Our Team

Rich is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Kentucky and provides individual, couples, and family counseling. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, and he continued his education at Asbury to obtain a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Rich has a diverse history working with individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. He is an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, with experience working with inpatient, residential, and outpatient populations. Rich has worked with adults and adolescents living with substance use/dual diagnosis disorders.

Rich Wheeler, MA, LPCC, TCADC, NCC has training and experience assisting individuals addressing their needs such as, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorder, relationship and family issues, codependency, and grief counseling. He uses evidenced-based practices and treatment modalities which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Counseling, and Family Systems.

Rich works to empower his clients to overcome the adversity and challenges of their lives. He joins his clients in their struggles to help them achieve peace and serenity.

Jennie Cannon, LCSW comes to Optimal Living Services from New Vista where she spent two and a half years as an Outpatient Therapist. In this role, Jenny specialized in clients with Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders. Additionally, she worked with clients on Probation/Parole, Drug Court, and DCBS as well as those self-referred. After 27+years, Jennie retired from the Fayette County Public Schools where she served as a School Social Worker and a Child Guidance Specialist. She worked diligently with adolescents and their families who were identified as needing extra educational and emotional support. Moreover, Jennie has 17 years of private practice experience where she facilitated State mandated classes for clients with DUI offenses to obtain their driver’s license. Jennie uses a combination of clinical interventions including DBT, CBT and EMDR to assist her clients in their recovery. Jennie resides in Lexington, KY. She has a son and one adorable granddaughter who live in Miami, FL. Aside from her career, Jennie enjoys reading, spending time with friends and cruising the open seas. Please welcome Jennie Cannon, LCSW, T-CADC to our family of Clinicians.

I enjoy helping my clients move towards their goals by lessening their distress and discomfort. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment in order to safely explore issues that may be preventing them from living the life they desire. I have experience working with inpatient, residential, and outpatient populations. I have worked with adults and adolescents living with substance use/dual diagnosis disorders.  

I have been in the mental health profession since 2008. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University, am a Licensed Processional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. I integrate evidenced-based treatment modalities for each client, dependent upon the concern and need. I most often utilize Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused therapies. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

My passion is to empower my clients to take control of their lives and lessen their emotional pain. I enjoy teaching mindfulness and incorporating a holistic approach towards living a healthy lifestyle. It is most important for me to assist my clients in achieving their goals by understanding their perspective and providing individualized treatment for every client. Life often can become unmanageable with anxiety, depression, family conflict, grief, trauma, stress, etc. In what ways can I help you improve upon your life?

Hello! My name is Melissa Young-Flynn, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, SANE P/A. I obtained my certification and licensure for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in 2020. I have more than 23 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings which has been instrumental in developing my passion to help people heal from “life”. I utilize a patient-centered, holistic approach to every person I have the privilege of caring for. I believe that medication is an important part of healing for many patients; however, I also believe that counseling/therapy is vital for getting to the root of problems that cause distress. I look forward to helping every patient/client to get their lives back and increase their happiness, self-worth, and hopefulness.

I'm 42 yrs. old. A mother of three, two boys and one girl. I'm laid back and easy going. I love God, my family, friends, and living life to its fullest. I believe that anyone can and deserves a second chance.

“Too scared to live and afraid to die”

I have been an addict since I was 11 years old. I never saw life any other way besides in active addiction. Until once again I found myself in jail letting myself and my family down as usual. I was laying in jail analyzing my life and made a decision to do something different. I am now the first completer of Tracy’s House program and have been clean for 17 months. I wouldn’t trade my new life today. It wasn’t always easy or comfortable but it was worth the journey. “It’s not how you fall but rather how you get back up!”

Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate in Kentucky and provides individual, couples, and family counseling.

Currently a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky in the Department of Education and the Center for Research, her research focuses on a cross-cultural examination of mood disorders concerning the prevalence of early-detection and treatment efficacy of counseling. Jennifer has a specific focus on understudied populations, such as adolescents with disabilities.

"I believe that when a counselor recognizes the more significant contextual issues which affect the client's well-being, advocacy in combination with behavioral therapy can be an appropriate intervention for the client.

