Our Team

Richard E. Jackson has been a successful healthcare executive for over 50 years. Mr. Jackson joined with Mr. Dean in 1993 to start Pacific Hills Treatment Centers, Inc. (dba., Covenant Hills Treatment Centers) with a commitment to offering truly Christ-centered treatment in combination with a clinically sound program. Before founding Pacific Hills, Mr. Jackson served as an executive in four healthcare companies in private and public arenas. He has extensive experience in managing start-up operations, contract negotiations, corporate acquisitions and divestitures and managing the finance, marketing, and operating activities of small and large multi-unit corporations.

Mr. Jackson attended the University of Texas and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Lamar University, where he graduated with honors. Because of his academic background and considerable business experience, Mr. Jackson ensures that our clinical programs are supported by sound, honest business practices. Mr. Jackson is married, with four adult children, and has been a committed Christian for over 50 years

With nearly 20 years’ professional experience in the behavioral health industry and the current President and Chief Development Officer of Covenant Hills Treatment, Dustin Frei is a driving force in the movement of high quality, ethical services across the spectrum of addiction treatment. His passion for meticulous, evidence-based, and compassionate addiction/behavioral health treatment, as well as his experience leading teams, developing marketing strategies, and driving revenue expansion—then ensuring the integration of all aspects of organizational efforts—give him distinct insight and combine to make him a exemplar, leading the way in the realms of behavioral health and addiction treatment.

According to Heather, the greatest pleasure of being the primary therapist at Covenant Hills women’s facility is watching the beautiful evolution of change in others. She remains “ridiculously passionate” about the work she does on a daily basis, which includes being an integral part of the multi-disciplinary treatment team providing individual, group, and family therapy, as well as formulating unique and specific treatment plans of each resident.

Her educational background includes a BS in pastoral ministries and psychology (Vanguard University) and a Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology (Vanguard University). She is also a California licensed marriage and family therapist, a certified eating disorder specialist, and is EMDR certified.

She educates from the efficacy of positive interventions and believes that everyone gets stuck once in a while, but she maintains that “it’s never too late to be who you might have been.”

As the operations director at Covenant Hills, Alex oversees the operational and clinical departments for the men’s program. With over three years of experience in addiction treatment, Alex’s most recent role was outpatient and extended care program manager at Northbound Treatment where he oversaw a large co-ed outpatient and extended care program, as well, he managed the clinical staff to ensure compliance and quality client care.

More than anything, Alex cares about helping people find their way out of addiction and into long-term sustainable recovery. To accomplish this, Alex says, “I try to emulate the high caliber of work that I expect of my team, and I will always take time to support staff and clients when needed. In my experience, consistency, reliability, and passion are integral qualities to have as an effective clinician, and I do my best to bring those qualities into my work every day.”

With over 14-years’ experience in addiction treatment, brings her experience as a residential manager, residential manager supervisor, case manager aid, and yoga instructor for individuals in addiction treatment, Denna is passionate about being a part of women changing their lives for the better.

She believes in recovery to heal your mind, body, and spirit. That addiction takes us away from our true self and recovery brings us back.

Ed Volk is the Therapist at the Company’s men’s treatment facility in San Clemente. Ed Volk is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an advanced certification in addiction treatment, Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC). Ed received his BA and MA from Wheaton College. He has worked in the field for over 20 years and has worked as a clinician on the administrative side overseeing and developing programs. Ed is certified in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Seeking Safety. He is also a member of the Orange County, CA Trauma Response Team and has interned at Saddleback Church in the Counseling Dept. Ed has a personal and professional expertise in the field of addiction. He believes in the restorative power of the recovery process with the individual and the family.

Jeremiah has been around addiction treatment nearly two decades supporting and inspiring men to find sanity and sobriety. He is currently the men’s home pastoral counselor where he helps individuals resolve spiritual conflicts to allow them to have a more meaningful relationship with God. He also serves as a case manager and works to educate and help clients walk through the recovery process. He has worked for Teen Challenge International and served as an Associate Pastor for many years. He currently holds a degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling and is ordained through the International Christian Ministers Association.

