Conversations with Cumberland Heights

What does life after addiction treatment really look like? For Cumberland Heights alumni AK Patel and Dalton Holland, recovery has meant more than sobriety. It has opened the door to meaningful careers, lasting friendships, personal growth, and a future neither once thought possible.

In this episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, host Travis Hupp, Director of Milieu Management, sits down with AK and Dalton to share their personal addiction recovery stories and reflect on the journeys that brought them to Cumberland Heights.

Both young men experienced substance use challenges during their high school and college years. Despite previous attempts at treatment, each struggled to find lasting recovery. Their paths eventually led them to the Young Men's Program at Cumberland Heights and Still Waters, a 12-Step immersion program where they found connection, community, and a new perspective on what recovery could look like.

Today, both AK and Dalton work at Cumberland Heights, supporting the organization that played an important role in their own recovery journeys. AK serves as Accounting Director, while Dalton has grown into a role focused on operations and project coordination.

Together, they discuss the challenges of early recovery, the importance of finding people who understand your experience, and what it takes to build a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

- How substance use affected their high school and college experiences

- The turning points that led them to seek addiction treatment

- Why connecting with other young men in recovery made a difference

- Their experiences in the Cumberland Heights Young Men's Program and Still Waters

- The role of 12-Step recovery, vulnerability, and community in personal growth

- How they transitioned from patients to employees at Cumberland Heights

- Finding purpose, building careers, and navigating relationships in long-term recovery

- Their message of hope for young adults currently struggling with addiction

Whether you're considering addiction treatment, supporting a loved one, or navigating your own recovery journey, this conversation is a reminder that there is life beyond substance use, and that recovery can create opportunities beyond what you imagined possible.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Meet AK Patel and Dalton Holland

01:15 AK's story: Early substance use and recognizing a problem

08:55 Dalton's story: Addiction during high school and college

17:00 Struggling to find recovery and a sense of belonging

23:13 Finding connection in the Young Men's Program

27:37 Continuing the journey through Still Waters

34:06 12-Step recovery, vulnerability, and personal growth

38:03 From treatment to employment at Cumberland Heights

44:59 Building careers and discovering new opportunities

50:16 Reflecting on growth, gratitude, and purpose

51:50 A message of hope for young adults struggling with addiction

53:15 Finding balance, hobbies, and joy in recovery

58:25 Life in recovery: Challenges, growth, and new possibilities

ABOUT CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS

Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit addiction treatment organization in Tennessee dedicated to bringing hope and healing to individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Through individualized addiction treatment, residential care, and 12-Step-centered recovery programming, Cumberland Heights helps individuals and families explore meaningful pathways toward recovery.

LEARN MORE & CONNECT

Explore treatment options:

https://www.cumberlandheights.org/

Learn about 12-Step immersion and Still Waters:

https://www.cumberlandheights.org/treatment/12-step-immersion/

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What has been the most meaningful change in your life or the life of someone you love through recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If this conversation resonates with you, consider liking the video, subscribing to our channel, and sharing it with someone who may benefit from hearing AK and Dalton's stories.

#AddictionRecovery #RecoveryStories #CumberlandHeights #RecoveryIsPossible

Paul Lawson supports recovery for a number of patients at the Gallatin IOP location of Cumberland Heights. He and Dr. Nick Hayes, Chief Science Officer, discuss the magic of EFT, how to think of root causes for addiction, and more.

In this episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, Paul and Nick talk about:

• Why Paul calls Intensive Outpatient Programs the laboratory for life: patients are back home, back at work, and in the hard conversations while treatment is still happening
• What people actually bring into group, and why he hears anxiety, depression, and PTSD as disconnection underneath
• Who IOP fits, and when someone needs residential care first
• The question he asks every Friday: "what healthy risk did you take this week?"

Paul Lawson, LPC, has led Intensive Outpatient Program groups at Cumberland Heights in Hendersonville/Gallatin for two and a half years. Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, he came to counseling after a career in defense, manufacturing, and sales. He also works with men and couples in private practice, and has been married 18 years.

Cumberland Heights has offered treatment for substance use disorder in Tennessee since 1966. Our Intensive Outpatient Programs meet you where you are, with evening and morning groups across the state of Tennessee.

If you or someone you love needs help, we're here. 

https://cumberlandheights.org

Subscribe for new episodes with the counselors, advocates, and alumni doing this work!

In this episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with Dr. Susan Marcotte and Corianne Johnson with the Research Institute, to talk about projects underway here on the frontier of substance use disorder science.

Corianne and Susan share what they're working on right now, best practices in treatment outcome research, their thoughts on AI, and more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why the Research Institute builds relationships with clinical teams

How biometrics from wearables can improve treatment

Insights from the Tennessee Opioid Pathway study

How epidemiologists think about substance use disorder

How to make complex data tell a compelling story

Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working in mental health or addiction services, this episode provides valuable, real-world insight.