Each experience thus far has taught me the importance of real communication in higher education. I am intrigued by the individuals I have encountered; I marvel at unique stories, and I appreciate how each person is validated and empowered in exchange for sharing his/her history.

Our interactions sit at the heart of humanistic sensibilities to education; I am determined to become an educator, where I can help to relay stories that otherwise might remain untold."

I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020.  I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. During my Practicum, I worked inpatient at a mental health hospital with youth and adolescent populations experiencing a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management concerns, and substance abuse. During my Internship, I worked outpatient with the adolescent Partial Hospitalization group at the same mental health facility. I was also able to gain experience working with individual clients via telehealth. I’ve had office experience working as a case manager for Outpatient Adult Psychiatric clients as well as Adult Outpatient Chemical Dependency clients, including intake assessments, discharges, safety plan formulation, and aftercare scheduling.

My goal as a therapist working with both groups and individuals is to build a trusting alliance with the clients to be able to work together and address their unique needs and goals surrounding their mental health. I believe in empowering my clients and assisting them in seeing their mental health struggles as opportunities to grow as individuals. By offering a safe and comfortable environment for clients to express who they are and what they would like to focus on regarding their mental health, I feel confident in being able to build a therapeutic alliance. And remember, you are never alone.

Holly Osborn is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate. Holly earned her Bachelor’s degree majoring in Child and Family Studies at Eastern Kentucky University and her Master’s degree majoring in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy at East Tennessee State University.

In addition to her degrees, Holly has accumulated various certifications, including TF-CBT, PREP Couples (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program), PATH (Parents as Tender Healers),  SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation & Home Study) home evaluator, Healthy Marriage Healthy Family, Parenting the Delinquent Youth, and  On Campus Talking About Alcohol  (now Prime for Life), and Technology Assisted Services (Telehealth).

Holly’s professional experience includes In-Home Counselor for at-risk children and adolescents, Licenser/Trainer/Therapist of foster parents and youth, Drug & Alcohol Educator and Counselor to student population at ETSU, Outpatient Therapist at a private agency, Outpatient Therapist of a Partial Hospitalization DBT Program working with adolescents,  Preschool Director, Trainer and Facilitator of child development and personal growth groups, workshops, and trainings for clients of all ages.

Holly has worked extensively with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, families, and other individuals, who  struggle with the following: trauma, at-risk behaviors, depression, anxiety, grief, coupling, marriage/divorce, women’s issues, life transitions, healing after the Pandemic, parenting and families, anger, and self-esteem.

With the use of Narrative, Family Systems, Solution-Focused, and DBT therapies, Holly approaches her clients with an open mind and the perspective of, “Right now, what does the client need to start feeling better”. In order to move forward, sometimes a client must explore past experiences. Holly encourages self-empowerment by assisting  clients in gaining enlightenment through processing those experiences, taking healthy parts from them, and then assisting clients in filing them in a healthier space. Holly believes that each client is the gatekeeper of their well-being and through mindfulness, self-exploration, and skill building, a client is more able to move forward and create inner balance and stability.

Hey there! My name is Hannah Hogue, and I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate. While I have had 4 years of experience working in a residential dual diagnosis substance use facility, I now have chosen to help individuals through IOP and individual counseling. My journey started as a Recovery Coach and I was able to work my way up while attending graduate school. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Counseling, as well as a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development, both from Lindsey Wilson College. I am also a Temporary Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. As I am working towards full licensing in both areas, I look forward to helping you reach your goals too!

I have always had a passion for helping others, and I am honored to say this is now my career. From being on the other side of the desk, I understand some of the obstacles individuals face that prevent them from being the best version of themselves. I incorporate various therapeutic modalities in my sessions, such as CBT, DBT, REBT, motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe each individual is unique, therefore, their therapeutic treatment plan needs to match that. You will find genuine care and compassion, self-empowerment, and unconditional positive regard when working with me. I hope to see you soon!

"Hello! I’m Delaney Price, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate (LPCA) in the state of Kentucky and working towards full licensure. While I have experience working in a dual-diagnosis treatment center for those struggling with substance abuse, I also have experience working with clients living with the effects of trauma, OCD, mood disorders like anxiety and depression, self-harm, and psychosis. In the counseling office I am supportive, non-judgemental and empathetic while maintaining a direct and solution-oriented approach to help you achieve your goals.

