This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself.
I am a 2018 graduate from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Psychology, and I am set to graduate in May from Belmont University with an M.S. in Strategic Communication and Leadership. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel; I take an annual girls’ trip to see my best girl friends, who live all over the country. I love living in Nashville; we have some of the best local small businesses, and I feel like there is not enough time to try them all, but I enjoy trying!
Tell us about your business/industry?
I’m proud to work for Behavioral Health Group (BHG), the nation’s largest network of Joint Commission-accredited outpatient opioid addiction treatment centers. In the ever-evolving field of addiction medicine, we continuously adapt our approach to address the changing landscape of substance use. Nashville, unfortunately, ranks second in the nation for overdose deaths. As a dedicated treatment provider, we closely monitor local trends and tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our community.
Our BHG treatment centers in Central Tennessee offer two FDA-approved medications for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). To ensure widespread access to care, we accept most commercial insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare, grant funding, and self-pay options. This comprehensive approach allows us to minimize turning away individuals due to financial constraints. Our treatment model integrates individual and group counseling with MAT, providing a holistic approach to recovery.
At BHG, we’re committed to addressing the opioid crisis head-on. Our personalized recovery plans incorporate medication-assisted treatment and counseling for safe, effective treatment. We understand that opioid addiction is a complex medical issue, not a moral failure, and our evidence-based treatment reflects this perspective. As of 2024, we’ve seen encouraging trends in Nashville, with a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses compared to previous years. This progress motivates us to continue our efforts in providing accessible, high-quality care to those struggling with opioid use disorder in our community.
What should we know about you?
As a Nashville native and proud graduate of Brentwood High School, I have been fortunate to grow up in one of the region’s most exceptional communities. I am deeply committed to contributing both professionally and personally to the continued growth and improvement of this community.
How did you get to your current position?
My first job after college was at Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, a nonprofit organization providing integrative care to the Middle Tennessee community. During my tenure, I developed professionally and gained valuable experience that instilled confidence in my leadership abilities. Notably, I contributed to introducing addiction treatment services at Matthew Walker, offering recovery opportunities to individuals who might not have had access otherwise. When the regional outreach manager position became available at Behavioral Health Group, I felt well-prepared to take on the role.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
Bringing together individuals in the community is imperative. Nashville is the perfect city for people to be involved in Chamber activities. Nashvillians support each other and the businesses that work to propel the community.
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Although it feels like just yesterday I was 25, the past few years have been incredibly transformative. If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would say: be brave and be bold. I was blessed with numerous tools and opportunities for growth, but fear often held me back. Looking back, I realize that I had everything I needed to succeed, but what I lacked was confidence. If I could go back, I would remind myself to trust in my abilities and believe in myself more.
I now urge any young professionals that sometimes you have to succeed scared. The more you act through fear, the more skilled you become and eventually some of that fear subsides!
How do you stay engaged in the community?
I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Lambda Omega chapter and we have several initiatives where we are out helping the local community. Most recently I participated in Greeks Read Across Nashville Day, where I was able to read to three classrooms at Tusculum elementary. In my free time I take adult ballet classes at Nashville Ballet, which is an awesome opportunity to meet others in the community with a shared interest and support the arts!
What role does intra-industry collaboration play in your industry?
In the field of addiction medicine, intra-industry collaboration essential. My role centers on establishing and nurturing community referral partnerships to ensure individuals receive comprehensive, tailored treatment. We actively engage with a diverse network of stakeholders, including inpatient treatment providers, hospital systems, primary care providers, law enforcement agencies, and the court system. This collaborative approach is crucial because, without it, people in recovery might struggle to access the full spectrum of resources they need.
It’s important to recognize that a significant portion of our patient population faces co-occurring diagnoses and social challenges that require attention alongside their addiction treatment needs. We’ve witnessed remarkable success with our partnerships, particularly in Central Tennessee. This success is largely attributed to the community’s genuine commitment to prioritizing the well-being of individuals in need. The collective dedication to holistic care and recovery has created a supportive ecosystem that significantly enhances treatment outcomes and long-term recovery prospects.
What was the first concert you ever attended? What is the best live show you’ve seen in Nashville?
The first concert I ever attended was Janet Jackson’s All for You Tour, marking a special moment that became the start of a cherished tradition—my mom and I’s ‘mommy and me’ concert dates. Even now, as an adult, we continue this tradition, having enjoyed multiple Janet Jackson concerts together, along with other shows. These events have become a wonderful opportunity for us to spend quality time together.