After 16 years in the beer industry, Kris witnessed firsthand the toll excessive alcohol use can take on individuals, families, and communities. Seeking to live with greater purpose, he chose to redirect his skills in marketing, distribution, and relationship building toward helping those in recovery. At JACOA, Kris plays an important role in strengthening community connections, expanding support, and contributing to the organization’s continued growth and mission of hope and healing. He is passionate about turning his professional experience into purpose, and is deeply committed to helping others find a new way forward in recovery and in life.

Alex McCandless is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider specializing in trauma recovery and prevention education. Originally from Sevierville, TN, Alex graduated from the University of Tennessee and spent nine years in Nashville serving as a counselor and later Clinical Director at an integrated women’s clinic. After moving to Jackson in 2024, Alex began working with JACOA as a strategic planning and grant-writing consultant before stepping into the role of Clinical Director. While not personally in recovery, Alex feels deeply honored to support clients in gaining and maintaining sobriety so they can live the lives their higher power has planned for them.

Riley initially came to JACOA to fulfill his internship requirements for Freed-Hardeman University, completing his undergraduate internship at JACOA in 2020. He then took over operation as the sole JACOA case manager. After a brief excursion as a community social worker, Riley rejoined the JACOA mission in 2024. With his gained experience, resources, and compassion to further aid those walking the path to recovery, Riley is now dedicated to helping encourage long-term recovery utilizing these newfound resources.

Taneca has had many positions at JACOA over the years, which has made her a very well rounded employee. She is very familiar with the every aspect of the organization; from admissions, to treatment, through discharge. To say that she is an unmatched asset to JACOA is an understatement. When she is not traveling, Taneca unwinds by binge watching her favorite shows and spending time with her son. She is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, and a true delight to everyone at JACOA.

Desiree has been with JACOA for 5 years. She spends much of her free time volunteering wherever help is needed. She also works full time for The Scarlett Rope Project, and volunteers at A Betor Way, she is a true philanthropist with a heart of giving that seems to be never ending. She also enjoys spending time with her family (and dog), and talking to her plants when she has time. She is an alumni of JACOA; finishing the program in 2015. Her giving heart is the personification of the culture we share at JACOA.

At a young age, Kristi was known for grabbing a friends lit cigarette, and throwing it out of a car. It was this type of passion for the health and well being of others that lead her to "officially" begin her career in prevention. The influence she has provided over the past 18 years is unparalleled. Nowadays, she is known for her exceptional baking skills, her keen interest in playing trivia, and her inspirational drive to unlock the potential in the youth of Tennessee. 

The longest tenured employee at JACOA, with over 25 years of servitude under her belt, Jackie is the first radiant face that you will see when you walk through the doors at JACOA. When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her two daughters, and her grandbabies. She enjoys traveling so much that she will go to another town to do her grocery shopping as a quick getaway. She lives her life by Matt. 7:12, and embodies everything that we stand for at JACOA.

Diving head first into her profession, Beth has been awarded her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and her Masters Degree in Professional Counseling. She is currently working on obtaining her L.P.C. licensure for the state of Tennessee. Beth has had an interest in behavioral sciences for many years. She worked as a Emergency Medical Technician and a medical transcriptionist prior to joining the JACOA team. She is one of many full time employees that are alumni of our program. Studying and creating oil paintings as well as watercolor are among the hobbies that help Beth to decompress from her demanding educational focus.

Giving back to the community, by helping the place that helped him, is such an inspirational way of motivating everyone at JACOA. Rusty has followed this mantra for the past 9 years, devoting his expertise in computer programming and information technology to benefit people in need. In his free time he likes to play the guitar and is an avid gamer. 

Kathryn is an experienced professional with seven years in substance abuse treatment and a LADAC license. She is passionate about helping clients on their recovery journey and providing a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment. Known for her honesty and dedication, Kathryn ensures that clients feel valued and empowered. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with her family, children, and friends and has a special talent for nurturing plants. She is committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of those she serves, helping them realize that they matter and are worthy of support and recovery. Kathryn is truly an asset to the recovery community.

Tarren began her career at JACOA in 2018. Shortly after completing the program herself, she knew that she wanted to work in recovery and became a monitor. Her clients are her number one priority, and her ability to connect with them on a personal level is nothing short of a superpower. She has been a full-time women's counselor since '21, and currently runs the JACOA Art Therapy Program and our Horticulture Program, which is showing great success. Helping others, sharing her personal story, and encouraging people in need are among a few of the traits that make her a great counselor. Tarren also enjoy's gardening, hiking, travel, and spending time with her family.

