For over forty years, we have remained committed to helping people find freedom from substance use and begin living life productively.
ADMINISTRATION
Mike Walker, M.Ed.
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Walker received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in biology and psychology from Shorter College in 1975. He holds two Master of Education degrees, the first from West Georgia College in Middle School Education with a concentration in math and science education. In 1980, Mike received his second Master of Education degree from the University Of Georgia, majoring in school psychology.
Mike is uniquely qualified to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Penfield as he served as the Executive Director of Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia from 1994 until July 2017. He has served as a Certified Instructor with the Crisis Prevention Institute since 2005, as well as previously serving as the President for the Service Providers for Developmental Disabilities.
Mike has completed the Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations. Additionally, Mike has been awarded the DHR Commissioner’s Award for Outstanding Service from the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Mike has a longstanding history with Penfield Christian Homes as he has previously served on the Board of Directors since 2001, as well as serving as Chairman of the Board in 2014.
Patti Shipp received her BA in Community Agency Counseling from Piedmont College in 1996. She earned her Master of Education degree from Clemson University in 2000 in counseling. Patti is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor.
She has been working in the addiction field for over 20 years with experience in acute hospitalization, outpatient, and residential treatment environments. Patti specializes in treating those with addiction and their families. Her approach to treatment is to treat the whole being; mind, body, and spirit.
Patti Shipp, LPC, MAC, CCS
Chief Operations Officer
“It’s all about choices. We can choose to believe that a power greater than our self (God) can restore us (mind, body) to sanity and live a life filled with purpose and fulfillment or not. It’s your choice.” By using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, strategies from the 12-Step program with a Christ-centered focus, treatment, and recovery are tailored made for the individual to help them make healthy choices for their life.
Mitzi received her bachelor's in business with a focus in accounting from Mercer University. Mitzi is a Greene County native, and she enjoys serving her community. She loves spending time with family and trying new things.
Mitzi Sanchez, B.A
Chief Financial Officer
Donnie Plummer, CAC - I
Chief Compliance Officer
Donnie has over 30 years of experience in the addiction and mental health field. After his honorable discharge from the US Army, He began his career at a state hospital in Columbus, GA in 1985.
Since 2001, he has maintained certification as an Addiction Counselor. Donnie is trained in Anger Management, Behavior Modification, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Critical Debriefing, Domestic Violence Counseling, Family Counseling, and Substance Abuse Counseling for both adults and adolescents. Currently, Donnie serves on the GACA Board of Directors where he is serving Region four.
Bill has a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Tennessee and an M. Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Erskine Theological Seminary with an emphasis on addiction studies.
Bill has state and national credentials as an addiction counselor (CAC II, MAC, CCS), and is certified as a Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional.
Dr. Bill King, D.MIN, CAC II, CCS, MAC, PSAP
Program Director
Chris is a native of Eatonton, Georgia. He graduated from Putnam County High School and spent over 10 years in the medical field. Chris is an avid wrestling and football fan and enjoys spending his free time with friends and family.
Chris Nelms
Administrative Assistant
Tammy is a native of Greensboro, Georgia. She attended Massey Business College and graduated with an Associate degree in Business Administration. Tammy feels that she is beyond blessed and grateful that God has chosen her to be of service here at PAM.
Tammy McMurray
Financial Assistant
Christine graduated with a BS in Psychology with a minor in Education from Piedmont College and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Education from Brenau University.
Christine has worked in several addiction settings over the last ten years. Currently, in addition to Penfield, Christine works in her private practice with locations in Gainesville and Sugar Hill, Georgia.
Christine Ball, BS, MS, LPC, CPCS
Licensed Professional Counselor
She is a certified professional counselor supervisor and spends time teaching and training associate counselors to get them ready for full licensure.
MEDICAL
Dr. Dave A. Ringer is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia with a Doctor of Medicine. Before attending medical school, he received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Ringer completed his residency at Anniston Family Practice at the University of Alabama and later received an Executive Certificate in Business Management from John Hopkins University.
Dr. Dave Ringer, MD, CPE, FAAFP
Medical Director
He is board certified by the American Board of Medicine, the American Board of Physician Executives, and the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care, granting him the title of Certified Medical Director.
