Women’s Center Staff

Women’s Center Staff

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

Women's Center 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 Women’s Center staff member by clicking on their image below:

Stephanie Smith, LCSW, CSAT, CAADC

Dr. Stephanie Smith is the Clinical Director of the Women’s Center treatment program at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, MS. Dr. Smith earned her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in Clinical Practice and Leadership from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Mississippi since 2009. Dr. Smith has specialized training in TF-CBT, child-parent psychotherapy, integrative treatment for complex trauma and forensic interviewing. Her areas of expertise include treating substance use disorders with co-occurring eating disorders, sex and love addiction, emerging adult depression, adult and child complex trauma, child welfare, mothers with borderline personality disorder, and couples engaged in high conflict divorce.

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 The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS where he also completed his psychiatry residency. 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.

Jessica Burris, LMFTA

Jessica Burris is a Licensed Clinical Therapist at Pine Grove Women’s Center. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS where she researched the family system and the factors that prevent individuals from seeking mental health treatment. Jessica works with women who struggle with addiction to help them find a strong sense of self and self-compassion to empower themselves throughout recovery. Her interests include working with women with eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders.

Jennifer Whitley, LMSW

Jennifer Whitley is a Clinical Therapist for the Women’s Center at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker who completed both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Social Work at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Jennifer is the Family Therapist at Pine Grove Women’s Center, where she provides support and education to increase family functioning. She also provides individual and group trauma therapy to patients at Pine Grove Women’s Center.

Roland Johnson

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.

Brooke Helton, Dietitian

Brooke Helton works as a Registered Dietitian and has been a part of Pine Grove’s team since 2007. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University where she also completed her dietetic internship. Brooke works primarily with the dual diagnosis patients in meeting their nutrition goals and challenging their eating disorders.

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.