Meet Our Team
David Lentz
MD, MBA
Dr. David Lentz attended Georgia Southern University and earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He completed medical training at the Medical College of Georgia and graduated in 1974.
He served in the U.S. Navy and completed a Family Practice residency in Jacksonville, Florida, becoming board-certified after residency.
After leaving the Navy in 1980, he returned to Georgia and spent more than 20 years of his career serving individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Kristen Smallwood
RN, CPS-AD, CCIT
Executive Director
Kristen Smallwood, RN, CPS-AD, CCIT is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. With a strong background in nursing and behavioral health, Kristen has worked across a wide range of care settings. Driven by a passion for helping individuals overcome substance use challenges, Kristen integrates clinical expertise with empathy and evidence-based practices to support clients on their journey to recovery. Her commitment to improving the quality of care and promoting lasting change continues to guide her work within the behavioral health community.
Genevieve Ellis
LPC, Clinical Director
Genevieve Ellis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Gwinnett College in 2016 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in 2020.
Throughout her career, Genevieve has gained extensive experience in mental health and substance use treatment across inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. She has worked with individuals experiencing acute mental illness, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. She previously served as Lead Therapist at Ridgeview Institute and advanced from therapist to Program Director at Alana Recovery Center. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing acute mental illness at Emory Wesley Woods Inpatient Hospital, treating co-occurring disorders and providing trauma-informed care to women at Ridgeview Institute, and working with adolescents, couples, families, and individuals in private practice.
Genevieve is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care that promotes emotional wellness, personal growth, and lasting recovery. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and an eclectic blend of evidence-based techniques tailored to each client’s unique needs. She is committed to maintaining high standards of clinical care and helping individuals achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Outside of work, Genevieve enjoys hiking, reading, meditation, spending time at the lake, and making memories with her family.
Chad Dean
Program Director
Ollie “Chad” Dean III is a dedicated leader and Director with a deep commitment to service, personal growth, and community impact. A veteran and person in long-term recovery, Chad brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to his role. He is passionate about empowering others and remains actively involved in the recovery community, where he continues to support individuals on their paths to healing and transformation.
Danette Barber
LPN, Lead Nurse
I am a compassionate addiction recovery nurse dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to healing and long-term recovery. I strive to provide empathetic, patient-centered care, promote hope and resilience, and empower each person to rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and understanding.
Kennedy Raine
RN
With a strong foundation in nursing, a passion for mental health, and a deep commitment to compassionate care, Kennedy Raine brings a unique combination of clinical knowledge, empathy, and approachability to outpatient detox and recovery services.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) from Kennesaw State University in 2025 and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) at Georgia State University to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is also certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). Furthermore, she has conducted research titled Queering Responses to Teen Youth Suicide and Sexual Assault, reflecting her dedication to advocacy, mental health awareness, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Her approach to patient care is rooted in compassion, understanding, and the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Recognizing that the journey toward recovery can be challenging, she strives to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where patients feel safe, heard, and supported. With a lighthearted personality and a genuine passion for helping others, she believes that kindness, authentic human connection, and even a little laughter can make a meaningful difference in the healing process.
Adrienne Cruz
LPN
Adrienne Cruz is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with extensive experience in addiction and substance use disorder treatment. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing compassionate care and support to individuals struggling with alcohol and drug dependency. Passionate about helping others on their journey to sobriety, Adrienne is dedicated to fostering healing and recovery. In her free time, she enjoys watching crime documentaries and exploring the psychological aspects behind criminal behavior.
Tanner Adams
Director of Business Development
As the Director of Business Development for Metro Atlanta Detox, Tanner Adams has been part of the journey since day one, helping build both programs from the ground up with a clear mission: expanding access to safe, effective outpatient detox services throughout the Atlanta community.
Being involved from the very beginning has given Tanner a deep connection to the organization’s growth, its mission, and the lives impacted every day.
Tanner brings a strong background in insurance and addiction recovery, allowing him to bridge the clinical and financial sides of treatment. His experience navigating insurance systems, building provider relationships, and advocating for patients helps ensure individuals and families can access care with clarity and confidence.
A proud graduate of Jacksonville State University, Tanner carries the values of family, integrity, and service into both his personal life and professional leadership. Outside of work, he enjoys life at home with a house full of girls who keep him grounded and inspired, along with a memorable (and very opinionated) naked cat who proudly runs the show.