Cathy Thompson, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing / Admissions
Cathy has been in the medical field for 27 years. She earned her RN degree from Piedmont College and then went on to obtain a BSN from Emory University.
Cathy notes that she is deeply rooted in her faith and enjoys serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is thankful for her position here at Penfield and is confident that God led her here to assists men and women on their journey to recovery.
Don was born and raised in northeast GA. He pursued a career in Emergency Medicine after graduation. Don has been a Paramedic and Flight Paramedic for over 25 years.
He has two wonderful children who are married. His life is rooted in his faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. Don feels he was led to be a part of this wonderful ministry and praises God everyday for bringing him to Penfield.
Don McFarlin, PMDC
Licensed Paramedic
Felita is a native of Union Point, GA, and has worked in the medical field for 16 years as a Certified Medical Assistant. During that time, she has continued her education and has received an Associate degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Helping others is Felita’s passion. She has plans to continue her education and hopes to return to College to finish her RN degree shortly. Felita strongly believes that if you ask God for something and have Faith, it shall come to pass.
Felita Alexander, CMA
Certified Medical Assistant
Vivian is a licensed practical nurse who joined the Penfield team in June of 2020. She received her Diploma in Practical Nursing from Athens Technical College.
Vivian states she felt drawn to the Mission of Penfield and is eager to serve God through serving those suffering from addiction.
Vivian Frericks, LPN
Nurse - Lavonia Campus
Shanda is a native of Franklin County, GA. She attended Rich Mountain College where she earned her nursing degree and has been working as an LPN for ten years. She has plans to continue her education and hopes to return to College to finish her RN degree shortly.
Shanda Harris, LPN
Nurse - Lavonia Campus
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & RISK MANAGEMENT
Drew joined the Penfield Addiction Ministries staff in 2014. He holds credentials as a Level I Certified Addiction Counselor and is currently pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Liberty University.
He believes he has a calling on his life to help men that are suffering from the disease of addiction by introducing them to the healing power of Christ.
Drew Metzger, CADC-I
IT/CQI-RM Specialist
Robert is a 2009 graduate of World Reach Bible Institute. He joined the Penfield Addiction Ministries staff in 2009 and is certified as both a NAADAC Level I National Certified Addiction Counselor and a GACA Certified Level I Addiction Counselor. Robert served as a state representative for Celebrate Recovery from 2008-2013.
Robert currently serves at Cleveland Road Baptist Church and is passionate about helping hurting people.
Robert Schwartz, CAC-I, NCACI
CQI-RM Technician, Food Services
David holds a bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Leadership with an emphasis in Counseling from Lee University. He joined the Penfield Addiction Ministries staff in 2011 and is credentialed as a Level II Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
David credits his personal sobriety to God’s grace and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
David Cronic, BS, CADC-II
CQI-RM Technician
ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
Daphne has been a native of the Penfield community since the age of eight. She served in the United States Navy before returning to Greene County. Daphne has over 15 years of experience in hospitality and Human Resource management. She is currently working to pursue a certification in counseling. She believes that all things work together for the good of them that love God (Romans 8:28).
Daphne is grateful for the opportunity to further her desire to serve others within the guidance of the Christian faith. Her vision is to use her education, faith, and life experiences to continue to help others.
Daphne Stokes
Admissions Counselor Trainee
Laura received her Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University, majoring in Early Childhood Education with minors in Psychology and Special Education. She began her journey in the addiction field in June of 2021, when she joined the Penfield admissions team.
Laura's motivating scripture is Romans 5:8, “...but God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” She believes that Christ is the key component to recovery in all forms.
Laura Hughes, BS, CIT
Admissions Counselor Trainee
UNION POINT STAFF
Rob is a native of Eatonton, Georgia, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia.
Rob joined the Penfield staff in 2019 and believes that opening his heart and mind up to the will of God has allowed him to find a new purpose in his life. That purpose revolves around sharing his testimony to fellow men in hopes that God can change their lives the same way He changed his.
