Our Team
Administrative
Lee McCormick, Founder
Lee McCormick is the founder of The Ranch Recovery Center in Tennessee, where a holistic and spiritual approach to addiction is the focus. Lee founded Spirit Recovery, Inc., which produces Recovery Conferences, Sacred Journeys, workshops and other recovery and personal growth experiences. He is the author of Spirit Recovery Meditation Journal and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul. As executive producer of Dreaming Heaven, a documentary on spiritual awakening and experience, Lee became a partner in Enlightened Innertainment Production Company, a film and music creative endeavor. He is a partner and co-creator of the Dreaming House in Teotihuacán, Mexico, a group retreat center at the foot of the pyramids. A talented songwriter and singer, Lee has owned and operated the Piney River Cattle Company for the past 20 years. His pursuits also include being a certified chemical dependency counselor, spiritual teacher, and Toltec Guide trained in the tradition of the Eagle Knight lineage of don Miguel Ruiz. Lee resides between his ranches in Tennessee and Malibu, California as well as the Dreaming House in Teotihuacán, Mexico.
Greg Phillips, BS, MBA, Executive Director
Greg has worked in the treatment field for over 19 years. He began his career at Pine Grove as a counselor’s assistant and over the next 13 years served as a Ropes Course Director, Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator, and ended as the Program Director of the Professional Enhancement Program. Greg spent the next 16 months as the Director of Marketing at Las Vegas Recovery Center. He joined The Ranch in August of 2007 as Chief Operations Officer becoming Executive Director in December 2010. Greg has a B.S. in psychology and an M.B.A. He has been married to Selena for 15 years and they have three beautiful children.
Keith Parrish, Director of Operations
Before coming to the Ranch, Keith was Centre Director of O.I., Inc. as well as owned his own landscaping company. Prior to being at O. I., he was General Manager at Cycle Gear, opening new stores across the country. He has worked in the field of construction as an electrician, carpenter, and assistant superintendent. Keith studied sports medicine at the University of South Alabama, later becoming a professional soccer player, has coached at NCAAD 1 level, high school and youth travel teams. He has been married to Jenger for fourteen years and has three boys.
Mark Albritton BS, Privacy Coordinator/Medical Records
Mark comes to the Ranch with 17 years’ experience in the mental health field. His work as a mental health provider has ranged from direct client contact, liaison between regulatory agencies and facility administration. He has also owned and operated a small business in Dickson County. His experience has taught him the importance of confidentiality. He also understands the importance of meeting both the needs of regulatory agencies and accomplishing quality client care. Raised in the bayous of the deep South, he enjoys the outdoors and often hikes and kayaks with his wife of 27 years.
Anita Little, Human Resource Coordinator
Prior to joining the staff at The Ranch, Anita worked as Human Resource Representative for nine years at Shiloh Industries and one year as Manager for a staffing agency. Anita enjoys time with her two daughters and husband. Anita has excellent people skills and is glad to be with her new family at The Ranch.
Marie Reed, Administrative Assistant
Marie brings to The Ranch a diverse background of social work and administrative support in various industries. Her experience and expertise includes executive assistant positions, receptionist duties, creating newsletters, database maintenance, payment processing and countless other responsibilities that keep an office running on a day to day basis. She has literally “done it all” and The Ranch welcomes her experience, humor and knowledge. In her role as administrative assistant she supports Executive Director, Director of Operations and Clinical Director.
Dolly Southall, Receptionist
Dolly is the Receptionist at The Ranch, the kind voice you hear when you call. Having worked in treatment facilities for six years before coming to the Ranch, she brings a wealth of understanding and compassion to those who call in for the first time looking for help. Dolly answers the phones, files and is wonderful in her willingness to assist anyone who needs help. Dolly says, “I really enjoy working at The Ranch. I understand that when people call us for the first time, they are afraid of the unknown – they don’t know what to expect. I like being able to take away some of their fears and help them to feel better about taking that first big step.
