The Ranch

Dr. Ragan earned a medical degree from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine and completed an internship and residency in psychiatry at the National Naval Medical Center. A Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and the National Board of Medical Examiners, he has been certified in general adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine. Dr. Ragan’s medical career spans over three decades and includes several prestigious positions including clinical investigator for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, and director of mental health for the Direct Support Command, Fleet Marine Force, in Saudi Arabia/Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, among others. At Vanderbilt, Dr. Ragan spearheaded the faculty & physician wellness program and the medical center-wide psychiatry consultation service. Dr. Ragan has authored or co-authored over 25 journal publications and is a regular presenter and frequent expert consultant on mental health and addiction topics for media outlets such as CNN, NPR and ABC News and has been featured in print media like The Washington Post, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun and The Associated Press. Dr. Ragan is the recipient of several awards including the 2010 Top Performer Award in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, the Navy Achievement Medal, Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation.

The Ranch is Michelle’s first position in the Adult Recovery Industry. Michelle lives in Fairview, TN but is originally from Atlanta, GA. Michelle has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with experience in office management and administrative services. Michelle has a passion for helping others. She was thrilled when the opportunity to work at The Ranch became available. “I feel so fortunate to be a small part of the amazing things that happen at The Ranch on a daily basis.” When not at The Ranch, Michelle enjoys spending time with her very active family, husband Kris; daughter Lauren, son Chase and their beloved Boxer, Rico.

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. Cathy works with the CRSR program. She has trained with Dr. Patrick Carnes. She is a Certified Associate Sex Addiction Therapist (ASAT).

Dr. Andrew Averett, MD attends to the medical well-being of each client’s residential care, as a part of the Medical Services team at The Ranch. He brings over 25 years of emergency and general practice service experience to The Ranch team. Dr. Averett also currently holds the positions of Chief of Staff and Chief of Emergency Services for Perry Community Hospital. Dr. Averett has practiced in the surrounding community in a variety of hospital and treatment settings, including a longstanding and prolific private practice. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee – Memphis, with his MD in Health Sciences. Dr. Averett completed his internship in Family Medicine at the University of Tennessee – Memphis, followed by his Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Tennessee – Jackson. He is board eligible for certification by ASAM and will test in October 2015. Dr. Averett has been in practice since 1989.

Jenia comes to The Ranch with 15 years experience in the Human Resources field. She began the first 5 years of her career in Human Resources in the Benefits Department at American Home Patient as Benefits Assistant and quickly moved up to Benefits Manager. She then spent the next 10 years at a local non-profit, Park Center, as Human Resources Director. Jenia joined Elements Behavioral Health as Human Resources Manager at the Collection and Billing Office in Franklin June 2014 and transferred to the Ranch in January 2015 to fill the Human Resources Manager role. Jenia has been married to Andy for 8 years and they have 5 children, 4 boys, 1 girl and their ages range 21 to 6. Jenia is a certified jazzercise instructor and when not in class enjoys watching her kids many sporting events.

Dr. Marchando is a licensed marriage and family therapist, traumatologist, board certified hypnotherapist, and certified incorporation therapist. She obtained both master’s and doctoral degrees at Nova Southeastern University as well as a post-graduate certificate in family systems healthcare. Dr. Marchando specializes in the treatment of PTSD and working with survivors of trauma/abuse, as well as the full spectrum of dissociative disorders including dissociative identity disorder. She has worked at various levels of care, including private practice and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, and also has taught at both the master’s and doctorate levels.

James Nihan is a licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselor and an associate sex addiction therapist. He has been associated with The Ranch since 2000 and he has been involved with the Center for Relationship and Sexual Recovery since its inception. His personal recovery began in 1975 and in 1980 his story was featured in a book published by the Rutger’s Center of Alcohol Studies. Special interests include healing through music and art, The Four Agreements and meaning of metaphor. With extensive studies in spirituality he supports those who seek connection through medicine wheel, labyrinth and the native ancestral landscapes that have become The Ranch. Working with clients who have adoption and abandonment histories is close to his heart. Of the creative process, James asserts, “Each one of us is an artist and each day we are given an opportunity to create. I think of life as a canvas and each day a brushstroke.” An award-winning songwriter and artist, his personal experience gives him an understanding of the unique recovery challenges faced by clients within the entertainment industries.

Tommy Williams is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor including a strong clinical and 12-step background with a heart to help others embrace effective change and learn new skills. Since 2004 he has delivered care to those suffering from addiction and behavioral health disorders. Tommy has worked as an Intensive Outpatient Counselor and Family Counselor at Cumberland Heights and for Tennessee Prison for Women Therapeutic Community. He is an apt presenter and appreciates the opportunity to teach concepts useful for lasting recovery, such as: Boundaries; Relapse Prevention; Shame and Addiction; Spirituality. Tommy also is trained in role-playing, ropes/challenge course, labyrinth walk and many others. His diverse set of clinical skills fit right into The Ranch team approach.