I received my bachelors degree in Human Services and Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College, and my masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. The interventions I use as a therapist are tailored to the clients I see, in effort to aid my clients in reaching their individual goals and needs. From a trauma-informed perspective, I use various modalities to meet my client’s needs including; DBT, REBT, CBT, ACT, solutions-focused, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and welcome all gender identities, sexualities, and presentations into my office.

Through my experiences of being on the client side of the desk, I’ve developed a passion for facing the stigma of mental illness head on, so please feel free to come to therapy however you are. The stigma of mental illness as shameful or a reflection of failure is entirely false. Helping people has always been a passion of mine, and it would be an honor to join you in this part of your life journey as your counselor."

Kimberly is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol Drug Counselor in Kentucky and provides Intensive Outpatient services and individual therapy.

Kimberly received a Masters degree in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University and completed 2 years as a therapist in the medication-assisted treatment setting. She specializes in Substance Use Disorder, Co-Occurring Disorders and has experience working with DCBS, drug court, and probation/parole. Kimberly utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT and motivational interviewing to help clients process and heal from mental illness. She provides empathy and compassion to all clients as they work through their recovery journey.

“Addiction does not stand on its own and often is a symptom of an underlying problem that has not been addressed. My background in neuropsychology, applied behavioral analysis and human development gives me a deeper understanding of the progression of addiction over the life span. I am honored to have the privilege and the opportunity to work with people who are going through one of the hardest human experiences known to man”.

My name is Maya Jundi, I am a Certified Social Worker. I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with a Master of Social Work and Clinical Social Work certificate.

Do you need support to achieve your goals and navigate daily life stressors? Have you been considering that it may be time to talk with someone to achieve the desired results you’ve been wanting? I am here to provide you with a safe, judgement-free environment to grow and improve. I utilize a humanistic/person-centered approach and strive to understand intersecting identities. I have a gentle and warm approach, while also aiming to challenge you in a healthy manner to allow for self-reflection and growth. I have worked with various clients and enjoy working with clients struggling with addiction, depression/anxiety, life transitions, grief/loss, codependency, and relationship concerns. I most often utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, as well as Solution-Focused Therapies, Person-Centered Therapy, and DBT Skills. My goal is to provide clients with individualized treatment to accomplish their goals and develop skills needed to gain confidence and improve their lives.

Liz is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who is passionate about empowering individual adults, adolescents, and families. She has a M.S. in Family Sciences with an emphasis in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Kentucky. Prior to becoming a therapist, she obtained a B.S. in Sociology from Portland State University. She then worked with African immigrant and refugee youth in her position as a Youth Department Instructor at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO). She then served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand from 2018-2020, where she worked on a Youth Development project in a rural Thai community. When she returned to the U.S., she moved to Kentucky and worked as a Case Manager for Bellewood and Brooklawn, a psychiatric residential treatment facility for children in Louisville. She then moved to Lexington to attend U.K., where she worked as an intern Marriage and Family Therapist at the U.K. Family Center (now known as the I.R.A.F.T. Clinic). Liz is passionate about youth advocacy, individual empowerment, and healing and strengthening families. She looks at every client through a systemic, relational lens, and her therapeutic work involves an eclectic mixture of approaches and interventions. Some of her favorite models include Narrative, Structural, Internal Family Systems, Satir Systemic Transformational, and Emotionally-Focused therapies.

I am a Certified Social Worker practicing mental health and substance use therapy in Lexington, Kentucky. I aim to support and encourage individuals in obtaining their goals and improving their overall quality of life. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and varying backgrounds and am LGBTQ+ affirming. I have experience in a variety of settings including community mental health, addiction treatment and more on an individual and group level.

My office is a safe space for everyone to be their authentic self without judgement. I offer an open mind, and support, through life's challenges. I structure therapeutic sessions on a person-centered basis and pull from treatment modalities such as: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and more.

Deciding on whether or not to begin a therapeutic journey can be difficult. Life can be challenging but one does not have to face those obstacles alone. When you are ready, I will be there to support you through those challenges. I look forward to seeing what difficulties we can overcome together!