Finance
Darlene Mangrum, Sr. Revenue Cycle Manager
Darlene Mangrum brings over 20 years experience in the medical and revenue cycle management fields. She is a Hickman County native, and began her career in the medical field in 1991 at Vanderbilt. She taught customer service at Vanderbilt for 10 years, and is Disney Certified in customer service training. Darlene loves the supportive atmosphere at The Ranch, and her goal here is to build a successful medical business office to enhance the current success of the Ranch. Darlene enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and Alabama Football!!
Bill Eden, Jr. Revenue Cycle Manager
Bill has over 29 years experience in the Revenue Cycle, and over 25 years in Revenue Cycle Management. Bill began his healthcare career in 1982 with Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills, CA. Bill was also the Managing General Partner of EdenCare Home Medical Equipment, LLC, from 1996-1998. Bill’s strengths are his customer service skills, team-building experience, and process improvement. Bill lives in Spring Hill, TN with his wife and daughter, and enjoys playing golf as well as playing the drums in his spare time.
Betsy Grove, Business Office Specialist
Betsy brings more than 5 years experience in medical billing and coding, customer service, insurance benefit verification and utilization review/utilization management to our team. She has success fully competed medical billing and coding courses I and II. She is training to become certified in this field. Betsy began her career at Dickson Medical Associates in 2006 as a patient account representative. She quickly advanced to a position as a precertification /referral and benefit verification specialist. She enjoys being an advocate for our clients and assisting in obtaining the maximum benefits of their insurance plan. She resides in near by Dickson County with her husband Casey, four sons and niece. Betsy was attracted to The Ranch because of its family feel.
Nina Hayes, Business Office Specialist
Nina’s background includes experience in office management and administrative services in areas as diverse as cosmetics, engineering, and DNA analysis tools. She has been office manager at The Ranch since early 2002 and has watched the organization grow and evolve significantly during that time. In addition to her administrative and client service duties. Nina is also a published and award winning poet and has completed writing her first novel.
Nora Jackson, Business Office Specialist
Nora joined The Ranch in December 2010, bringing extensive clerical support experience to the office staff, as well as a personal understanding of what it takes to begin the journey of recovery. She has since been able to use her medical billing knowledge and background in behavioral health which began in 2004 to ensure that each client enjoys the full benefit of the programs available to them during their stay. Nora is married with two beautiful girls and resides in nearby Centerville, TN and loves the family feel of The Ranch.
Colleen James, Business Office Specialist
Prior to joining The Ranch staff, Colleen gained a variety of knowledge in administrative and management capacities. Her experience includes historic restoration project management, entertainment management, event production, executive and administrative support, office management, non-profit fundraising, and most recently business to business accounts receivable. Colleen has been passionately involved in the horse industry for over 30 years including training, showing, and facility management. She and her family share the love of horses and volunteer their experience at a non-profit horse ranch in Middle Tennessee.
Michele Laxton, Business Office Specialist
Michele comes to us with 5 years of administration, clerical and customer support experience. With strong work ethic and the willingness to take that extra step she looks forward to developing her career here at The Ranch. Michele always has a positive attitude with a smile on her face. Coming from a big family with three brothers and two sisters, she understands the importance of family and communication. Michele loves to do just about anything active, such as softball, soccer, paintball, camping, 4-wheeling and spending time with her family. Michele resides in Bon Aqua, TN, with her husband Joe of 8 years, along with their 2 beautiful children, JoJo and Alyssa.
Admissions/Marketing
Matt Eggleston, Director of Admissions
Matt serves The Ranch with several years of personal recovery experience, a Juris Doctorate degree, as well as vast experience in the treatment field. Prior to joining The Ranch, Matt served as the Marketing Director for the Integrative Life Center and volunteered with the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program in various capacities working with impaired professionals. Matt regularly serves as a guest speaker focusing on outreach to the university and professional communities.
As a member of The Ranch team, his primary commitment is to connect clients and practitioners with the best recovery resources available. Matt has worked as a guest lecturer counseling professionals and students on the delicate balance of recovery in their daily lives. He has also been intern, counselor, and admissions coordinator for the professionals program with Foundations Recovery Network. Prior to joining the recovery field, Matt practiced law in Memphis, Tennessee for over ten years in both the public and private sector and served as special judge to the Shelby County Domestic Violence and Drug Courts.