Jeremiah has been involved in the field of addiction treatment since 2018, beginning his journey as a client at Set Free Ministries. From there, he rose to the role of Overseer at a men’s home, where he led and mentored 20 disciples over the course of five years. He later completed a Pastoral Program through the church and became an Associate Pastor, providing guidance and oversight to both the men's and women's homes, supporting a combined total of 30–40 individuals for two years.

Today, Jeremiah serves as a Case Manager at Covenant Hills, where his responsibilities include individual and group counseling, therapeutic group facilitation, assessments, service planning, crisis intervention, and involving family members in the recovery process. He also provides client advocacy and ensures thorough documentation. Most importantly, Jeremiah believes in consistently showing up for clients and meeting them exactly where they are in their recovery—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Before stepping into case management, Jeremiah began as an Overnight Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), where his commitment to client care was quickly recognized. He was encouraged to pursue formal training toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), ultimately transitioning into his current role. His experience as a ministry leader and pastor deeply shaped his leadership and mentorship approach, particularly in working with those who are lost, broken, or in crisis.

What sets Jeremiah apart is his lived experience, spiritual grounding, and unwavering commitment to helping others find healing. As someone who has personally walked the path of addiction and recovery, he brings a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and real-world understanding to his work. His goal is simple but powerful—to make a lasting, positive impact in at least one person’s life each day.

Jeremiah holds a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) certification through CCAPP and has completed all coursework and internship requirements to sit for the ICRC exam, having studied at the Los Angeles Training Institute for Alcohol & Drug Counseling. He also plans to pursue an Associate Degree in Human Services or Pastoral Counseling in the near future.

In addition to his professional and academic experience, Jeremiah was awarded a Sheriff’s Medal of Valor by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for saving the life of a peace officer in a dangerous and high-stakes situation—an act that reflects his courage, empathy, and commitment to serving others.

Jason Gill is the Men’s Program Director at Covenant Hills, where he brings a rare combination of personal experience, professional training, and passionate leadership to every part of the recovery process. His journey with Covenant Hills started on Christmas Day 2021—not as an employee, but as someone determined to change his life. Since then, he has climbed the ranks within the organization, proving himself in every role along the way.

Jason began as a Resident Manager at our Men’s Residential program and also served as a live-in House Manager at our IOP housing facility. He was promoted to Case Manager in early 2023, where he worked one-on-one with over 200 clients and their families, walking with them through the hard work of healing and transformation. In April 2025, he took on the role of Program Director, where he now leads the men’s program with heart, vision, and a commitment to keeping Covenant Hills a place where change is real and recovery is sustainable.

Even in leadership, Jason stays closely connected to the men we serve—carrying an individual caseload, facilitating groups, and remaining a daily presence on campus. He sees his role not only as a director but as a living example of what’s possible when someone surrenders to the process and does the work. His groups cover a wide range of recovery topics, always anchored in accountability, honesty, and faith. He also serves as a spiritual example, showing what it can look like to live as a Christian man in recovery with integrity, strength, and grace.

Jason is a U.S. Navy veteran, where he learned the values of leadership, discipline, and service—skills that now shape his approach to clinical leadership and client care. He takes pride in making sure the men’s program is not only effective and compliant, but also a great place to work and a life-giving place to heal.

Educationally, Jason completed his Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate from Saddleback College with a 4.0 GPA in Fall 2024 and achieved his CADC-I certification in April 2025 and his CADC II in March 2026. He’s on track to graduate with his Associate Degree in Human Services in Fall 2025 and plans to continue into a bachelor’s program shortly after.

He’s also four years sober as of April 13, 2025—a milestone that continues to ground his work in empathy and authenticity. As someone who’s been in the exact seat his clients now occupy, Jason leads with both experience and compassion. He knows what it feels like to start over, and he knows how to walk others through it.

What drives Jason most is simple: helping people transform their lives, reconnect with their higher power, and become the best version of themselves. He doesn’t just believe in recovery—he lives it every day.

