ALANA RECOVERY CENTERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- National Certified Counselor
- Professional Counselor
Amanda Fairbanks is a Licensed Associated Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor in the State of Georgia. Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Cedarville University and received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University.
Before coming to work at Alana Recovery Center, Amanda completed her internship at Inneractions Therapy Services working with the neurodivergent population, and worked for the Richmont Trauma Center, Compassion Cove Counseling, and Peachford Behavioral Health Hospital. Amanda has had experience working with trauma both in private practice and hospital settings. While at Peachford, Amanda worked with Dual diagnosis and psychiatric patients in the partial hospitalization and intensive out patient level of care. During undergrad, Amanda completed an internship at Haven of Rest Homeless shelter in Akron, Ohio working with those who struggling with homelessness, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and suicidal ideation.
Amanda's work collaboratively with clients to create a best fit approach for all. She utilities an integrated therapeutic approach that pulls from Person-Centered, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, and strengths based approaches. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys cooking, making ceramics, and spending time with friends.
Job Titles:
- Client Advocate / Button
- Client Advocate / More Info
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director / Button
Job Titles:
- Human Resources & Compliance Director / Button
Job Titles:
- Therapist
- Therapist / Kennesaw
Caitlin began her role as a Primary Therapist at Alana Recovery in June 2022. Caitlin graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and graduated from of the University of Georgia, with her Master's Degree in Social Work.
Before coming to work at Alana, Caitlin completed a year-long internship at Family Counseling Service in Athens, where she provided individual and group therapy to clients in the Athens Drug Court Program. Throughout her time at Family Counseling Service, Caitlin further developed diverse skills and techniques to use in order to best serve those in substance abuse recovery.
To provide the best care to her clients, Caitlin uses various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy techniques, and client-centered therapy. As a social worker, Caitlin works through the lens of social justice, trauma informed care, and integrity. Caitlin aims to provide a positive therapeutic relationship built upon trust, respect, empathy, and connection.
In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, doing puzzles, and reading.
Christopher Morgan obtained his degree in psychology from Oglethorpe University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Kennesaw State University. He has previously worked with Kennesaw State University students at the Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery on campus. Chris has extensive experience working with the homeless population of Atlanta. He has additional expertise working in the detox unit of a residential substance abuse and mental health facility. Christopher has a passion for helping those in need and finds purpose in serving the community.
Job Titles:
- Alumni Relations Coordinator / Button
Job Titles:
- Business Development Director
- Co - Founder
Originally from Miami, Fl. David has been part of Alana's management since its inception. Prior to Alana, David was part of building and running Sober Living Men Living. Inspired by his own personal recovery journey, he enjoys working collaboratively with the staff to create a healthy, healing environment for others on the same path.
David earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Miami. Over the course of his career, he has served those with addictive disorders in a variety of settings. Always focused on the big picture but never losing sight of the day-to-day interactions.
In his spare time David enjoys spending time with friends, exercising, hiking and having a good laugh.
Donnie Huston has over 15 years of experience in behavioral health services. Donnie has had the pleasure of building and leading an effective team of professionals, overseeing the day-to-day operations and management in order to run successfully. Leadership is extremely important and mentoring others to be their best has provided the best results in the workplace as well as overall performance. Donnie joined the team at ALANA Recovery, a recovery program that is dedicated to helping others, in 2023. He loves spending time with his family and his beloved puppies Harley and Gemma.
Job Titles:
- Medical Director / Attending Physician
Dr. Lentz was raised on the southern coast of Georgia. He went to Georgia Southern University and the Medical College of Georgia. He did a Family Practice residency in Jacksonville, Florida and upon graduation went to Pensacola , Florida to be a Flight Surgeon. Upon graduating he went to San Diego as a Flight Surgeon . He was on two carriers, the Ranger and the America.
He moved to Snellville , Ga in 1980 and has practiced Family Medicine and now is practicing Internal Medicine. He also got an MBA from Kennesaw State University in 1998.
He enjoys treating patients who are addicted to opiates. He also enjoys running, biking, ballroom dancing and yoga.
