Addiction Treatment Staff

When you’re ready to begin with an addiction treatment program, take the time to learn about our trained addiction treatment staff. With a vision to work within the most difficult dual-diagnosis domain, we intentionally only brought on master’s or Doctoral level clinicians to work with our patient population and their family members. Our primary therapists have achieved numerous specializations (i.e. grief, trauma, problematic sexual behavior, gambling) and hale from all across the nation, drawn to work at Santé. Santé’s staff also maintains various credentials including: CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist), CMAT (Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), shame resiliency, psychodrama, relapse prevention, and grief and loss training. Santé clinical and medical teams are adept to extending patience, compassion, guided expertise, and both realistic and challenging short- and long-term goals for our clients and patients. Our dedicated Intake and Admissions team, comprised of master’s level clinicians, are available at any time. Our professional team has the experience and training to offer a variety of addiction therapy services and programs to help clients achieve their recovery goals. 

Executive Staff

SAM SLATON, M.ED., LPC-S, MBA, MHSM – CHIEF Executive OFFICER

Sam Slaton is the CEO of Santé Center for Healing. With a Master’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Health Systems Management from Texas Women’s University and his Master’s in Counseling and Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of North Texas, Sam has magnified his education with more than two decades of mental and behavioral health experience and leadership. Sam started his Santé tenure in 2004, working in Santé’s Intake and Admissions Department. When Santé needed additional leadership for an expanding and evolving team, Sam oversaw all aspects of Intake and Admissions. As Santé has grown, so has Sam’s career working his way up from Director of Outpatient Services to Chief Operations Officer and being the go-to person for system improvements and program expansions company-wide. His knowledge of addiction treatment, key processes, and system capabilities has helped Santé Center for Healing become what it is today. He stewards the mission-centric culture that staff describe as “family” and is known as a conscientious leader who prioritizes the clients and what gives them the best chance at long-term recovery. He takes great pride in that his team has a reputation for integrity, quality treatment, and life-changing impact. Sam loves spending time with his family – especially at Disney – and shaping our greater community as a former President of the Argyle Education Foundation and Argyle ISD’s current School Board President.

MICHELLE LUTTRELL, MA, LMFT-S, MBA, MHA – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO), DIRECTOR OF INTAKE AND ADMISSIONS & LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT TEAM COORDINATOR

Michelle has been with Santé Center for Healing since 2013 as an Intake and Admissions Counselor, and now as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in addition to the Director of Intake and Admissions, Student Training. Michelle has achieved success in her multiple roles here at Santé, and has been integral to Santé’s mission in helping as many individuals and families as we can.

Michelle received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Appalachian State University and undergraduate in psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Kansas. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor. Michelle is currently pursing a MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration at Texas Woman’s University. She is driven and passionate to help clients and their families recover from the disease of addiction.

George W. Straw, Jr – Co-Owner

George became the co-owner of Sante Center for Healing in September 2007, but has been involved with Sante since its inception. He is retired from Xerox where he was Manager of Collection Services, Manager of Accounts Receivables, and Corporate Trainer. George was also a bank officer in San Antonio and Branch Manager for a Savings and Loan. He was Executive Vice President for Sun Financial.

M. Deborah Corley, PhD – Co-Founder, Co-Owner and Clinical Consultant

Dr. Corley is co-founder and co-owner of Santé Center for Healing. She serves as clinical consultant to the Santé treatment team. She won the 2008 Merit Award from Society of the Advancement for Sexual Health (SASH), the 1999 Carnes Award for outstanding achievement in the field of sex addiction and was the co-recipient with Dr. Schneider of the Clinician’s Most Valuable Article Award by the American Foundation for Addiction Research in 2003 for their work on disclosure. She is a past president of the Board for SASH and a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Licensed both as an addiction treatment specialist and marriage and family therapist, Deb has over 35 years of experience working with and conducting research on addictive disorders and high risk families. She is also recognized as an international speaker with her focus on treatment of addictions, trauma resolution, disclosure, interpersonal neurobiology and meeting attachment needs. In addition to co-authoring Disclosing Secrets and Surviving Disclosure, she also co-authored Making Advances: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment of Female Sex and Love Addicts.

