Meet Our Team

Doug Leech

Owner & CEO

Morgan Henson

Senior Director

Sharon Leech

Office Manager

Deanne Dyson

Nurse Practitioner

Brad E. Pershing, MS, PRSS

Program Director

Brad Pershing attended Marshall University on an academic scholarship, where he earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration and a M.S. degree in Healthcare Administration. In graduate school he co-authored a research project that was published in the peer reviewed accredited Permanente Journal of Medicine. Prior to Ascension Recovery Services, Brad worked in the substance use disorder industry specializing in peer recovery coaching and management. He held multiple positions at Recovery Point West Virginia, the same organization that established his own long-term recovery. He then progressed to the Administrative Office as the Community Outreach Coordinator, in which consistent networking strengthened his working knowledge of all facets involved in this line of work. His career experience and education have collectively developed him into a compassionate and motivated advocate in the recovery field.

Gerod Buckhalter

Program Coordinator & Community Relations

Gerod was born and raised in Dilliner, PA, and graduated high school at Mapletown Jr/Sr High School. He is a person in long-term recovery and was awarded the Global Challenge coin (highest possible honor) from the National Institute of Drug Abuse for his courage in becoming the first person ever to receive Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for addiction. Gerod has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, 60 Minutes, and in the Washington Post, telling the story of his journey through addiction and having the DBS procedure and what life looks like for him in recovery. Before coming to Wise Path Recovery Centers, Gerod worked for West Virginia Sober Living for the last four years serving as a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) and their Recovery Housing Coordinator. Gerod is recently engaged to his beautiful fiancé, Ashley Riffle, and is the proud father to their daughter, Mabry.

Tory Watring

Alumni & Discharge Coordinator

Tory Watring, our Alumni & Discharge Coordinator, was born and raised in North Central West Virginia. She is an Internationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (ICPRSS). Tory has over five years of experience working with recovery residences, is a state-certified naloxone trainer, and is a founding executive member of the National Peer Recovery Alliance (NPRA) of the WV Chapter. She participates in the membership committee, ensuring that best practices in the field are part of her skillset.

Tory, who is in recovery, exemplifies making the most of second chances, and as a graduate of WVSL, she helps those with substance use disorder find a different trajectory toward health and wellness.

Mario Angel Oliverio

Clinical Therapist

Mario is a lifelong resident of West Virginia. He serves as a Clinical Therapist for the OBOT Program. He has 10 years of experience in the field. He specializes in Substance Abuse Disorder and Addiction. He has previous experience in Medication Assisted Treatment facilitating both individual and group counseling sessions.

Prior to coming to work for us Mario spent nearly 7 years in the State Prison System where he gained valuable knowledge in Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Also, he has worked as a youth Counselor in the past role modeling appropriate behavior for youths.

Andrew White

Clinical Therapist

Andrew graduated from WVU 2001 in Sociology and Anthropology (BA) and WVU 2020 Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (MS). He has worked in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) where worked with groups and individuals with both mental health and substance use issues. He has a holistic overview and focus (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual). which goes hand in hand with the two therapeutic approaches he facilitates: DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Mindfulness and living in the present are huge aspects of each of these which include practices in meditation, breathwork, grounding skills, and using the present to refocus and adjust to life as it is now, in order to make for a better future.

Crystal Cox

Behavioral Health Technician Supervisor

Crystal Cox moved to Morgantown in 1992 from Greenbrier County, WV, to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree from both Fairmont State and WVU. She spent 25 years working in the medical field with over 12 years in outpatient behavioral health. In 2022, Crystal left that field to work admissions for an LTACH hospital. After 2 months, she realized that behavioral health and addiction is her true passion.

Now as a Behavioral Health Supervisor since opening day at Westover, she considers Wise Path home. Crystal loves being one of the first faces clients see when they walk through the doors. From day 1 until day 28, she considers it an honor to be part of their journey to recovery and the most rewarding job she has ever had.

Virginia Breedlove

Care Coordinator

Virginia Breedlove is a dedicated Care Coordinator at Wise Path Recovery Centers, where she plays a vital role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. She graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University’s Honors College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mental Health and Addiction Studies and a Minor in Child Development and Family Studies.

Virginia’s journey with Wise Path began in October 2024 as an undergraduate intern in Westover. Following her graduation in December, she transitioned into a full-time role as a case manager. In this capacity, she conducts assessments, develops personalized treatment plans, and collaborates with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for clients. She also facilitates group sessions, advocates for clients in legal and discharge planning matters, and provides crisis intervention and ongoing support.

In addition to her case management responsibilities, Virginia serves as the Wise Path representative for the Partners in Prevention Team in collaboration with United Way, further demonstrating her commitment to community-based recovery initiatives.

