Meet Our Dedicated Addiction Recovery Team at Haven

Founder and Executive Director

Colleen believes that everyone deserves compassion and care as they work toward healing from addiction. When she reached out for help, she found recovery and guidance from women who had been through it before her. Their support inspired her to create Haven, a place built on the belief that one addict helping another is incredibly powerful. Haven is meant to be a safe space where that message of recovery can be shared with others. Colleen holds a master’s degree in clinical counseling.

“We learn courageous action by going forward whenever fear urges us back.” David Seabury

Chief Happiness Officer (CHO)

Haven is our resident love bug, there to cuddle and protect our staff and residents.  He loves to play fetch and go for long walks.   No matter your mood, this guy can brighten your day.

“The best therapist has fur and four legs.” – Unknown

Private Chef, Integrative Nutrition Coach

Having watched her son struggle with Substance Use Disorder for many years, Chef Colleen decided to take her passion for healthy cooking, her love of integrative nutrition, and years of experience to help those in recovery.
Chef Colleen’s goal is to cook comforting meals and meals that support healing from the inside out. Chef Colleen strives to see every resident thrive and be healthier than they were when they arrived.

“Mom, you should cook at a recovery center. You have the talent to make people feel loved through your cooking, it’s like getting a warm hug. People who struggle with addiction and those in recovery need that” — My Son Matthew Brandon.

Intake Coordinator, Recovery Counselor

Leigh is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every resident at Haven at Blue Creek. Her personal and professional experiences give her a deep understanding of the challenges residents face, fueling her commitment to ensuring their needs are met with dignity and respect. Whether she’s coordinating medical care, connecting individuals with vital resources, or offering emotional support, Leigh works tirelessly to create a supportive environment where residents can heal and thrive. Her unwavering compassion and dedication make her an integral part of Haven’s mission to transform lives.

"If you don’t like the path you’re walking, start paving a new one." Dolly Parton

Director of Operations

Being a Greenville native, a town that has experienced its own darkness from addiction, adds a deeply personal dimension to my mission. Helping women recover from addiction is not just about offering support; it’s about fostering a community where women empower each other. By sharing their stories, struggles, and triumphs, these women create a network of solidarity and strength, inspiring one another to persevere and grow. Together, they uplift and support each other, forming bonds that transcend addiction and empower them to live fulfilling, sober lives. Witnessing women empowering each other through addiction recovery is a profound privilege.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
 Let go Let God

Primary Therapist and Residential Operations Coordinator

Taylor is deeply passionate about supporting women on their recovery journeys. As someone who has personally navigated alcoholism and the lasting impacts of childhood trauma, Taylor brings empathy, authenticity, and lived experience into every interaction. A proud alumna of Haven at Blue Creek, Taylor credits her experience there with helping her achieve sobriety and rebuild her life. Taylor is devoted to creating safe, empowering spaces where women can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. Her work at Haven is rooted in compassion, connection, and a commitment to helping each woman discover her strength and potential.

“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide” -Brene Brown

Family Program Coordinator

Taylor is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and believes that addiction impacts more than one person, it touches entire families, relationships, and support systems. Her approach emphasizes that recovery is most meaningful and sustainable when families are given the opportunity to heal and grow alongside their loved ones. Taylor is passionate about helping women and their families move beyond crisis toward greater connection, resilience, and hope. She believes that healing is possible for everyone involved and considers it a privilege to walk alongside families as they navigate recovery and rediscover connection together.

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
— Maya Angelou

Yoga Instructor

Movement has always provided a pathway of healing and fun for Elizabeth. It is her joy and privilege to lead others in yoga on their journey in recovery. The beauty of Elizabeth, both inside and outside, is evident to everyone who encounters her. She is an integral part of the Haven community and encourages our residents to connect with their bodies and spirit.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Arts Coordinator and Recovery Counselor

Connor holds a bachelor’s degree in art and was introduced to art therapy during treatment. Beyond Connor’s role in Recovery Art, Connor assists across Haven in countless ways too numerous to list, bringing creativity, passion, and dedication to every task. Connor is driven to show women that in recovery, they can truly live and not just survive.

“You must become unshakable in the belief that you are worthy of a big life.” -Kristin Lohr

Recovery Counselor

Alcoholism is a part of Cherie’s story, shaped by a family affected by this disease. Despite those challenges, she has faced her fears and worked to overcome obstacles in hopes of breaking the cycle of addiction and creating a different path forward. Her recovery journey has taught her the true meaning of hope, perseverance, and resilience.

Cherie believes that nothing worth having comes easy, and giving up has never been an option. Working at Haven has given her a strong sense of purpose and belonging. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside other women in recovery and to give back what was so freely given to her.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” -Vincent Van Gogh

Recovery Counselor and Maintenance Manager

Caroline is a Recovery Advocate who uses her personal experience and deep passion for helping others to guide women on their journey toward healing. As a woman in recovery who has faced her own struggles with addiction and legal challenges, Caroline is a living example that it is never too late to change direction and build a new life. She is currently pursuing her CADC certification to further expand her ability to support and empower women in recovery. Through compassion, honesty, and hope, Caroline reminds every woman she serves that their past does not define their future, and that lasting recovery and meaningful change are truly possible.

"Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." -Joshua J Marine

Jacquetta is currently studying Social and Human Services with a focus on Recovery and Addiction. She is committed to combining her education with her own experience, strength, and hope to empower women who are choosing a second chance through recovery.

She has a genuine passion for helping others and enjoys supporting people, listening to their needs, and making a positive difference in their lives. Jacquetta believes that every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and rediscover her potential, and she considers it a privilege to walk alongside the women of Haven as they begin that journey.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25

Lead Recovery Advocate and Sober Living Manager

Haley’s journey has included recovery from addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges, including Factitious Disorder, a diagnosis that can be especially difficult to face and talk about. Haley understands that reaching out for help with complex conditions like these takes tremendous courage, and she has embraced long-term therapy and support as part of her healing process. Her experiences have given her deep empathy and insight into the struggles that many women face, especially when dealing with more than one mental health condition. Haley’s story is a testament to the hope and possibility of recovery: with compassion, honesty, and the right support, lasting change can happen. Today, she empowers women at Haven, reminding them that they are not alone and that every woman deserves understanding and care as she moves toward a healthier, more authentic life.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” -Confucius

Culinary Assistant

Leann’s sobriety journey at Haven has been a transformative experience after years of struggling with addiction. When she first arrived, she felt lost and broken, but Haven provided a safe and supportive environment where she could begin to heal. The staff’s expertise, combined with the sense of community and understanding, helped her face her challenges head-on.

Over time, Haven became more than just a treatment center—it became a lifeline. Through therapy, group support, and individualized care, Leann was able to begin breaking free from the grip of addiction. Haven did more than support her sobriety journey; it provided tools to help her rebuild her life, reconnect with herself, and rediscover hope. Her experience at Haven has been a meaningful part of her recovery story.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect” -Mark Twain

Recovery Advocate

Madeline’s work at Haven is rooted in compassion and connection, helping each woman discover her own strength. With personal experience seeing the impact of addiction in her family and friends, she brings understanding and care to her role. Madeline creates a supportive space where women celebrate progress, navigate challenges, and encourage one another. She feels grateful to be part of a community where women grow, heal, and build fulfilling, sober lives.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalms 37:4 

Recovery Advocate

Charlene has a deep passion for serving others and supporting those on their recovery journey. With 36 years of personal recovery, she brings compassion, wisdom, and lived experience to the work she does each day, helping others find the same freedom and healing she has experienced. Charlene is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Recovery at East Carolina University with the goal of becoming a counselor, so she can continue helping others heal, grow, and build meaningful lives in recovery. She believes strongly in giving back and passing along the hope and support that were once given to her.

"No matter what, we have joy, and no matter what, we do not drink." -The Big Book

Recovery Advocate

Taylor’s recovery journey is a powerful reflection of her resilience and unwavering commitment to growth. She has faced her past with courage, choosing healing even on the hardest days. Through consistency, self-awareness, and faith, she continues to rebuild her life with intention and purpose. Her strength shows not just in overcoming challenges, but in the way she uplifts and inspires others along the way. Taylor is proof that transformation is possible when you refuse to give up on yourself. Every step she takes forward is a testament to her bravery and the life she’s creating.

“ Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time “

- Ruth Bader Ginsburg 

Recovery Advocate

Hannah is deeply committed to her recovery and the growth it brings into her life each day. Through her journey, she’s found strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. She is passionate about giving back and supporting other women as they navigate their own paths to healing. Hannah believes in creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered. Hannah’s goal is to turn her experiences into something meaningful that uplifts and inspires others. Recovery isn’t just her story—it’s the foundation of the life she’s building.

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed—it means it no longer controls you.” -Akshay Dubey

Spiritual Development

Kylie is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical counseling with a specialization in addiction. Her drive for helping others in recovery comes from her family’s history of addiction as well as her grandmother’s stories of struggles with substance abuse. She became inspired to support others in their healing journey through compassion, empowerment, and connection.

Spirituality and holistic healing are at the core of who Kylie is. Her Native American roots and Reiki certification have driven her to seek a deeper meaning in life, believing there is so much more to life than what meets the eye. She strives to incorporate healing practices, mindfulness, and alternative perspectives to help others reconnect with themselves and find true meaning in their recovery journey.

"Never lose your sense of wonder and always ask why."

Peer Support

Victoria strives to bring hope and community to people walking in their personal journey. Victoria has lived experience with both mental health and substance use challenges. She has been affected by loved ones working with these challenges as well.  She is North Carolina Peer Support Certified and works at a peer-led organization as well. Victoria hopes to give back to the community that has so freely given to her, through her work at Haven. Victoria aspires to take her personal experience, recovery and peer support training to empower individuals around her.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10

Accounting

Although Angelia does not have immediate family members who have struggled with addiction, she has supported many friends who have faced these challenges. She has attended meetings with them and offered help in any way she could.

Angelia’s connection to Haven stems from her longstanding relationship with the Balot family, who have believed in and trusted her for over 20 years across various roles. Having worked with many of their businesses, joining Haven in an accounting capacity felt like a natural fit. Seeing the financial responsibilities required to keep this program running has deepened her appreciation for the dedication of each team member and the work being done to support the women at Haven.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt