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About the Staff
All of our staff members are highly qualified professionals in the field of addiction and alcoholism, and are skilled in a variety of counseling techniques. They are nurturing individuals chosen for their sensitivity, insight and knowledge of how addiction works.
Our counselors and staff, many of whom have been through recovery themselves, support and work together in the therapeutic environment toward a common goal: to help those suffering from the diseases of addiction and alcoholism. This is a setting in which clients receive the tools they need to begin a successful recovery process.
The Staff Members at Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center
Structurally, a drug rehab center runs like almost any organization. Treatment facilities have an executive and administrative staff that runs the day-to-day operations while the professional staff members provide the rehab services.
The quality of the relationship between a client and his counselor influences the likelihood of treatment success. While it is not possible for a prospective rehab client to know what the dynamic will be like with any given staff member, a professional atmosphere can lay the groundwork for trust, which is a key ingredient of success in treatment.
The Importance of Experience
Most of our staff members are recovered drug addicts who succeeded in earning the necessary credentials to work in this field. Many of our counselors were once drug abusers who, empowered through recovery, have dedicated their lives to helping others recover from substance abuse and addiction. These people could be said to combine the best of both worlds as they know addiction from firsthand personal experience and have received the academic and clinical training to become counselors and staff.
Meet the exemplary staff of Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center who are dedicated to helping you or your loved one overcome addiction.
Our Administrative Staff
RANDY GOMEZ, CHAIRMAN & CEO
Randy’s passion for helping people to get clean and sober is what initially breathed Woodlake into existence. He has worked tirelessly since to help as many people get the resources that they need to start a new and better life. That selflessness and compassion has trickled down to the next generation with his children Lydia, Randal, and Joy who all work for Woodlake.
BLAIN HOUSTON, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Blain graduated from Louisiana State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Finance. Blain began his career in the banking industry. After six years as an Agri-Business Lender, he spent the next 17 years in management positions in the transportation industry. Blain joined Woodlake in July of 2019 and thoroughly enjoys coming to work every day with a great group of dedicated, passionate co-workers. He is a firm believer in the principle, “they don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”, in his professional and personal life. When not at work, Blain can be found spending time with his wife, Toni, and twin boys.
RANDAL GOMEZ-SIMON, VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Randal is a Baton Rouge native. She attended Parkview Baptist High School and went on to continue her education at Louisiana State University. She attended the E. J. Ourso School of Business, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
She is the proud mother to two children, Alice McKay and Wilder. Randal, along with her husband Kevin, have a passion for serving God's children. She likes to spend her time taking bike rides, hanging with her family, and going to the beach. Randal has been with Woodlake since 2014, where she has been able to grow professionally and personally in the field of addiction.
RYAN PHILLIPS, DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL PROGRAMMING, LPC, NCC, MEd
Ryan is the Clinical Director of Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center managing clinical growth and program development since 2016. Ryan has been a clinician at Woodlake and practicing since 2012. Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Nation Certified Counselor, specializing in addiction and family counseling. Ryan has continued to grow Woodlake’s family program through educations, led development of Woodlake’s “L.I.F.E. Model” program, and supervises the daily implementation of clinical needs to Woodlake’s clients and Families. Ryan has been focused on counseling professionals facing family issues, addiction, and working closely with state monitoring boards such as the Louisiana state board of nursing, Louisiana state board of physical therapy, Louisiana state board of social work, and other professional assistance programs.
Ryan believes in incorporating family participation to insure a healthy balance between recovery, family, and career. Ryan approaches counseling from a holistic perspective focusing on the core beliefs and associated behaviors contributing to the issues we struggle with daily in our lives.
Ryan views recovery as a process in which the client, and the counselor have come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define underlying issues and contributing factors to develop future goals for an improved life free from addiction.
Our Clinical Staff
KEVIN JAMES- RAC,CCS,CCDP – Director of Education
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, Kevin went in to the field of addiction in 2003 and has been in recovery since 2001. Kevin was appointed by Governor Blanco to serve on the inaugural Addictive Disorders Regulatory Authority board. He was reappointed by Governor Jindal and served a total of three terms. He was awarded CCS of the year by LASACT in 2016.
