Who We Are

The son of a coal miner, Kevin grew up in a small town in southern West Virginia. After graduating from high school, Kevin joined the U.S. Army to serve his country. Upon completing his military service, Dr. Blankenship earned both a degree in pharmacy and medicine and went on to complete his emergency medicine residency at West Virginia University. He became board certified in emergency medicine and worked in numerous medical settings throughout West Virginia. In 2001, he cofounded MedExpress Urgent Care, which ultimately became the country’s largest urgent care company. In 2014, a family member’s substance use disorder brought Kevin face-to-face with the significant issue of the growing substance use epidemic and the lack of recovery options throughout our country. Inspired by this experience, Dr. Blankenship has dedicated himself professionally to being part of the solution through directly serving the recovery community. This dedication is what has become Jacob' Ladder at Brookside Farm. Jacob’s Ladder is a long-term residential treatment program for men centered around a working farm in Aurora, West Virginia. Jacob’s Ladder was featured in the Netflix documentary “Recovery Boys”. Dr. Blankenship’s mission has been to help fight the stigma of addiction, to treat and care for those suffering from addiction and to educate the public about this fatal disease that is killing our families.

Katie is a compassionate Substance Abuse Counselor at Visit Health Recovery, serving as a guiding light in the journey of sobriety. As a woman in recovery herself, Katie holds a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, infusing her work with a deep understanding and empathy. Specializing in Client-Centered Therapy, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual she supports. Katie is a driving force in Process Groups, guiding clients through their journey of self-discovery and healing. Her expertise extends to Relapse Prevention, Conscious Recovery, and Health and Wellness, empowering others to reclaim control over their lives. Through individual counseling, she provides personalized care, recognizing the importance of addressing the specific challenges each person faces. Katie's journey is a testament to the transformative power of recovery, and she brings this strength and optimism to her role as a counselor. Outside the counseling room, Katie cherishes simple joys – an avid reader inspired by literature, finding tranquility in beach walks, reflection and mindfulness through her travels, and maintaining an overall well-being through regular gym visits.

George is a passionate and experienced healthcare professional with over 35 years of diverse experience in business operations, substance use navigation, and end-of-life consulting. He is a certified death doula and has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, startups, and clinics, where he has demonstrated his skills in data analysis, project management, compliance, training, and customer service. He has also contributed to the improvement of healthcare equality and accessibility for marginalized populations, such as LGBTQ+ and substance use disorder patients. In his personal time, he provides end-of-life consulting services to individuals and their families dealing with the challenges of end-of-life care. He is passionate about helping people live and die with dignity, grace, and compassion.

With a deep-rooted personal understanding of addiction and drawing from my own journey in recovery I am able to bring a unique perspective to my work in the addiction field. I have over 17 years of experience as a Licensed addiction counselor and have worked in a variety of addiction treatment programs, including residential rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics. I have worked as a counselor, Program Director and Clinical Supervisor and provided individual counseling sessions, group therapy and family therapy on an ongoing basis. My own lived experiences and extensive expertise in addiction treatment has given me a better understanding of the various treatment approaches to addiction recovery counseling. I have supported countless individuals in their recovery journey, and as someone who has walked the path of recovery myself, I am able to offer empathy, understanding, and a sense of hope to those struggling with substance abuse. I am committed to continuing my own growth and learning in order to better support others on their journey to wellness. I strive to inspire and support others in their journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Jason brings almost 15 years of leadership experience to the Program Director role, and has used this experience to inform his methods of addiction recovery treatment since 2014. Jason plays a vital role in the implementation of Visit Health’s policies and procedures to best align with today’s demands for evidence-based treatment practices. He brings his extensive experience in addiction treatment to the role, and uses a compassionate and motivating counseling style to aide those struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Jason joined the team because he believes strongly that Visit Health Recovery has created an environment where an individual can truly discover their purpose, passion, and principles. Combining his education and life experiences, Jason’s goal is to show others that they can become the best version of themselves and thrive in today's stressful world.

Carrie is a new member of the Visit Health Recovery Team, whose commitment to helping others is fueled by her profound sense of compassion. With a Masters in Addiction Counseling and extensive leadership and clinical experience, Carrie has dedicated herself to guiding individuals through the journey of recovery from addiction. Carrie's approach to treatment is rooted in empathy for others and backed by clinical expertise. She seamlessly integrates various modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Conscious Recovery, and other holistic approaches, to provide comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing. Drawing from her own personal recovery journey, Carrie understands the complexities individuals face and is committed to tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs. She believes in empowering individuals to cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and self-awareness, enabling them to overcome obstacles and embrace lasting change. In addition to her clinical work, Carrie finds joy in simple pleasures, such as vintage shopping with her daughter, cheering on her son at sports events, and embarking on hikes with her cherished Goldendoodle, Theo.