Hannah Small-Oie, LCSW
Clinical Director
Hannah grew up in Weaverville, NC, and upon graduation from high school, left the mountains to pursue her education in both Miami, FL, and Washington, D.C. earning her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis on advocating for increased access to quality mental health care for marginalized populations. Hannah spent the first eight years of her career cutting her teeth in community substance abuse treatment in New Haven, CT, first as a therapist and later as a supervising clinician providing oversight of clinical programming and supervision. She credits her strong relationship with her mentors, Mary Ellen Savage, MD, a Yale affiliated forensic psychiatrist, and Kathryn Eggert, PHD, LCSW, with pushing her to develop strong diagnostic/assessment skills and a passion for working with treatment resistant clients early on in her career.
After spending significant time both providing direct care and supervising clinicians, her drive to help further inform the treatment process on a more macro level led her to pursue a program director role in a private treatment center in New Haven, first running their community outpatient program and later being asked to develop their first adolescent extended care program and ultimately becoming clinical director up until early 2024. During her time in this role Hannah was successful in advocating for more focused trauma treatment supports for clients, aided in building a close relationship with reputable forensic and psychological assessment professionals in the area, and oversaw the implementation of an eating disorder IOP program.
Throughout her time living in cities both up and down the East Coast, Hannah has always been drawn to return home to the mountains of North Carolina to continue supporting local programs and the clients they serve and in April of 2024 she was given the opportunity to transition into the Clinical Director role at The Willows leading a passionate team of professionals supporting women in treatment.
As Clinical Director at The Willows, Hannah brings her expertise in program development and team building with a strong focus on ensuring the continuation of quality clinical care to women in our PHP and RTC levels of care. Additionally, in her spare time, Hannah loves spending time with her family, chorale singing, and the occasional dungeons and dragons campaign!
Julie Sanchez, MSW, LCSW, LCAS-A
Primary Therapist
Julia Sanchez is an integrative psychotherapist specializing in supporting folks in recovering from trauma and associated maladaptive coping such as substance abuse, disordered eating, self-harm, and unhealthy relationship patterns. She centers her practice in somatic therapies she has been trained in and continues to study, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and ecotherapy, weaving in narrative therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Julia’s work is inspired by harm reduction, body positivity, anti-racism and decolonizing mental health, gender-affirming care, and ecofeminism movements.
Julia was born in Washington, D.C., raised there and in the Turks & Caicos Islands, and called Florida homebase prior to receiving the call to move to higher ground in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. In Florida, Julia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in cultural anthropology from New College of Florida, studying in Latin America, West Africa, and the Caribbean, then built a career in nonprofit program administration working for several youth and family serving organizations, earning a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. While working to promote positive change and health on a community-level, Julia also studied holistic healing arts, earning certifications as a trauma-informed yoga instructor (305 Yoga), as a health coach (Institute of Integrative Nutrition), and as a family herbalist (Florida School of Holistic Living).
During her time supervising and managing public health programs, as well as teaching yoga and herbalism classes in Miami, Julia encountered a growing mental health crisis within her community. Julia responded to this by seeking formal training in clinical skills, earning a master’s degree in clinical social work from Florida State University. As a clinician in Florida, Julia worked with adolescent students and families at an alternative school providing wrap-around supports, then with adults with co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders at a nature-based residential treatment center. After relocating to North Carolina, Julia went on to serve as a primary therapist at a residential treatment center for adolescents, where she deepened her experience supporting clients with dissociative disorders with somatic approaches. She delivered presentations on this topic at national conferences of the Outdoor Behavioral Health Council in 2023 and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs in 2024.
Julia is inspired by her clients; nature; and teachers, elders, and leaders such as Gabor Mate, adrienne maree brown, Brene Brown, Tricia Hershey, Malidoma Patrice Somé, Starhawk, and the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers. Julia’s own embodiment practices include being in natural bodies of water and the forest; wildcrafting and gardening; enjoying music, food, and travel; movement (yoga, swimming, walking); and cultivating relationships with family, neighbors, and friends. She lives with her family, plants, and a cat named Princess in Asheville.
