Men’s Next Step Staff

Men’s Next Step Staff

The staff of our men’s-only treatment program are highly trained professionals who dedicate themselves to the healing and emotional wellness of each and every client.

Men's Next Step Staff

At Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, our treatment staff are known for their leadership and expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of addictive diseases and psychological disorders. Learn more about the background and experience of each Next Step staff member by clicking on their image below:

John-Herrington

John Herrington, MS, LPC

John Herrington is the Clinical Director for Pine Grove’s Next Step program. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology and master’s degree in counseling psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. John worked for five years with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare at Oak Arbor working with clients struggling with addiction. He has experience working with drug court, VA, and other local and state resources. John began his work with Pine Grove in March of 2011 working with the Next Step and Sober Living programs providing individual and group therapy for those struggling with addiction.

Russell C. Rainey, MS, LPC

Russell Rainey is the Administrative Director of Addiction Services at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, where he works with Pine Grove’s chemical addiction treatment programs including Pine Grove’s Next Step and Women’s Center programs. Rainey completed his Bachelor’s degree in Religion, Biblical Studies and Language before earning his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Rainey holds a license in Professional Counseling and has nearly 20 years of experience in the addiction treatment field. Prior to his current role, Russell served in various capacities at Pine Grove including Director of the Legacy program as well as Clinical Director of Pine Grove’s Next Step treatment program for men. Rainey is nationally recognized for his lectures on spirituality and addiction treatment.

Leah Claire Bennett, Ph.D.

Dr. Leah Claire Bennett is a licensed psychologist with Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, where she serves as the organization’s Clinical Operations Director. In this role, she provides clinical direction and supervision for Pine Grove’s addiction treatment programs including the Women’s Center, Gratitude, and Next Step. Dr. Bennett also oversees Pine Grove’s professional treatment programs, including the Professional Enhancement Program, known as PEP, and Pine Grove’s Professionals Recovery Track, which is designed for the organization’s addiction treatment patients who hold a professional license. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, TX and her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Dr. Bennett has worked with the Professional Enhancement Program since 2005 where the focus is working with professionals with vocational and relational issues, maladaptive personality problems, addiction, disruptive workplace behavior and sexual issues. Dr. Bennett’s primary focus is to help patients who have struggled in a variety of ways live their lives in a manner where they are able to engage at their highest potential.

Chaz Richardson, DO

Dr. Charles “Chaz” Richardson is a graduate of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Blacksburg, VA and completed his psychiatry residency at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Dr. Richardson completed his fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and is a member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, and Mississippi State Medical Association. Dr. Richardson joined the Pine Grove staff in 2018 and currently evaluates and treats adult patients for Pine Grove’s inpatient and residential treatment programs.

William Turner, PMHNP-BC

William Turner is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with honors, and receiving the National Collegiate Nursing Award. William is an associate member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and provides treatment to patients within Pine Grove’s addiction treatment programs, including the Women’s Center, Next Step, and Gratitude programs.

Amanda C. Watts, Psy.D., BCBA

Amanda Watts is a postdoctoral psychology fellow at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services. Dr. Watts currently works in the Gratitude and Next Step Programs, and has also worked at Pine Grove’s Professional Enhancement Program, Professional’s Recovery Track, Evaluation Center, Employee Assistance Program, and Legacy Program. She has worked in a number of other areas including inpatient acute psychiatric care, integrated primary care, community mental health, substance abuse treatment with college students, and the comprehensive assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Watts completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, with Master’s degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis (dual track in Organizational Behavior Management) and Psychology. Her professional interests include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, program development, and the assessment and treatment of addiction, trauma, and personality disorders.

Jessica Vecchio, LMFTA

Jessica Vecchio received her undergraduate degree in Family Studies from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT before completing her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at The University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, MS. Vecchio joined the Pine Grove staff in 2021 as Clinical Therapist after completing a year-long internship program. Jessica practices experiential and humanistic therapy in her work, as well as systems and family-oriented approaches.

Cory Shumate, MS, P-LPC

Cory Shumate is a Licensed Clinical Therapist with the Pine Grove’s Next Step program. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS and he received his master’s degree in counseling psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Mr. Shumate began his work with the Pine Grove Next Step Program in September of 2022 and provides individual, family, and group therapy for adults across various backgrounds and vocations who struggle with addiction and other mental health issues.

Roland Johnson, Experiential Therapy

Roland Johnson has worked for Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services since 1993. He currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Pine Grove’s REACH Program, which stands for Realistic Experiences and Challenging Horizons. REACH is an experiential therapy ropes course for Pine Grove’s residential patients. Each participant accomplishes key goals by pushing themselves past their personal comfort levels. This experience enhances the patients’ self confidence, communication skills, and self esteem while increasing their teamwork and trust building skills. After graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Coaching and Sports Administration, Johnson completed his certification as a ropes course facilitator and trainer. In 2012, Johnson received the “We C.A.R.E. Award” presented by Forrest General Hospital. This award recognizes staff members who make a positive impact on the patient’s experience.

David Sellers, M.Div.

David Sellers served as associate pastor at Parkway Heights from 2005 to 2011. He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, a member of the Order of St. Luke and part of SDI (Spiritual Directors International). He has over 20 years of experience in ministry as a youth director, retreat leader, hospital chaplain and church pastor. He received his M.Div. from Emory University with emphasis in Spiritual Formation. David facilitates group and one-on-one spiritual direction across all programs at Pine Grove.