Kevin is certified in the Recovery Dynamics Model and was personally trained by Joe McQuainy. Kevin has treated over 10,000+ alcoholics and drug addicts in his career. Hee has served as a counselor, clinical director, and is currently the director at Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center.
BRETT THIBODEAUX MS, LPC, LAC - Clinical Director of Abbeville
Brett Thibodeaux is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2018 with a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brett received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2011. Brett has worked/interned in many different settings including community counseling, private practice, university counseling centers as well as treatment centers. Brett started with Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center as an Intern at the Acadiana Recovery Center and then moving into the role of being an Intensive Outpatient Counselor before moving to Woodlake West in Abbeville to be a residential counselor.
Brett enjoys spending time fishing and going to New Orleans Saints games with his wife, Brittany and three kids, Jax, Kate and Graham. As an advocate for self care and enjoying life, Brett and his family enjoy traveling as often as possible.
JILL HOOD, ARC PROGRAM DIRECTOR, RAC, CCS
Jill Hood, Registered Addictions Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, has been employed with Woodlake Acadiana Recovery Center since May 1st 2017. Jill Hood has provided addiction treatment services for male and female offenders at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office prior to working for Woodlake Acadiana Recovery Center. Jill was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana and is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelors in General Studies. Her plans are to continue to a higher level of education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the near future.
Jill began her journey with addiction when working with the ReEntry Program at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office in January of 2013. Her dedication to her clients and enthusiasm in the addictions field has helped many who suffer with the disease of addiction. She prides herself on providing the best service for her clients.
Jill is currently the Assistant Program Director of Woodlake Acadiana Recovery Center in Lafayette Louisiana. Jill understands the dedication it takes to provide not only the clients with the best service possible but as well as staff. Jill takes pleasure in providing a family-oriented work atmosphere at Woodlake Acadiana Recovery Center.
TANISHA LEE, LPC- ETHEL CLINCAL DIRECTOR
Taneshia Lee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where she received a Master of Arts in Christian Studies with and emphasis in Christian Leadership and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling. Taneshia also attended Louisiana State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in General Studies. She started with Woodlake as a counseling intern in September 2020.
Taneshia believes that counseling is a powerful and essential tool in empowering individuals to shape their future instead of focusing on the pain from the past. Her approach to counseling can be described as eclectic.
When not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful children.
CRYSTAL WYETH ENCALADE, RAC, CCS, CCGS, CTSS- BATON ROUGE IOP DIRECTOR/MAT IOP DIRECTOR
Crystal Encalade is a Registered Addiction Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor, and a Certified Trauma Support Specialist. She is also an individual counselor with Integrated Wellness Clinic. Crystal began working in the treatment field as a tech in 2014 and has been cross trained on utilization review, admissions, discharge planning, intake, and assessments. She has also managed female sober living homes. Crystal and her husband currently own a transitional female home for women with one year or more of sobriety. Crystal’s passion is working with women; however, she is skilled at working with all clients. Crystal has been with Woodlake since September 2016. Crystal was an integral part of opening and building Woodlake’s Denham Springs outpatient client. Crystal is currently the program director of outpatient programming in Baton Rouge which includes medically assisted treatment. She has experience with counseling at all levels of care. Crystal has been living a life of recovery since May 2013 and enjoys helping people put the pieces of their lives back together after getting sober. Crystal believes in addressing family of origin issues, adult child of an alcoholic traits and dependent traits as they relate to the client’s addiction. Crystal also focuses on relapse prevention. Outside of work, Crystal enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their daughter and three granddaughters.