This collective experience offered wonderful opportunities as well as time to consider his true passion and enthusiasm for integrative therapeutic approaches for people seeking recovery.
Deidre Butte, Admissions Specialist
The Ranch is Deidre’s first position in the adult recovery industry. She has worked the past 8 years in the adolescent residential treatment field in Admissions and Marketing. Before that, Deidre was an Adult Clinical Case Manager for a community-based program and worked as a child abuse investigator in a bordering county. She has been a fan of The Ranch for many years and is excited to be a part of the team. Deidre graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Deidre has a passion for helping others find the treatment that will best serve the individual’s needs. Her own journey of recovery began in 1981. Deidre’s energy and enthusiasm is reflective when she meets others who are on a mission of self-improvement.
Craig Bosse, Admissions Coordinator
Craig has 18 years experience at all levels of care in the treatment field, specifically around co-occurring disorders. He has a special passion for The Ranch’s eclectic treatment style. Craig is currently apprenticing to pour Native American Sweat Lodges as well as pursuing the study of Toltec philosophy. He enjoys the opportunity to be a member of The Ranch admission team, and being part of the “Gateway to The Ranch”.
Cheryl Brown, Director of Marketing/Outreach
Nearing 30 years of service in the addiction and behavioral health field, Cheryl continues her passion of providing hope and healing to those individuals and families who continue to suffer from the throes of alcoholism, drug addiction, mood disorders, eating disorders and sexual addiction. Cheryl’s journey began with her own recovery and grew as she continued her training and became a certified addiction counselor. Cheryl’s background, practice, and knowledge have come from a few noteworthy pioneers in the treatment field such as: Life Healing Center ~ Santa Fe, where she held the position of Executive Director and lead the staff to pioneer the first women’s gender specific program for sex, love and relationship addiction; Sierra Tucson, where she held multiple management and supervisory positions in Intake and Marketing for over 17 years; and Cottonwood, where she began her experience in the treatment field and became skilled as a certified addiction counselor, holding the positions of Business Manager, Therapist, and Assistant Clinical Director. “The Ranch truly resonates with my personal beliefs around the effective tools and models needed to impact the severity of the illnesses and life challenges I often see presented in our clients. The healing process here addresses the multidimensional aspects of the whole person, and provides the client with opportunities for personal accountability and time in a safe, nurturing, and life-like environment. Most importantly, this affords them the ability to anchor the new recovery behaviors needed for lasting change.” Cheryl also remains devoted to her family, which includes her father, children and grandchildren. She is also an avid horsewoman and ballroom dancer.
Clinical
Barbara Larew-Adams, Clinical Director
Prior to joining the staff of the Ranch, Barbara Larew-Adams was the Chief Clinical Officer and the Director of the Family Program at Cumberland Heights in Nashville, Tennessee. Barbara is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Tennessee. She has held a longstanding interest in the provision of treatment services for those people and families impacted by addiction, psychiatric disorders and trauma. Barbara has worked with a variety of treatment teams in both inpatient and intensive outpatient settings, providing treatment for individuals, couples and families. She has been an advocate of gender responsive treatment coupled with an passion for the forming of a collaborating partnership between the patient, the family and the treatment team. Barbara has worked in the field of dual diagnosis treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as working in experiential workshops and providing training for professionals.
Buddy Horne, MA, LPC, Clinical Specialist
Buddy has been a therapist for over seven years treating adults and families with issues related to addiction and trauma. He worked as a primary therapist for four years at The Prescott House, Inc., a 12-Step based treatment center for men, providing individual, group and family therapy and most recently served as a therapist at the Northern Arizona Veteran’s Administration focusing on the treatment of PTSD and addiction. Buddy specializes in experiential therapy, is a trained EMDR practitioner and is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist trained by Patrick Carnes.
Dawn Zurlinden, LCSW, MSSW, Clinical Specialist
Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. For the past several years, Dawn has worked exclusively with adults and families who struggle with addictions that are complicated by other psychiatric or emotional issues. She has provided individual, group and family therapy in settings including the Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Nashville Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. Dawn specializes in experiential therapy. She applies her strong background in music, theater and art to promote spontaneity and self-expression toward healing and a deeper sense of spirituality.