Rob Knight, BS, CAC- II
Substance Abuse Counselor
Nathan is a native of northwest Georgia and joined the Penfield staff in 2020. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology while working as a certified addiction counselor to serve those who are seeking recovery and restoration in their lives through Jesus Christ.
Nathan strives to share hope and joy throughout the recovery process to further the growth and healing taking place.
Nathan Hulsey, CAC-I
Substance Abuse Counselor
Jeff is originally from Modesto, CA, but currently calls Sugar Hill, GA his home. He now aspires to be and is pursuing becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor, which he believes is the path God has set before him.
Jeff is driven by a heartfelt desire to help people, especially those who have been broken by addiction and trauma find restoration and hope through Jesus.
Jeff Hamilton
Counselor Trainee
John is originally from Murfreesboro, TN, and relocated to Roswell, GA, in 2022. He received his CADC-T certification in December 2022 and is currently pursuing his goal of becoming a certified addiction counselor. John is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys seeing the beauty in God's creation.
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John has a passion for serving individuals that struggle with addiction and seeks to help them find peace again through a relationship with Jesus Christ..
John Miller, CADC-T
Counselor Trainee
Stephen is originally from Lawrenceville, GA. He has 10 years of experience in the food industry. Stephen has a passion for cooking and says that enjoys seeing the smile that a great tasting meal puts on a person’s face.
Stephen says that he is honored to serve the Lord through serving great meals and sharing the gospel at Penfield.
Stephen Tunnell
Food Services
Justin is a native of Loganville, GA. He joined the Penfield staff in 2020. Justin is excited to share his story of salvation, hope, and faith, and enjoys watching the Lord work in the lives of others.
Justin Bryson
Maintenance Supervisor
Tyler is a native of Beaufort SC. He joined the Penfield staff in 2023. He is grateful for the opportunity the Lord and Penfield has given him and hopes to continue to help others with every opportunity.
Tyler Payne
Residential Tech
Justin was born and raised in McDonough, Georgia. He began working at Penfield in 2024. Justin has a passion for serving in ministry and is currently a student at Andersonville Theological Seminary where he is studying to obtain an associate's in biblical studies as well as a bachelor’s in theology.
Justin Moody
Residential Tech
LAVONIA STAFF
"God’s perfect timing led me to Penfield Addiction Ministries (HEART Campus for Women) on January 24th, 2020. A single act of kindness moved mountains that carved out my future opportunities.
God used my despair to create something beautiful inside me. I now have a purpose and meaning for my life by helping those who are struggling with addiction. For this, I will forever be grateful to God, Penfield, and those who believed in me."
Brittney Rausch, CAC-I
HEART Campus Director
Jessica is a native of Franklin Co and joined the Penfield family in 2021. Her background consists of 6 years in the addiction field. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a CADC II.
Jessica feels that she was called to Penfield to serve her hometown thru God by offering her passion for helping those who suffer from the disease of addiction.
Jessica Canup, CADC-II
Substance Abuse Counselor
Charley is a native of New Smyrna Beach Florida and currently resides in Lavonia GA where she has been called to do God's work helping women who suffer from addiction. She is currently pursuing a degree in Addiction Counseling and looks forward to a future in this career path.
Charlene Atkinson
Counselor Trainee
Hayley is a native of Franklin County, Georgia. She now resides in Carnesville, ga, and is pursuing a degree in Addiction Counseling. Hayley is grateful for the opportunity to share the gospel of salvation and the hope of recovery with the woman.
Hayley Kennedy
Counselor Trainee
Elizabeth is a native of Tampa Bay, Florida. She is grateful to now call Lavonia, GA her home. Elixabeth has years of experiance in food service management and is dedicated to serving our clients by providing them with balanced and nutritous meals.
Elizabeth Regan
Food Services
Accepting most major insurance
Once admitted, these people are partners in your success; here to help you relearn how to live sober, and most importantly, find happiness again.
From Admissions to Medical to Administrative to the State and Internationally Certified Substance Abuse Counselors, we each support you and the effort to help you regain your life.
It's OK to get help! If you or a loved one need REHAB, contact me to to discreetly speak with a non-judgmental admissions counselor to help you find the information you need. All information is confidential.