Meet our Nashville Team

Chief Executive Officer

Ashley is a behavioral healthcare executive who specializes in strategic and clinical operational leadership, team development, and community building.

Ashley brings a wealth of experience in the care and treatment of adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. As a licensed Marital and Family Therapist, she has gained extensive competence with diverse populations, including adolescents, homeless teens, college students, and adults. Ashley has provided care to individuals, couples, families, and groups within various settings, such as the juvenile justice system, outpatient, and residential treatment environments.

During her tenure at BrightQuest Treatment Center in San Diego, Ashley played a key role in the start-up and management of multiple residential treatment homes, offering both short- and long-term care for patients with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. As the Director of Residential Services, she oversaw facility administration, staff supervision, patient care coordination, and clinical services.

After relocating to Chicago, Illinois, Ashley facilitated the launch of the intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs for Foundations Recovery Network as the Director of Outpatient Services. She later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she successfully opened BrightQuest Nashville as its Executive Director. In 2021, Ashley advanced to the role of National Executive Director for BrightQuest, overseeing operations at both the Nashville, TN, and San Diego, CA locations.

Ashley is deeply passionate about applying her clinical, leadership, and management expertise to create a supportive and healing environment for individuals and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Sociology, and a master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy, both from the University of San Diego. Ashley is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Tennessee and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

Medical Director

W. Scott West, MD has a philosophy of treatment that involves seeing each patient as a whole person including mind, body and spirit, and as an individual with unique life experiences and circumstances. Dr. West uses psychotherapy and/or medications as indicated to meet the needs of his patients as well as helping them find services to guide them toward a healthy lifestyle. This approach has led him to receive honors such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Exemplary Psychiatrist Award in 1994, as well as the St. Thomas Hospital Humanitarian Award in 2009.

Dr. West has an outpatient practice where he treats adults dealing with mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, thought disorders, cognitive or attention problems, stress, relationship struggles and personality/interpersonal issues. He served as Medical Director of the Neurobehavioral Unit at St. Thomas Hospital where his focus was on treating patients with problems associated with dementia or psychiatric problems with medical co-morbidities. He also serves on the clinical faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt.

In April of 2010, Dr. West brought the technology of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Nashville, becoming the first physician in Tennessee to offer this option for patients whose depression has not responded to a course of antidepressant medication.

Dr. West began practicing psychiatry in 1986 following his residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry. He earned his medical degree from The University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences and graduated magna cum laude from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a B.A.

He is a Diplomate of The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the specialty of Psychiatry and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Psychiatrist

An individualized treatment plan is fundamental to Dr. Frock’s philosophy of care. He believes that we are shaped by our experiences, relationships, and loss over the course of time. As such, all persons should have needs tailored to the moment. He provides treatments using both psychotherapy and medications and his primary goal is to work collaboratively to achieve maximum health, happiness, and functioning.

Dr. Frock has an outpatient practice where he treats depression, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, attention deficit disorders, grief, interpersonal struggles, as well as adjustment disorders.

Dr. Frock completed his psychiatry residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was honored to be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and receive the Marc H. Hollender Award for performance by a resident during his training. He earned his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and graduated magna cum laude from Creighton University with a degree in Biology.

He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a member of the Nashville Psychotherapy Institute and Clinical TMS Society.

Director of Admissions & Outreach

Kasey was born and raised in South Carolina before moving to Nashville, TN, where he completed his bachelor’s degree at Belmont University in Social Entrepreneurship. From an early age, Kasey had an interest in mental health and a passion for serving others. He decided to pursue his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Belmont and graduated from that program in 2018. During his studies and internship, Kasey’s clinical knowledge grew and he gained extensive experience working with those with complex substance abuse and mental health issues. After completing his Master’s Program, Kasey worked as a therapist before finding his home in Admissions. He discovered that his passion for helping others and interest in mental health was perfectly married working in Admissions. Kasey strives to help families feel as comfortable as possible as they go through the difficult process of finding treatment for their loved ones. Due to his therapeutic background, Kasey is able to offer an in-depth clinical knowledge and a calming presence to families as they begin the process of seeking help at BrightQuest.