About Our Guests:

Dr. Susan Marcotte joined Cumberland Heights as a Research Associate in 2024, bringing a strong background in epidemiology and public health research. In 2025, Susan became the Director of the Research Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has over eight years of experience in wearable physical activity monitoring and five years in maternal and child health research. She finds fulfillment in conducting research that contributes to improving treatment and prevention efforts in addiction medicine.

Corianne Johnson joined Cumberland Heights in 2024 as a Research Analyst within the Research Institute. With a strong background in public health and epidemiology, she earned her Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University. She is committed to bridging the gap between science and medicine to improve treatment outcomes and empower individuals in recovery.

Subscribe for more conversations on addiction recovery, research, mental health, and neuroscience.

#Epidemiology #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth #Research

What does it really take to treat adolescent addiction? And does it look different for boys versus girls? In this episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, we sit down with the clinical leaders of both of Cumberland Heights' adolescent programs to find out.

William Branson, Clinical Director of ARCH Harpeth, and Sherry Vautier, Clinical Coordinator of ARCH Ridgeview, bring a combined 22+ years of experience treating teens struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Together, they pull back the curtain on what adolescent addiction treatment actually looks like on the ground — and why it's more nuanced than most people expect.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The key differences between ARCH Harpeth and ARCH Ridgeview — from how boys and girls express emotion to how staff set and maintain boundaries

• How the admissions process works and what makes a teen a good fit (or not) for a program like ARCH Harpeth or ARCH Ridgeview

• Why assessment is especially complex for adolescents: many kids arrive with diagnoses made during active addiction, making an accurate clinical picture a challenge

• Treatment goals beyond sobriety — including identity development, coping skills, and the 12 Steps applied to life, not just substances

• What recovery looks like after discharge — the common pitfalls families face when teens return home and why sticking to the aftercare plan matters most

• How moving to dedicated campuses transformed both programs — expanding length of stay, individualized pacing, and clinical depth

• What they look for when hiring adolescent therapists: passion, flexibility, and the ability to "not take yourself too seriously"

• What's next for ARCH Harpeth, ARCH Ridgeview, and Cumberland Heights' growing outpatient services in Nashville and Memphis

Whether you're a parent searching for answers, a clinician working in adolescent care, or simply someone who wants to understand this often-overlooked corner of addiction treatment — this episode is essential listening.

About Our Guests:

William Branson is the Clinical Director of ARCH Harpeth at Cumberland Heights in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. ARCH Harpeth is a residential addiction treatment program serving adolescent boys ages 13–17 struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. With nine years of experience in adolescent treatment, William has grown alongside the program through its evolution from a shared campus to a fully dedicated residential facility. He is passionate about individualized, progress-based care and building teams that bring complementary strengths to every resident they serve.

Sherry Vautier is the Clinical Coordinator of ARCH Ridgeview at Cumberland Heights in Pegram, Tennessee. ARCH Ridgeview is a residential addiction treatment program serving adolescent girls, and one of the few dedicated gender-specific programs of its kind in the Southeast. A 13-year veteran of Cumberland Heights, Sherry has held nearly every role on campus — starting in the kitchen and working her way through direct care, family counseling, and clinical coordination while earning her counseling degree along the way. She launched ARCH Ridgeview in April 2023. As a mother of three daughters and a clinician with deep roots in family systems work, Sherry brings a uniquely personal and professional perspective to gender-responsive adolescent addiction treatment.

Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit addiction treatment organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, serving adults and adolescents since 1966. The ARCH adolescent programs include ARCH Harpeth (boys), ARCH Ridgeview (girls), intensive outpatient programming (IOP), and telehealth services statewide.

Learn more: cumberlandheights.org

In this episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, host Nick Hayes, PhD sits down with Jason Silletto, a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor who is himself in recovery. Jason shares the winding path that brought him to Cumberland Heights — from sober living house manager on the West Coast to primary counselor on the residential campus — and opens up about the transition he's making to Cumberland Heights' Outpatient Program location in Cool Springs/Brentwood.

The conversation goes deep on what residential treatment actually looks like day to day, how counselors balance structure with flexibility in group settings, and why stabilization is the real goal of those critical first 30 days. Jason also discusses his decision to pursue a master's degree through the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, what the new residential building means for patients and staff, and the evolving landscape of addiction treatment — including the role of mental health, trauma, and the spectrum of counseling approaches.

Whether you're someone in recovery, a family member, or a professional in the behavioral health field, this episode offers a rare, honest look inside the work of addiction counseling and the people who dedicate their lives to it.

