Alpha Team

The Short:
Elizabeth Rolfe oversees client care, family services, and our clinical and residential staff. She is regularly at the office with her miniature Pomerianian, Birdie. They both support clients, staff, and anyone who barges into their office. Elizabeth enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, and camping.

The Long:

Elizabeth was born in Louisiana and was raised in Pueblo, Colorado. She has two younger brothers and had an amazing childhood filled with love, animals, the outdoors, and adventures. Despite a wonderful upbringing, Elizabeth found herself in residential treatment at the age of 17. Her family supported her recovery and provided her with a long-term treatment experience from which she has been sober since. During this time, she identified a deep passion for wellness and helping others heal. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX. Subsequently, she moved back to Colorado to pursue her Masters in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder. Elizabeth has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings. These settings include community mental health, judicial, residential, outpatient, and sober living. She began working at Alpha 180 in May 2021 after seven years as the Men’s Program Manager and Clinical Director for another local treatment center. She is trained in Art Therapy and EMDR. She is passionate about young adult recovery, staff culture, supervision, and empowering clients and staff to discover and fulfill their potential.

During her academic and career growth, she has balanced a personal life that has flourished into a small family. She has improved and maintained relationships with her parents and brothers, watched several extended and direct family members find sobriety, and has enjoyed ongoing personal growth and development. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband, two daughters, and dog Birdie. In their free time they enjoy going on trips, playing, and making art.

The Short:

Andrew Warren is The Director of Admissions and focuses on cultivating relationships with our families and community partners. He splits his work time between the Alpha clubhouse and a life on the road, visiting programs and industry professionals. Andrew enjoys HIIT Workouts, golf, and the backpack hip hop station on Apple music.

The Long:

Andrew was born in San Luis Obispo, CA to a father who worked in the music industry and a mom who worked in restaurants and real estate. When he was six, he moved to Palm Springs, CA where he spent his school years on the golf team. During the summers, Andrew would join his father on the road which sparked his interest in music, different cultures, food, and traveling. Andrew eventually decided to enter a career in the music industry which took him all over the country on tour with bands. Andrew ultimately found he struggled with mental health and substance abuse problems, and after many treatments found himself in a program in Hunt, TX. He was introduced to Alpha 180 and became one of the first clients to come through the program’s doors.

Andrew progressed in school and recovery which led to him earning a degree from The University of Texas at Austin in Human Dimensions of Organizations with a minor in Business Administration. He has worked in various positions at Alpha including direct client care, marketing, and now as a member of the leadership team focusing on Admissions and Marketing. Andrew is passionate about academics, company culture, self-care, and building a sustainable life in Austin.

The Short:

Amanda Allard started work at Alpha as an Art Therapy intern from Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College. Her passion for making art and finding beauty in life led her on a path to helping individuals with addictions and the loved ones of those with addictions. Amanda creates art, finds ways to be in the Texas sunshine, and researches magic, monsters, and life with her 6-year old daughter.

The Long:

Amanda is “Navy Brat,” born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but considers her heart’s home to be Gainesville, Florida. She started at the University of Florida as an architecture student, and ended up with degrees in History and Criminology & Law. She continued her graduate studies in History of Science at Florida. Amanda has been teaching history to all ages since 2007. In 2018, she returned to a first love of creating with her hands, and entered the Master of Art Therapy Program at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, a hybrid program out of Indiana.

One of Amanda’s mantras is “because survival is insufficient,” a central theme of Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven. This is her reminder that life is awe-some and worth living. It also reminds her of what she should do while living: find the beauty and make the beauty. Scientists might say that humans have families because they want parts of themselves to survive beyond them. Amanda believes that humans need more than that; we need beautiful things even when the world seems ugly, frightening, and difficult. Amanda found Alpha’s message to “Inspire Transformation” to hold the same meaning and purpose that she seeks in her own life.

The Short: 

Isabella, a native Austinite, serves as a Primary Therapist employing Attachment Theory and the Transtheoretical Stages of Change model to meet clients exactly where they are in their journey. Beyond her professional role, Isabella is passionate about various activities, including fishing, taking her dogs (Cornbread and Sturgill) on hikes, cooking with her fiancé, and indulging in a good book while lounging at Barton Springs.

