Welcome to our Cumberland Heights Blog. Here you will find inspirational real-life stories, addiction and recovery resources, program highlights and more.
Though most people actively try to avoid physical pain, some turn to self-injury as an unhealthy outlet for coping with complex emotions. In observance of Self-Harm Awareness Month this March, learn what unique risk factors can cause someone to develop this habit. What Is Self-Injury? Though self-injury involves inflicting damage that...
Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes a temporary break from reality. While it can be a symptom of illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it can also result from drug use or withdrawal. Symptoms of Drug-Induced Psychosis The onset of drug-induced psychosis is often gradual, with toxicity becoming...
Since alcohol’s cultural references are primarily positive, many people see nothing wrong with drinking to relax or lower their inhibitions. While nobody purposely sets out to develop an addiction, casual drinking can become problematic sooner than you might realize. Withdrawal symptoms are one sign of a burgeoning substance use...
If you live with a mental health challenge like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, you have probably experienced intrusive thoughts. Since these can be so strange, frightening and upsetting, you may wonder where they come from and whether you can stop having them. Here’s what you need...
Negativity is at the root of many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. A self-defeating inner monologue that tells you that you don’t deserve to be happy can be disruptive and detract from your quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an excellent way to...
America’s drug addiction, abuse and overdose problem is a public health crisis that has affected every state, devastating communities and leaving many families in distress. Despite widespread government efforts to educate citizens on the dangers of drug use, people misuse prescription and illegal drugs at alarming rates. The COVID-19...
Tramadol, sold under the brand name Ultram, is an opioid pain medication intended for short-term use. In 2014, the FDA designated tramadol as a controlled substance, which means it may have accepted use in medical care, but also has a potential for abuse or addiction. What Is Tramadol? Though strict laws...
Maintaining a drug habit can be costly in more ways than one, including the loss of your health and well-being. Often, people who enter addiction treatment have vitamin deficiency stemming from inconsistent mealtimes and choosing foods that lack sufficient nutrients. The Link Between Addiction and Malnutrition Long-term drug and alcohol abuse...
Anxiety is a mental health disorder accompanied by a host of disruptive symptoms. Irritability, insomnia, muscle tension, trouble concentrating and an ongoing feeling of being on high alert can interfere with your daily responsibilities. Depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have, you may also struggle with intrusive...
Emotional manipulation can have far-reaching consequences within families. Family ties evoke many powerful feelings, which some people are willing to exploit for personal gain. Recognizing manipulative tactics can be particularly challenging if the person who uses them is a grandparent, parent or older sibling. If you grew up believing you...
According to a newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control, drug overdose deaths increased 30% in the United States from 2019 to 2020. Though this statistic is worrying, it might not shock you if you are already familiar with the issues caused by our nationwide drug epidemic...
The holiday season is a time to uphold cherished family traditions, which can be challenging if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. At every turn, you may find yourself encountering painful reminders of the person who’s missing from your life. Holiday grief can be challenging and unpredictable....
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CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER
Cinde Stewart Freeman is Cumberland Heights’ Chief Clinical Officer and has been with Cumberland Heights for 30 years. During her tenure, Cinde has served in nursing, clinical management, and administrative roles.
Cinde is a bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurse and a master’s prepared Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, Level II. She holds NAADAC’s Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential and is a Qualified Clinical Supervisor (QCS) as well.
Cinde has a love for the places where opposites touch. This has led her to clinical explorations of somatic and spiritual healing of the things that wound us, as well as explorations of how the lived wisdom of the 12-step tradition informs and brings color to clinical education and experience. It also leads her to the beach as much as possible!
Cinde regularly trains on topics ranging from 12-step based Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Spiritual Care principles to ethical practice and clinical supervision. Her core belief is that love is more powerful than the wounds we have experienced, and, in fact, can cause us to become our strongest at those places.
CHIEF COMMUNITY RECOVERY OFFICER
Randal Lea, our Chief Community Recovery Officer is a licensed addictions counselor with 30 years of clinical and administrative experience.
Randal received master’s degrees in counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and in psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. He is a frequent presenter on a variety of topics such as assessment, sexual behavior in children, ethics, dreamwork and trauma. He is a certified practitioner of DreamTending and a qualified clinical supervisor.
Prior to his current role as Chief Community Recovery Officer, Randal served eight years as Assistant Commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. In 2008, he was recognized by the Praed Foundation as a national “Systems Champion” for implementing a statewide children’s assessment for DCS. He also received the Friend of Children Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 from Tennessee Voices for Children after seven years on their board. Randal was also recognized in both 2000 and in 2015 as Professional of the Year by the Middle Tennessee chapter of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jay Crosson began his career with Cumberland Heights in 1993 and accepted his role as Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Prior to becoming CEO, Jay was the Chief Financial Officer for the organization.
Since 2016 Jay has served on the board of directors of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). As past chair of NAATP’s Ethics Committee, Jay was instrumental in important changes made to the organization’s code of ethics. In addition, Jay serves as Treasurer/Secretary of the Foundation of Recovery Science and Education. He has also served on an advisory committee with LegitScript, certification that lets search engines know which treatment centers operate safely and legally.
Jay is a grateful recovering alumnus, having been a patient at Cumberland Heights in 1989. His personal treatment experience helped shape his leadership principles today.
Jay is a Nashville native and graduate of MTSU with an MBA from Belmont University.
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Dr. Nick Hayes is the Chief Science Officer at Cumberland Heights, overseeing all research, technology and quality related initiatives for the organization. His research focuses on measurement-based practice systems, digital phenotyping and intensive longitudinal monitoring.
Nick’s work highlights Cumberland Heights’ commitment to outcome-oriented care, using proven techniques to put those struggling with substance use disorder on a path to success.
Nick received his PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University. He is also on the faculty of Lipscomb University as an adjunct professor of psychology.
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Dr. Chapman Sledge, a nationally recognized physician and speaker, has been the Chief Medical Officer at Cumberland Heights since 2009. Prior to joining Cumberland Heights, Dr. Sledge was the Medical Director of Addiction Treatment Services at Pine Grove Behavioral Health in Mississippi.
Dr. Sledge has been named Nashville’s top addiction doctor by the Nashville Business Journal, a recognition only five percent of physicians in the United States hold. Dr. Sledge served on the board of directors for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and was among the first physicians to receive certification from them.
Dr. Sledge is a sought-after speaker in the industry, talking about the critical need to treat both the mind and body of those struggling with substance use disorder. In addition to working for Cumberland Heights, Dr. Sledge is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.
Dr. Sledge is a graduate of LSU and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Butch Glover, a state licensed and nationally certified addiction counselor, accepted his role as Chief Operations Officer in 2015.
Butch began counseling in 1989 and worked with Cumberland Heights throughout the 90s doing Aftercare, contract work and individual counseling.
Butch worked for one of the state’s first intensive outpatient programs in Jackson, TN and the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism. During this time, he developed two pilot addiction programs in the Greater West Tennessee area. Butch also maintained a private practice, specializing in family of origin work and addiction populations.
Butch is a Tennessee native. He is a graduate of Lambuth University and earned an MBA from Union University.
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING OFFICER
Cindy Patterson accepted her role as Chief Development and Marketing Officer in 2019. Cindy has more than 16 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, most recently serving as Development Officer for United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Prior to that she was V.P. of Development for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, a position she held for 10 years after serving as Development Director for Nashville Read. Before her many years in fundraising, Cindy was the Manager of Premium Services for American Airlines.
Originally from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Robin Cox is the Chief Financial Officer at Cumberland Heights, the Southeast’s premier alcohol and drug addiction treatment center. Robin accepted her role at Cumberland Heights in 2006.
Robin previously worked as Controller at Accu-Crete, Inc., a concrete contractor based in Washington D.C. She is currently responsible for business accounting activities including, preparing financial statements, creating an organization budget, and managing payroll. Robin is an advocate for education and volunteers at Coopertown Elementary School.
Robin is a middle Tennessee native and a graduate of Western Kentucky University.
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Kathryn Mastin, Cumberland Heights Chief Human Resources Officer since 2015, has spent more than 30 years as a Human Resources professional. Most recently she served as the Human Resources Director at Parallon, one of the country’s largest revenue cycle partners, with more than 15,800 employees serving hospitals and physician practices.
“My goal at Cumberland Heights is to help provide the best possible care for our patients,” said Mastin. “The way I’m able to contribute is by taking care of our employees so they can carry out our mission.”
Mastin is affiliated with the United Methodist Church where she serves many roles and sits on the board. She’s also on the regional board of directors at the Center for Youth Ministry Training where they find new ways to minister to young people. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee.
DIRECTOR OF PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
Dr. Howard L. Burley, Director of Psychiatric Services Cumberland Heights, is an addiction psychiatry specialist, and has been practicing for 34 years.
Dr. Burley graduated from Meharry Medical College School Of Medicine in 1985 and specializes in addiction psychiatry.