Her passion for addiction recovery is driven by a deep-rooted interest in mental health and a desire to support individuals—particularly those with co-occurring disorders—through personalized and compassionate care.

Outside of work, Virginia enjoys attending live music events, including concerts, festivals, and raves, as well as spending time outdoors whenever possible.

Brandon Kirk

Program Director

Brandon is the Program Director at Wise Path Recovery Centers in Williamson, WV, where he provides strategic oversight and guidance to ensure patients receive the quality care and support they need. As someone in long-term recovery, Brandon sees working with others who are currently experiencing the same afflictions he once did as the ultimate reward. He believes the greatest gift he can offer to his patients is the inspiration to live a substance-free life.

Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and is currently pursuing certification as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor, alongside a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare.

Starting his career as a Behavioral Health Technician, Brandon previously served as a Supportive Counselor, Activities Director, and Program Coordinator before becoming our Program Director. He is also Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS).

Brandon’s favorite part of the job is networking—he loves connecting resources and affiliating local organizations into the program to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for our patients. He is deeply passionate about mental health and personal healing, and strongly advocates for the involvement of individuals in long-term recovery within the field to support others in overcoming addiction.

Kimberly Bailey

Clinical Therapist

With a decade of experience in the addiction and mental health field, Kimberly Bailey brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. Having overcome her own struggles with alcoholism, she celebrates 13+ years of sobriety and understands firsthand the journey of recovery.

Kimberly’s passion for this field began when she worked as a secretary in an intensive outpatient program providing court-ordered services. Inspired by the transformations she witnessed, she pursued a DUI assessor license and a certification in case management. This drive led her to earn a master’s degree in psychology, allowing her to create personalized treatment experiences for those seeking help.

Over the years, Kimberly has served as a case manager and later transitioned into the role of a therapist. She believes honesty is one of the most powerful tools in recovery—fostering self-growth, trust, and opportunities for lasting change. She finds immense fulfillment in watching individuals rediscover hope and rebuild their lives.

Committed to guiding others through their recovery journey, Kimberly is honored to be part of a field that transforms lives every day.

Shaa Marcum

Clinical Therapist

Shaa Lynn Marcum is a Clinical Therapist for Wise Path Recovery Center. She leads Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy and individual therapy sessions. She earned her BSW from West Virginia State University in 2011 and earned her MSW from Walden University in 2022. She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. Her professional experience includes working with clients who struggle with PTSD, anxiety, parenting issues, substance use, depression, and co-occurring disorders. Prior to working at Wise Path Recovery Centers, she has 12 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a social service agency setting. In her spare time, she loves spending time with my nieces and nephews, reading, traveling, and hanging with her dog Brandy. When asked about her approach to care, she shares “I meet the client where they are to provide support during challenging times, support the client in building self-awareness and acceptance so that change can happen.”

Alicia Varney

Clinical Therapist

Ali Varney brings nearly two decades of experience as a therapist specializing in substance abuse and mental health. Her career is marked by a profound dedication to supporting individuals through their recovery journeys, driven by a natural gift for communication and a deep-seated passion for helping others.

As a proud fur momma to two beloved dogs, Reese (age 18) and Myers (age 2), Ali extends her nurturing nature beyond her professional life. Her ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds is enhanced by her empathetic approach and genuine compassion.

Outside of her therapeutic work, Ali finds joy in socializing with friends and family, exploring new shopping experiences, traveling to enrich her perspectives, and embracing the simple pleasures that bring happiness to her life. Her commitment to personal fulfillment mirrors her dedication to empowering others towards healing and growth.

Claudia (Shelly) Gibson

Nurse Practitioner

Claudia has a master’s degree in nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of which she has been since 2018. She graduated from Ohio University Southern with my associate degree and obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing a year later. She has experience in several different areas of nursing, of which her favorite is substance use where she has more than two years’ experience. She most recently worked as a registered nurse at OVP Health Recovery Center, which is an inpatient recovery center that holds 80 beds.

Claudia has seen substance abuse in her own family, and this drives her passion to help those that struggle with substance abuse and to help them on the road to success.

Danielle Davis

Care Coordinator

Danielle Davis is a dedicated Care Coordinator at Wise Path Recovery Centers, where she provides compassionate support to individuals navigating substance use and mental health recovery. A proud graduate of Matewan High School’s final class in 2011, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College in 2023. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Professional Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which she will complete in 2025.

Danielle’s passion for addiction recovery stems from personal experience. Having faced struggles with substance abuse and mental health challenges due to past trauma, she understands what it feels like to be unheard and alone. This inspired her to dedicate her career to being a voice for others—helping individuals find hope, healing, and empowerment in their recovery journeys.