Whitney Covington is a dedicated Case Manager at Covenant Hills Treatment Center, bringing compassion and commitment to her role in addiction treatment. With one year of experience in the field, Whitney has already made a meaningful impact by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, facilitating group sessions, and providing essential support to individuals navigating the challenges of recovery. Her work involves closely collaborating with clients to identify their unique needs, set achievable goals, and monitor progress—all while advocating for their well-being and long-term success.

Whitney began her journey in addiction treatment as an AOD Counselor at Tom Redgate Memorial Recovery Center, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience working with individuals in recovery. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, which laid the foundation for her understanding of human behavior and the complexities of addiction. Additionally, Whitney completed a rigorous one-year program and 255 hours of internship at the Los Angeles Training Institute for AOD counseling, further equipping her with the specialized knowledge and practical expertise needed for her role.

What sets Whitney apart is her empathetic and client-centered approach. She believes recovery is not just about addressing the addiction but also about fostering trust and creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals can heal and grow. This perspective is at the heart of everything she does, and it fuels her commitment to helping clients rebuild their lives.

At the core of Whitney’s work is a deep care for the people she serves. She values the opportunity to walk alongside them on their journey to recovery, providing not only professional guidance but also genuine encouragement. Whitney’s dedication to creating a positive and empowering experience for her clients makes her an invaluable member of the Covenant Hills team.

Shelby Scott serves as a Case Manager at Covenant Hills for Women, where she offers clients a rare combination of professional training and personal understanding. With a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, as well as certifications as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Shelby brings clinical skill, clarity, and compassion to every client interaction. In her role, she develops individualized treatment plans, assists clients in achieving their goals, assesses their progress, and facilitates educational and therapeutic groups. She also works closely with families to educate them about addiction and recovery, ensuring a more connected and supportive healing process.

Shelby began her formal career in addiction treatment as a House Manager before moving into case management, a transition that allowed her to work more deeply with clients on the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of recovery. But her most powerful preparation didn’t come from a textbook—it came from her own personal journey through addiction and healing. As a former client at Covenant Hills, Shelby understands, in a deeply human way, what it means to sit in the hard chair of early recovery and to take those first shaky steps forward. That insight shapes every part of her work and enables her to meet clients with both clinical wisdom and hard-won empathy.

Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that healing happens when someone sees you for who you are, not who you’ve been. Shelby is honored to walk alongside the courageous women she serves, offering not just accountability and structure, but real encouragement, honest conversation, and hope that feels personal—not prescribed. Above all, she is committed to helping women move from surviving to thriving, with dignity and direction.

Anne-Marie Linas serves as a Case Manager and Pastoral Counselor at the women’s facility at Covenant Hills, where her work is grounded in compassion, faith, and a fierce belief in second chances. A recent graduate of Saddleback College’s Drug and Alcohol Counseling program—where she earned her degree summa cum laude—Anne-Marie brings not only academic excellence but also deep personal experience to her role.

She manages client intakes, tracks progress, and supports women through the often-complex process of discharge planning. But more than that, she advocates fiercely for each client. Her role isn’t just about paperwork or planning—it’s about seeing the dignity and potential in every woman who walks through the doors and reminding them that sobriety doesn’t just save lives, it reveals them.

Anne-Marie’s path to addiction treatment wasn’t linear, but it was powerful. She is a mother who lost a child to overdose, a woman in long-term recovery, and a dedicated sponsor. Every chapter of her life has brought her closer to this work, whether managing teams in past roles or diving into countless hours of reading, podcast-listening, and study about the science—and heart—of sobriety. She’s the kind of person who will quote TED Talks, research new treatment studies, and still make time to walk with someone through the darkest parts of their day.

Her approach is marked by an unshakable belief that no one is beyond hope. “As long as someone is alive,” she says, “there is a chance for recovery.” She leans into her faith to guide her work, drawing strength from Scripture, particularly Luke 23:34—“love them anyway”—as a daily reminder to show grace, especially to the ones who struggle the most.