Job Titles:
- Client Advocate / Button
- Client Advocate / More Info
Elizabeth is a musician, she attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. She has spent the last 15 years playing blues music around Atlanta. Elizabeth is a published author and photographer, specializing in concert photography and music reviews. She is passionate about volunteer work as well as advocating for recovery, mental health, autism, and the LGBTQ community. Elizabeth is values driven by connection, integrity, and service at her core. Elizabeth is a proud of her 2 adult children, Ian and Chandler. She loves spending time with her family and saltwater fishing; she adores her beautiful rescue puppy, Luna.
Job Titles:
- National Certified Counselor
- Professional Counselor
Genevieve Ellis is a Licensed Associated Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor in the State of Georgia. Genevieve received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia Gwinnet College and received her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University Penfield College.
Before coming to work at Alana Recovery Center, Genevieve did her internship at Emory Wesley Woods Inpatient Hospital, and worked at Brand New Start Treatment Center and Ridgeview Institute. Genevieve was a therapist at Brand New Start that helped patients with rehabilitation services for individuals who are dependent on narcotics. Further, while Genevieve was at Ridgeview Institute, she was the lead therapist for the Dual Diagnosis Unit and worked on the Women's Trauma Unit, Acute Adult Unit, and Geriatric Unit. During undergrad, Genevieve completed an internship at Healing Psychotherapy of Georgia working with those who struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation and self-harming tendencies.
To Provide the best care, Genevieve adapts her therapeutic approach that best fits the needs of her clients. She utilities an integrated therapeutic approach that pulls from Cognitive behavioral therapy, Reality therapy, Gestalt therapy, and Mindfulness practices. Genevieve is dedicated in working together with her clients to identify goals, implement change, and overcome barriers to help them live their best desired life. In her spare time, Genevieve enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family.
Gregory Chancy is the founder of ALANA Recovery Centers, a organization that provides support and resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder. He is deeply motivated to help others in their journey towards recovery, as he himself has personal experience with substance abuse and is currently in active long-term recovery. He has seen firsthand the devastating effects that substance abuse can have on individuals, as well as their families and loved ones, and is determined to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by this issue.
In addition to his role at ALANA Recovery Centers, Gregory Chancy is also a licensed and practicing criminal defense & personal injury attorney in the Metro Atlanta area. He is a successful businessman and litigator, and hopes to use his professional experience to show those struggling with substance abuse that there is hope for a better future. He is a loving family man and is deeply committed to making the world a better place through his work. Overall, Gregory Chancy is a dedicated and compassionate individual who is determined to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by substance abuse disorder.
Joseph Burton has a unique perspective having been through the Alana program. He has worked and still works a strong twelve step program. Joseph has experience in sober living as a client and as a house manager. He is currently the Client Advocate at the Sugar Hill location for Alana Recovery Centers.
Joseph is originally from California and relocated to Georgia 8 years ago to start a family. He loves outdoor activities such as mountain biking and disc golfing but being of service is his real passion.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Button
Katy is a Nurse Practitioner at Alana who collaborates with Dr. Lentz to provide excellent care to Alana clients. She first attended Kennesaw State University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Health Science. She then attained her degree in Nursing from University of Alabama-Birmingham. While obtaining her advanced nursing degree, she worked as a float nurse at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. This is where she discovered her calling for addiction medicine. Katy is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and is licensed in Georgia. She is passionately involved with the care of Dr. Lentz' patients and you will see her in and around the Alana Kennesaw office.
Katy and her partner reside in the North Georgia suburb area where they enjoy outdoor recreational sports, as well as cookouts with friends on the weekends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Client Advocate / Button
- Senior Client Advocate / Kennesaw
- Senior Client Advocate / More Info
Kelly Mayer is a young woman in long term recovery from substance abuse who is heavily involved in the recovery community of Kennesaw, Georgia. Kelly is currently enrolled at Kennesaw State University as a psychology major with a minor in human services. Kelly realized her passion for helping other addicts through volunteering at state run sober living facilities; she joined the Alana Recovery team in the summer of 2021. She has extensive experience in assisting peers in recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders, specializing in individual peer support as well as group facilitation.
As the Senior Client Advocate, she runs morning psychological educational groups; Kelly is likely to be the first face you will see in the morning! She is lovingly referred to as the "glue" and takes pride in her ability to help support the team. Kelly's favorite part of working at Alana Recovery Center is getting to see each client grow in their recovery and rediscover their self-worth.
