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.

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.

Ash is a dedicated Substance Use Counselor, deeply passionate about providing heart-centered, individualized care. With over seven years of experience in the field, Ash brings a wealth of expertise in trauma-informed practices, specializing in group facilitation that empowers clients to uncover their character strengths and rewrite their stories of addiction. Ash's extensive background includes working with diverse populations, such as individuals facing mental health challenges, PTSD treatment, veterans, and adolescents. They approach counseling through the lens of mind-body connection and the demystification of shame. Using a holistic, somatic approach, Ash is dedicated to creating a safe space for all clients to access recovery. As a strong advocate for inclusivity, they are committed to fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes the reclamation of lost power and identity on the healing journey. Outside of counseling, Ash is a passionate advocate for queer and human rights - aligning their energy toward the connection and empowerment within marginalized communities. They find personal joy in hot yoga, using the practice as a source of healing and strength. They prioritize fostering connections community spaces involving dance, movement, and creative expression.

Andrea “Drea” Odgers is a dedicated leader in behavioral health, with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health and addiction treatment. Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Drea began her career in 2007 as an Intake Advisor in a small Cupertino-based call center. There, she provided critical support to those seeking treatment for chemical dependency, eating disorders, medication-assisted therapy, and adolescent programs. Her commitment and skills quickly led her to management roles, where she excelled for seven years before transitioning to direct service as an Admissions Counselor at a residential program in Marin County. In this role, Drea received specialized training in Utilization Management, allowing her to skillfully advocate with insurance providers to secure extended care for patients needing higher levels of support. Drea's expertise in admissions and utilization management has since propelled her to become a Director of Admissions and UM for several treatment facilities, where she has received awards for her leadership and has successfully guided teams to achieve operational excellence. Throughout her career, Drea has built strong networks both locally and across the country, all with the aim of connecting people to the care they need. Outside of her professional life, Drea is passionate about family, frequently enjoying time with her children and cats. She’s also an avid road tripper and actively volunteers at community events. In her personal time, she channels her creativity into candle-making and collects crystals from around the globe. At the heart of everything she does is her deep passion for healing and sharing peace with others.

Mike is a dedicated RADT-Substance Abuse Counselor at Visit Health Recovery with over 10 years of experience in substance abuse and mental health counseling. He specializes in mindfulness-based relapse prevention and positive psychology, helping individuals navigate their recovery journeys with compassion and insight. With a passion for continuous learning and an innate curiosity about the human experience, Mike integrates humor into his practice, fostering a supportive environment for his clients. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to witness the transformations in those he helps, which further fuels his commitment to their journeys. Outside of work, he is an avid reader and enjoys hiking, which allows him to connect with nature and recharge. Mike’s holistic approach and commitment to personal growth make him a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their mental well-being and achieve lasting change.