Anne-Marie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, her RADT certification, and will complete her CADC hours in 2026. She considers herself a lifelong learner when it comes to addiction treatment, always seeking out the next conversation, study, or insight that might help her help someone else.

Ultimately, she says the heart of her work is this: helping women realize the potential they hold and showing them how sobriety can unlock it.

Michael has been working in addiction treatment since December 2021, bringing over three years of hands-on experience in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. As a Case Manager at Covenant Hills, he facilitates therapeutic groups, meets one-on-one with clients weekly, and offers consistent support with discharge planning, goal setting, and connecting clients with valuable outside resources. He works closely with the treatment team to ensure each client receives care tailored to their specific needs.

Before stepping into his current role, Michael served as a house manager — an experience that laid a strong foundation in client-centered care and crisis response. This background shaped his approach to treatment, emphasizing empathy, clear communication, and accountability. Prior to his work in addiction recovery, he worked at the Salvation Army thrift store, where he developed essential interpersonal skills and a deep appreciation for serving individuals from all walks of life.

What truly sets Michael apart is his ability to build strong, trusting connections with clients while maintaining clear professional boundaries. He leads with compassion, patience, and consistency — qualities he believes are essential in helping clients feel supported and safe, especially during their most vulnerable moments.

Michael is currently completing his associate’s degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies at Saddleback College and has also undergone CPR and First Aid training to further support his role.

Tom Thompson has served as a substance abuse clinician and pastor in the drug and alcohol recovery field for over 20 years.

Tom is blessed with a long heritage of men and women who have served in the pastorate and other ministries. Previously, he had a long career as publisher and literary agent to evangelical authors. He has also held various positions in non-profit and philanthropic organizations.

However, Tom’s busy life imploded when he came to the point where it was evident that he was in need of treatment for a lifetime of depression. Attempting to manage, he became addicted to alcohol and other substances. Finally broken, he was taken to Covenant Hills Treatment Centers where the dual-diagnosis treatment approach began giving him relief and hope. He experienced a spiritual renewal and his healing process began.

As he began his new life in recovery, his prayer was to devote the rest of his life sharing the good news of recovery from addiction and mental illnesses. Tom set out to earn credentials and became case manager and recovery pastor at Covenant Hills. Utilizing his skills as counselor, teacher and spiritual director, Tom brings to individuals and families a message of hope, encouragement and redemption. When asked what motivates him to continue, he replies, “I’m hooked on the miracle!”.

Tom met his wife at a Christian liberal arts college where he began his formal ministerial studies, and, later went on to Harvest Seminary where he received his ordination. In addition, he has served as an oblate in the order of St. Benedict for over 45 years.

Tom has been husband for 55 years to Linda, and has two grown children who, with their spouses, have given him three amazing grandchildren.

Joel Potts has been involved in addiction treatment since February 2021 and currently serves as the Alumni Coordinator for the Men’s RTC program. In this role, he organizes alumni celebrations and events, facilitates the weekly Alumni AA meeting, recognizes recovery milestones, and tracks the ongoing progress of alumni in both their recovery and personal life goals. Before joining the addiction treatment field, Joel worked in finance, logistics, and management, experience that strengthened his ability to lead, organize, and support individuals through meaningful transitions.

Joel previously served as a Resident Manager and brings a deeply personal connection to his work as an alumnus of both the RTC and IOP programs, as well as an active AA member. He believes his lived experience is his most valuable training and credits CH with saving his life. Dedicated to the recovery process, Joel is committed to helping others find the same hope and freedom that transformed his own life and family.

He holds a BA in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and received the RCOC Spotlight Award in 1998.

Driven by her own lived experience, she guides clients through the entire continuum of care—from initial intake to long-term recovery success.

In her dual role as the Women’s Alumni Coordinator and Intake Coordinator, she ensures a seamless and welcoming transition for every new client entering the program. As the Intake Coordinator, she oversees the crucial onboarding process. As the Alumni Coordinator, she maintains meaningful relationships, organizes annual events, and provides ongoing support to help former clients stay connected, engaged, and committed to their long-term recovery.