The Long: 

Isabella was born in Austin, Texas, into a close-knit family with two brothers and loving parents. Her childhood was filled with visits to the parks and pools of Austin, as well as trips to Mexico to spend time with extended family. She also enjoyed playful moments, rolling around in office chairs at her dad’s east Austin photography studio.
Isabella’s passion for mental health blossomed during high school. Despite her initial plans for a career in fine arts, she found herself grappling with debilitating anxiety and depression. Inspired by her transformative experience with a therapist, Isabella decided to dedicate herself to helping others with similar experiences. Following her high school graduation, she pursued her education at Naropa University in Boulder, CO, majoring in Ceramics and Visual Arts with a minor in Psychology.
Returning to her hometown of Austin, Isabella embarked on her journey to earn a Master of Social Work at Texas State University. During this time, she interned at Austin State Hospital, where she immersed herself in a challenging yet rewarding environment. Working closely with clients facing severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, Isabella honed her skills in providing compassionate and effective support. Her internship not only deepened her understanding of mental health issues but also strengthened her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with these challenges.

The Short:

Stephanie Douple started working at Alpha as a Counseling Intern and is now a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate. Her passion for helping others and her lived experience led her on a path to supporting individuals with substance misuse and mental health challenges. Stephanie is unique, loving, and transformative. She enjoys sunshine, good food, and being silly.

The Long:

Stephanie was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her dad’s career took her all over the United States. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Broadcasting with minors in Marketing and Public Relations in Utah. At the age of 21, while in college, she started working in the performing arts industry in Las Vegas. After college, she moved to New York City, where she worked in marketing sales and the fashion industry. She became a performing arts instructor and led a successful career there for over ten years.
In 2018, Stephanie decided to combat the substance misuse and mental health challenges that had entered her life. It is through this spiritual awakening that Stephanie gained a deep desire for wanting to support others in doing the same. She decided to go back to school to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and then decided to obtain her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Stephanie strives to support clients by approaching her sessions from a person-centered stance that includes a cognitive and rational emotive behavioral approach.
One of Stephanie’s mantras is “It is what it is.” Her reminder is that the coveted answers to why humans experience various challenges are unknown. She believes the challenges humans experience are profoundly personal and perfectly designed for the growth of the individual experiencing them. A path that leads to saving yourself is aligned with supportive people who have been where you are, have walked the path before you, and are willing to sit knee-to-knee with you and support you while you find the answers within you. This is what Stephanie does; she will assist you in reducing the stigma surrounding your challenges and support you in embracing your mind health.

The Short:
In his role as Primary Therapist, Elijah, leads IOP and PHP groups, facilitates family sessions, conducts individual therapy, and currently oversees the adolescent IOP program. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas, Elijah brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to his current position, he served as a Case Coordinator and gained valuable insights working with at risk youth as a School Social Work Intern at Communities in Schools. Outside of work, Elijah enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and capturing special moments through photography.

The Long:
Elijah is dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to recovery. His role as Primary Therapist consists of leading IOP and PHP groups, facilitating family sessions, providing individual therapy, and overseeing the adolescent IOP program. Elijah holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors. He completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio. instilled a deep appreciation for critical thinking and a holistic approach to human experience.

Elijah’s social work journey began at Communities in Schools, where he gained invaluable experience working with at-risk youth as a School Social Work Intern. His passion lies in working with young adults who grapple with the complexities of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. He believes in the power of therapy to foster personal growth and resilience.

Elijah’s philosophical background enriches his therapeutic approach, allowing him to incorporate wisdom from ancient thinkers into modern treatment modalities. This unique perspective enables him to explore deeper meanings, challenge assumptions, and empower clients to find their own paths to healing. When not immersed in his work, Elijah enjoys the tranquility of hiking and the creative outlet of photography.

The Short:

Meredith Meurer is the Clinical Program Manager at Alpha 180. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life outside of the confines of mental health and substance use challenges. Meredith loves spending time in the Texas Hill Country with her husband, some delicious Tex-Mex and a good 90s R&B playlist.

The Long:

Meredith was born in Casper, Wyoming and grew up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas with her parents and younger sister, Kristen. Growing up, Meredith played the piano, was an en pointe ballerina and worked for her father’s oil and gas company in high school. She experienced challenges during her high school years and saw a therapist who changed her life and influenced her career to this day. During college, Meredith turned to drugs and alcohol as a maladaptive coping mechanism for trauma she experienced. This time of pain and turmoil has fueled her passion for helping others who struggle like she did. She models her career after one of her favorite quotes by Henri Nouwen which says, “when our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we become wounded healers”.

