Reed Smith is the Founder and Co-Owner of Centered Recovery, and serves as Director of Client Services. Reed began in the field of addiction first as Director of Admissions and Interventionist, but quickly became highly sought out for teaching and training for his unusual wit and expertise in mindfulness. Reed is an internationally known speaker in the field of addiction and mindfulness, and his personal story allows him to bring his own unique style and passion to his classes. He is passionate about helping people recover their physical and mental health through mindfulness, and serves as an educational speaker for the recovery industry in North Georgia.
Krista Smith is the Founder and Co-Owner of Centered Recovery, and serves as CEO. Krista has a BS in Psychology and is currently finishing her MS in Organizational Psychology from Troy University. She has worked in residential and outpatient addiction treatment in many different roles. Krista is the author of “Transformational Recovery, A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Substance Abuse Recovery” in conjunction with clinically proven MBCT, MBRP, behavioral psychology, and cutting edge neuropsychology.
Brittany has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, all from Georgia State University. She has experience working as a counselor in an acute care setting with mental health and substance abuse populations. Brittany has also worked as a primary counselor for the disordered eating program at a long-term residential treatment center for women. It was in this setting that she developed a passion for helping clients in recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring disordered eating and body image concerns. Brittany is passionate about helping clients in early recovery gain insight around their struggles and patterns and challenging them to try new approaches that can lead to positive changes in their lives. In her personal life, Brittany enjoys staying active in her personal yoga practice, trying new restaurants with friends and family, and spending time outside with her dog Sadie.
Dr. Cummings received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1980 and completed medical school at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1986. He has a private practice in Roswell where he has been providing high-quality care to his patients for over 15 years. He was voted as one of America’s Top Physicians by the Consumer’s Research Council for ten consecutive years.
Colin Taschler serves as the Site Manager and Lead Facilitator for Centered Recovery, and is an integral part of our team. Colin earned a BS in Communication/Public Relations from Loyola University. His experience across multiple industries including publication, public relations, sales, and hospitality provides him with a unique perspective and capacity to achieve meaningful client engagements. He has a heartfelt passion for people and their well-being, and his personal story of recovery resonates meaningfully with clients.
Susan Sanchez began with the Centered Team as a fantastic intern and now serves as on our Clinical Team. Although Susan was already a licensed Social Worker in California, moving to Georgia meant she had to re-complete some of her education for licensure in Georgia. Susan provides Group Therapy to our clients, writes some of our amazing blogs here on this website, and handles other essential clinical services for our team. Susan is dedicated and hard-working, and specializes in Art Therapy modalities that integrate mindfulness and awareness with creative expression in clay, watercolors, and music.
Nicole Miller is a licensed professional counselor who serves as Primary Clinician for our clients. She specializes in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression and helping clients reduce stress, enhance communication, and identify feasible solutions that will help them effectively navigate challenging life situations and relationships. Nicole provides individual and family counseling to Centered clients.
Nicole received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, and is an integral part of our Centered team.
Lindsey Richards is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She serves as Primary Clinician for our clients at Centered Recovery. Her therapeutic alignment is eclectic, providing clients with a specialized approach tailored to their individualized needs. While incorporating a holistic mind-body-spirit framework for her clients, she’s driven by neurobiological, psychological, and social principals. Lindsey meets her clients where they are, offering an empathetic and non-judgmental space. Her inquisitive nature allows her to use many diverse therapeutic approaches to identify the best fit for her clients’ needs. She is empathetic in her approach to counseling and wellness and is skilled at building rapport with her clients. Her kind nature will allow you to feel welcome to process though life’s most challenging moments.
Lindsey is licensed in Georgia, Florida, Rhode Island and New Jersey, and was educated at University of Florida.
Amir Karkouti joins our team as a group facilitator and transformative coach. Amir is a transformative coach, owner of a San Diego based chain of restaurants, and author of numerous titles, including Do NOTHING To Get EVERYTHING, Lessons From My Coach, Happiness Formula, and others. From his personal and professional experiences working with a range of clients, he has discovered that we all have the capacity for innate well-being. Amir has worked with clients at West Coast Recovery Center in San Diego for over four years. He lives in Carlsbad and can be found spending time with his beautiful wife, French Bulldog, and the world’s smallest and cutest coach; his daughter, Aria. You can find out more about him at amirkarkouti.com
Ashton Dowdy is a certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher as well as an Ayurveda Specialist, and serves as a Group Facilitator and Administrative Assistant at both of our locations. She is deeply passionate about movement, nature, and life itself! Through engaging in and sharing what she loves in her work, she aspires to help heal others so that they may be open to all of the beautiful abundance and genuine contentment life has to offer!