She is a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RAD-T) and is actively pursuing her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification at Saddleback College, building on her education at New Mexico State University. Her work is grounded in excellence, deep compassion, and a genuine empathetic connection with every individual she serves.

Matthew Simpson serves as a Men’s Case Manager at Covenant Hills, where he coordinates comprehensive care and advocates for each client’s unique needs from residential treatment through aftercare planning. Since entering the addiction treatment field in September 2025, Matthew has combined hands-on experience with focused education, bringing both professionalism and lived understanding to the work of supporting long-term recovery.

Matthew is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in Drug and Alcohol Studies at Saddleback College, where he has earned Dean’s List recognition for four consecutive semesters. He also holds a RADT-i certification and is one class away from completing a certificate in Counseling for Eating Disorders. His education is grounded in ethical practice, evidence-based treatment approaches, and client advocacy as he works toward becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

Before joining Covenant Hills, Matthew managed a 12-man sober living home in Laguna Hills, California. In this role, he worked daily with men in early recovery, helping maintain structure, accountability, and a sense of shared purpose within the home. The sober living residence was recognized as the Best Sober Living Home of 2025 in Orange County by the Sober Living Network, a reflection of the collaborative effort and commitment to quality care among staff and residents. This experience sharpened Matthew’s ability to navigate complex challenges, foster cooperation, and support individuals as they stabilized in early recovery.

What distinguishes Matthew in his role is his steady commitment to going the extra mile for each client. Having personally experienced the impact of strong case management during his own treatment, he understands how overwhelming early recovery can feel and how meaningful consistent support can be. He approaches each client with presence, respect, and a clear intention to empower them to move forward with confidence.

Matthew cares most about providing consistent, ethical, and client-centered support that helps individuals navigate treatment and sustain lasting recovery. At Covenant Hills, he brings together education, experience, and compassion to ensure that every client feels supported, heard, and prepared for the next step in their recovery.

Jenny, a Southern Orange County native and a proud mother of two adult children, brings a unique blend of experience and compassion to her role as a Client Care Coordinator in addiction treatment. With over seven years of dedicated service in this field, Jenny’s journey to helping others began after a long and successful 25-year career in the dental industry.

This shift marked a pivotal moment in her life as she discovered her true passion for supporting individuals on their path to recovery. Jenny’s approach to client care is deeply personal and empathetic, stemming from her own recovery journey. Her firsthand experience with sobriety allows her to connect with clients on a meaningful level, offering genuine understanding and encouragement. Her energetic, outgoing nature makes her an approachable and relatable figure for those she works with.

In her current role, Jenny attends to the day to day needs and concerns of her clients as well as organizing recreational outings to demonstrate that sobriety can be fulfilling and fun. She is passionate about making a positive impact, ensuring that each individual feels valued, supported, and loved.

With over 8 years of experience in the addiction treatment industry, Ryan’s day-to-day responsibilities include logistics, staffing, coordinating doctor’s appointments, managing medications, supervising house managers, ordering supplies, and overseeing compliance and safety. However, it is seeing broken men go on to lead productive sober lives and rebuild damaged relationships that Ryan finds most rewarding about being an operations manager at Covenant Hills.

Deeply involved in recovery over the years, Ryan has seen many roles, including being an owner/operator of sober living and detox facility. Perhaps the most important role, however, is in working a program of recovery himself. It is from this foundation that Ryan can share his experience, strength, and hope to those that are struggling.

Professionally, this all comes together in his capacity to empathize with clients and meet them where they are while also effectively managing the staff and keep the operation running smoothly so the treatment team can focus on client care.

Riley Karp is currently serving as the Transportation Coordinator for Covenant Hills. With almost three years in the field of treatment, Riley sees this job as the most rewarding one yet. Riley's primary responsibilities involve managing the transportation needs for the Women's and Men's facilities at Covenant Hills Treatment, as well as the corporate office.

This encompasses arranging pickups for new clients entering treatment, facilitating doctor visits and court dates for existing clients, and ensuring safe transport of clients returning home post-treatment.

