Meet Our Clinical Team

I have been a therapist since obtaining my degree in 2004. I have worked in the behavioral health field since then, starting as an entry level therapist and moving into management as Clinical Director for three separate programs. I am passionate about helping others find their voice and speak their truth, so they can set themselves free from whatever has been holding them back from living a full, complete life. My goal is to not only see clients realize they are survivors, but to watch the transformation that occurs when they begin to thrive. It is this passion that brought me to TBR as the Clinical Director in February 2018. Witnessing firsthand the transformations that take place at TBR (including my own) made the decision to move from Texas to Bowling Green, Kentucky an effortless one. As the Clinical Director, I oversee the day-to-day direct client care staff and the clinical portion of the program - from facilitating staff meetings to filling in when staff take time off. Additionaly, I facilitate the AP program (Accelerated Program for Behavioral Health Professionals). I enjoy not only working with one of the most compassionate and dedicated teams of my professional career, but I also enjoy working with clients individually when they need a little extra support. Knowing the quality of care that the team provides allows me to seamlessly transition from each role I participate in, and this allows me to focus on making sure clients are getting their needs met in a safe, supportive, healing environment.

Debra joined the clinical team at TBTR in May of 2011. She works in our Phase Two program and also facilitates our Family Weekend Program. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana and moving to Kentucky in 1971, she graduated from Western Kentucky University. Debra is certified by both the Kentucky Board of Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counselors and The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium for Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors. She brings to the clinical team 17 years of work experience as a residential substance abuse therapist and completed 2 weeks of the emersion program at The Bridge to Recovery. Debra has one adult daughter and two teenage grandsons living in Indianapolis, Indiana. Although Debra is highly committed to the work that she does, time away from work is equally as enjoyable and important. Debra is an active member of a 12-step program and continues to reap the rewards from her involvement in the service structure. Debra has 18 years clean and donates a great deal of her time and efforts to the South Central Kentucky NA Area Service Committee, served on 4 Convention Committees, worked in Public Relations, and is currently active in carrying the message of recovery through the Hospitals and Institutions Sub-committee. Debra enjoys traveling, relaxing, and has recently discovered the joys of cooking.

After getting sober in a 12-step fellowship my life was put on a new path. I sought to become a counselor and help others recognize that their disease wasn't their fault and recovery was possible. After starting graduate school, a series of serendipitous events led me to apply for a job at The Bridge to Recovery and I've been here ever since. As a Phase One counselor and one of the first counselors they'll work with, I try to create rapport with the clients, a safe environment in which to share their struggles, and offer them compassion for surviving the only way they knew how. I lead different psycho-educational lectures and therapeutic interventions that give clients a new lens through which to see their lives - and hopefully a means to which they can offer themselves compassion instead of criticism. I love that I work with every client that comes through the door. I get to know amazing people from so many different places, cultures, and backgrounds. Regardless of how different they all are, there is a commonality - they want something different. I learn so much from our clients. They help me in ways they never know.

I spent 11+ years in post-secondary education with a primary focus on career counseling. It was during this time and through countless experiences that I realized this passion for working with individuals challenged by traumatic stress and dysfunctional family systems past and present, in addition to personal connections to addiction / codependence / trauma / recovery via my own family of origin. My clinical role recently changed from lead therapist to a clinical focus on the Accelerated Professionals Program in addition to joining the marketing team as an Outreach Specialist.

After graduating from Western Kentucky University, I worked as a therapist at Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital prior to obtaining employment at The Bridge to Recovery. I currently work as a counselor for clients working in phase one of the program. I love witnessing clients emotionally connect with each other and themselves, let go of some of the emotional pain, shame, and trauma they have been carrying for years, and grow in their self-confidence, self-forgiveness, and self-love.

I began my counseling career at a residential addiction treatment facility, where I developed my passion for working with individuals struggling with addictive behaviors and traumatic stress. I also have experience working with individuals in private practice. At The Bridge to Recovery, I am one of our primary Phase 3 therapist’s with an occasional presence in phase 1 and 2. I love having the opportunity to help individuals continue to build an internal foundation based on their unique needs, values and true self. I love getting to guide and nurture someone’s process while they learn to nurture their inner children and internal parts. It is truly an honor and joy to get to walk along side someone’s spiritual rebirth.

Prior to coming to The Bridge to Recovery, I worked in the primary substance abuse field which led into trauma informed care. In my current role as a Phase Two therapist I help guide clients in their third and fourth weeks at The Bridge as they navigate the additional uncovering and discovering process they started in Phase One. It is a pleasure to watch the continued growth of each client as they dig deeper and I also support them to create a very thorough and realistic aftercare plan to ensure that they are set up to be successful as they transition to the next phase of their journey or decide to stay for Phase Three. I love having the opportunity to be part of the clinical family that is supportive and walks alongside clients as they uncover their issues, face their demons, and recover to healthier living in a beautiful, peaceful, and heart-warming environment.

I have experience working in outpatient settings, including private practice and community mental health centers, and during this time cultivated a passion for working with people struggling with unhealthy relationships and addiction. In my current role at The Bridge to Recovery, I most often work as a Phase Three therapist, but also make appearances in Phase One and Phase Two from time to time. I truly enjoy walking alongside clients as they recognize their own empowerment and continue their healing journey.

I am a full time faculty member at the local University by day. My higher power led me to my part-time work here at The Bridge to Recovery, where I am a Clinical Support Worker. I work part time and in the evenings. In my role, I love seeing the amazing transformations from week to week.

I have been around various recovery communities for a while and met several employees of The Bridgeto Recovery during that time. I was then asked about my interest in a position and applied. In my role, I manage, on a part time basis, the Men's House. Ensuring safety and proper adherence to protocol as well as assisting when needed, in various other capacities. I also work in the Client Relations Office to help facilitate the normal functioning of The Bridge, and meeting client needs, as assigned. I enjoy meeting clients from a wide range of backgrounds and locations. It is always very moving to see people from various walks of life focus on their commonalities and work to process their past in an attempt to improve and enrich their lives.

I ended up in Kentucky to get sober. I went to a long term treatment program and when I completed it, all the jobs had shut down because of COVID. When that happened the Men's Addiction Recovery Campus offered me a position, and I also managed 3 sober living houses for The Bridge To Freedom. After a referral from my supervisor, I applied and was hired at The Bridge to Recovery, where I complete intakes on new clients, get them settled in at the men's house, and be available for them with whatever they may need. I also work in Client Relations on the weekends and facilitate meetings and activities. I love being one of the first staff members to actually spend some time with the clients, get to know them a little bit, and let them know that they're in the right place.

Cassie began her journey at TBTR in January of 2020 in the Client Relations Office assisting the clients with their daily needs. She is a passionate advocate for those on their healing journey and always lends a helping hand, an ear to listen and a non-judgemental heart to hold space. Cassie is a native of Edmonson County and is proud to call TBTR her new home.  She is a wife and mother of four amazing children.  She became committed to her journey of recovery on August 11, 2017.  Cassie takes pride in being a great listener and a calming presence to those around her. She is known by her co-workers to be an awesome team player with a wicked sense of humor. She keeps us on our toes! Cassie loves coffee, music, being on the water, and her dog Rumor.