Jenna Manning, MS, LCAS-A
Primary Therapist
Jenna is originally from Finland and grew up in Portugal and Scotland. Jenna recently moved to North Carolina from California in search of a deeper connection to nature. Jenna has worked in an outpatient setting for low-income families in California. Her clients were a mix of individuals, couples and children. After having children and being a stay-at-home mother, Jenna started her search for who she was and what her purpose was other than raising her 3 amazing children. Jenna started a podcast called “Mama Tribe” to share women’s stories from pregnancy, birth and beyond. Jenna felt like mothers do not get to share their stories fully and in sharing, mothers can pass on experiences and support one another. With this experience Jenna realized that she wanted to offer more support as many of the stories really shared such deep struggles. That inspired Jenna to obtain a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Jenna brings compassion and an open mind and heart that wants to hear people’s stories. Jenna believes that she contributes to this beautiful team by being her authentic self. Jenna has grown up in different cultures and can appreciate all of the similarities and differences within the team. Jenna wants to support the team as she does her clients. Jenna works from the perspective that people have the power to change and grow themselves. And her job as a therapist is to walk along side them and point things out like a guide. Jenna’s aim is to meet each client where they are at in their journey in a shame free manner.
Jenna has been enjoying getting to experience seasons here in North Carolina. Jenna is excited to grow her own food and get chickens. Jenna enjoys archery (as a beginner) and spending time with her family outside.
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.
Lawson Durham
Primary Therapist
Pic and Bio Coming Soon!
Turkessa Baten, MSW, LCSW-A
Family Therapist
Turkessa Baten, a native of Asheville, NC, has dedicated decades to the field of social work. Growing up in Asheville, she developed a deep connection to her community, which fueled her passion for helping others. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working in the mental health field with diverse populations, spanning all life stages from older adults to adolescents, infants, and toddlers. Her career has always had a particular focus on working with families, providing coaching, tools, and strategies for relational repairs. To further enhance her therapeutic skills, she pursued and earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This academic achievement, combined with her practical experiences, has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to support individuals and families effectively.
At Red Oak Recovery, her therapeutic approach is centered on empathy, active listening, and creating a safe space for clients to explore and address their challenges. Influenced by attachment theory, her work focuses on understanding and improving family dynamics. Her dedication to fostering relational repairs and her empathetic approach make her an asset to the Red Oak Recovery community. She is passionate about helping families navigate challenges and work towards healing and recovery, believing that every individual and family has the potential to thrive.
Outside of work, Turkessa enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and acting silly with her immediate family and grandchildren. She finds joy in connecting with nature and cherishing playful moments with her loved ones. This blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment underscores her commitment to both her profession and her personal life.
Megan Shea, MA, LCAS, LCMHC-A, NCC
Family Support Specialist
Megan Shea, MA, LCMHC-A, LCASA-A, NCC is excited to (re)join the Willows as Primary Therapist. She previously worked at The Willows in 2017 as Shift Supervisor and believes it is a place of true healing and growth.
Originally from the northeast and calling Maine her home, Megan has lived in Western North Carolina for about five years. She attended Appalachian State University in Boone for her counseling program and holds an additional master’s in teaching from Simmons University in Boston. While at App State, Megan earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in couples and family counseling, along with a certificate in addictions counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate, and a Nationally Certified Counselor.
Megan has a rich experience in mental & behavioral healthcare (including wilderness therapy), English language arts education, and outdoor education. Prior to joining the Willows, Megan recently worked win Asheville as primary therapist at a therapeutic boarding school for adolescent boys. She integrates all her varied work experiences to inform her therapeutic approach.
Megan’s counseling orientation is relational, holistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed. Megan believes in the power of each individual’s and families’ innate ability to change. She sees her role as therapist one of walking with clients on their recovery journey and helping to witness and reflect change. Megan integrates many theories and modalities in her work with clients including CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based practices, eco-wellness, DBT skills, and polyvagal theory. She works from an attachment-based and emotion-focused perspective. Lastly, Megan is inspired by the clinical works of Carl Rogers, Victor Frankl, Virginia Satir, Tara Brach, Gabor Mate, Dan Siegel, and Sue Johnson.
While Megan loves her work as a therapist, she has many outside interests and hobbies, including rec volleyball, roller skating, running, yoga, writing poetry, and hiking in the Pisgah National Forest. She also values quality time spent with family and friends, ideally sharing good food and laughs around a campfire.
Elke Gates, CADC-I
Clinical Case Manager
Originally from Seattle, Washington, 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, Elke 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 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 joined Red Oak Recovery® after obtaining her MS and PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. Prior to joining the Red Oak Recovery team, Dr. Daubs treated children, adolescents, and families at many different therapeutic settings, including a community mental health clinic, university counseling centers, an adventure program, and a therapeutic boarding school. In addition to Dr. Daubs’ extensive clinical and assessment experience, she has also built and designed therapeutic programming for residential facilities for adolescents and their families.
Her research interests include family systems, parent-child attachment, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, comorbid disorders, addiction processes, romantic attachment, and coping styles. In her spare time Dr. Daubs enjoys running, reading, and traveling.
