Christopher Haug
Operations Director
Christopher, a proud native of the Hudson Valley region of New York, grew up near the scenic Catskill Mountains and Hudson River. He earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology from the University of New York at Cortland.
He relocated to Asheville, where he found his calling at a holistic residential program for adults facing mental health challenges. The community-based approach resonated deeply with him, igniting his passion for helping others learn and grow.
Christopher’s diverse professional background includes crafting exercise programs for athletes, managing professional kitchens, developing occupational health and safety initiatives, and most recently serving as an electronic health records system analyst. His keen attention to detail, paired with a knack for seeing the big picture, uniquely qualifies him for the Operations Director role.
When he’s not making strides at work, Christopher enjoys family time with his wife, Emily, and their two young children, Rosalie and Zev. A lover of home improvement projects, nature escapades, and scouting out the best taco trucks in town, he prioritizes balancing work and play.
Becky Barth, BS, WFR
Operations and Experiential Activities Specialist
Becky’s technical skills in adventure sports, her numerous years facilitating groups and program staff, and her recent term as a part-time clinical technician for The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® help her excel in her role. She is a team player, a strong communicator, and enthusiastically joins in with any task at hand.
Making a difference in the lives of others has always been an underlying motivator for Becky. She strives to be a good listener, show respect for all, discover teachable moments, and encourage all around her to thrive and flourish. Whether supporting a client in a one-on-one setting, leading a group on a camping experience, or working behind the scenes, she aims to do meaningful work.
Once an avid competitor in adventure endurance racing, mountain biking, and flatwater canoeing, she is now content to ride bikes, climb rocks, and paddle boats for fun. She proudly parents her two older teenagers, loves to cook and eat all vegetables, and sings a cappella with a small women’s ensemble.
Sophie Bessa
Program Director
Sophie was born and raised in Leesburg, VA. She studied social work at James Madison University. While earning her BSW, Sophie volunteered at a program for men who had been recently released from incarceration, and she interned for a semester at a probation office in Staunton, VA. These experiences inspired her to want to work in the field of substance use intervention. After graduating, Sophie hiked from Georgia to Virginia on the Appalachian Trail.
Once returning home, she decided to apply for the recovery guide position at Red Oak and move to Asheville. Sophie guided for a year and a half before becoming program manager at the men’s campus. In her current role, Sophie trains and supervises the direct care staff, creates weekly schedules for the clients, and runs groups throughout the week.
Jennifer Swift
Evening Program Manager
Jen Swift grew up in southern CA, and lived in San Francisco for a number of years before relocating to NC in 2001. She holds degrees in English Literature and Horticultural Science, and worked for many years as a researcher in plant biology at NC State before coming to the Willows. Jen brings understanding and empathy to our program from her own experience in recovery, having come to the decision to enter the field after going through rehabilitation herself.
When Jen is not supporting our clients, she can be found out on her kayak, or immersed in a novel with her cat, Misha, on her lap.
Contact The Willows Operations Team Today
When you’re ready to embark on your journey of healing and recovery, contact our operations team at The Willows. Our staff is dedicated to helping you achieve long-lasting positive change in your life. Call 828.518.6941 or complete our online form now.
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.