Kelly is originally from Mississippi but has lived in East Cobb for the last 16 years. Kelly got her first job at 12 years old and has approached every position she has had since with the same tenacity. In her free time, Kelly enjoys painting, playing with her rescue puppy 'Scout', playing guitar, and spending time with friends. If she's not at work or school, you can find her in a 12-step meeting!
Kim Starr is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. She believes supporting peers in recovery makes significant difference in helping others maintain sustained recovery. Kim joined the Alana Recovery team in May of 2023. She has extensive experience in individual peer support as well as group facilitation.
"Recovery has given me the chance to change my life and the opportunity to do better. I enjoy working with peers in recovery because I have the ability to help others through my own experience, strength, and hope."
Kris Shock, LPC, CMAC holds a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, BS from Kennesaw State University in Human Service with a concentration in case management and has been a Certified Master Addiction Counselor since 2022. Kris has worked within the substance use and eating disorder community at all levels of care; residential, partial hospitalization, intensive out patient and supportive housing. Kris has served as past president of Georgia Association of Recovery Residences and past Membership chair of the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association. Kris also founded and managed sober housing for eating disorders for over ten years as part of her giving back to a community that supported her own recovery experience.
Kris employs a humanistic approach to her counseling, believing that every person has an internal desire for growth given an environment of empathy, congruency and unconditional positive regard. She believes in the power of gaining insight into how past experiences affect the here and now and sees the counseling relationship as the space to allow that insight to develop. Kris desires for clients to gain self-awareness through the therapeutic relationship.
Kris has been married to her husband, Steven for 29 years and has two children; a daughter who is married living in Marietta and a son who serves in the Navy as a NUK in San Diego. Kris and her husband live on a small hobby farm in Cartersville, Georgia surrounded by goats, chickens, pigs, ducks, and a horse named Joe.
Nick Davenport joined the Alana Recovery team in May of 2023, he is a published author with a
passion for helping peers in recovery. He brings over five years of experience working in the
Ryan McClimon was the heart of ALANA. We were devasted to lose him in 2021 to COVID. We miss you and love you Ryan. We will continue to work tirelessly to help others as you exemplified.
Ryan was originally from Dallas, Texas but grew up in Marietta, Georgia. He loved everything about the substance abuse and mental health field. "I really love watching the growth in the people seeking help!" Ryan was in long term recovery himself, he truly had a passion for this work! He worked with the families from the first phone call until the client was an alumni.
Ryan enjoyed spending time with his son, fiance, family (he was a twin!), and friends. You could usually find Ryan working but in his free time, you might have found him grilling out and by the pool or traveling.
Job Titles:
- Organizational Development Director / Button
Job Titles:
- Business Development
- Business Development / Kennesaw
Steven is originally from Hoffman, Illinois. He expects to graduate with his associates degree in psychology from Georgia State University in 2023. Steven is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder, he began his recovery journey in 2019. He successfully completed inpatient treatment and went on to continue his recovery at sober living. As he continued in his recovery journey, he developed a deep devotion to helping people in recovery from substance use disorder from all walks of life. He has 4 years of experience in the recovery field, serving as a Behavioral Health Tech for several years. He joined the Alana Recovery team in 2022 and currently supports business development as he connects with new clients, taking them through the admissions process.
Steven enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, reading, and playing video games. He adores his two 2 cats: Mr. Kitten Pants and Penny.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Master Social Worker
- Therapist
Susan Sanchez is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Georgia. She received her Associate of Science in Drug Studies from Rio Hondo Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and received a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. Susan also received a Master of Social Work degree from Walden University.
Susan has worked in addictions since 2006 at various outpatient and residential facilities in California. Susan completed an undergrad internship at SPIRITT Family Services (2005) and a practicum at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (2012). Both SPIRITT and the Salvation Army focus on clients with limited resources to help them recover from substance abuse. After moving to Georgia, Susan completed her internship at Centered Recovery Programs (2019) and at Alana Recovery Center (2021). Centered Recovery Programs uses a mindfulness-based approach to recovery. Susan's experience includes using creative and artistic means to help clients recover from trauma, shame, and substances.
Susan believes that collaborating with clients helps the client invest in their treatment. She uses a strengths-based, integrated therapeutic approach, pulling from Person-Centered, Existential Humanistic Perspectives, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Systems Theory, Mindfulness Practices, and Sandtray Therapy. In her spare time, Susan enjoys practicing Jujitsu, fishing, hiking, and various arts and crafts.