, successfully overseeing grants and financial strategies that drive community-focused projects.

Her background in business history, process optimization, and financial planning ensures that Medicine Wheel Clinic remains financially sustainable while expanding its reach to help more individuals in need.

Why Choose Us?

At Medicine Wheel Clinic, we are more than just a treatment center—we are a family dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their lives. Our multidisciplinary team of counselors, doctors, and nurses is committed to providing the highest level of care in a compassionate and supportive environment.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, we are here to help. Let our family support yours on the journey to stability and recovery.

How We Can Help