One of Danielle’s proudest accomplishments is earning her degree while defying the odds as a teen mother. She is determined to prove that statistics do not define a person’s future, and she continues to pursue higher education to expand her impact in the field.

Outside of her professional life, Danielle enjoys video gaming, watching her daughter participate in sports, and being an active, involved mother. She also has a passion for reading novels and watching true crime shows.

At Wise Path Recovery Centers, Danielle is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to reclaim their lives.

Angela Kudurogianis

Senior Director of Admissions & Patient Experience

Angela Kudurogianis is the Senior Director of Admissions & Patient Experience at Wise Path Recovery Centers, where she leads efforts to ensure that every admission begins with empathy, clarity, and seamless coordination. With nearly six years of experience at Ascension Recovery Services prior to her current role, Angela has a strong background in human resources, business management, behavioral health, and operations. Her focus ensures that every person entering treatment feels supported and empowered to begin their healing journey.

A lifelong resident of West Virginia, Angela holds a degree in Psychology from West Virginia University.

Outside of her professional roles, Angela enjoys spending time with her son and dog, camping, traveling, live music, giving back to her community, and advocating for individuals in recovery.

Teddi Grim

Lead Admissions Coordinator

Teddi Grim is the face our Centers as our Lead Admissions Coordinator. She was born, raised, and lived in the northern panhandle for most of her life and currently resides in Western PA near the WV border. She tells us she will always be a Mountaineer at heart.

She spent 22 years working in the medical field with more than 5 years in addiction medicine. The hospital-based treatment service she worked at for those years is where I found my passion for the industry. Now as the Lead Admissions Coordinator, she loves being the first voice that clients hear when they’re making that difficult phone call to seek help and being able to help them navigate their way into recovery.

When she is not working, she loves camping, kayaking and traveling with her husband and two sons. Most of her free time is spent being a sports mom and shuffling kids to and from practices and games, which she loves doing.

Stephanie Klemp

Senior Admissions Coordinator

Stephanie Klemp, originally from Northern California, is now a resident of Morgantown, West Virginia. She is a Senior Admissions Coordinator.

Stephanie also works with the Monongalia County Health Department’s Quick Response Team, Collegiate Recovery, Chess Health, and WVU Medicine. Stephanie is in the Professional Social Work program at West Virginia University with completed minors in Addiction Studies, Human Services, and Communications. She is an active member of Morgantown’s local recovery community and has a passion for helping others. She has dedicated her life to long-term recovery.

Russell Wyatt

Senior Outreach Coordinator

Russell is the Senior Outreach Coordinator for Wise Path Recovery Centers in West Virginia. He is a person in long-term recovery and has over a decade of experience in the addiction/recovery field. Russell spends his days traveling our great state building and fostering relationships with community partners to help people find wellness and recovery. He is dedicated to this mission, and he thinks that anyone suffering from substance misuse deserves the chance to recover and live a happy life. Russell previously worked as an outreach coordinator for American Addiction Centers before joining the Wise Path team. He also worked for West Virginia Sober Living/West Virginia Peers and was one of the first peer recovery support specialists in our area to become state certified and went on to help train and mentor many others in this role. He is a person who believes in second chances! Russell loves to spend his free time with friends and family. His hobbies include traveling, playing video games and other various things.

Dave Taylor II

Outreach Coordinator

Dave Taylor is the Outreach Coordinator for Wise Path Recovery Centers and has been in recovery since June 14, 2018. Dave’s journey into this field was inspired by a pivotal moment during his time in detox. A therapist once told him that he would one day work in the profession of helping others, a sentiment he initially dismissed as a compliment to his outgoing personality. However, that prediction proved true, and today, Dave thrives in his role, building meaningful connections and fostering hope in others.

Dave’s proudest accomplishment is earning the trust of families across West Virginia to find care for their loved ones. His goal is to continue his recovery journey, raise two compassionate children, and support others in their path to healing.

For Dave, work and life are deeply connected. He uses social media to show that recovery is not only possible but fun. He enjoys physical challenges like cardio, lawn work, and ice baths, believing that stepping outside comfort zones fosters growth.

Looking ahead, Dave’s goals are to continue his fulfilling journey in recovery, to raise two kind and compassionate children, and to support as many individuals as possible in finding hope and healing. He feels at home with Wise Path Recovery Centers and is committed to contributing to the organization’s ongoing growth and success.

Wise Path Recovery Centers ™

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet the dedicated team at Wise Path Recovery Centers. Our compassionate professionals are committed to guiding you on your journey to recovery.

Leadership

Morgantown, WV

Williamson, WV

Admissions

Business Development

Morgantown

Williamson

Westover

Morgantown

Williamson

Westover