Physicians

MELISSA PENNINGTON, D.O., FASAM, CEDS – MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Melissa Pennington is the Medical Director of Santé Center for Healing. She is a board-certified psychiatrist, a board-certified addictionologist, and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. Since joining the Santé team in 2015, she has also completed advanced training in the treatment of problematic sexual behavior. In 2022 Dr. Pennington was elected onto the national Board of Directors for the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), following a successful second term as Medical Liaison on the Board of Directors for the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Prior to joining Santé, she served as Medical Director of the Eating Disorders Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas from 2010-2015. She attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed her psychiatric residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, where she was awarded intern of the year and served as chief resident for two consecutive years.

PREJI SOMAR, MS, MSN, LPC, APRN, CARN-AP, PMHNP- BC – PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Preji Somar is board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a graduate of Advanced Master Psychopharmacology Program from Neuroscience Education Institute accredited by Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. Preji has 10 years of combined education, training and experience in the field of psychology and psychiatry and has experience working with all ages and variety of populations. After obtaining her Associate Degree in Liberal Sciences from Dallas County Community College and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Texas at Dallas, she further pursued her interest in behavioral sciences by obtaining her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Abilene Christian University. She then further expanded her education and training in psychiatric care by becoming a registered nurse and obtaining her Master’s Degree in Family Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at The University of Texas at Austin.

DYKSTRA FREEMAN, MSN/RN, PMHNP-BC – PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Dykstra Freeman, APRN has more than 10 years of experience in the behavioral health field. In addition to APRN, he has served as an RN and an MHT. Education is fundamental to his work and his expertise. He has a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Walden University, two Bachelor’s degrees (biology and nursing) from Northwestern State University at LA, and an Associate’s in Nursing from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University of LA. Before coming to Santé, he worked as an advisor for the LSU-E Office of Accommodated Services for students with disabilities. He also worked for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. At Santé, Dykstra collaborates with his patients to find a suitable approach to treating their mental health. He believes in Santé’s team atmosphere, holistic approach and priority of patient treatment outcomes.

Tara R. Fuller, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CCRN-K – PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Tara Fuller has over ten years of nursing experience. She is double board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, cardiac critical care, and cardiothoracic transplant management. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Midwestern State University in 2011. She completed a Master’s of Science in Nursing in Healthcare Systems Management from Loyola University New Orleans in 2016. She earned her family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certifications from Midwestern State University in 2020 and 2021. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Loyola University New Orleans. Tara believes in compassionate, up-to-date care, and a collaborative approach to achieve mental health success. Tara values the importance of therapeutic relationships, embracing one’s mental health, and patient-involved care to facilitate successful mental health outcomes. In her free time, Tara enjoys reading, baking, spoiling her dogs, a good cup of tea, and movie marathons.

CLINICAL PROGRAM DIRECTORS

ADAM KARAZUBA, LCSW – Director of Clinical Services, Residential and Outpatient

A leading authority on addiction treatment therapies, program implementation, and “people development”, Adam has orchestrated several key programmatic transformations during his 20-year career, including the Daytime Intensive Outpatient Program and Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program at Santé Center for Healing, where he’s been making impact since 2018.  As the Director of Clinical Services for Santé, an internationally renowned addiction continuum of care for individuals seeking long-term recovery from addictive substances and behaviors with a focus on dual diagnosis and trauma resolution, he helps provide the long-term vision, clinical methods and system processes to provide long-term recovery for Santé clients and their families. With a collaborative style and a penchant for humor, Adam draws on his extensive experience as a Santé Residential Case Manager/Primary Therapist, Santé Director of Intensive Outpatient Services and more than two decades of working in quality inpatient and residential facilities working with children, adolescents, adults and their families. He’s an avid proponent for dual diagnosis and trauma-informed care, which addresses the core issues often related to chronic relapse. Although he hasn’t fully adopted a Texas drawl, he comes to Santé via New York, attaining his Masters of Social Work from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY. In his time away from Santé, Adam enjoys time with his family and friends, golfing, and Syracuse basketball.