I strive to be a calming presence that will meet you where you are without judgement or criticism, to help you realize and achieve your goals. I utilize the therapeutic modalities of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing with my clients to get to the root of their issues and to help them build skills to cope with life’s difficulties. I currently see adult clients for individual counseling and lead intensive outpatient group therapy for individuals recovering from substance dependance. Let me know how I can help you in your healing journey.

My name is Loni Faith Wheeler, I’m the Business Development Coordinator at Optimal Living Services. I am a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Management. I have my own personal story with recovery, so I can connect with others on the struggles they face daily. I am passionate about helping others to achieve sobriety and providing them the opportunity to thrive again. I live in Richmond with my husband Rich and son Kaden. I enjoy working in the local community and I would love to end the stigma that comes with addiction and mental health issues. As a community, we can help achieve this together.

My name is Bonnie Crawford and I am Business Development Associate for Optimal Living Services. I have been in recovery myself for a little over four years. In that time I have managed and ran my own sober livings, as well as worked for various treatment centers. My passion is to help others learn there is a way out, and that they have the ability to create a new life other than one consumed with addiction. I came onto the team at Optimal Living because I believe in what they stand for as well as the structure and sense of unity this company upholds.

Recovery has given me the ability to stand on my own two feet and look the world in the eyes, to be a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend; the ability to be at peace with myself both mentally and emotionally. I simply want to share those blessings with those around me.

My name is Ashley , I am a Targeted Case Manager at Optimal Living Services. I earned my bachelor's degree in Social Work from Kentucky State University. I am passionate about advocating for others. Helping clients get back on their feet and accomplish goals to achieve and maintain sobriety. Sometimes just knowing you have a support system and someone who cares and believes in you can make the biggest difference. Seeing clients achieving their goals and becoming successful is a reward in itself.

Hi there! My name is Macy Gregory and I am a Targeted Case Manager at Optimal Living Services. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. My previous experiences working with individuals from all walks of life, have only further inspired me to be an active advocate for others. An encouraging support system is crucial for those working towards their own personal goals; especially those on their journey to recovery and independence. I find that providing that safe and inclusive space for others to turn to, is what makes this career field so rewarding! It is my goal to be a valuable asset to my clients and our communities, in order to correct the narrative surrounding the stigmas associated with mental illness and work toward improving the overall quality of life for all!

My name is Anthony James and I am a certified peer support specialist with Optimal Living. I am a recovering addict and my greatest passion is to use my experience in recovery and addiction to help people who are coming out of the same struggles that I went through in life.

“My mess became my message.”

Allison spent most of her adult life in active addiction until she got sober on October 30, 2020. She discovered there was a way out through hard work and the love and mentoring of those around her who had been through the same struggles she had been through. She obtained her peer support certification and found her purpose in life. Now Allison shares her message by helping others going through the same struggles she did.

Allison says, “ I always felt like the black sheep until I came to a program that showed me the rest of the herd.”

Carlton has passion for recovery, and lives out his calling on a daily basis. Carlton has a tremendous amount of experience with recovery, and enjoys mentoring others with his experience. Carlton has devoted his life to living the principles he has learned in recovery. He is an asset to those he serves.

Tasha Is a Peer Support Specialist with Optimal Living who believes in the power of Hope. She began her recovery journey on March 17, 2021 when she found herself, once again, lodged in Jessamine County Detention Center. With odds stacked against her, she finally decided to do something different and agreed to try her hand in long term residential treatment. Without realizing she had just taken the first steps to changing her life completely. After completing a long-term treatment program Tasha felt like she finally found her purpose in life and now dreams of sharing her experience, strength, and hope with others so that they too may find their way and live a life free from active addiction.

"Only 1 thing has to change and that's Everything"

My name is Heather Paterson and I am a CPSS with Optimal Living who believes in second chances. I started recovery on January 6, 2020.

After suffering from addiction for about 25 years, and multiple failed attempts, I finally found out that my desires to live a sober life were stronger than my demons. With the power of love from family, friends, and amazing mentors I regained my hope for what today, tomorrow, and the future has to bring. I would love the opportunity to help others, like me, who are also suffering with addiction.

This role is of the upmost importance to me, and I love what I do! When you are battling addiction support systems are vital for recovery. I want to help others start their recovery process, and I will be there to walk the path along with them. Trust me, it is worth it, and I love to help others find their strength.