Meredith studied psychology in undergraduate school and has a Master’s degree in professional counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. After school, Meredith spent the last decade working at a non-profit adolescent treatment program, working with underserved teens who struggled with substance use and mental health disorders. During this time, she filled several roles including Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Program Director. Since joining the Alpha team as Clinical Program Manager, Meredith has been so grateful to be part of a team that is so positive and supportive. She’s excited to bring her passion for helping others, experience in creating and supporting a safe, therapeutic and healthy milieu and provide leadership to our team!

The Short:

Moore Woltz serves as the Admissions and Outreach Coordinator at Alpha 180. Originally from North Carolina, Moore currently lives in Austin, TX. He enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, beachin’ it, and stand-up comedy.

The Long:

Moore was born in Mount Airy, NC (literally the town Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show was based on). He attended boarding school in rural Virginia before starting at N.C. State in Raleigh. During that time, Moore’s education was disrupted due to active addiction. He completed residential treatment in California and moved to Del Ray Beach, FL for sober living. Moore worked his first sober job as a scuba dive guide in West Palm Beach. He transferred to the University of Colorado in Boulder where he majored in Political Science. Moore worked in Washington, DC briefly before falling victim to active addiction yet again. He moved to Nashville, TN early in 2018 and has been sober since. He is a proponent of 12-step men’s meetings, where he learned about honesty and accountability, as well as the importance of living “in the moment.” Moore began his career at Alpha in May of 2021 as a case manager in our Launch Program. He now works on the Admissions and Marketing Team helping clients and families admitting into the program. Moore is passionate about Alpha’s company culture and helping young men maintain sobriety.

The Short:

Chris serves as an Outreach Coordinator at Alpha. Originally from San Diego, Chris currently resides in Cedar Park, TX. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and three cats. She is a mother of four and the wife of one. A fun fact: she also holds an elected position and serves as a school board trustee and board Secretary for the Leander Independent School District.

The Long:

Chris was born in San Diego, CA; her family was among the founding families of the county’s first city. She attended Point Loma High School (go Pointers) and Cal State Long Beach. Her education was briefly interrupted when she became a young mother at 20 years old. She was a single parent for seven years before meeting her husband, Bill, and they tied the knot in 2000. After their marriage, Bill formally adopted her eldest child, making him a Mauer, and they welcomed three more children into their lives. In 2004, Bill’s job led them from Oceanside, CA, to the Austin, TX area, where he continued his software engineering career, and Chris dedicated her time to raising their children.
Having experienced the challenges of parenting a teen with mental health issues, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to her position at Alpha. She has worked both in the public school system and the non-profit sector. Her passion lies in making the world a better place, one family at a time. Chris is particularly dedicated to supporting all youth, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. She is an active member of Free Mom Hugs of Austin and Cedar Park Pride, where she offers comforting embraces to those in need. Chris recently joined the team and is excited about spreading the word about our services, especially those for teens, to the wider community.

The Short:

Dantley Robison leads the Alpha Launch Program, which assists clients in accomplishing their academic, financial, and employment goals. He enjoys traveling the globe with his wife and daughter, trying to figure out crossword puzzles and maintaining a healthy body & mind. Dantley and his family live in Austin, TX.

The Long:

Dantley spent his first 21 years in small-town Indiana, but has considered Austin his home for the last 13 years. In leading the Alpha Launch Program, Dantley meets with clients to help them set their individual academic, financial and/or employment goals. He coaches them through the logistical and mental hurdles that arise and provides them with necessary resources to attain these objectives. Dantley ensures that every client who passes through Alpha departs with essential life skills that keep them on the path towards wellness and fulfillment.

Having taken a winding path in life, he knows the value in setting goals and taking incremental steps to achieve them. Personally, he’s been witness to hard work paying off as a first-generation college student and a graduate from St. Edward’s University with a BA in Sociology. His passion toward addiction recovery and helping others become the best version of themselves has led him to the Alpha community and treating chemical dependency. Dantley enjoys quality time with his wife, Sarah, daughter, Ophelia, and English Bulldog, Chowder. You can often find him visiting hidden gems of the world, enjoying smoothies from Juiceland, or laughing at dad jokes.

The Short:
Jace Knudson is a Launch Case Manager at Alpha. He helps clients with  the life and recovery skills aspect of the treatment process by frequently checking in with them regarding employment, education, and sobriety. Jace has worked in the treatment industry for 6 years in direct care, management, and admissions, and has dedicated his life to helping people achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. Jace lives in Austin with his fiancé Kelsey and their pets.