Meredith Sims, MS, LPC, NCC – Assistant Director of Outpatient Services, Outpatient Case Manager

Meredith earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies with two minors: Addiction Studies and Human Development & Family Science, along with two certificates: Drug Use & Addiction Studies and Drug & Alcohol Use with the highest honors. A true Mean Green fan, Meredith received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of North Texas with the highest honors. During her time in the graduate counseling program, Meredith continued to focus on addiction studies and participated in process addiction research with professors from multiple universities. Meredith is a certified SMART Recovery facilitator and is familiar with the 12-step model.

Meredith has a passion for addiction counseling and believes each person has a unique pathway to recovery. She also believes that culture and diversity are an important part of each individual’s identity and cannot be overlooked in treatment. Meredith is also passionate about LGBTQ+ affirming counseling, trauma-focused treatment, and Dreamwork counseling.

In her free time, Meredith enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, journaling, yoga, and petting all the dogs!

Residential Case Managers

ASHLEY WHITTED, MS, LPC, CSAT – RESIDENTIAL CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Ashley began her work at Santé as a counseling associate in May of 2018. She is now the Residential Case Manager/Primary Therapist for the residential treatment program. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her current role at the Santé Center involves providing counseling in group and individual settings as well as psychoeducation and case management. Ashley is also responsible for crisis intervention and helping patients adjust comfortably to the residential setting. She has a passion for recovery and being able to help others build themselves back up when they are at their lowest.

JENNY NORTON, MS, LPC, LCDC– RESIDENTIAL CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Jenny Norton received a Master’s in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman’s University and completed her practicum and internship at Santé. After many years of counseling in the field of addictions, she has returned to Santé as a Case Manager. She has past experience in equine therapy, private practice and contract therapy work. She holds a Biology degree from The University of North Texas. Jenny is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is a licensed teacher and a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America. In her free time, Jenny enjoys writing fiction, interior design and baking.

Josh Pitre, MSW, LCSW, EMDR Trained, CSAT Candidate – RESIDENTIAL CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Josh is a Licensed Clinical Social worker. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Masters of Social Work from Louisiana State University. Josh has worked with many populations internationally and locally. His experiences have included working in various Partial Hospitalization and Intensive outpatient clinics, college counseling centers and community based intervention services. It is his belief that healing begins with self-awareness and vulnerability. It is Josh’s hope and desire to be a guide for those who are searching and attempting to find a voice amidst their pain. Josh is passionate about working with those struggling with addictions, trauma and mental health.

Vanessa Taylor, MS, LPC-Associate, LCDC – RESIDENTIAL CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Supervised by Lori Martin, MS, LPC-S

Vanessa Taylor completed her Master’s in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman’s University in 2021. She has previous experience completing her practicum and internship at Santé. Her experiences growing up in environments as different as Alaska and Southeast Asia taught her to be adaptable to change and to consider each individual’s unique perspective.

Vanessa believes in the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship and focuses on helping patients reduce shame and process their underlying pain and trauma in order to heal and gain insight about themselves and their addiction. Vanessa is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and she is looking forward to continuing her career at Santé. In her free-time, Vanessa enjoys recharging in nature and spending time with her dog, family, and friends.

Sam Mitton, MS, LPC-Associate – RESIDENTIAL CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Supervised by David Huffman, PHD, LPC-S, RPT

Sam is a Residential Case Manager. He received his bachelors of arts in psychology and a minor in counseling at the University of North Texas in 2017 and his Masters of Science in Counseling in 2021. While in graduate school, Sam worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician with children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He then began his internship at Santé for 6 months where he further grew his counselor identity.  He is an existential counselor who believes people have the potential to live their lives authentically. Themes like death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness often produce anxiety which leads individuals to make inauthentic choices in life. Sam believes through creating a collaborative, safe and trusting relationship with patients, he can assist them in tackling these themes as well as addiction and trauma.

