Clinical Team at The Willows

Experience clinician-run addiction treatment at Red Oak Recovery® in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains

Angela Camacho, MSW, LCSW

Interim Associate Clinical Director

Angela is originally from Asheville, NC. She grew up in the local community. Prior to working at the Willows, she worked within a residential treatment center for adolescent males, while also serving as a private practice therapist for the Asheville community. The experiences that have led me to The Willows is family therapy working with mothers. Through many of her adolescent clients, she had a significant amount of work with their mothers and saw the complexities of life that they are challenged with. This led her to working within a facility that specifically supports adult women.

She is trained in Brainspotting, the Neuro Affective Relationship Model (NARM), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP), Emotional Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This training, combined with a value in a multi-disciplinary team approach, is her way to help support clients from a holistic perspective reaching all of the dimensions of wellness (physical, mental/intellectual, emotional, and spiritual).

At The Willows, Angela is the lead Family Therapist. She serves by offering family therapy to couples, parents and children, or other supportive relationships for the client within The Willows care. She also presents psychoeducation through the family workshops on a monthly basis. The intention within the work is to explore agency and their capacity/choice to engage within the work so that it’s an empowering experience.

On the weekends and after work, she is found enjoying the great outdoors with her family and her animals. Nature is rejuvenating and healing. She enjoys the outdoors through rock climbing, exploring waterfalls, and enjoying animals.

Chesney Snelson, LCSW-A

Primary Therapist

Chesney Snelson is a dedicated therapist specializing in addiction recovery, maladaptive coping mechanisms, identity exploration, and mental health challenges. With a master’s in social work from UNC Charlotte and an undergraduate degree in psychology from UNC Asheville, Chesney combines academic training with hands-on experience to help clients heal from trauma, build resilience, and achieve self-acceptance.

Chesney’s clinical experience includes internships at the Gastonia Public Defender’s Office where she connected inmates to treatment services, and at the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) in Charlotte, NC, where she supported homeless veterans navigating mental health, substance abuse, and reintegration issues. She has also volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for children in Buncombe County and contributed to the Social Bridging Project through MAHEC, offering emotional support to isolated adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her therapeutic practice, Chesney integrates trauma-informed care and utilizes evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build healthier coping strategies and create lasting change. She empowers individuals to break free from destructive patterns, cultivate self-acceptance, and develop hope for the future in a safe, supportive environment. As a Willows Primary Therapist, Chesney works alongside clients in both individual work and through weekly clinical groups. Chesney supports clients in identifying and achieving their goals for treatment and empowers them to prioritize healing and personal growth.

Chesney is an Asheville, NC native who enjoys hiking, being immersed in nature, traveling, comedy, pets, and connecting with people from all walks of life. She is passionate about “meeting people where they are at” and approaches each client with kindness and curiosity. She is deeply committed to helping clients unlock their full potential and lead more fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Grace Casteen, LCMHS-A, LCAS-A

Primary Therapist

Grace completed her undergraduate studies at East Carolina University, earning a double major in Rehabilitation Services and Psychology with a minor in Drug and Alcohol Studies. Driven by her strong passion for assisting individuals dealing with mental health and substance use disorders, Grace pursued further education at East Carolina University, eventually obtaining a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling with a focus on addiction. Originally from the East Coast of North Carolina, Grace is thrilled to trade her beach towels for hiking gear as she explores the mountains of Western North Carolina. During her free time, she enjoys activities such as hiking, fishing, spending time with her dog Piper, and engaging in various creative outlets as a form of self-care.

Previously, Grace worked in community-based treatment programs, where she provided assistance to a diverse clientele ranging from 18 to 60 years old. Her clients often experienced trauma, severe mental health issues, and a history of addictions. Grace has extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Many of her former clients struggled with addictions, depression, anxiety, grief, low confidence, and destructive behaviors. She also worked with mandated clients who were on probation or parole. Grace’s services include counseling, diagnosis, treatment plans, assessments, and brief interventions. She primarily utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy, tailoring her approach to each client’s specific needs. Grace believes that treatment approaches should be based on the individual client’s current stage in their treatment or recovery process, considering all relevant factors as not all treatment options are equally effective for everyone.

With CBT, a counselor can help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and reasoning influence their behavior and assist them in making positive changes. Grace has incorporated various CBT interventions such as relaxation techniques, urge surfing, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy. Additionally, she feels confident using techniques such as Motivational Interviewing (to address uncertainty related to maladaptive behaviors) through empathy, open questions, and reflective listening, Person-Centered Therapy (guided by the belief in a client’s capacity for growth and self-actualization), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (focusing on validating the challenges of change and learning new skills for emotion regulation), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques (specifically designed for adults who have experienced traumatic events), including psychoeducation, relaxation, emotion identification, and cognitive restructuring.