The Long:
Jace grew up in Phoenix, Arizona before moving to Austin to attend the University of Texas. He was pursuing a degree in film and was an active member of his fraternity at UT before becoming entrenched in drug addiction, alcoholism, and the legal consequences that come along with them. Jace began his journey to recovery and sobriety in 2017 after being given the option to go to treatment by a judge overseeing his one of his cases.
He achieved long-term sobriety after going to treatment and integrating himself in the greater Austin recovery community. This included attending meetings at and befriending clients of Alpha when it was in its starting years.

Jace returned to UT quickly after treatment and found that he had difficulty managing schoolwork, mental health, and early recovery. It is because of this struggle that he has become driven to assist other young men in the same position so that they may go on to achieve their education and employment goals. Having toiled with the struggles of sobriety –from establishing new relationships to life/recovery balance to relapse—Jace has developed a kit of tools that he can use to help other young men.

When not at work, Jace spends his time at home with his fiancé Kelsey and their two dogs, Hershey and Peach, and their cats, Gucci and Oscar. He is passionate about fishing, gaming, botany, and art.

The Short:
Lisa Nelson is the Operations Manager at Alpha Behavioral Health, where she manages day-to-day financial operations and HR tasks. With a professional background in business management and human resources, she holds a BS in Business and has a passion for developing small businesses. She has lived in Austin Texas for 14 sensational years and loves the outdoors.

The Long:
Lisa Nelson brings extensive experience from her background in business management at multimillion-dollar companies like West Elm and REI to her current role as Operations Manager at Alpha Behavioral Health. Holding a BS in Business, Lisa is committed to furthering her expertise by supporting the growth and operations of small businesses. She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and enhancing culture.

Outside of work, Lisa is an avid traveler and explorer, with a love for high-adrenaline activities such as canyoneering and kite surfing. She travels with her husband to all the NFL Stadiums in the continental US and loves our National Parks.

The Short
Jacob Wilson is a dedicated House Manager in the Alpha 180 Transitional Living Program. He ensures accountability and provides exceptional care for community members on their recovery journey. With a passion for nature, Jacob finds solace in hiking trails and maintains his well-being through regular workouts. His love for animals and hobby of coding video games showcase his diverse interests. Jacob aspires to grow at Alpha while continuing to deliver quality care and support to the community.

The Long:
Jacob Wilson is a valued member of the Alpha team, serving as a Resident Advisor within the Transitional Living Program. In his role, Jacob oversees the sober living environment, ensuring accountability and providing the necessary support for individuals on their recovery journey. His commitment to growth and delivering exceptional care to each community member is unwavering, making him an integral part of the Alpha 180 team.

Hailing from rural Missouri, Jacob’s roots as a farm boy have instilled in him a strong work ethic and a down-to-earth nature. Despite his humble beginnings, Jacob harbors ambitious aspirations for his future, constantly seeking avenues for personal and professional development. With his extensive knowledge and active involvement in the 12-step community, he brings valuable insights and a wealth of experience to his role, enabling him to offer comprehensive assistance to those in need.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Jacob finds solace and joy in connecting with nature. Exploring hiking trails and immersing himself in the beauty of the natural world allows him to rejuvenate and find balance. Furthermore, his dedication to personal well-being extends to his fitness journey, as he actively engages in working out to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Beyond his affinity for nature and fitness, Jacob holds a deep passion for animal welfare. Caring for animals has always held a special place in his heart, and he actively seeks opportunities to contribute to their well-being. In his free time, Jacob used to indulge in coding video games, showcasing his creativity and technical skills in the digital realm.

As Jacob Wilson continues to grow within the Alpha community, his unwavering dedication to supporting individuals on their recovery journey remains his driving force. With his caring nature, commitment to personal development, and diverse range of interests, Jacob exemplifies the spirit of compassion and empowerment that defines Alpha’s mission.

The Short:

Riley works for Alpha’s Residential department. His primary job is to ensure that the clients at Alpha have the smoothest experience possible in their early recovery. This may mean facilitating groups, helping the guys learn new life skills, or just providing a listening ear. Outside of work, he is enrolled in school at Austin Community College, and in what little free time he has, enjoys playing chess, reading about history, and playing ping pong.

The Long:
Riley was born and lived the first 20 years of his life in Waco, Texas. After being introduced to drugs and alcohol in college, he quickly learned what it meant to be powerless in his own life and eventually had to drop out of Baylor University. At age 20, he was introduced to recovery in 2019 when he attended a 90-day residential treatment center and then moved to Austin. After a lot of soul-searching, he made the decision to remain in Austin and start a new life instead of returning to Waco. He worked odd jobs for his first year in Austin before finding a place working in the addiction treatment industry, where he gained a passion for sharing his experience with others and helping them rebuild their lives and become the people they want to be.