Amanda Gatlin, LCSW – RESIDENTIAL CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Amanda earned her Bachelors in Social Work at Texas Woman’s University and her Masters in Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington. Amanda has experience in providing trauma informed care to children, families and adults. Amanda utilizes the theoretical framework of attachment, interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory, Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR in her practice. Amanda is experienced in inner child work and also uses the Internal Family Systems model to help clients focus and generate awareness of their own ego states and somatic experiences. Amanda comes to Santé from an inpatient facility where she worked with active-duty military service members, veterans and first responders to address trauma and maladaptive behaviors. Before inpatient Amanda worked with victims of assault and domestic violence. Amanda’s view of patient care is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space in effort to empower those who are on a journey of growth and healing. In her free time Amanda enjoys relaxing in her swimming pool, playing board games, decorating, and spending time with her dogs, family and friends.

Family Programming

Kevin Newton – Family Communications Coordinator

Kevin is nearing completion of his Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Studies at the University of North Texas. He has been working in the drug/alcohol treatment industry for the past several years in varying roles and has been here at Santé Center for Healing since October of 2020. As someone who struggled with addiction for over twenty years, Kevin believes his calling is to help those seeking to experience the same freedom from drugs/alcohol as Kevin found. Along the way, Kevin faced the realities of our legal system, the loss of close friends, and nearly lost what means the most to him, his family. As the result of working a program of recovery, Kevin is now on his way to living the life he was always meant to have. Kevin is a passionate sports fan and in his free time enjoys supporting the Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not at work or watching his favorite teams, you will likely find him at a 311 concert watching the best live musical experience one can imagine!!

Nursing Staff

Renee Stone, APRN, FNP-BC – Director of Nursing

Renee began serving as Director of Nurses in 2015. She has been with Santé since 2005 starting out as a staff nurse. She has been a nurse since 1993 and has worked in various hospital settings and mental health hospitals.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is certified in Chemical Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN), and a member of the International Nurses Society on Addiction. Renee’s additional education, testing and experience secured her achievement as a Fanily Nurse Practioner. She is passionate about educating staff to grow their knowledge to better care for our clients.

Craig Vance, RN – Assistant Director of Nursing

Craig’s career in the medical field began in 1989 while serving in the US Army as a combat medic, then as a nurse. He worked in varies areas of nursing over the years, but ultimately found that mental health/addiction nursing was his passion. He is board-certified as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse.

Susie Becker, RN – Nurse

Paula Byler, RN – Nurse

Alejandra Castaneda, LVN – Nurse

Cedric Casteel, RN – Nurse

Isis Chouchane, LVN – Nurse

Michael DeFillipo, RN – Nurse

Cassandra DeLeon, RN – Nurse

Crystal Enyart, LVN – Nurse

Stephanie Schmidt, LVN – Nurse

Emily Thompson, RN – Nurse

Brittany Wilborn, LVN – Nurse

IOP Case Managers

Chloe Pieters, MA, NCC, LPC-Associate – IOP CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Supervised by Lori Martin, MS, LPC-S

Chloe is a National Certified Counselor who is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University in DC, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Maryland, College Park. Chloe’s previous experience includes working with the eating disorder population as well as working in a community mental health facility, serving a diverse population with a variety of concerns. Chloe also had the pleasure to start at Santé Center within the Intake Department, and utilizes this experience to holistically understand each individual’s barriers and protective factors. Chloe’s natural enthusiasm is apparent in each clinical interaction, with hopes that this serves as a motivating factor for clients and colleagues alike. When Chloe is not working, she enjoys exploring her new home state of Texas and all that it has to offer—most notably the food and music.

Linn Dickey, MSW – IOP CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST

Linn graduated in the fall of 2022, with a Master’s in Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. Linn started at Santé as a mental health in June of 2020. He believes working in the mental health field is a true calling. He has done a tremendous amount of work on himself, throughout the years, and enjoys sharing his own experience, strength and hope with others. Linn believes recovery is truly a journey and we can all benefit from each other’s experiences. He believes in a holistic approach to healing. He believes the cornerstone to recovery is creating an environment that fosters openness, honesty and willingness.