Erin Riley, MS, LCMHC-A, NCC

Primary Therapist

Erin began her journey with The Willows as a clinical intern and now serves as a Primary Therapist. Erin is dedicated to supporting clients and their families on their recovery journeys, helping them discover their innate ability to change and grow. Inspired by the transformative experiences with the team and clients at Red Oak, Erin decided to become a primary therapist at The Willows, driven by a deep commitment to witnessing and facilitating transformative change.

Erin holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has enriched her expertise with a focus on trauma-informed practices. With a profound belief in the power of healing and growth within group therapy spaces, Erin integrates a diverse range of therapeutic approaches in her practice. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). Drawing from years of yoga practice and mindfulness-based training, Erin incorporates a somatic lens into her therapeutic approach. She aims to help clients gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with self-compassion and curiosity. Her philosophy aligns closely with the principles of relational, holistic, and person-centered care.

Outside of work, Erin is an avid lover of creative arts, often engaging in activities that nourish the soul and foster personal growth. Whether it’s hiking in the beautiful landscapes of Western North Carolina, creating art, practicing yoga, or exploring new avenues of self-expression and exploration, Erin values the balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

Grace Wills, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A

Primary Therapist

Grace Wills earned her master’s in clinical and substance use counseling from East Carolina University. She has extensive experience in therapeutic settings, including working as an intern therapist at TEDI Bear Child Advocacy Center, where she utilized Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Strengths-Based therapy. She also interned as a Substance Use Counselor at ECU Health’s Behavioral Health Unit, incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work. Additionally, Grace has worked as an individual mentor at Hope Reins Equine Therapy, combining her love for animals and therapy.

Grace was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, where she spent most of her childhood. She also had meaningful years living in Santa Clara, California, where she discovered her passion for psychology and counseling. She later moved to Reno, Nevada, to begin her undergraduate studies, serve as a residential assistant, and compete in track & field. Grace then completed her bachelor’s degree at UNC-Chapel Hill before relocating to Eastern North Carolina to pursue her master’s degree and finish her track & field career. In August 2024, Grace moved to Asheville, drawn by the area’s stunning natural beauty, which has always been an inspiration to her. Her love for the outdoors and her passion for integrating nature into therapy made The Willows a perfect fit for her professional journey. Outside of work, Grace enjoys hiking in the mountains, spending time with her cats and fiancée, going to the gym, trying new restaurants, thrifting, and engaging in arts and crafts.

Grace specializes in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy. She brings a deep sense of empathy, active listening, and authenticity to her work, helping clients identify their strengths, build resilience, and create substance-free lives. With a rich background in therapy, athletics, and personal experiences with mental health, Grace is committed to empowering clients to improve their mental well-being, develop healthy coping strategies, and increase self-acceptance and confidence.

As a Primary Therapist at The Willows, Grace provides individual therapy twice a week and leads five clinical groups weekly. She works closely with clients to complete psychosocial assessments, create treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, and help them achieve their treatment goals using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Grace focuses on helping clients regulate emotions, process trauma, and develop the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. She also ensures clients leave treatment with a comprehensive aftercare plan for continued success.

Lawson Durham

Family Therapist

Bio Coming Soon!

Elke Gates, CADC-I

Clinical Case Manager

Originally from Seattle, Elke spent much of her adult life traveling the country before settling down in western North Carolina.

Elke graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from The University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before coming to work at The Willows, she worked as a domestic violence victim advocate and case manager in Honolulu, Hawaii. Elke joined The Willows as a recovery support specialist before transitioning into her role as a clinical case manager. In her new role, Elke is able to pull from her own personal experience of life in recovery, bringing a special insight and empathy to those just starting out on their own journey.

In her free time, Elke enjoys hiking and exploring the woods with her two dogs, Goose and Kelso

Dr. Carlyn Daubs, PhD, LP

Psychologist

Carlyn became a part of The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® team after earning her MS and Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of North Texas. Before her time at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, Dr. Daubs provided treatment to children, adolescents, and families in a variety of therapeutic environments, including community mental health clinics, university counseling centers, adventure programs, and therapeutic boarding schools.

Beyond her extensive clinical and assessment background, Dr. Daubs has also developed and structured therapeutic programs for residential facilities catering to adolescents and their families. Her research interests include family systems, parent-child attachment, behaviors indicating internal and external conflicts, co-occurring disorders, addiction processes, romantic attachment, and coping mechanisms. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Daubs loves to run, read, and explore different places.

Contact The Willows Clinical Team Now

If you or a woman in your life is struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, The Willows clinical team is here to help. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care for each woman who walks through our doors. Call 828.518.6941 or contact us online to get started.

Discover more about our unique approach to women’s addiction treatment and how we can help you or your loved one embark on a journey of renewal. Contact us online or call 828.518.6941 today. Everyone deserves a chance to thrive and live their best life.