I want to show others that who you were, does not mean that is who you will remain. Change is possible. Hope is there. You can live a sober, rewarding, and happy life, and I want to be there to help you on your journey!

My name is Maddi and I'm a Peer Support Specialist at the women's house in Lawrenceburg. I'm married and have 3 amazing children. I believe everything happens for a reason and that my Higher Power has and will continue to use my past experiences to help other women and mothers overcome their own battles with addiction. Through Peer Support, it is my hope to show other women that not only is recovery possible, it's fun and very rewarding. You're not defined by the mistakes you've made and I'm here to love and support you while you find yourself in sobriety.

My name is Christopher Matthew Sullivan, I go by Matt, but my whole life been called Sully. My sobriety date is 6-13-2020. I have 2 children, boys. I was a Head Peer Mentor for The Hope Center Recovery Program for a year in 2022, Studied at NKU and received my peer support. I Really enjoy helping people and always felt once I had gotten into recovery this was my calling. I definitely look forward to coming to work and the paycheck is just extra. I am also a proud graduate of Carlton Robinsons’ Hope Center Jail Program, the man that showed me how to save my own life.

My name is Katy and I’ve spent more than half my life not realizing I was an alcoholic and how it affected everything in my life. Being sober is the best thing I’ve ever done. Getting and staying sober and working at Optimal Living Services gives me a chance to be there for the next alcoholic that asks for help. I remember what new sobriety was like and will do whatever I can to help. Sharing my experience, strength and hope and just being there to listen helps me stay sober probably more than it does them.

My name is Nathan Rankin and I am a certified peer support specialist with Optimal Living Services. I am 41 and I live in Lancaster, KY with my 14 year old daughter. After spending over half of my life in active addiction and numerous times in and out of Federal and State prisons I decided to find a better way to live. Today I am over a year clean and enjoying the everyday life with my family. All I want to do now is let God's hand guide me through life and help as many people as I can.

My name is Whitney Tuttle and I’m a certified peer support specialist with Optimal Living Services. I started my recovery journey on June 12 2020, I completed the women’s Hope Center program. Went on to peer mentor, get my peer support certification and became staff before finding a job as a peer support specialist. I enjoy helping men and women in recovery learn how to live and love themselves, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if it weren’t for the ones that taught me and continue to teach me daily. It’s an honor to be chosen by my higher power to help others like me.

I have a passion for humanity to help others to become all they can be. To reach for the stars. That there is hope and more to life after addiction. All you need is a little faith, willingness, and open mindedness!

My name is Chad Hughes, I am 38 years old. I’m a certified Adult Peer Support Specialist with Optimal Living Services. My sobriety date is April 24, 2022. My passion is helping recovering addicts, because I am a recovering addict. I suffered from the disease of addiction for 20 years, by the grace of God I am sober today, and able to carry the message of sobriety to the addict who is still suffering. My sobriety journey started with Addiction Recovery Care, where I completed long-term residential treatment, I went on to work for Isaiah House Treatment Center where I was a residential house manager and obtained my peer support. At 38 years old my life is just beginning, I am excited to see where this opportunity takes me the sky is the limit.

My name is Cristin Cheatham and I am a Certified Adult Peer Support Specialist. My services as a Peer Specialist and mentor are informed by my recovery from childhood trauma, a drug addicted parent, multiple adult incarcerations, and from my battles with addiction. I have found that I am strongest in my recovery when I am living in service to others. I am so blessed and honored to be in a position to share my personal growths, experiences and offer hope and inspiration to other addicts to overcome this disease. It is my belief God set me on this journey for this purpose.

I am an Optimal Living alumni. Now I am helping women in a place that helped me build my foundation in recovery. My sobriety date is March 14, 2022. I am excited that God has blessed me with the opportunity to give back and help others.

My sobriety date is June 17, 2021. I spent 10 years in addiction, during that time I was lost and hopeless. My journey started at Addiction Recovery Care where I completed long term treatment and obtained my Peer Support Certification. It was during that time that I realized I had found my purpose in life. I worked for addiction recovery care and quickly moved up to the residential coordinator. Today I get to be a daughter, an aunt, and I get to participate in life and share my experience with others.