In his downtime, Kasey enjoys traveling, watching and playing sports, and spending time with family and friends along with his dog, Wolfie. He joined the BrightQuest Nashville team in November 2019 and hopes to help the BrightQuest family continue to grow.

Admissions Manager

Sarah was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  Her passion for mental health began during High School when she took an AP psychology course.  Sarah moved to Bloomington, IN where she completed both her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Counseling at Indiana University.  Sarah’s first experience during graduate school was in a residential and acute mental health facility working with those with severe mental health issues. Following completion of her master’s degree, Sarah moved to Nashville, TN and began working as a clinical therapist with children and adolescents with trauma histories in a residential treatment center.  From there Sarah gained additional experience working with insurance providers and transitioned into Admissions.  Sarah found balance working in Admissions by utilizing clinical skills and helping guide families through the process often when they are in-crisis.  Sarah strives to provide a warm and welcoming experience to anyone seeking treatment by understanding the difficulty navigating treatment options and providing guidance along the way. Sarah joined the BrightQuest team in December 2020.

Clinical Director

Khamaria was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and moved to Nashville, TN where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology at Tennessee State University  and Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University. While completing her Master’s Degree, Khamaria found a passion working with people and helping them seek change.  Following the completion of her master’s program, Khamaria gained experience in community mental health which allowed her to work with young men, women, individuals, couples, and families. In her free time, Khamaria enjoys traveling and connecting with her family and friends.

Khamaria joined the BrightQuest Nashville team in July of 2020 and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee (1721), and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

Senior Director of Operations

Stephanie is a Nashville native with 9 years of experience working in the field of addiction and mental health treatment. Following the start of her own personal healing journey a decade ago, Stephanie knew she wanted to work with others seeking to become the most authentic versions of themselves. It was through her role as Director of Operations for Nashville Recovery Center, however, that she discovered her passion for building communities that provide a supportive healing environment. Stephanie has since helped to open several programs, ranging from residential to outpatient and has an understanding of how to effectively design and implement systems that facilitate high quality treatment. She holds a bachelor’s in Psychology from University of Pheonix and is currently pursuing her master’s in Healthcare Administration. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading and spending time outside with her three kids.

Executive Clinical Advisor

Brooke was born in Southern Eastern Kentucky and raised in East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University, San Diego.

Brooke began her journey with BrightQuest San Diego in August of 2015 as a Clinical Intern and briefly held the role of a Residential Support Staff before shifting into the role of Clinician until April of 2018. She then relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to support the opening of BrightQuest Nashville. Brooke was promoted to Clinical Manager and provided oversight to the clinical team, residential team, and medical team before stepping away briefly in January of 2020.

Brooke returned to the BrightQuest Nashville team as a Clinical Supervisor and Onboarding/Training Facilitator in July of 2020. Brooke is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee (1492) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Mentor.

Lead Therapist - Recovery Specialist

Zack was born and raised in Fredrick, Maryland. He received his bachelor’s degree at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland in Psychology and Sociology with a specialization in Criminology and Counseling; he then went on to complete his master’s degree in Counseling at McDaniel College. His clinical experiences include outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, co-occurring disorder programs, and long term residential rehabilitation centers.

Zack joined BrightQuest-Nashville in July of 2020 as a Milieu Support Staff, before joining the Clinical Team as a therapist in early 2021. Zack utilizes a myriad of therapeutic techniques ranging from motivational interviewing, dialectic behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, in vivo or exposure therapy, and solution focused therapy, while always focusing on client centered interventions and practices.

In his free time, Zack enjoys competitive weightlifting, reading, hiking, playing music, and cooking.

Zack is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (TN #7387).

Therapist

Brianna grew up in Slidell, Louisiana. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from The University of Alabama and later received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. Following graduation, Brianna began working as a therapist in the addiction field. She has a passion for working with adolescents and adults experiencing difficulty navigating daily life with interpersonal relationships and suffering from personality disorders, anxiety, depression, boundary setting, and varying forms of acute trauma. She believes in working with a collaborative team approach that highlights the strengths of her clients, to help them achieve their goals of becoming the best and healthiest versions of themselves.