A life of sobriety has also enabled him to gain a fuller appreciation for the world and the potential that each individual has to become fully self-actualized. He is an active participant at many local recovery groups and wants to help build a flourishing community of sober people who can rely on one another for support and advice. His private and professional life reflect a desire to help make the world a better place, one individual life at a time.

Riley also has a passion for animals and the natural world. After becoming disillusioned with his previous field of study, Riley decided to re-enroll in school to pursue a degree in biology. His long-term goal is to be admitted to a biology PhD program and become a researcher at a museum or university.

The Short:
As a House Manager, Anthony Cole Mercer is responsible for assistance in the day to day operations of the transitional living. Cole, in recovery himself, takes pride in setting an example to young men in recovery and being a strong positive influence in their lives.

The Long
Cole grew up in Austin, Texas. After struggling with substance abuse and alcoholism since he was 18, finally decided to reach out to his loved ones for help.

At first, he feared what sobriety may look like, but his fears quickly vanished when he was met with warm, friendly faces of people, once crippled by addictions, living joyous lives, free from the chains of addiction.

After spending 8 years working in professional kitchens, starting out as a dishwasher, and working his way up to head chef, Cole abandoned the industry. He found a passion and much more fulfilling line of work helping others who were once struggling with the same things as him.

Cole spends his free time exploring nature, fossil hunting, spending time with his dog and cooking for loved ones.

The Short: Abe is a dedicated yoga practitioner, sound healer, and spirit guide based in Austin, Texas. His personal journey into yoga and meditation began over a decade ago, and he has been a devoted student of the ancient traditions and the spirit world for nearly twenty years.

The Long: Since achieving sobriety in 2004, Abe has dedicated his life to helping men and women recover from trauma and addiction through the transformative power of yoga, sound healing, and breathwork practices. His deep spiritual engagement has led him to explore Buddhism, eastern and Native American philosophy, shamanism, and deep 12 step work significantly enriching his approach to healing and life. As a Creative at heart with a passion for sound and spiritual music, Abe has seamlessly integrated these elements into his spiritual and healing practices. When the global pandemic began, it inspired him to teach yoga and share the therapeutic vibrations of his music, aiding others in finding balance and peace during uncertain times.

In addition to his yoga teachings, Abe is an active member of the recovery community, serving as a spirit guide and combining traditional yoga techniques with sound healing and breathwork to promote healing and growth. His sessions, featuring the resonant sounds of Native American Flutes, gongs, and singing bowls, create a deeply immersive experience. These sound healing practices are complemented by breathwork, designed to align and cleanse the chakras, facilitating a transformative experience that connects participants more closely to the spirit world.

Abe’s classes are celebrated for their strong sense of community and inclusivity, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of yoga, sound, and breathwork to connect and heal individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a local Austinite, deeply rooted in his community, he is passionately driven to assist others. Each day, Abe strives to embody the essence of yoga and sound healing not just as physical and auditory practices, but as holistic paths of life, committed to the well-being and spiritual growth of everyone around him. Through serene yoga flows, the healing vibrations of his instruments, and the power of breathwork, he offers a sanctuary for all those seeking tranquility, healing, and a deeper connection with the spirit world.

Kate is an artist and yoga teacher trained in the modalities of kundalini yoga, yoga nidra, sound healing, art therapy, Buddhist philosophy and a mindfulness based cognitive approach to meditation. Through her own journey with healing from addictions and depression she gently listens to the guidance of spirit as she supports others on their healing journey.

AcuDetox: Acudetox is a five-point acupuncture technique that has been proven to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The process involves gentle insertion of acupuncture needles in specific ear points, which helps relax the nervous system, balance energy levels in the body, and calm emotions.

Emily O’Shea obtained a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin in 2001. She has done clinical work with individuals, families, and groups in the Austin area in a variety of capacities. She has her medical license in acudetox to aid clients in the reduction of cravings and symptoms of withdrawal.

Ms. O’Shea is passionate about working with clients to help them achieve their goals and live their very best lives. She brings humor, long term recovery experience, and compassion to the therapeutic relationship.