Directors
Dr. Jacob Wood - Medical Director
Dr. Jake Wood grew up in Louisiana were he earned his degree in microbiology at LSU and his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. He completed his internship and residency at Medical Center East Family Practice in Alabama and has practiced Family Medicine since 2003. Previously Louisiana Tech team physician for 10 years and current team physician for Catholic High School, Dr. Wood is also active in medical mission work and is a member of the American and Louisiana Academies of Family Physicians and Louisiana Chapter, American Medical Association, Louisiana State Medical Society, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, and American Diabetes Association. He enjoys providing preventive and general medical care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
KACIE BLACKWELL, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, CARN - DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES
Kacie has been working in medical administration for 20 plus years. She received her Master's in 2015 in Nursing along with her certification for Family Nurse Practitioner. I love the patients, but I love the staff and leadership even more. Daily challenges are what keep the job exciting. Make your own path, ask questions, swim upstream, build bravery, encourage others, and trust your gut. Working in addiction medicine has been the most rewarding. There's never only one way.
EDWARD ATHERTON DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Edward J. Atherton (Eddie), was born in Gulfport, Ms. I grew up in Gulfport and went to The University of Southern Miss. I was raised Catholic and continue to keep God a priority in my life. I struggled for many years with alcoholism. I have been to both faith-based and 12 step program treatment facilities. I completed WARC in April of 2016 with a sobriety date of 03/09/2016. I joined Woodlake staff in January 2018. I was the manager of our sober living apartment complex for 3 years, while working as an Admissions Coordinator. I’m now the Director of Admissions. Through my own struggles with addiction, I can share my experience, strength and hope with others. Today, I’m grateful to work in an industry where we provide services for others to heal and grow from their addictions. During my time off, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Sarah, family and friends. I, also, enjoy fishing and golfing.
WENDY CHAPMAN, BS Director of Human Resources/HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
Wendy received her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from the University of Mobile. She has been working in the healthcare field for over twenty years. In addition to her extensive duties as Director of Human Resources, she also runs several of Woodlake’s Transitional Living properties. She is the proud mother of two children, Bailey and Dylan. She loves to spend her time bowling and coaching the youth. She has been with Woodlake since 2013.
SAVANNAH SMITH, RAC- ASSISSTANT EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Team Members
HALLEY HAYMAKER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LIASON
Halley Blackwell is a native of Ruston, La, where she attended Ruston High School and continued her education at Louisiana Tech University. Halley has been working in the behavioral health/substance abuse field since 2015. As a person in recovery she is able to carry out her true passion which is to continue to help the alcoholic/addict that is still suffering. In her spare time she loves making memories with her son and close friends.
Stacy Bennett, BS, CAC
Stacy Bennett is a Certified Addiction Counselor and has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Stacy has worked at Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center in Abbeville since September 2019. She started as a tech and worked her way up through the CIT program. Stacy uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ACT Therapy, Mindfulness/DBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to assist in the therapeutic process. Stacy has been in recovery since September 15, 2018. She has a passion for helping those suffering from addiction because she believes that every individual can get clean and find a new way of life. Stacy provides empathy and compassion and strives to assist her clients in gaining the tools and knowledge to live a life of recovery. Stacy has a wonderful support system at home, her fiancé James and her two children Zechariah and Aniya. Stacy loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and watching old black and white movies.
LUCILLE TISBY, CAC
Lucille Tisby is a Certified Addiction Counselor through the ADRA and has worked for Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center since December 2017. Lucille began working in the addiction recovery field in March 1991 as the Resident Manager at Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana (CADA), Serenity House. Pursued a career in the field of addiction counseling as a CIT in 1993, became certified as a BCSAC in 1997, and a CAC in 2018.
Lucille is in recovery and has been clean and sober since November 12, 2016. Lucille implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, along with Care, Compassion and Empathy to help facilitate the lifestyle changes necessary for a solid recovery.
Lucille obtained her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Services in 2006, and Master’s in Business Administration both from the University of Phoenix in Arizona. Lucille enjoys spending time with family, friends, attending church, and fishing. Lucille is an active member of a 12-step program and love attending meetings, other recovery-oriented activities, sponsoring women, sharing experience, strength and hope with others in the recovery community as well as the community at large. Lucille is the proud mother of five adult children and the grandmother of eight grandchildren.
SUSAN GARNER, RAC
Susan is a Registered Addiction Counselor and has worked for Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center since May of 2015. She began working in the addiction field as a mental health technician in 2015 and obtained her CIT in January 2018. Susan is currently working towards the goal of obtaining her RAC. Since receiving her CIT, she has worked with the residential population and currently facilitates an intensive outpatient group at Woodlake’s Lafayette location, The ARC. Susan is in recovery and has been sober since August 13, 2012. She utilizes cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy to aide clients into changing addictive behaviors and finding a new way to live. She is passionate about the clients gaining an understanding that they are worthy of recovery and capable of obtaining a life that is beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Susan has three children, Elizabeth, Jasmine and Cullan. Susan enjoys spending time with family, helping others in recovery and attending concerts and sporting events with her husband.
LYDIA GOMEZ MOUTON- DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
SANDY SHEA, CIT
Sandy Shea holds a Counselor in Training certificate through the Louisiana ADRA and is working to obtain her LAC and LPC. She is a proud member of the American Counseling Association. Sandy currently holds an Associates of Science, a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Business Administration and is obtaining her Master of Science Clinical Mental Health. Sandy has worked for Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center since November of 2019, beginning as a Mental Health Technician, Receptionist, and Outpatient Counselor. She has also worked as Office Manager and Substance Use Educator for Pre-Trial Diversions through Acadiana Monitoring and Evaluations. Sandy began working as a female residential counselor in July of 2022. Sandy is in recovery and has been sober since December 25, 2018. Sandy uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness/DBT, Motivational Interviewing, along with Solution Focused Brief Therapy to help clients facilitate the much-needed change within to maintain their sobriety. Sandy is a graduate of University of Louisiana in 1996, 2005 and a graduate of Grand Canyon University in 2016. Sandy holds two service positions in the fellowship, Group Treasurer and Steering Committee Chairperson. Sandy has two adult children who are her pride and joy. Sandy was the recipient of the 2020 Oxford House Founder’s Day Award.
LAUREN HUTCHINSON, RAC - ASSISSTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR DENHAM SPRINGS
Mrs. Lauren Hutchinson, RAC works at our Ethel location as a psychological assessor along with assisting clinical staff with all client’s needs in group, individual sessions, treatment planning, etc. Mrs. Hutchinson completed the Addiction Counselor’s CE program where she received her Certificate. Mrs. Hutchinson assists in improving the lives of our clients by using unique techniques to address their issues. She provides compassionate, high quality counseling and therapy to clients that are seeking recovery. Mrs. Hutchinson is in the process of working towards her Registered Addiction Counselor License. When she is not working, Mrs. Hutchinson spends time with her supportive husband and two amazing children. Mrs. Hutchinson is also an asset to the AA community in which she provides time and effort to assists women in sobriety.
CRAIG ENCALADE, RAC- PATRIOT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Craig Encalade is a Registered Addiction Counselor. Craig has been with Woodlake since 2019. He started out as a behavioral health tech, moved up to assessment coordinator, and then to a full-time clinician. Craig found his passion in working with veterans and is currently the Patriot Program Director. Craig is a residential counselor in Ethel. Craig is also a part of the Baton Rouge outpatient program as well as an Integrated Wellness Clinic counselor. Craig has had a part in managing male sober living homes. Craig and his wife currently own a transitional female home for women with one year or more of sobriety. Craig has been sober since April 2018. He is very family oriented and enjoys traveling with his wife and making memories with their daughter and their three granddaughters.
