Meet Our Team

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 Supervisor & 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.

Nicole King

Lead Clinical Therapist

Nicole King is a Lead Clinical Therapist at Wise Path Recovery Center with 18 years of experience, helping individuals who struggle with substance abuse and mental health. Nicole uses her experience to help individuals gain the skills and tools needed for recovery and mental health.

By focusing on helping others with mental health and substance abuse, Nicole has been able to put her Bachelor of Psychology and Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling degrees she earned at West Virginia University to good use. Over the years, her strengths of working with individuals with substance abuse and mental health have garnered her the opportunity to see many of her clients gain long-term recovery and lead productive lives.

Jonathan Hamrick

Clinical Therapist

Jon Hamrick is an OBOT Clinical Therapist for Wise Path Recovery Centers in Cheat lake, WV. He is a part-time therapist and full-time graduate student in the MSW program at WVU. Jon provides individual therapy for MAT and general outpatient clients. He began his career in counseling by working at Academy Programs and Valley Healthcare in Fairmont WV. Jon is passionate about mental health and healing on a personal level. He is in long term recovery himself and enjoys being able to give back to his community. Jon believes in treating each client with a rounded approach by looking at their needs on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. He enjoys meeting clients where they are and empowering them to become successful in their recovery journey.

Olivia Higdon

Clinical Therapist

Olivia Higdon is a clinical therapist for Wise Path Recovery Centers, who received her Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University. She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, and her professional experience includes working with clients who struggle with substance use, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar and co-occurring disorders. Prior to working at Wise Path Recovery Centers, she had 10 years of experience working for the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at WVU Medicine in both inpatient and outpatient settings across various roles. Olivia is a certified trauma provider and a certified psychedelic assisted psychotherapy provider. She has a special passion for working with individuals who struggle with substance use and trauma, knowing first-hand how both battles are most often part of generational cycles that take special care and attention to overcome. Her approach to care involves providing support and safety to allow patients to explore curiosities about self openly to permit development and desire for more meaningful self-discovery, self-awareness, and reconnection to self and others. Leaning into self-curiosity and our ability to heal from within to gain a better understanding of self and build upon areas of strength during the transformation process.

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.

Colleen Savage

Clinical Therapist

Colleen is a native of West Virginia and is a social worker by heart and education. She has a great interest in working with those who suffer from PTSD and recognizes that in working at Wise Path, she can do what she loves. In her 24-year career as a social worker, she has worked with many different populations and finds joy in helping anyone cope with symptoms of trauma. She has provided individual therapy in private practice and large agencies and has finally found her home at Wise Path Recovery. In her free time, Colleen enjoys camping with her family at the river and thrifting. Colleen is in a serious relationship and is a mother of three amazing kids. She is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and a fearless leader of empowering women to heal, achieve and claim ALL the good things this life has to offer. She looks forward to meeting you where you are on your journey!

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.

Stephanie Copley

Clinical Supervisor

Stephanie D. Copley, M.Ed, LPC, LPCC, is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. As a first-generation college graduate, she takes immense pride in breaking barriers and paving the way for future professionals in the field. She holds a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling & Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College and a Master of Arts in Addiction and Recovery Counseling from Liberty University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Stephanie’s passion for addiction treatment is deeply personal. Having witnessed the impact of substance use disorder within her own family, she was inspired to become part of the solution. This firsthand experience drives her unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families break free from the cycle of addiction.

With expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused care, and mindfulness-based approaches, Stephanie specializes in individual therapy, group counseling, crisis intervention, and program development for those struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. She also serves as a clinical supervisor, mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals.

Among her professional accomplishments, Stephanie is particularly proud of her role in the development and leading an intensive outpatient program that provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapeutic interventions.

Outside of work, family is the most important part of Stephanie’s life. She deeply values time with her parents, husband and children, and her beloved cat, Salem, who often accompanies her during telehealth sessions. She also has a passion for fast cars, enjoying the thrill and precision of high-performance vehicles.

Stephanie is honored to be part of the Wise Path Recovery Centers team, where she continues to advocate for compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to reclaim their lives.

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.

Michelle Jervis

Nurse Manager

Michelle Jervis is the RN manager for our Wise Path Recovery Williamson, WV location. She has been a nurse since 2014 with a background in medical/surgical, surgery and pediatrics. Michelle went to National University in Pikeville, KY for her associate’s degree in Science of Nursing. She is currently working on her master’s degree with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner. Michelle is excited and passionate about serving our community for addiction services.

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.

Ashley Price

Nurse Practitioner

Ashley is a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based at the Williamson, WV location. She earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University in 2022 and holds active licenses to practice in both West Virginia and Kentucky.

With a heartfelt commitment to addressing substance use disorder, Ashley draws from personal experiences witnessing its profound effects on individuals and families. Her passion for making a difference in her community drives her professional endeavors, aiming to provide compassionate care and support to those in need.

Ashley looks forward to continuing her work in Williamson, WV, striving to foster positive outcomes and enhance the well-being of individuals facing substance use challenges. Her dedication to patient care and community impact underscores her role as a valued healthcare provider.

Ashley Lester

Behavioral Health Technician Supervisor

Ashley Lester brings a diverse educational and professional background to her role as a Behavioral Health Technician Supervisor. Her career journey has included roles as a Business Administration student, an Ongoing Service Coordinator, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and a Behavioral Health Technician. While she is relatively new to the recovery field, Ashley’s deep understanding of addiction—shaped by experiences within her family, friendships, and community—has fueled her dedication to the work.

Ashley takes great pride in the care she has provided to a wide variety of clients, ensuring their needs are met and witnessing their personal growth. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and healing environment is one of her greatest professional accomplishments.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with family, reading, and encouraging her loved ones to reach their personal goals. She also loves exploring flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops, as well as unwinding with her favorite comfort shows.

Maranda Sammons

Care Coordinator

With over a decade of experience in human services and six years specializing in case management, care coordination, and supportive counseling, Maranda Sammons is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of substance use and mental health recovery. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College and is set to graduate in August 2025 with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in addiction.

Growing up in Appalachia, Maranda witnessed firsthand the impact of poverty, homelessness, and addiction—both in her community and personal life. These experiences fueled her passion for helping others break cycles of hardship and build a path toward stability and recovery. Her work has included extensive outreach in Appalachia, supporting individuals facing addiction, and assisting homeless veterans across six counties in West Virginia in securing housing.

Beyond her professional life, Maranda is a proud single mother of two boys, ages 12 and 7. As a dedicated sports mom, she spends much of her time cheering from the sidelines at practices and games. She also enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, crafting with her mother, and exploring the beauty of the Appalachian mountains.

At Wise Path Recovery Centers, Maranda is committed to providing compassionate, person-centered support to those in need, empowering individuals and families to achieve lasting change.

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.

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.

Morgantown, WV

Williamson, WV

Admissions

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Morgantown

Williamson

Westover

Morgantown

Williamson

Westover