Robert Chapman, MSSW, LADAC, Adventure/Challenge Course Therapist
Bobby is an experienced therapist who is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist. Bobby has provided extensive training services throughout the country for a number of years. He has been on the faculty of CENAPS Intensive School of Relapse Prevention Specialists and has been published in Addictions and Recovery Magazine as well as other recovery related publications. Bobby also specializes in Adventure Therapy techniques utilizing the Challenge Course, Ropes Course, Experiential and Metaphor Therapy as tools for enhanced recovery.
Dede Beasley, M.Ed. , LPC, Equine Therapist
Dede is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Horseback Riding Instructor through the Council for Horsemanship & Safety. She is among the first practitioners to be certified by the North American Handicapped Riders Association as an equine assisted psychotherapist. Dede has extensive experience with 20 years in private practice, in group, individual and couples counseling and she uses equine therapy on her farm in Ashland City, Tennessee. “Animals in childhood and recovery in adulthood are my two saving graces. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share both of my passions with others.”
http://www.dedetherapy.com
Justin Roll, MA, Primary Therapist
Justin holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and has worked in the Mental Health Field for over nine years. Prior to joining The Ranch team, Justin spent seven years working with troubled teens at Three Springs, an outdoor treatment program. There he worked with those with conduct disorder, ADHD, trauma issues, self-mutilation issues, anxiety and depression, as well as addiction. Justin did his Practicum work at The Ranch to complete his Masters and was hired on to help those discharging with their continuing care plans. Justin is also EMDR trained.
Alyssa Stines, LMSW, Primary Therapist
Alyssa is a Licensed Master Social Worker and obtained her master’s degree from The University of Tennessee. She comes to The Ranch after working at a primary care facility for adults with chemical dependency and mental health concerns. Her previous experience also includes working with victims of trauma and she completed her clinical practicum here at the Ranch. She is an EMDR trained clinician and is excited to be back at the Ranch in this role.
Kate MacLeod-Michael, M.Ed, Primary Therapist
Kate holds a Master’s degree in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (N.C.C.). She comes to The Ranch after working primarily with teens in state’s custody at a Level 3 lock down facility. Kate’s previous work experience includes crisis counseling at Women FIRST in Charlotte, NC, social work and program planning at the Martha O’ Bryan Center in Nashville and group facilitator for teen offenders with the Domestic Violence Intervention Center in Nashville, along with many hours of volunteer work teaching dance, theater and creative writing to emotionally disturbed youth in South Florida, where she was born and raised. Kate could not be happier about having the opportunity to work at The Ranch.
Leslie Binch, M.A., Therapist
Leslie interned at the Ranch and recently graduated with her Master’s Degree in Counseling. Although new to our Clinical Team, Leslie has worked for the Ranch for the past several years as both a Resident Assistant at Lake House, a Yoga Instructor and part-time Admissions Coordinator.. Leslie lives in Santa Fe with her daughter, Ali and partner, CJ. Both Leslie and CJ own and manage Papa Boudreaux’s Cajun Café and Catering Company.
Lisa Ballard, MA, Primary Therapist
Lisa holds two Bachelor’s Degrees and is in the process of completing her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. For the past 7 years Lisa has worked in the healing arts of Reiki and Reconnective Healing®. She is also a Whole Foods/Vegetarian chef and has spent the last 14 years educating clients about the healing properties of food and creating menus for those with special dietary needs. Through her healing practice, Lisa found herself working with many clients with deep trauma and addiction issues. This led her to consider adding counseling to her bag of tools to better serve her clients. Lisa completed her clinical internship at the Ranch in July and is elated to be back at the Ranch as part of the clinical team.
Sue Levitan, Primary Therapist
Prior to coming to The Ranch, Sue worked as an RN for over thirty years. Her specialty was in critical care and cardiac. She switched to psychiatric nursing in 2008 and started up and worked as clinical coordinator of the Electroconvulsive Therapy lab at Rolling Hills Psychiatric Hospital. She recently joined the Ranch clinical team after receiving a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. Her main interest in coming to The Ranch was to work with survivors of trauma.
