Meet Our Team

Andrea Whitis is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works on our inpatient team. She has worked in various settings of mental health, including inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health. However, her true passion has always been working with those with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues. The most rewarding part of her job is getting opportunity to see the individuals she treats get into recovery and work through any co-occurring mental health symptoms creating roadblocks to a full and happy life in recovery.

Dr. Chapman Sledge accepted his role as Chief Medical Officer at Cumberland Heights in 2009. For the previous 15 years, he had been Medical Director of Addiction Treatment Services at Pine Grove Behavioral Health in Hattiesburg, MS. Dr. Sledge is a nationally known physician in addiction medicine, served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and regularly speaks at conferences around the country. Dr. Sledge was among the first group of physicians to receive certification by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He also serves on the Medical/Scientific Committee of the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence. Dr. Sledge is a graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed residency training in Family Medicine and was certified by the American Board of Family Practice in 1986.

Dean Porterfield currently serves as the Director of ARCH. Dean has been with Cumberland Heights for over 11 years. As the Director he is responsible for day to day operations of ARCH as well as overseeing program development, staff development, referral relations, research and community outreach/education on teen addiction. Dean has served as Executive Director of an outdoor therapeutic program for adolescent males for over 10 years. Dean also has served on the Board of Directors of NATSAP (National Board of Therapeutic Schools and Programs), and frequently presents at national, regional and local conferences. Dean is also an approved LPC clinical supervisor. Dean brings over 18 years experiences working with the adolescent population and their families. He believes in a strength-based approach and understands that authentic relationships with the teens and families we serve is paramount for lasting change.

Sherry Vautier is a dedicated mental health professional and proud Tennessee native who has been serving at Cumberland Heights since 2013. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC/MHSP) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor II (LADAC II), Sherry brings both clinical expertise and compassionate care to her work.

Over the years, Sherry has held a variety of roles within Cumberland Heights, demonstrating her commitment to the mission and her versatility as a team member. Her journey began in the kitchen and has since included positions as a Clinical Associate in the Women’s Program, Case Manager in the Men’s Department, Family Counselor, and now as the Clinical Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Program.

Sherry is passionate about walking alongside individuals through their most challenging moments. She is driven by a deep belief in the power of healing and transformation, and she finds great fulfillment in supporting residents until they are empowered to support themselves. Her compassionate approach and unwavering dedication make her a valued leader and clinician within the Cumberland Heights community.

William Branson has been with ARCH since 2017 and currently serves as the Clinical Director for our Harpeth Campus, making sure all of our patient’s clinical needs are met. Before joining ARCH, William interned for the Cumberland Heights men’s program. William has a BA in Communications, a BS in in Psychology, and a M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He’s also a recipient of the George Watts Hill award for Citizenship, Academic Progress, Initiative, and Community Service. William says the most rewarding part of his job is watching patients heal and grow.

Amara Townes has been part of the Cumberland Heights team since 2012, working her way up from Administrative Assistant to her current role as Regional Outreach Coordinator for ARCH Academy. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from MTSU and a Master’s in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University, Amara brings a strong foundation in supporting teens and families.

Passionate about being a guiding light for those navigating recovery, Amara values being a calm and friendly voice during challenging times. After a four-year hiatus working with other behavioral health providers, she returned to Cumberland Heights to share the life-changing resources available through ARCH Academy.

Amara is married with two children, two dogs, and two cats. She loves Harry Potter, crafting, binge-watching her favorite shows, and spending time with family and friends.

Laura joined Cumberland Heights in 2011 and has been dedicated to the substance use treatment field since 2006. With experience working with both adults and adolescents across various levels of care—including outpatient, IOP, recovery residences, and residential treatment—she brings a well-rounded approach to supporting individuals in recovery.

In her current role, she is passionate about helping young people break harmful patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. Having started her own recovery journey as a teenager, Laura understands firsthand the impact of early exposure to recovery and is driven to guide others toward healing and transformation.

 Bio coming soon!

Oden Mentry serves as the Residential Milieu Supervisor at Cumberland Heights, where he has been a valued member of the team for six years. He began his journey as a part-time Clinical Associate and advanced into his current leadership role through dedication and a deep commitment to service. Prior to joining Cumberland Heights, Oden spent 10 years in the United States Army. His military background instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and purpose—qualities that naturally translated into the field of addiction treatment.

Oden was drawn to recovery work by a desire to continue serving others in meaningful ways. He finds the most fulfillment in witnessing transformation: watching individuals navigate hardship, rediscover their strength, and build healthier lives. Outside of work, Oden is a proud husband and father, with two energetic dogs rounding out the household. He also runs his own carpentry business, finding joy in creating and building with his hands.

Royce started working at Cumberland Heights part time for a few months before accepting a full time CA position. A year and a half later he transitioned to the Adolescent Team Leader position where he supervises the youth CA’s and helps create a safe, comfortable environment for the boys to learn about addiction, while also holding them accountable for their behaviors. Before working at Cumberland Heights, Royce worked with kids who had major behavior issues for 5 years. Royce has worked at Cumberland Heights for over 10 years.

