Starlite Recovery Center Staff
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Our staff of physicians, counselors, and nurses are an interdisciplinary team that work together to provide highly individualized care.
John Lacy
Executive Director
John Lacy is a nationally recognized expert in the field of chemical dependency and behavioral health. He has held senior positions in leading organizations for the past 25 years. Mr. Lacy entered the treatment field in 1982 as a certified alcohol and drug counselor. Since that time, he has overseen facility operations across the United States. He currently serves as the Regional Vice President for CRC Health Corporation and Executive Director of Starlite Recovery Center.
Brian Samford, PhD, LMFT, LCDC
Clinical Director
With extensive experience in the behavioral health field, Brain Samford brings a fresh perspective to his role as Clinical Director. Brian is a structural family therapist, who views addiction in the context of systems. He believes that addiction does not occur in isolation, but rather in the context of a contributing system. Brian is a graduate of Texas Tech University. He has worked for Vernon State Hospital, John T. Montford Psychiatric Unit, DePaul Center, and Southwest Institute for Addictive Diseases. As Clinical Director of Starlite Recovery Center, he is responsible for the development and implementation of all clinical programming. At the foundation of his philosophy is the desire to emphasize the importance of needing others to recover, clearing the wreckage of the past, and being of service to others.
Dr. Terry L. Parvin D.O.
Medical Director
As Director of the Drug and Alcohol unit at the Kerrville State Hospital from 1991-1998, Dr. Parvin has extensive experience with disease of addiction. He previously owned and operated a successful private practice for a total of 16 years before accepting the role of Medical Director at Starlite Recovery Center. In addition to consulting at Starlite Recovery Center, Dr. Parvin is an active member of CRC Health Group's Best Practices Committee. Clients not only appreciate his candor, but welcome his expertise.
John Phillips, BS, MBA
Controller
John Phillips, a graduate of Southern Methodist University, began his career at Starlite as a clinical technician. He soon became vital in the areas of Milieu Management, Admissions, and Quality Assurance. Along with his managerial and leadership abilities, John provides insight into recovery from a professional standpoint. In his current position as Controller, John and his staff make every attempt to provide the necessary financial services for all clients.
Melvin Bennett
Business Development Director
Melvin Bennett earned his bachelor degree in Business Administration. His experience in the behavioral health field began at the Psychiatric Institute of Fort Worth where he was the Director of Physician and Affiliate Relations, the Director of the Referral Department, and the Director of Children’s Programs. He also worked for Charter Hospital as a Senior Account Manager. Melvin’s experience and knowledge have helped Starlite grow from 8 beds in 1998 to the 120 beds operated today. Melvin is passionate about helping others in any way that he can.
Clarence Stewart
Activities Director
Clarence, an exercise science major at Schreiner University, began his career at Starlite as a clinical technician in 2005. He uses his extensive knowledge of the body and mechanics to assist clients in pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Not only does he have a way with our adolescent population, but his loving personality is perfect for encouraging all who wish to listen.
Robert L. Gee III, Ed.D., LPC, LCDC
Family Program Therapist
Dr. Gee has extensive experience helping individuals and families recover from the devastating effects of addiction and mental illness. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas Tech University, is a approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Dr. Gee serves as a behavioral health consultant to numerous local, state, and national organizations, a member of the Texas Medical Association's Regional Educational Teams, and a past fellow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse's National Hispanic Science Network. Dr. Gee is a professional member of the American Counseling Association, the Society for Adolescent Medicine and is currently a faculty member and Director of the Community and Family Life Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Shane Haberstroh, Ed.D., LCDC, LPC
Family Program Therapist
Shane Haberstroh is an experienced professor with an exceptional ability to reach the families of those suffering from addiction. With his extensive research background, Shane provides clients and families with a well-balanced and diverse educational experience. His professional accomplishments include numerous publications, workshops, and community presentations. Shane is a member of the American Counseling Association, on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, and a board member of the Texas Career Development Association. In addition to providing Starlite with valued practical experienced, he is a faculty member at The University of Texas San Antonio.
Amy Phillips BSN
Director of Nursing
Amy Phillips has over 11 years experience with direct patient contact, including ICU, CCU, and surgery. She brings a whole body, health conscious approach detoxification through educating the clients throughout their stay. Amy is a wealth of knowledge regarding HIV, STD's, nicotine cessation, and infection control. In addition to her didactic and certification education, Amy provides clients with a seamless transition of medical care throughout their stay at Starlite Recovery Center.
Steve Thomason, BA, LCDC
Clinical Coordinator Adolescent Program
With a theoretical base in cognitive behavioral therapy, Steve works closely with clients and their families to help them achieve recovery. Steve believes the entire family system must be involved in the treatment process and has made this the cornerstone of the adolescent program. As Clinical Coordinator of the Adolescent Program, Steve is responsible for program development and implementation. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is completing a Masters of Social Work degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Steve is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Dean Fitch, LMFTA
Family Program Coordinator
As coordinator of the Family Program, Dean is an exceptional family therapist bringing years of clinical and community involvement to his practice. A dynamic speaker, Dean provides practical and useful strategies for families dealing with addiction and behavioral problems. With a master's degree from Amridge University in Marriage & Family Therapy, Dean's work is founded on strong academic and clinical credentials.