Patrick Dunn, MS, CADC, Therapist
Patrick holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and is currently working towards a PhD in Psychology. He has worked in the substance abuse field for over 7 years and holds a CADC certification. Prior to working at the Ranch he has worked with both adults and adolescents in residential treatment who suffered from depression, trauma, anxiety and various addictions. Patrick is experienced in Animal Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and multiple experiential treatment models which he will be integrating for work with clients here at the Ranch. Patrick will be facilitating both group and individual equine therapy. He is originally from Louisville, Ky., and now resides in Dickson, TN.
Karen Brownd, Director of Center for Relationship and Sexual Recovery at the Ranch
Karen received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis and a Masters degree in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She later obtained her (CSAT) Certification in Sexual Addictions through Dr. Patrick Carnes and Supervision under Robert Weiss LCSW, CSAT-S. Her work as a Therapist includes areas of: Primary Chemical Dependency; Intensive Trauma Resolution; Sex / Love / and Relationship Addiction; Gender Specific Issues and Self-Harm.
Karen joined the Ranch family in mid-February 2011 to work with the Ranch team on developing a gender specific sexual disorders program. Prior to the Ranch, Karen was at the Life Healing Center, where she held multiple management and supervisory positions in the Clinical and Milieu areas for over 6 years. Karen past career positions included: Residential and IOP facilities for Chemical Dependency and 20 years in the Financial Industry as a VP of Information Technology.
Karen, a native Tennessean, is grateful to return “home” and close to her children.
Lauren Herman, M.Ed, NCC, Case Manager
Lauren got her first introduction to the Ranch as an intern while finishing up her Master’s degree in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. She is currently a Nationally Certified Counselor and is working toward her professional counseling license. Lauren now returns to us as a Case Manager and Continuing Care Counselor for River and Lake house. She has experience working with co-occurring disorders, addictions, and family systems. In addition, Lauren also has an interest in working with the veteran population and is excited for her new role at the Ranch.
Cathy Wixon, M.A., Case Manager
Cathy holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Michigan. Cathy has worked in the mental health field as a therapist/counselor with adults, adolescents and families in Tennessee and California. Cathy is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 family and civil mediator. She is also a retired administrator from the Los Angeles Community Colleges.
Courtney Phifer, MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist
Courtney earned her Master’s degree in Nutrition Science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She recently completed a dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she developed skills in clinical dietetics and nutrition counseling. Her experience includes working with college students as the nutritionist for UT Campus Dining. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide nutrition care at The Ranch.
Samantha Gordon RD, LDN
Samantha is originally from Troy, Michigan. She completed her undergraduate work at Michigan State University in 2008. Recently, Samantha completed her dietetic internship in Nashville, Tennessee, where she gained much of her experience at Centennial Medical Center.
Prior to her arrival in Tennessee, she completed a year of AmeriCorps at a non-profit facility in Kansas City. While there she developed nutrition classes for the impoverished surrounding community and played an intricate role in the organization’s community garden. When Samantha has free time, she enjoys being outdoors, especially camping and hiking. The holistic approach, unique individuals and natural surroundings found at The Ranch are deeply inspiring.
Crystal Van Meter MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Exercise Specialist
Crystal earned her Master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science from Lipscomb University. She completed her dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she developed the skills to facilitate behavior change as well as gained experience working with diverse populations and a wide variety of disease states. Her experience includes working as a dietetic technician, registered (DTR) at Vanderbilt as well as making specialized infant formulas for Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Crystal is grateful for the opportunity to join The Ranch family.
Becca Davis, M. Ed., Residential Manager
Becca’s got her first introduction to the Ranch as an RA at Lake House while attending graduate school. She now returns to us as Residential Manager. Becca has been a professional in the addiction’s field for 6 years, spending most of that time employed with Cumberland Heights Treatment Center in Nashville, TN. She began as a direct care staff person and moved on to become a therapist and an administrator in the field. Becca is passionate about addiction recovery of all kinds. Additionally, she is interested in gender-responsive treatment and in program development. Becca is personally familiar with a 12 Step model of recovery. She also has years of experience in using the 12 Step model in a treatment setting. In addition, Becca uses all types of therapeutic modalities and interventions to assist clients in progressing in their own recovery journeys. Becca received her Master’s degree in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. She is working toward becoming licensed as a professional counselor. Becca is also beginning her pursuit of a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision. . Becca began her personal recovery journey about 10 years ago.