Alex Certain serves as a Primary Counselor at ARCH Academy, joining the Cumberland Heights team in 2025. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University, Alex brings specialized experience in working with adolescents facing behavioral and substance use disorders since 2022.

Alex was inspired to pursue a career in addiction treatment after witnessing the transformative power of recovery in others. He finds deep fulfillment in walking alongside young people as they navigate big emotions, process trauma, and begin to heal. Being part of a supportive recovery community and watching patients grow throughout treatment is, for Alex, both rewarding and purposeful.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys life in Nashville with his wife, their daughter Margo, and their cat, Bart. The couple married during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially lived on campus at Belmont University before settling into their new home.

Bailey Griffin serves as a Primary Counselor at ARCH Academy’s Harpeth campus, joining the Cumberland Heights team in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies from MTSU and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. Before joining ARCH, Bailey worked in private practice at River Tree Center in Murfreesboro, where she also completed her graduate training. She has formal training in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Bailey was drawn to addiction treatment through clinical supervision focused on addiction work and her own experience counseling teens in outpatient settings. Her passion lies in helping adolescents navigate challenges during a crucial developmental period. She finds the greatest fulfillment in watching students at ARCH transform—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—into the best versions of themselves.

Outside of work, Bailey enjoys rock climbing, hiking, salsa dancing, and music. She lives with her sweet cat, Juniper.

Carolyn McCorkle joined ARCH Academy in 2022 as a Primary Counselor and later transitioned into a dual role as a Trauma Therapist specializing in EMDR. In addition to her work with young men at ARCH, she also provides EMDR therapy for men in Extended Care at Cumberland Heights.

A licensed professional counselor since 2002, Carolyn has been working as a therapist since the early 1990s. She has extensive experience in child and adolescent therapy and previously worked at Three Springs in Georgia. Drawn to ARCH Academy’s mission, she knew it was the right place for her, especially after finding it by simply making a wrong turn.

Carolyn raised her daughter as a single parent while completing two graduate programs. Her daughter is now a marine biologist dedicated to ocean conservation. Carolyn enjoys yoga, gardening, hammocking, and being outdoors. A fun fact—her first job in high school was at Walt Disney World!

Christin has been on the ARCH team since 2019 and currently serves as a primary counselor. She has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is working towards licensure. Christin says the most rewarding part of her job is walking alongside patients and families on their recovery journey and guiding them on a path to hope and healing.

Dede Beasley is a licensed professional counselor and serves as the Equine Therapist at ARCH Academy. She holds certifications with the Board for Equine Interaction Professionals (CBEIP-MH) and the Certified Horsemanship Association, reflecting her deep expertise in equine-assisted mental health and therapeutic horsemanship.

Horses have been an important part of Dede’s life since she was just six years old, and she brings that lifelong passion into her work with the young men at ARCH. Through equine therapy, she helps students explore connection, emotional awareness, and trust as they interact with animals in a supportive, structured environment.

Dede’s journey with Cumberland Heights spans decades and reflects her strong commitment to the organization’s mission. She first served in the family program in the early 1980s, later returning for several years when she helped introduce equine therapy on the main campus by bringing horses into the treatment experience. For the past four and a half years, she has continued that work at ARCH Academy, where she remains deeply dedicated to helping adolescents grow in recovery.

Dede’s hope for each young man is that he will discover and appreciate both himself and others through healthy, respectful relationships—an essential foundation for healing and long-term recovery.

Elena Lee serves as the teacher at ARCH Academy's Ridgeview Campus, where she supports residents in continuing their academic progress while in treatment. Since joining Cumberland Heights in 2025, Elena has played a key role in helping students earn academic credits, rebuild confidence, and re-engage with learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Elena holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Northwestern College in Iowa. Before joining ARCH, she completed her student teaching in Lima, Peru, working with students from over 30 countries. She also led educational programming at a zoo, tutored math for five years, and served as a peer career mentor.

Passionate about non-traditional education and mental health, Elena is dedicated to helping students rediscover their strengths. She finds fulfillment in watching young people grow in resilience and joy through learning.

Outside of work, Elena enjoys crochet, sewing, reading, gardening, and playing the pipe organ. She also plays saxophone in a community band and recently joined a handbell choir.

Before becoming a counselor at ARCH Academy in 2020, Katrina Stanford worked for 12 years in the Research Department at Meharry Medical College. During her final few years there, she was also in school full-time, working toward getting her clinical and mental health counseling degree. Katrina received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Tennessee State University. She got her Masters of Science at the University of Phoenix and Masters of Arts from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Katrina’s goals at ARCH are to positively impact the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder and provide a space for teens to be open and honest.

Kenneth Davis brings passion and lived experience to his role as Adventure Therapy Coordinator at Cumberland Heights, where he has served since 2017. He leads innovative fly fishing programs and coordinates all adventure-based therapy across ARCH programming, blending outdoor experiences with evidence-based practices to create meaningful opportunities for healing.