Brianna strives to create a safe and open space for clients to explore their emotions and feelings, as well as processing their experiences in a judgment-free environment allowing each person to be their authentic selves. She hopes to make an impact on those wanting to make long-lasting changes in their lives while simultaneously tackling the stigma of mental health in communities of color.

Brianna has a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and is under the supervision of Khamaria Wright, LMFT (TN #1721).

Therapist

My name is Hannah Donoway and I was born in Washington DC and raised in both Maryland and Tennessee. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology through the University of Maryland Global campus and recently completed my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling through Capella University. During my work with the ASD population, I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Through my experience I have found a passion for working with individuals one-on-one from a humanistic approach with the integration of multiple techniques. I recently relocated to the Nashville area close to family and plan to create a home within the community. I enjoy warm weather, being outside, and creating art in my free time.

Hannah has a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and is under the supervision of Khamaria Wright, LMFT (TN #1721).

Therapist

Victoria was born and raised in New Jersey but has fully embraced Nashville as home. She earned an undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of North Carolina- Greensboro and spent time working on a multidisciplinary special education team at an international school in Germany. Victoria most recently completed their master degree in Dance Movement Therapy with a concentration in Couple + Family Therapy from Antioch University New England.

Victoria is passionate about integrating movement and somatic based interventions into working with clients and their loved ones to highlight the importance of the mind-body connection. She primarily works from a systemic lens utilizing elements from collaborative therapy, narrative therapy, and parts work while still individualizing the therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

In their free time, Victoria enjoys spending time with their wife and their two dogs, traveling the globe and honoring their movement roots through curating creative connection outlets.

Victoria is a registered dance movement therapist (R-DMT) through the American Dance Therapy Association (#2924) and is under the supervision of Khamaria Wright, LMFT (TN #1721).

Therapist

A Brentwood, TN native, Naser has worked in behavioral health team for over five years, with experience working in the care and treatment of children with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. He has extensive experience in elementary education, I/O Psychology, Autism treatment, and sexual abuse treatment. He has provided care and education to individuals, families, and residential treatment settings.

While at San Francisco State University, he managed, led, and helped publish scholarly work in the Workplace Technology Lab. He studied the correlation between authentic leadership, employee productivity, and other behavioral-related effects of leadership. During this time, he provided social-skills education to over five elementary schools in the Bay Area. Additionally, he spent time working with ABA therapy and conducted in-home sessions with families who have children with autism. He is used to teaching group classes with 15-30 students and loves to teach subjects like writing and reading within his clinical practice. After relocating back to Tennessee, he tutored multiple high school clients with severe anxiety/depressive symptoms. In Nashville, he is passionate about bringing his clinical, leadership, and management expertise to create a place for individuals and families to find comfort, support, and healing.

Naser joined the BrightQuest team as a clinical intern in October 2023. He’s currently under the supervision of Khamaria Wright, LMFT (TN #1721).

Milieu Therapist

Laura grew up in Murray, Kentucky. She graduated from Murray State University with a degree in accounting. After school, she moved to Nashville, which she has called home ever since. Before making a career change in 2022, she worked in the business world as a pharmacy owner. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. Laura is happy to be making the transition to more direct healthcare with patients and clients.

Laura’s clinical interests include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, as well as a variety of somatic and experiential therapies such as art, movement, sand tray and animal assisted. She joined the BrightQuest community as a clinical intern in April 2023. She’s currently under the supervision of Khamaria Wright, LMFT (TN #1721).

Laura has two sets of twins, all of whom are teenagers now. She enjoys spending time with her family, as well as her shih-tzu named Samson and her cat named Moonshine.

Therapist

Shari made the move from the Windy City (Chicago) to Music City in 2021 to attend Lipscomb University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. As a therapist, she strives to provide a space where you can be seen, heard, honored and supported in your growth, no matter what that looks like for you. She works collaboratively with clients, showing up as a cheerleader when they need motivation, a coach when they need tough love or a nudge to step outside of your comfort zone, and a teacher when they are seeking to understand their patterns and cycles. Shari practices an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy that includes Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution Focused, Bowen, Restoration and Gottman interventions. When she’s not in therapist mode, Shari enjoys cooking, traveling, concerts, finding new restaurants to try, and a good Netflix binge! She also loves spending time with family, friends and her schnauzer/terrier mix, Onyx.

