Over the years, Johnnie has held several positions at CooperRiis and has more than 18 years of mental health experience. His first CooperRiis job was that of Recovery Coordinator, where he advanced to become the Clinical Director at the Farm Campus and then shortly thereafter, Clinical Director at CooperRiis at Asheville. With the launch of a new level of care at CooperRiis, a PHP, Johnnie has now stepped into the role of Chief Clinical Officer over all programming and campuses.
I believe in a holistic and relationship-based approach to helping individuals recover from mental health challenges. I am passionate about providing recovery-oriented leadership and clinical support in a way that empowers our staff and resident community.
Before joining CooperRiis, Johnnie worked in community mental health and private practice. He has extensive experience working with individuals with cognitive, developmental, and behavioral issues and with individuals and families struggling with significant mental health challenges. He has a real passion for working with individuals recovering from complex trauma.
Johnnie hails from the great state of West Virginia, but after attending college in North Carolina, there was no turning north for him again.
Johnnie earned his MA in Psychology specializing in Contemplative Psychotherapy at Naropa University in Boulder, CO, and his BA in Religious Studies from Guilford College in NC.
Johnnie’s passions are psychology and spirituality, music, writing, Southern Appalachian Culture, and his family and young son.