Topics covered:

• What a day in the life of a residential counselor looks like
• The goal of the first 30 days of treatment: stabilization
• How trauma, mental health, and adverse childhood experiences connect to addiction
• Client-centered counseling vs. structured, directive approaches
• Jason's transition from residential to Outpatient Program — and what he hopes to bring
• The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School and opportunities for counselors without a bachelor's degree
• Cumberland Heights' new 40-bed residential building and how patients responded
• Balancing tradition and evolution at a 60-year-old treatment center

Jason Silletto is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) in the state of Tennessee and a person in long-term recovery. He spent the majority of his career at Cumberland Heights' River Road residential campus, where he served as a primary counselor for over four and a half years. Having entered the field through his own recovery journey — starting as a sober living house manager before earning his certification and licensure — Jason brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his work with clients. He is currently pursuing a master's degree through the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School and is transitioning to a counselor role at Cumberland Heights' Outpatient Program location in Cool Springs/Brentwood, Tennessee. Reach Jason directly at [email protected].

Recovery Coaching for Men in Addiction Recovery: Support Beyond Treatment

Episode 46 of Conversations with Cumberland Heights features a powerful discussion on recovery coaching for men in addiction recovery with guest Sean Harrell and host Dr. Nick Hayes.

In this episode, Sean shares his personal recovery journey and his work as a recovery coach at Still Waters for Men. The conversation explores how coaching provides critical support after treatment—helping men stay accountable, build structure, and navigate the challenges of early and sustained sobriety.

Dr. Hayes and Sean also discuss the unique obstacles men face in addiction recovery and why connection, mentorship, and consistent guidance are essential for long-term success. Listeners will gain practical insights into how recovery coaching bridges the gap between treatment and independent living.

Key topics include:

• The role of recovery coaching in long-term sobriety
• Challenges specific to men in addiction recovery
• Building accountability, structure, and purpose
• Transitioning successfully from treatment to everyday life

This episode is ideal for individuals in recovery, families, and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of recovery coaching for men in addiction recovery and its impact on lasting change.

About Our Guest

Sean Harrell is a recovery coach at Still Waters for Men, where he works with individuals in early and ongoing recovery. Drawing from his lived experience, he provides accountability, guidance, and support to help men build strong, sober foundations and lead meaningful lives beyond treatment.

In this episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, host Nick Hayes sits down with Alexis Salyer, Program Director at Still Waters for Women, for an unscripted conversation exploring the realities of addiction recovery.

This episode centers on Cumberland Heights’ Still Waters 12-step immersion programs for both men and women recovering from substance use disorders. Alexis shares insight into how gender-specific care supports healing, particularly for women navigating trauma, addiction, and long-term recovery.

The conversation also weaves in personal stories and lived experiences, offering a candid look at the challenges and breakthroughs that come with recovery. In addition, Nick and Alexis briefly explore the growing impact of technology and social media on addictive behaviors and mental health.

Together, they highlight the importance of community, structure, and compassionate, evidence-based care in creating lasting change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What makes 12-step immersion programs effective for recovery

• How Still Waters for Women supports gender-specific healing

• The role of trauma in substance use and recovery

• Personal insights and real-world recovery experiences

• How technology and social media can influence addictive behaviors

• Why connection and community are essential to long-term sobriety

Episode 44 of Conversations with Cumberland Heights explores the powerful connection between faith, music, and addiction recovery. Host Casey Hyatt welcomes Christian singer Joseph Habedank, who returns to Cumberland Heights in Nashville, TN, to share how treatment saved his life and inspired his music.

In this heartfelt conversation, Joseph reflects on his journey from addiction to recovery, describing Cumberland Heights as a “powerful place” that gave him the foundation to live with purpose and faith.

About Our Guest:

Joseph Habedank is a Christian artist and songwriter whose story of faith, music, and addiction recovery has inspired people around the world. A GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning musician, Joseph uses his platform to share hope and healing through song.

After finding recovery at Cumberland Heights in Nashville, TN, Joseph’s life and music took on new purpose. His testimony of transformation and grace continues to encourage others seeking freedom and faith in their own journeys.

In Episode 43 of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, host Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with Dr. John Kelly — Harvard professor, addiction researcher, and Founder of the Recovery Research Institute — for a compelling conversation about the evolving science of addiction recovery.

As substance use and mental health disorders continue to rise, the need for research-driven, effective solutions has never been more urgent. In this episode, Dr. Kelly breaks down how scientific research is helping us understand not just how people recover, but why certain treatments work — and how we can use that knowledge to improve outcomes for individuals and families.

Dr. Hayes and Dr. Kelly explore a range of topics, including:

• Why tracking long-term outcomes is critical
• How recovery research informs treatment planning
• The difference between abstinence and recovery capital
• How providers can use data to personalize care

Together, they reveal how treatment centers like Cumberland Heights are integrating cutting-edge science and real-world data to create programs that don’t just treat addiction — they transform lives.

Whether you’re a treatment provider, clinical professional, policy advocate, or someone in recovery, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the research shaping the future of behavioral health and addiction treatment.

If you're curious about the real science behind lasting recovery — and what it takes to move the field forward — you won’t want to miss this episode.

About our guest

Dr. John Kelly is a world-renowned expert in the science of addiction recovery. As the Founder of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Kelly has published extensively on recovery pathways, treatment outcomes, and systems of care that support long-term healing. His work bridges the gap between research and real-world application in clinical settings across the globe.

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