DANIELLE LEFFEL, RAC - ASSISSTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR ABBEVILLE
Danielle Leffel is a Registered Addictions Counselor and has worked for Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center in Abbeville since July 2016. Danielle began working in the addiction recovery field in May of 2007 as a house technician and worked her way to being a CIT, educator and RAC. Danielle is in recovery and has been sober since 8/16/2013. Danielle owned and operated a sober living home, The Breaux Bridge House for Women and enjoyed watching women recover from addiction and regain their lives back. Danielle is also Recovery Dynamics trained and has a passion to help clients find their way to recovery. Danielle enjoys being with her family, attending sporting events, especially cheering on the New Orleans Saints and traveling.
FAITH BOUTTE, BS, CAC
Faith Boutte is a Certified Addiction Counselor and Certified Clinical Supervisor through the Louisiana ADRA. Faith has worked at Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center in the Abbeville, LA location since May 2017. Faith had her start at Acadiana CARES Pathways Inpatient Program as an intern in late 2011. Faith worked as a Case Manager for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department in the Alternative Sentencing Program DOC from 12/2014-08/2016. In August of 2016, Faith transferred to Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department Acadiana Recovery Center Outpatient Services Custody Program as a Counselor in Training.
Faith received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in December 2011. Faith is certified in facilitating Moral Reconation Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Faith uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness/DBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing to assist in the therapeutic process. Faith has a passion for helping those suffering from addiction, provides empathy and compassion, and assisting them in gaining the tools and knowledge to live a life of recovery. Faith is happily married to her husband, Josh and is the proud mother of her two adult children Nathan and Jaida. In her spare time Faith enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, traveling, and camping.
JOY GOMEZ GOTTHARD- DIRECTOR OF BILLING SERVICES
RHONDA NEWMAN, RAC- PROGRAM DIRECTOR MID-CITY
Rhonda Newman, the Program Director at Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center, who has been with the organization since January 2020. Rhonda is a Registered Addiction Counselor, Mental Health Coach, and Certified Trauma Support Specialist. Her primary goals as a program director are team building, client care, and supporting colleagues and clients in their growth and development. In 2016, Woodlake played a crucial role in her life by providing the treatment needed to set her on the path to success. Rhonda is also a proud mother of three wonderful children and is pursuing a BS degree in Psychology with a focus on Pre-Counseling. Every passing year brings new growth opportunities, and she is committed to making the most of them.
JEFF MONROE, RAC- CORPORATE COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Jeff is a Registered Addictions Counselor with the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority. He graduated from the University of Louisiana Monroe with a Bachelors in Marketing. Jeff has worked in the treatment field since March of 2016. He served as the lead mental health technician and facilities manager at Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center in Ethel from March of 2016 until 2022. Jeff over saw the daily operations of the facility to provide a safe and productive environment for our clients. He also managed Woodlake’s Transitional living and sober living in the Baton Rouge area from March 2015 to December 2017. Currently, he serves as the corporate compliance officer where he maintains licensure and compliance for all Woodlake campuses.
As well as working in the treatment field, Jeff has been separated from alcohol through recovery since January, 6th 2015. He continues to help the still sick and suffering alcoholic/addict find the solution to this disease in recovery around Baton Rouge and Monroe, Louisiana.
FRANK CARTER, RAC- ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BATON ROUGE IOP
Frank Carter is a Registered Addiction Counselor.
CRYSTAL FLOWERS, RAC
Crystal is a Registered Addictions Counselor and has worked for Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center since April 2022. She began working in the addiction field as a mental health case manager for Volunteers of America in 2016. She began her work in both inpatient treatment and IOP at New Beginnings where she obtained her CIT in March 2018. Crystal is certified in and facilitates Moral Reconation Therapy at the ARC for Lafayette Parish Drug Court.
Crystal is currently pursuing her Registered Addiction Counselor licensure. She is also attending Southern New Hampshire University for a Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in addiction with the goal of obtaining her Certified Addiction Counselor licensure.
Crystal has always had a passion for helping those who suffer from addiction and their families. She is a very proud mother of three, two sons Bradyn & Brentyn and daughter Taryn. Crystal recently moved to Lafayette from Lake Charles after Hurricane Laura in January 2021. Her hobbies include gardening, kayaking, cooking and spending time with her family.