Therapist

While receiving her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Belmont University, Audrey found a passion for mental health and community wellness through her work with our Nashville neighbors experiencing homelessness. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Counseling from Vanderbilt University. Her past clinical experience features individual and group work with university students, creative professionals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigating addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, ADHD, life transitions, and identity development. Audrey joined the BrightQuest Nashville team in September 2025 as a therapist. She integrates therapeutic modalities in alignment with client needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Her therapeutic practice centers self-compassion, mindfulness, collaboration, creativity, and use of experiential interventions. In her personal life, Audrey enjoys practicing yoga, caring for her pup, and spending time outdoors with friends & family.

ERP Therapist

Meredith is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety spectrum disorders. She employs evidence-based approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to support her clients’ mental health journey. Meredith’s therapeutic approach is direct, compassionate, and adaptable, drawing on a range of techniques to foster growth. Rather than relying solely on conversation, she incorporates creative activities to help clients gain perspective and develop lasting motivation for change.

With a career in social work that began in 2012, Meredith holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Belmont University and a Master of Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. She has extensive experience working across a variety of settings, including policy work and direct service with individuals and families. She has provided support for international nonprofits, served local refugee populations in Tennessee, and worked with the homeless community. Her passion for treating OCD and anxiety disorders developed in 2015 when she began working in a mental health hospital setting, where she recognized the profound impact effective treatment could have on her clients’ lives.

Meredith’s clinical philosophy is rooted in empowerment, with a core belief that “the goal is not to be in therapy forever.” She strives to equip clients with the tools they need to continue their therapeutic progress independently, fostering personal growth and long-term well-being.

In addition to her work with individuals and families, Meredith launched an outpatient practice in 2021 in East Nashville, where she provides both individual and group therapy for children and adults managing anxiety spectrum disorders.

Meredith is an active member of the International OCD Foundation and remains committed to ongoing professional development and research in the field.

Outside of her clinical practice, Meredith enjoys outdoor activities, including rock climbing, where she continues to apply Exposure and Response Prevention techniques in her own life. She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Birdie and Pony.

Music Therapist

Music Therapist

Becca Ekberg fell naturally into the music therapy profession as a result of being a lifetime music lover. Becca was involved in every musical activity she could find throughout her elementary and adolescent years. These musical activities fostered a love for music but also a love for the connection and healing that music can provide.

Becca received her music therapy education at Belmont University and graduated in December of 2023. During her education, Becca completed a 6 month clinical internship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Following this internship, Becca worked in an acute psychiatric hospital for a year and a half where she worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Through all of Becca’s work in music therapy, she has developed an appreciation for her field and the ways that music can support and inspire healing, transformation, awareness, and expression. Becca holds gratitude and excitement to bring music to the mission of BrightQuest to support the healing and growth of those she encounters.

Clinical Intern

Philip was raised in Connecticut and London, England, but has called the Nashville area home for the past 10 years. He is currently a third-year graduate student working towards his master’s in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University and pursuing LPC licensure.

Before returning to graduate school, Philip received his bachelor’s degree in economics from McGill University in Montreal, Québec. He worked in the financial services industry for 20 years, which included managing hedge fund research teams and building investment portfolios for institutional clients.

Philip is passionate about building collaborative relationships based on empathy, trust, and support. He aims to help individuals improve their daily lives by helping them discover their strengths, apply coping skills, and redefine their personal narratives within a safe and supportive environment.

In his free time, Philip enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids and photography, scuba diving, and motorcycle riding.

Clinical Intern

Reeta is born and raised in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Rhodes College with a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience and Greek and Roman Studies and has a Masters from Lipscomb University in Exercise and Nutrition Science. She is a current student at Pepperdine University in their Master’s in Clinical Psychology program. She is currently working on completing her practicum hours.

Reeta has a passion for mental health and nutrition. As a registered dietitian, Reeta has been using a strengths-based individualized approach working with clients on healing their relationship with food, finding confidence in themselves with their food choices, and recovery from eating disorders/disordered eating. Reeta is excited to be able to bring her expertise in nutrition into the therapy world when working with clients. In addition to eating disorders, Reeta also has interest in working with common co-occurring conditions with eating disorders around substance use and sex and relationships.

