Our Team
Experienced, licensed professionals dedicated to serving Southern West Virginia
Leadership
Executive Team
Experienced leaders dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care to Southern West Virginia
Lisa Jones, MSW
Chief Executive Officer
Angela Peterson, MBA
Chief Operations Officer
Melissa Shinault, MBA
Chief Compliance Officer
Rachelle Broyles
Administrative Executive Assistant
Dr. Alina Hamm, MD
Medical Director
Candace Nelson, MBA, LSW, ADC
Chief Clinical Officer of Community Programs
Staccotta Dickerson, MA
Chief Officer of Residential Services
Kenny Birchfield, MAT
Chief Officer of Children's Services
Jessica Steenson, MA, LICSW
Chief Clinical Officer - QA
Tina Hall, SHRM-CP
Division Director of Human Resources
Cynthia Christian, LPN
Clinical Workflow Analyst
Sarah Cecil, MSA
Senior Division Director of Finance
Dustin Cline, BS
Chief Information Technology Officer
Expert Care from People Who Know This Community
Since 1968, Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center has been staffed by licensed professionals who understand the unique challenges of providing mental health care in rural Appalachia. Many of our clinicians have lived and worked in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties for decades. They know what it's like to navigate limited resources, long distances to specialists, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health in small towns.
Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers (LICSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP), certified addiction counselors (CADC), registered nurses, and peer recovery specialists with lived experience in recovery.
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we meet rigorous federal standards for clinical quality and staff credentials. Every clinician participates in ongoing training, clinical supervision, and quality improvement initiatives. We're not just meeting the minimum—we're committed to excellence in every interaction.
Leadership & Specialized Teams
Clinical Leadership Team
Board-Certified Psychiatrists & Clinical Directors
MD, DO, LICSW, LPC
Our clinical leadership team includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors with decades of combined experience serving rural Appalachian communities. They oversee clinical quality, ensure evidence-based practices, and provide direct patient care across all service lines.
Areas of Expertise:
Crisis Services Team
24/7 Crisis Stabilization Specialists
RN, LPN, LICSW, Peer Recovery Specialists
Our Crisis Stabilization Unit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with registered nurses, licensed clinicians, and peer recovery specialists who provide immediate psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and safety planning. This team has responded to thousands of mental health emergencies in Southern West Virginia.
Areas of Expertise:
Clinical Departments
Adult Mental Health Services
Licensed therapists and psychiatrists specializing in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and trauma. Our team uses evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
Credentials: LICSW, LPC, LMFT, MD, DO, PMHNP
Available at:
All 6 locations
Substance Use Disorder Services
Addiction counselors, MAT prescribers, and peer recovery specialists with lived experience in recovery. Our team provides medication-assisted treatment (Suboxone, Vivitrol), individual and group counseling, and residential treatment.
Credentials: CADC, LPC, MD, DO, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Available at:
Princeton SUD Center, Residential Programs
Children's Outpatient Services
Child and adolescent specialists trained in play therapy, family therapy, ADHD evaluation, and school-based interventions. Our team works closely with parents, schools, and pediatricians.
Credentials: LICSW, LPC, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Available at:
Children's Clinic, School-Based Programs
Integrated Health Care
Primary care providers, psychiatric consultants, and care coordinators who address both physical and mental health needs in one location. This team manages chronic conditions, preventive care, and behavioral health integration.
Credentials: MD, DO, NP, PA, RN, Care Coordinators
Available at:
Princeton Main Clinic
Case Management & Peer Support
Case managers and peer recovery specialists who help navigate insurance, connect to community resources, provide transportation assistance, and offer support from people with lived experience in recovery.
Credentials: BSW, MSW, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Available at:
All locations
Credentials & Training
Licensed & Board-Certified
All clinical staff hold active West Virginia licenses and meet continuing education requirements. Our psychiatrists are board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Therapists hold master's or doctoral degrees in social work, counseling, or psychology.
Ongoing Training
Our team participates in weekly clinical supervision, monthly case conferences, and annual training in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, cultural competency, and evidence-based practices. We stay current with the latest research and treatment approaches.
Peer Recovery Specialists
Our peer recovery specialists are certified through the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals. They bring lived experience in recovery and provide hope, support, and practical guidance to individuals and families navigating similar challenges.
CCBHC Quality Standards
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we undergo rigorous annual audits of clinical quality, staff credentials, treatment outcomes, and patient satisfaction. This federal designation ensures we meet the highest standards of care.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for dedicated, licensed professionals who share our commitment to serving rural Appalachian communities. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in Southern West Virginia, we'd love to hear from you.