Prior to the launch of Alpha 180™, Bob Ferguson has served as founder and CEO of Jaywalker Lodge since 2004. Jaywalker Lodge is an extended care residential treatment and recovery community for men located in Carbondale, CO. Before that, Bob served for over 10 years in senior management positions at a number of the leading treatment providers in the addiction & recovery field including: Jaywalker Lodge, Promises Treatment Centers, Crossroads Antigua, and the Hazelden Foundation.

In addition, Bob has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) since 2011. He is currently beginning his second two-year term on the Executive Committee, serving as Secretary for the NAATP Board. Bob also serves as Chairman of the Board for A Way Out, an Aspen-based 501c3 providing crisis referrals and treatment scholarships for families and residents in Western Colorado.

Bob divides his time between Austin, TX and his home in Snowmass Village where he lives with his wife and two college-aged kids. When he’s not at Alpha 180, Bob stays busy as a grateful participant in his own recovery from addiction, which began – one day at a time – on Feb. 12, 1992.

The Short
Nico Doorn serves as Executive Director, guiding our vision, values, and culture. Nico views his personal mission as creating healing communities and has been pursuing this goal for over a dozen years as a mental health professional. He has three kids, a fiery wife, and is guaranteed to mention his love for running within five minutes of meeting.

The Long
Nico was born in ‘s Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, but grew up in North Carolina. His multicultural upbringing, as well as being raised in a split household as an only child, made Nico an observant and curious person. After struggling with severe mental health and addiction issues as a teen, he sought to answer the question he had long been pondering: How do you become truly happy?

Upon finding sustained recovery at age twenty, with only a ninth-grade education, Nico decided he needed to make some changes. He embraced a welcoming recovery community, learned how to hold a job, and decided to pursue a college education.

Ultimately, Nico went on to graduate as valedictorian with a BA in Psychology from Lipscomb University and with highest honors with an M.Ed. in Human Development Studies from Vanderbilt University, both in Nashville, Tennessee. Nico has held roles ranging from clinical care and admissions to business development and executive leadership, developing multiple young adult programs for residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment centers, and college campuses. He serves on the board for the Young Adult Transition Association, the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers’ conference committee, and gave a TEDx talk.

Today, Nico takes incredible pride in ensuring every family Alpha serves is warmly welcomed into our community. Nico is obsessed with his three kids Aedin (16), Bodhi (4), and Lhotse (2), as well as running. He’s completed multiple marathons (PR 2:58:14) and ultramarathons and leads The Outliers, a run club supporting mental health here in Austin. He’s found his answer to how to become truly happy: challenge yourself to be your best every day while surrounded by people that love you.

Podcasts:
Cumberland Heights Podcast with Dr. Nick Hayes
Success is Subjective with Joanna Lilley
Talksicology with Joseph Gorrordo 
The Business of Human Flourishing with Tripp Johnson 
Curiously Enough 

TEDx:
Hiding in Plain Sight: College Student in Recovery 

Affiliations
Board of Directors, Young Adult Transitions Association yata.net
Mental Health Advisory Committee, Austin Sunshine Camps 
Board Member, Help Out Loud: Compassionate Support for Addiction Professionals
Founder, Outliers Run Club instagram.com/outliersatx/?hl=en
Supporter, Not a Glum Lot wearenotglum.org
Ambassador, Bigger Than the Trail bttt.run
Runner, strava.com

The Short:

Wes Ward, a founding team member at Alpha, is responsible for all administrative functions of the company including finance, human resources, and operations. Wes has worked in the addiction treatment field for the past fifteen years and is passionate about helping people get well and go on to lead incredible lives. Wes lives in Austin with his wife Veronica and their son Wilder.

The Long:

Wes grew up in Texas with his parents and older brother. Wes’s teenage years were primarily spent struggling with substance use. At the age of 18, he was given the option to go to treatment and, thankfully, not only decided to go, but embraced recovery. Wes spent the next ten years balancing recovery, work, and school. He graduated from Schreiner University with a B.A. in Humanities and then received his M.B.A. with a focus in Human Resources Management from Texas State University. Soon after graduating, he started working with Bobby, Nico and the rest of the team to create the Alpha program.

While Wes was in college, it felt like a job, and his community were his friends in recovery outside of school. Going to college in recovery should not be an isolating experience. He wanted to create a space where individuals could find purpose, achieve their goals, and feel a part of a group of like-minded friends. Wes is passionate about organizational health, work/life balance, and staff development. He spends the time he is not at Alpha with his wife Veronica, in architecture, and his toddler Wilder, in demolition. Wes likes traveling to places with mountains and collecting hobbies.