Clinical Intern

Kynley is originally from Columbus, Ohio, but she has spent the past 14 years living in Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in English from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Kynley is deeply passionate about clinical mental health care and is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through compassionate, evidence-informed therapy. Outside of her academic and clinical work, you can find her reading fantasy books and cuddling with her six dogs and two cats.

Clinical Intern

Paul was born and raised in eastern Kentucky in a rural farming community. He attended Cumberland College in the late 1980s as a vocal performance major before leaving for Nashville to pursue a music career, where he was a performer and recording artist for over thirty years.

During the COVID pandemic, he decided to retire from music and finish school. He received his bachelor’s from Liberty University in 2023 and is currently enrolled in Liberty’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Paul is married with two sons and two dog-sons and is an active men’s group leader in his church as well as a member of the worship team.

Intern

My name is Sierra Ward. I’m originally from Northern Virginia. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a double minor in Counseling and Human Development & Family Sciences from Auburn University. After moving to Nashville nearly two years ago, I began pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University on the LPC licensure track.

In the future, I hope to become a trauma-informed clinician who provides compassionate, culturally responsive care to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, empowered, and genuinely supported throughout their healing process.

Outside of academic and clinical work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, and trying new recipes.

Intern

Erin was born and raised in Ohio and graduated from The University of Mount Union with a Bachelors in Psychology. She was a part of the Cross Country, Track and Field, and Dance Team as well as a member of a sorority and leadership fraternity. She moved down to Nashville to further her education at Lipscomb University and is currently in her first year of Lipscomb’s Marriage Family Therapy Program, receiving her internship hours, and will graduate May 2026.

Erin has a passion for creating meaningful relationships, building trust, and being authentically you! She hopes to use her past experiences of being a part of a team in the therapy room by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals in the therapeutic relationship.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being outside, going shopping, reading by the pool in the Summer, and xc-skiing/snowboarding in the winter.

Milieu Manager

Allison grew up in the small town of Smithville, TN. Her personal journey to recovery led her to Memphis TN in 2018 where she completed a year of rehabilitation. In 2020, Allison moved to Nashville TN where she started working in the addiction and mental health field. Allison knew she wanted to help others make a change in their life and that passion only grew during her time working at Nashville Recovery Center as the Program Director. She completed training to become a Certified Peer Specialist in 2021 and uses her own lived experience to help others feel loved, heard, and understood. Recognizing the importance of ongoing professional development and continuing education, Allison plans on taking the steps to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. In her free time Allison enjoys going to the gym, being outside in nature and spending time with family and friends.

Director of Nutrition Services

Crystal Lunenschloss MS, RDN, LDN is a behavioral health Registered Dietitian. In addition to working with BrightQuest, she has a private practice specializing in eating disorders, body image disturbances and addiction recovery. Crystal has been in the field for over eight years working in treatment and outpatient settings, using a combination of medial nutrition therapy and cognitive and dialectical behavior therapies.

Crystal is also an adjunct professor at Lipscomb University, teaching in the Exercise and Nutrition Science graduate program. She also serves as the Nashville Ambassador for the International Federation of Eating Disorders and sits on the Clinical Advisory Committee for the Renewed Eating Disorder Support organization.

Crystal earned her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science from Middle Tennessee State University, her M.S. degree from Lipscomb University and completed her dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Crystal is originally from Oak Island, NC and has been in Nashville for over 15 years. She is married with two daughters Presley and Perry.

Lead Dietitian

Fonda grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, before relocating to the Nashville area in 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, specializing in Dietetics, and later completed a Master’s in Professional Studies with a focus on Leadership in Nutrition at Middle Tennessee State University. Her dietetic internship was completed through National Health Corporation, where she gained hands-on experience across various sites in the Nashville region.

With over 13 years of experience in health and wellness coaching, Fonda is passionate about guiding clients toward healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices. She deeply believes in the transformative power of nutrition as a cornerstone of healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Fonda treasures moments with family and friends, enjoys time with her three dogs, and loves experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She also finds peace and inspiration exploring hiking trails and uncovering the breathtaking waterfalls that dot the landscape of Middle Tennessee.