Brittany Wierman, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate – Evening IOP CASE MANAGER/PRIMARY THERAPIST 

Supervised by Dr. Jason Doorish, LPC-S

Brittany received her Bachelors of Arts in Communication in 2020 and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health counseling in 2022 from the University of North Texas. Brittany began her work at Sante as a Counseling Intern before taking on the role of Intake and Admissions Counselor. She is fascinated by the ways we find connection and meaning through our relationships and life roles and brings this enthusiasm into her work as a counselor. Her areas of professional interest include addictions, career counseling, and navigating life transitions. In her free time, Brittany enjoys listening to music, playing games, and trying new restaurants with her family and friends.

Emily Pelon, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate – Assistant Director of Intake

Supervised By Lori Martin, MS, LPC-S

Emily is a National Certified Counselor who is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the State of Texas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of North Texas in Denton. Her previous experience includes working in local non-profits by providing trauma-informed care to those who struggle with eating disorders, trauma, and gender-based violence. Emily has a passion of providing integrated care within the community and working across the lifespan. She spends her free time baking for friends and family as well as spending time with her pets.

Madison MIRELEZ, MSW – INTAKE AND ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

Madison earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Rehabilitation & Addiction Studies from University of North Texas in December 2019. She went on to pursue a Master of Social Work from the joint program at University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, graduating in May 2022. Madison gained invaluable experience working with at risk youth and the homeless population in DFW throughout her time in school. Madison is passionate about helping others along in their journey of healing in a comforting and safe space. In her free time Madison enjoys reading, doing puzzles, camping and cuddling with her dogs.

Emily Romero, MSW – INTAKE AND ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR  

Emily earned her Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work at Tarleton State University. She has gained invaluable experience working with communities in their local outreach and mental health field. Emily has worked across the lifespan with families, children and adults. Helping others has always been a passion of hers that she has carried throughout her years. In her free time Emily enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors hiking, reading and cheering on her favorite football and hockey team.

Alyssa Vaughan – INTAKE AND ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR  

Alyssa earned her Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology at Southern Nazarene University and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas. Prior to starting at Sante Center as an Intake and Admissions Counselor, Alyssa worked in a residential program for survivors of sex-trafficking. Alyssa is passionate about creating a safe and supportive community where healing can take place. When she has free time, Alyssa likes to spend time curled up with her dog, Thumper, and a good book.

AMY MILLER, MBA – REFERRAL COMMUNICATIONS AND ALUMNI SPECIALIST

Born and raised in the DFW area, Amy earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and her Executive Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. She has been in operations and office management for over 13 years. In her free time, she volunteers as a Girl Scout troop leader and coaches youth volleyball through the City of Denton. Amy enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, camping, and crafting. She is passionate about helping others and is committed to assisting in Santé’s important work any way she can.

BRIAN SIMPSON – AFTERCARE COORDINATOR

Brian is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern who received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Anthropology at the University of North Texas. He has been with Santé for more than 5 years, serves as one of Santé’s Certified Ropes Instructors and feels a sense of pride and purpose working in the addiction field. As the Aftercare Coordinator, Brian creates individualized aftercare plans for each residential client as they prepare to discharge.

LISA M. KING, MS, NCC, LPC – INTENSIVE WORKSHOP THERAPIST

Lisa King has spent more than 25 years, having lived, taught, counseled, served and worked, with individuals from all walks of life in North America, Latin America, and Asia. Along with being a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Lisa specializes specifically in the following areas: Trauma, PTSD, Codependency, Attachment, Identity, Abuse, Neglect, Cultural Adjustment Issues and Addiction. Lisa is a gifted communicator and experienced in personal and professional development, team building, strategic planning and crisis management. In addition, Lisa has extensive experience working with first responders, military and military veterans.
Lisa received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She is passionate about utilizing CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) to challenge stuck points and faulty ways of thinking and to help people find and experience transformational healing and hope.
Lisa currently facilitates two 4-day Therapy Intensive Workshops at Santé – Mindful Transformation: Redefining your Trauma and Free To Be Me: Rescuing Yourself From Codependency. Utilizing a collaborative approach, Lisa encourages individuals to identify problematic patterns of thinking and to begin establishing coping strategies that encourage personal growth and self-care. Lisa also provides individual therapy services in the Community Based Services Clinic at Santé Center for Healing as well.