Having navigated his own recovery journey, Kenneth understands the challenges of addiction and is dedicated to inspiring adolescents to embrace their paths to recovery through connection with nature, resilience-building, and spiritual growth.

As a certified Wilderness First Responder and licensed Tennessee Fishing Guide, Kenneth ensures both safety and insight in every adventure therapy experience. Outside of work, he enjoys backpacking, camping, fly fishing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Lilly Hackler serves as a Primary Counselor at ARCH Academy. Lilly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Her passion for helping others began early, working with children throughout high school and college. During her graduate internship with Cumberland Heights, Lilly discovered her deep connection to the recovery community and joined the team full-time after graduation. She finds the most fulfillment in witnessing individuals rediscover joy in their lives as they progress through treatment.

Outside of work, Lilly enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with her husband and their dog, Sunny. With a baby on the way, she’s excited to grow her own family while continuing to support others in healing theirs.

Marshall McCune serves as a Primary Counselor at ARCH Academy, where he helps guide young men on their journey to recovery. He joined Cumberland Heights in 2024 as a float counselor in the Men’s Program before transitioning to his current role in October.

Marshall earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and will complete his master’s degree from the University of West Alabama in May. He has worked in addiction treatment since 2018, spending five years as a case manager at Nashville Recovery Center before obtaining his LADAC I certification in 2023. His own recovery journey, which began in 2017, inspired him to help others reclaim their lives. He finds fulfillment in giving young people a second chance and watching them discover their true potential.

A Nashville native, Marshall and his fiancée, Hailee, have a three-year-old son, Malcolm. They share their home with two dogs, Linda and Kyle, and two cats, Greg and Judy. A fun fact—Marshall has never worn jeans! He also loves Jeopardy!, reading, and Tennessee Vols football.

Marti Roveda is a Certified Parent Coach and Certified Parent Peer Specialist who walks alongside parents facing the challenges of adolescent substance use, mental health struggles, or behavioral issues. As the founder of Equanimity Parent Coaching and the ARCH Parent Tribe, Marti creates safe spaces for parents to heal, connect, and rediscover their strength.

Her coaching is grounded in the principles of transformational parenting, helping parents regulate their own emotions, communicate with empathy, set healthy boundaries, and nurture secure attachment with their children. Drawing from both her professional training and her family’s lived experience, Marti empowers parents to shift from fear and reactivity to steadiness and compassion, creating conditions where both parent and child can thrive.

Rebecca Johnson started at Cumberland Heights in 2008 as a Family Counselor, and within a few months of her time here, built a comprehensive art therapy program. Through her work, Rebecca creatively helps patients develop more insight and self-awareness to aid their long-term recovery. She encourages them to push through their doubts and vulnerabilities to see what they can accomplish. Rebecca says the most rewarding part of her job is hearing from the alumni she’s worked with.

Spencer Jacobson serves as the Primary Counselor for the ARCH Intensive Outpatient Program at Music Row. Since joining Cumberland Heights in January 2022, he has also worked as a Recovery Care Advocate for the Young Men’s Department and a Clinical Associate in the Men’s Program.

Spencer holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University and brings nearly five years of experience in addiction and mental health treatment. His passion for this work stems from his personal journey in recovery—getting sober at 21—and his commitment to being the support he once needed. Spencer finds deep fulfillment in helping others rediscover their self-worth and begin trusting themselves again.

Outside of work, he enjoys camping, studying psychology and theology, connecting with friends, practicing mindfulness, and playing the bongos.

Hunter Krauch serves as Case Manager at ARCH Academy, where he plays a key role in supporting young men on their journey to recovery. Since joining the team in 2020 as a Clinical Associate, he has also served as a CA Team Lead before stepping into his current role. In addition to case management, Hunter facilitates ARCH’s weekly alumni meeting and leads adventure-based programming, including experiential therapy groups, fly fishing, and camping trips.

Hunter is in recovery himself and found sobriety at a young age. His personal journey drives his passion for helping young men see that a better life is possible. He finds fulfillment in providing a safe and supportive space for growth—something many young men may not have elsewhere.

Hunter is married and has a son, with whom he enjoys spending quality time. Every Saturday, they have “Boys Day,” filled with adventure and mischief. He also loves being active and spending time outdoors.

Stephanie Brown serves as the Executive Chef and Dietary Manager for ARCH Academy, bringing over a decade of experience in culinary services. She has been part of the team for over two years, creating nutritious and comforting meals that support students’ recovery journeys.

Before joining ARCH, Stephanie spent 10 years as an Executive Dining Services Director in assisted living and attended Kent State University in Ohio. Passionate about cooking and baking, she was drawn to the opportunity to bring her talents to an adolescent facility, where she could combine her love for food with her passion for working with young people.

For Stephanie, the most rewarding part of her role is seeing the smiles on students’ faces when they come into the dining room—proof that they enjoy and appreciate her meals. Outside of work, she is a proud mother to her 22-year-old son and cherishes the joy of nurturing others through food.

 Bio coming soon!