Dave Glassford, Client Coordinator
Dave began working at The Ranch in January of 2007 as a resident assistant for River House. In May 2008, he was promoted to Men’s Program Coordinator where he managed daily operations of River House. In November 2009, he became responsible for coordinating the transporting of clients to their various appointments on and off The Ranch’s campus as well as overseeing the purchasing of food for the Ranch. In 2010 he added scheduling of the clients to his job responsibilities. He attended Denison University and Belmont University as a philosophy major. Dave began his recovery journey on December 16, 2005 when he checked into Cumberland Heights and has been sober ever since. He is dedicated to his spiritual growth and participates in sweat lodge ceremonies, fire walks, and vision quests, and enjoys reading philosophical and spiritual writings. His favorite philosophical writers are Martin Heidegger, Paul Tillich, Martin Buber, and Soren Kierkegaard. Dave is the proud co-owner of the Harpeth Grill in Brentwood, TN.
Consultants
Carolyn Ross, MD, MPH, Eating Disorder Consultant
A physician, author, and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Carolyn Ross is a graduate of the University of Michigan School and an alumnus of Dr. Andrew Weil’s Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She holds a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on international health. She has more than 20 years experience as a practicing physician specializing in women’s health and integrative medicine. She served as the Head of the Eating Disorder Program and Head of Integrative Therapies at Sierra Tucson, an internationally respected treatment center in Arizona.
Dr. Ross understands the powerful role that a mind/ body/ spirit approach plays in healing, particularly in her area of expertise – eating disorders. Her first book, “Miracles in Healing” recounts her journey of self healing while offering a mesmerizing exploration of alternative and complementary healing modalities. Her second book, due out next year, guides professional in an integrative medicine approach to the treatment of eating disorders based on the highly successful program Dr. Ross has developed at Sierra.
Lee Roach M.S., R.D., Nutritionist and Eating Disorder Consultant
Lee holds a masters degree in Dietetics and brings over 30 years experience of nutrition care in the behavioral health arena. Prior to joining The Ranch Eating Disorder Team, Lee spent over 20 years as the nutritionist at a residential facility for troubled adolescent. She also was the nutritionist on the Eating Disorder Program at Sierra Tucson, an internationally respected treatment program in Tucson, Arizona. Lee was instrumental in the development of a highly successful program at Sierra Tucson.
Currently Lee maintains a private practice as a nutrition therapist in Tucson, specializing in providing treatment to clients struggling with eating disorders. She is providing consulting services to The Ranch, sharing successful treatment strategies for individuals with eating disorders and co-morbidities.
Robert Weiss LCSW, CSAT-S , Founding Director of the Sexual Recovery Institute
Robert Weiss LCSW, CSAT-S is the founding director of the Sexual Recovery Institute, an outpatient sexual addiction and intimacy disorders treatment program in Los Angeles, Mr. Weiss is co-author of Cybersex Exposed: Simple Fantasy to Obsession, author of Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men and co-author of the just released, Untangling the Web: Sex, Porn and Fantasy Addiction in the Internet Age along with numerous professional articles on sexual addiction.
A UCLA clinical social work graduate, Mr. Weiss did his post-graduate training in sexual addiction and sexual offending under the direction of Dr. Patrick Carnes. Mr. Weiss is a former board member of The National Council for Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity and has presented for The UCLA Neuro-Psychiatric Institute, The American Association of Sex Educators and Therapists The National Association of Social Work, The NIH (National Institutes of Health) and The US Military among many, many others. He provides clinical training and program development for numerous multi-addiction treatment centers.