Riley's role also extends to maintaining the safety of all vehicles through regular inspections and upkeep. As a holder of a Commercial Driver License (CDL) certified by the State of California, Riley is instrumental in training staff to acquire their own CDLs.

Prior to assuming the role of Transportation Coordinator, Riley held the positions of Residential Manager for the Men's Residential facility and House Manager at the Transitional Living facility for over two years.

Ever since the first day at Covenant Hills, Riley has been deeply impressed by the honesty, integrity, compassion, and care demonstrated by coworkers and superiors. This environment has inspired Riley to uphold these core values each day, a pursuit that has proven immensely fulfilling. One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is the opportunity to witness the smiles on the faces of clients and aid them in realizing their full potential.

Riley feels a deep sense of gratitude towards Covenant Hills as an employer and takes joy in going to work every day.

As Director of Marketing, Tayler leads local business development efforts through community partnerships, branding initiatives, and social media strategy. She brings a diverse background in behavioral health, having worked in several key roles over the past decade including project management, utilization review, admissions, and case management. She also has experience working within hospital systems and alongside various insurance providers.

Her work in the mental health and substance use treatment field has allowed her to develop a versatile and adaptable skill set. The fast-paced nature of the industry requires professionals who can think quickly, collaborate effectively, and navigate the many moving parts involved in delivering quality care.

Tayler holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University Irvine. Beyond her professional expertise, Tayler is personally committed to supporting families through the journey of early sobriety having walked with many loved ones in recovery. Her compassion, insight, and dedication make her a valuable member of the Covenant Hills team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and staying active outdoors.

I’ve been in addiction treatment for two years, and during that time I’ve learned the power of compassion, consistency, and showing up for people when they need it most. As an Outreach Manager, I work closely with hospitals, patients, and their families — introducing myself as a resource, sharing treatment options, and helping guide individuals toward recovery. Much of my work involves meeting with hospital teams, building relationships, and ensuring patients feel supported, understood, and never alone in the process.

Before stepping into this field, I worked in hospitals and in bail bonds, two environments where I regularly met people in crisis. Those experiences taught me to stay calm under pressure, communicate with empathy, and hold space for families who feel overwhelmed or unsure of what comes next. They shaped me for the work I do now, and they are the reason I approach every patient with patience, understanding, and hope.

I care most about treating every person with compassion and reminding them — and their families — that recovery is never out of reach. We are all human, we all stumble, and I believe everyone deserves the chance to try again. I believe in recovery, I believe in second chances, and I’m honored to walk beside those who are ready for a new beginning.

Kara Pate specializes in relationship building, connecting, brand identity, mental health awareness, and treatment placement providing the best care possible for every individual. Along with her extensive experience in the field, Kara’s personal journey has gifted her with a unique compassion and ability to help others find their meaning and purpose.

Kara graduated from CSULB with a BA in Communications and received her MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University. Through graduate school, Kara had the unique experience of traveling to Africa to work with children affected by addiction. She is also a graduate of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. She has been active with local chapters of the Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment and The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and she has served on the boards for The Body Revolution Redding and the Kirsten Haglund Foundation.

She has also served some of the nation's largest treatment centers, treating individuals with co-occurring disorders and addictions. Kara is a certified interventionist and completed her training through Hirschman clinical services for eating disorder coaching. In her free time Kara enjoys spending time with her children and husband and their many animals.

With over 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Eddie Lysen brings a profound depth of knowledge and a unique, heart-led perspective to his role as Director of Revenue Cycle. Eddie oversees the critical intersection of Admissions, Insurance, and Billing, ensuring that the financial and administrative aspects of treatment are as seamless as the clinical care itself.

Eddie’s journey at Covenant Hills has been one of steady growth and dedication. He began his career working as a House Manager, where he developed a foundational understanding of client needs at the ground level. From there, he transitioned into the Admissions Department, eventually serving as Admissions Director. This hands-on experience through the entire lifecycle of a client’s stay—from the initial crisis call to the complexities of insurance authorizations—makes him an invaluable asset to both the organization and the families we serve.