As a lifelong native of Jackson, Patrick has a first hand understanding of the needs of our local community, and a plethora of relationships to encourage his success in all aspects of his life. He is a graduate of Jackson Central Merry and has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Lane College. Respectively, his work experience falls exclusively on helping others. He is very passionate about finding roles that give him a sense of purpose and he acts as a guiding light for those who are in need. When he is away from the office, Patrick enjoys reading and researching topics of interest to him, and he finds that focusing of fitness helps him to unwind from a stressful day. 

Nolen Lee is a LADAC I who is committed to helping men in residential treatment achieve lasting recovery. He currently works with clients at JACOA and the Crockett County Recovery Court, using evidence-based practices such as Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) alongside personal experience to foster growth, accountability, and connection. Nolen holds an associate degree in social work and is actively pursuing his bachelor's at UT Martin. He is known for his empathetic, no-nonsense approach and his dedication to walking alongside clients on their journey to transformation. A native of Alamo, TN, Nolen values family, staying active, and giving back to the community that shaped him. 

If he is not cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers, the Memphis Grizzles, or actively participating as a member of his local church in Frog Jump, you will find Jeff working to get people suffering from addiction the help that they need. Jeff is a 30 year alumni of JACOA, and has been working to help plant a seed of hope in everyone he comes in contact with. His 23 years of dedicated service at JACOA is a true testament to his selflessness. 

Amanda is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with nearly 20 years of experience in the recovery community. Originally from Texas, she lived in Oklahoma City for eight years before moving to Jackson, Tennessee. With 15 years in recovery, Amanda brings compassion, lived experience, and a deep commitment to helping others find hope and healing. 

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She believes that true ministry is a balance of spiritual support and active service in the community. Amanda is passionate about sharing her story to inspire others to seek treatment and embrace recovery. Outside of work, she enjoys serving at church, volunteering locally, traveling, and spending time with her children, family, and her pup.

Jarvis is a native Jacksonian who was drawn to the kitchen from an early age. He spent countless hours with his mother and grandmother as they prepared meals filled with love and flavor. Because cooking is the heart of his family, this is where he found his true passion. Every dish he creates carries the legacy of his family's love for food and the joy it brings to others.

​"I serve meals that reflect my creativity, heritage, and dedication. I'm constantly seeking ways to elevate my skills, stay inspired, and connect with others through food. Cooking isn't something I do - it's part of who I am, and I'm excited to share that journey with the world."    - Jarvis Hartshaw

Dr. Lamb graduated with his doctorate of medicine from Medical College of Wisconsin in 1987 and has been working diligently as a servant to every community he has resided. He has a passion for medical mission work and over the past 10 years he has been serving as a contractor to the disaster relief efforts of Samaritans Purse. He comes to Jackson, TN with over 30 years of clinical practice in Wisconsin and 2 years of work with Christ Community Health Services prior to his employment at JACOA. With such a giving heart, his devotion to helping others, and his uncanny servant leadership, we could not ask for a better team member than Dr. Joe Lamb. 

Amy comes to JACOA with a passion for having a positive impact on the burden of substance abuse and mental illness in Tennessee. She has an extensive background in healthcare, with 17 years as an acute care nurse practitioner in cardiology and hospital practice. As a Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, her experience and training are invaluable to our clients. Amy is happily married with 2 children and enjoys playing basketball with her kids, cooking, art, traveling, and running. She completed the Boston Marathon in 2017, and she brings this determination, fortitude, and mental endurance to all of the amazing work she does daily at JACOA. 

Megan came to JACOA with a substantial background in the medical field. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, with a core focus on emergency room and ICU practice; exceeding 15 years of experience in these high-stress environments. This exposure has given her an irreplaceable insight into the physical and mental ailments that often weigh on individuals battling addiction.  She has been a part of the team since 2013 and has played a pivotal role in helping positively shape our clients. Megan is married with 3 children, she loves traveling with her family and is an avid trail runner. She is a key part of our staff and an asset to the ongoing mission of JACOA. 

A bit malnourished and a little timid, Scout came to the front door of JACOA on March 26th of 2018. When we opened the door, Scout walked right in ready to work, so we just assumed that he must have been an employee that had been out on a extended leave. Feeling immediate acceptance, just like everyone who walks through our front door, Scout was made well again. In the beginning, we cared for all of his needs, but now he gives back to us daily through his commitment to spreading happiness.

JoJo's mother Queenie (A.K.A. Josie) wandered up to JACOA in search of a free lunch. We took her in, bathed her, got her a bed, a collar, and introduced her to all of our staff and clients. Everyone fell in love with her immediately, but then she, unbeknownst to us, decided to go back home! We thought she was a lost stray, but she was really just out hustling the neighborhood for some scraps. This is how we ended up with Jojo, her daughter. When we met the owner we shared this story with him, and he told us that Queenie had puppies and we could have one! Jojo is truly an asset to the recovery team. She lives on unit with all of the clients and brings smiles and gives them hope.