Medical
Cynthia Rector, MD, Psychiatrist
Cynthia Rector is a psychiatrist in the the Middle Tennessee area. She went to medical school at the University of Missouri, then went on to Vanderbilt University to complete her residency and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Rector worked as the Assistant Medical Director at Mental Health Cooperative for three years where she initiated their child and adolescent program. She has worked for Lifecare Family Services as the Medical Director for the past seven years and also provides medical and psychiatric services at the Ranch and an associated facility, Integrative Life Center.
Angela Wood, RN, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practioner
Angela Wood is an Advanced Practice Nurse in Psychiatry. She attended David Lipscomb University for her undergraduate degree and then went on to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing to obtain her master’s degree. She is board certified to treat the entire lifespan including children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. She has worked under the supervision of Child and Adolescent psychiatrists as well as board certified addictionologists. She currently has a practice in which she provides psychiatric and medical medication management for residential and IOP facilities in the middle Tennessee area. Angela has worked with the Ranch off and on since 2001 and currently works under the supervision of Dr. Cynthia Rector at the Ranch and Integrative Life Center, and associated facility.
Sonia Pena, LPN, Lead Nurse
Sonia obtained her nursing degree from Spencerian Collage in Louisville, KY in 1994. She has over seven years of psychiatric and detox nursing experience with children and adults. She began her career at the American Red Cross as a Charge Nurse and ultimately attained the position of Apheresis Operations Supervisor. Even though she enjoyed her eight years with the American Red Cross, Sonia knew she wanted to return to the Psychiatric and Detox field. She worked PRN at Oak Plains Academy, an Adolescent Residential Treatment Center for two years and at Cumberland Heights 2 ½ years before coming to the Ranch. Sonia enjoys canoeing the nearby Piney river and camping with her family when not working.
Evette Kelly, LPN, Nurse
Evette is currently a Licensed Practical Nurse working towards an associate’s degree from Columbia State Community College. Prior to her employment at The Ranch, Evette worked in Saint Thomas Emergency Department. Before receiving her nursing license, she worked as a CNT for 10 years and as a Pharmacy Technician for 3 years. She has received numerous academic awards, as well as, her IV Therapy Certification. She has also successfully completed a Basic Arrhythmia course and received her ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support). She has worked in addiction, detox, treatment, and recovery for approximately 2 years and has, in this time, received additional training in co-occurring disorders. Evette believes that for anyone to give the proper insight into someone’s addiction is to give a holistic view to everyone’s specific criteria. You can’t recover something if you only find part of its whole. At The Ranch, we search for all parts, and help to piece those together. That is why Evette loves being part of the team here at Recovery Ranch. Evette is carrying on a family tradition – her mother has been a nurse in a local hospital for many years.
Melissa Moore, LPN, Nurse
Melissa joins The Ranch with over 5 years of medical detox/psych nursing experience. Prior to coming to the Ranch she was the weekend night Nursing Supervisor at Cumberland Heights’ inpatient treatment facility in Nashville where she worked for 4 ½ years. While in nursing school, Melissa worked PRN at Southern Hills Medical Center as a Nursing Assistant. Melissa received her nursing degree from Tennessee Technology Center of Dickson in 2006. Prior to getting into nursing, she worked in the administrative field, working 4 years at Suntrust Bank/Music Industry division followed by 5 years as a sales assistant for a computer software company in Nashville. Melissa brings a warm smile to the Ranch and greets everyone with a “hello darlin’”, making everyone feel welcomed and at home.
Michael Shawn Tanner, LPN, Nurse
Shawn joins The Ranch with over 6 months of correctional /detox nursing experience. Prior to joining The Ranch he was a nurse at the Williamson County Sherriff’s Department. While working full time at the jail, he also gained additional detox experience by working PRN at Buffalo Valley, Inc. Shawn received his nursing degree in March 2011 from Tennessee Technology Center of Hohenwald, and also completed an IV therapy training course which in result he received an IV therapy certificate. Prior to nursing, Shawn worked in the automotive industry at the GM Spring Hill plant. He held a position of a ware house associate for Penske logistics for eight years. The plant later closed in the year of 2009. This gave Shawn an opportunity to go to school and seek a career that would be both, rewarding and dependable. Shawn brings a warm welcome to the ranch with laughter and a great since of humor.