Ultimately, Eddie is driven by a singular mission: to lift others out of addiction and provide them with the same new hope in life that was once extended to him.

Ken has worked in the substance abuse treatment industry for over 8 years in various roles including operations, intake, clinical, and leadership. His vast knowledge and experience have led him to the role of Admissions Manager at Covenant Hills Treatment. The admission manager role is a great fit for Ken because of his logistics and counseling background which makes him a trusted resource for families and individuals looking for help getting into treatment.

Always showing interest in helping people, Ken pursued the required schooling and practical experience needed to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and now has over 8000 hours in practice. Ken knows that addiction can be a difficult thing to overcome, but he remains hopeful that through compassion, support, and education, he can help those affected by it.

Compassion and empathy for people who seeking help is the driving motivator behind “why” Ken does what he does. We believe that people immediately recognize sincerity and authenticity when they are working with you, and they need to feel comfortable and trust you with the process.

Ken is a past recipient of the Employee of the year award. This award is given to the staff member who goes above and beyond to create an experience that people love. Ken’s dedication to his clients, families, colleagues, and community has earned him this prestigious honor.

Covenant Hills Treatment is proud to give Ken the opportunity to use all his experience to help give people a chance to make positive changes in their lives.

Brittany Bennett is a dedicated Admissions Staff member at Covenant Hills Treatment Center, bringing over seven and a half years of experience in the field of addiction treatment. She has a strong background working in both corporate and admissions coordination roles, allowing her to support clients and families with professionalism, efficiency, and care.

In her current role, Brittany assists individuals seeking treatment by guiding them through the admissions process, coordinating care, and ensuring a smooth transition into the program. Her experience spans both clinical support and administrative responsibilities, giving her a well-rounded understanding of client needs from first contact through placement.

Prior to her work in admissions, Brittany built a solid foundation as a Resident Manager and Lead Resident Manager. Her approach is rooted in relatability, compassion, and creating a safe, supportive environment for those beginning their recovery journey.

What matters most to Brittany in her work is, in her own words, “I believe the heart of recovery is hope; the foundation that empowers individuals to overcome challenges and create meaningful change. Recovery is not just about overcoming substance use, but about restoring dignity, building resilience, and embracing the possibility of a fulfilling and purposeful life you once only dared to dream of.”

As the Covenant Hills utilization nurse, Mary obtains authorization at the highest level of care possible based on medical necessity. She works closely with the clinical team and the insurance companies case managers in tandem to ensure quality care. She passionately encourages the ongoing relationships with our administration, our treatment team, and insurance case managers to ensure that Covenant Hills continues to provide the highest level of care for clients utilizing their insurance benefits.

Mary has been involved in Behavioral Health industry since 1985. She has worked in hospital-based detox and treatment for addiction. As well, she’s worked with the elderly addicted and mentally ill in underserved communities in California, Florida, Arizona, and Oregon managing a Health and Wellness Program providing resources for treatment. Beyond that, she managed a team of providers that helped the stabilization of patients with co-morbid diagnosis utilizing a multitude of resources.

Understanding that recovery is a process of transformation and those struggling with addiction are separated from God, she is particularly inspired by Covenant Hills utilizing a God centered approach to addiction treatment. She holds herself accountable daily to her own program of recovery and her relationship with God.

Susan has been working in the SUD treatment arena for over 25 years. She has spent the last 19 here at Covenant Hills. She began her career as Director of Administration, running all aspects of personnel, payroll, accounts receivable, licensing, credentialing, obtaining and negotiating insurance contracts for services and many other administrative areas. In December 2019, she added to her role and knowledge, oversight of the company’s operations. These two roles significantly overlap with one another in many ways and contribute to the wide range of experience and expertise she has accumulated over the years. As a whole, this gives her a well-rounded overview of treatment programs and how the organization function.

She is committed to helping those in need and maintaining compliance for her organization. In addition, she has been a member of ATAC for several years and was named to the Board in 2023. It is her honor to serve in this capacity as a part of a team of industry professionals who want to move our field forward with integrity and advocate for the providers as well as the clients who so desperately need our services.