NICOLE MILLER – Communication and Event Coordinator & Alumni Team Member

Nicole began working at Santé in September 2019. As the Special Programs Coordinator, Nicole oversees the “Maintaining Proper Boundaries” courses, Intensive Therapy Workshops, Alumni Retreats, and is part of the Alumni Team. Nicole received her degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She worked for 15 years on the prevention side of addiction and became familiar with Santé through that experience. She is excited to now be at Santé and able to continue to positively impact the lives of individuals. Nicole enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog.

SUSMITHA THOTA, MHSM, MBA – DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE & CARF INTERNATIONAL SURVEYOR

Susmitha joined Santé Center for Healing in 2014 as an Administrative Fellow after graduating from Texas Woman’s University in Health Systems Management and Business Administration. Susmitha worked as Project and Operations Manager before stepping into her current role. Susmitha leads entire compliance program at Santé including CARF Accreditation as well as oversees Medical Records Department.  After six years of extensive experience with CARF standards, Susmitha branched out her professional journey as a CARF International Surveyor. Along with striving for continuous treatment quality improvement at Santé, Susmitha’s passion as a surveyor is to help different Behavioral Health Facilities in providing high quality treatment to people in need.  Susmitha is also currently working on pursuing ASAM Certification for Santé.

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Stasha Kucel MS, RDN, LD – DIETITIAN

Stasha obtained her Master’s degree in Dietetics & Nutrition from Texas Tech University and is a Registered Dietitian. She provides individual medical nutritional therapy, leads a weekly nutrition group, and coordinates with food service/nursing staff to meet the dietary needs of patients. She has a passion for supporting the healing and recovery of others through a nutrient-rich diet and healthful eating patterns. Stasha has 12-years experience working exclusively in residential addiction treatment centers and has extensive experience in nutrition for disordered eating. In her spare time, Stasha enjoys watercolor painting and enjoying nature.

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RICHARD DAVIS, M.S., LPC, BCN – NEUROFEEDBACK

Richard Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Denton, TX. He has a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a concentration in biofeedback, and he is Board Certified in Neurofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. He is trained in all forms of biofeedback, but specializes in neurofeedback and quantitative EEG (QEEG). He has been involved with biofeedback for 19 years and has worked almost exclusively with neurofeedback for the last 15 years. He was a consultant to and a member of the training staff of the former University of North Texas Neurotherapy Lab. He is a former Treasurer and Board Member for the Biofeedback Society of Texas; and is a former two-term Treasurer and now President-Elect of the International Society of Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR), Treasurer for the ISNR Research Foundation, and a former Board Member of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Neurofeedback Division.

Lori Martin, MS, LPC-S – Psychodrama

Lori has over ten years of experience working with adults, adolescence and couples in private practice. Her experience is in the areas of gender, sexuality, body image, disordered eating behaviors, trauma and substance abuse. Additionally, Lori has been a student of psychodrama at ETTi since 2014 and Bridging Harts since January 2017. She is pursuing certification in psychodrama and sociometry to assist individuals and groups in a safe and creative exploration of their stories to help find healing. She also has training in bioenergetics and body-focused therapy. Additionally, she enjoys supervising and mentoring LPC-Associates. 

David R. Mitchell, MD – BOUNDARIES COURSE FACULTY

Dr. Mitchell has been a psychiatrist in the state of Oklahoma since 1995. He currently practices at the Oklahoma Forensic Center. Dr. Mitchell volunteers for the Oklahoma Health Professional Program facilitating a Boundary Group for impaired professionals. As a physician in recovery himself, he has a vested interest in helping others and co-founded the group “Doctors without Boundaries” to promote further study and education in the field of professional ethics and boundaries.