Client Care Coordinator

Madera has an MS in Psychology from University of Memphis and an MSSW from University of Tennessee College of Social Work. She grew up in Memphis, Tn, and completed her BA at the University of the South. She moved to Nashville after college, married, and raised two sons while working at a local private school as Admission Registrar. Madera then worked as Support Staff/House Manager with Brightquest for two years before accepting the role as Client Care Coordinator. Madera has a lifelong interest in working with mental health issues. Her experience includes running psych ed groups, practicing as a life coach, and interning at the women’s prison and Vanderbilt Counseling Center.

Work Development Program Coordinator

Nicholas was born in Nashville, TN, and has spent most of his life in Middle Tennessee. His personal experience with mental health treatment fostered a deep passion for psychology and a commitment to supporting others on their journeys. With over six years of ministry experience, he has provided counseling and guidance to many congregants, helping individuals navigate personal challenges, spiritual growth, and their emotional well-being.

Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Nicholas is committed to expanding his knowledge and skills to better serve those in need. He believes in a holistic approach to mental health, integrating psychological principles with compassionate care to foster healing and personal growth. His goal is to make a meaningful impact by empowering individuals with the tools and support necessary to improve their well-being.

Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Nicholas enjoys hiking, reading, and spending quality time with his wife and their many animals. He values continuous learning, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with others. Nick joined the BrightQuest Nashville team in April 2024.

Operations Coordinator

T moved to Nashville from Sacramento California back in August of 2019. During their time in California they obtained their Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2015. After graduating, they moved back to Sacramento and explored a variety of different careers before solidifying their passion for mental health as a Personal Service Coordinator at a non-profit treatment center. During this time they were providing support to both adults and children in obtaining community resources and achieving their treatment goals.

Their free time was spent volunteering with a children’s grief camp out in Livermore. They are also passionate about performing arts, creative writing, and traveling. T is currently residing in Pleasant View Tennessee and is looking forward to exploring more of Nashville. T joined the BrightQuest Nashville team in November 2019.

Administrative Coordinator

Cari was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Northern Illinois University then continued her education at Lewis University with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. Cari joined the BrightQuest Nashville team in August 2021 as Administrative Coordinator. She strives to provide a warm and welcoming experience to each and every client and family.

In her free time Cari enjoys running, crocheting, and spending time with her husband and two little boys.

Facilities Manager

Charlene was born and raised in Southern California, where she raised her wonderful family. She completed several online courses through UCLA extensions program while raising her family, then in 2011 completed Business Management Courses at Cerritos College. In May of 2019 Charlene and her husband relocated to Nashville area to be with their youngest daughter. Charlene has a wealth of experience in the Healthcare field in the areas of hospice amd developmentally/physically challenged children and adults and has always had a passion for helping others.

Charlene joined the BrightQuest Nashville Community in May 2019 as a Residential Support Staff and was promoted into a Lead Residential Support Staff role and then House Manager, supporting the opening and development of the SouthBridge level of care. Charlene is committed to Community within BrightQuest Nashville and maintaining our facilities to the highest of standards. In her spare time she enjoys camping, outdoors, Star Wars, baseball and spending time with family and friends.

Admissions Advisor

Mallory has worked as an admissions advisor in the behavioral health field for over 15 years. She has a tremendous passion for providing an empathetic and nonjudgmental ear to all those seeking treatment. Her role at BrightQuest is to guide clients, family members, and referring professionals through each step of the admission process with compassion, understanding and the utmost respect.

Client Accounts Manager

Lauren is a proud Nashville, TN native and an alumni from Middle Tennessee State University. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Microbiology with a minor in Psychology in 2014. She has always had a passion for helping others, building relationships, and working in healthcare. She worked in marketing and customer relations for 5 years until she found her real passion- mental health and addiction.

Lauren began her career working in healthcare at Foundations Recovery Network in 2017. She worked in the business office as a charge analyst and grew quickly into new roles as a billing specialist, patient account representative, and self pay representative. Lauren joined Constellation Behavioral Health in December 2021 as a client account representative. Lauren strives to provide optimal customer service for all BrightQuest’s families regarding finances, billing, and insurance.

Medical Scheduling