Andrew Baggett
Business Development
Andrew Baggett serves as a Business Development Representative for Metro Atlanta Outpatient Detox. As a dedicated behavioral health professional with a personal background in addiction recovery, Andrew brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to his work.
He is passionate about connecting individuals and families with high-quality substance use treatment services. With a client-focused approach, Andrew works closely with providers and community partners to ensure individuals receive compassionate, effective care when they need it most.
Drawing from both his professional experience and his personal recovery journey, Andrew is committed to supporting long-term recovery and witnessing lives transformed through evidence-based treatment and genuine human connection.
Coley McGhee
Business Development
Coley McGhee is a behavioral health professional from Rome, Georgia, with more than 10 years of experience serving individuals and families in the recovery community. He is passionate about client-centered care and helping individuals find meaningful support, resources, and opportunities for lasting recovery.
Growing up, Coley was actively involved in sports throughout high school before continuing his education in West Georgia, where he became a national championship cheerleader. His background in athletics helped shape his appreciation for teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and supporting others, values he continues to carry into his professional work.
Coley remains actively engaged in his community and is committed to building relationships that help connect individuals with the care they need. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, being involved in the community, and enjoying the outdoors.
Hector Montana
Director of Admissions
Hector Montana is a seasoned healthcare executive currently serving as the Director of Admissions for Cobb, Metro, and Easy Georgia Outpatient Detox. With a distinguished career spanning 30 years of dedicated experience in drug and alcohol recovery programs, Hector brings unparalleled expertise, leadership, and empathy to the patient intake process.
Throughout his three decades in the behavioral health field, Hector has remained deeply committed to lowering barriers to substance use treatment. In his current regional leadership role, he oversees the comprehensive admissions strategies across multiple facilities, managing the critical intersection where clinical excellence meets strategic administration. He leads high-performing intake teams who bring a combined 20 years of experience to the industry, ensuring that every professional under his guidance is uniquely equipped to handle complex patient transitions with the utmost skill and care.
Hector’s work is defined by his belief that the admissions process sets the tone for an individual’s entire recovery journey. By leveraging his seasoned background alongside his team’s deep collective expertise, he streamlines multi-site workflows and fosters strong community partnerships. Together, they ensure that every individual seeking wellness receives immediate, dignified, and seamless access to life-changing care.
Pehr
Outreach & Admissions
Pehr brings both professional experience and a deep personal understanding of recovery to his work in outreach and admissions. With four years in recovery, he knows firsthand how profoundly the right opportunity, support, and guidance can change a person’s life.
Throughout his career, Pehr has served in several roles, including House Manager, Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), Recovery Coach, BHT Management, and Detox Admissions. These experiences have given him a well-rounded perspective on the recovery process and the importance of meeting each individual with compassion, dignity, and understanding.
Pehr is passionate about helping others find the same opportunity for freedom and a better life that has transformed his own. He believes that asking for help should be met with encouragement, not judgment, and that taking the first step toward recovery should never have to be done alone.
In his role in outreach and admissions, Pehr strives to make the process of seeking treatment feel approachable and manageable. Whether someone is reaching out for themselves or a loved one, his goal is to help them understand their options, navigate the admissions process, and take a meaningful step toward a healthier future.
For Pehr, recovery is about more than overcoming addiction. It’s about rediscovering freedom, rebuilding life, and helping others realize that a different future is possible.
Dezirae Auchinachie
Client Care Coordinator
My name is Dezirae, but everyone calls me Dez. I’m passionate about helping others grow, heal, and discover their potential, especially through recovery. I find purpose in creating a supportive environment where people feel seen, heard, and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exploring new places, spending time in nature, discovering all things paranormal, and making memories with the people I love. I value personal growth, meaningful connections, spirituality, and finding joy in the little things life has to offer.
Peyton Jackson
BS, CMT
Lead Case Manager
I am a graduate-level counselor with a passion for mental health and recovery. My approach centers on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, process their experiences, and work toward personal growth and lasting change.
Makayla Dowdy
BS
Case Manager
Makayla is the case manager at Metro Atlanta Outpatient Detox. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is passionate about helping clients navigate the recovery process by connecting them with meaningful resources, exploring treatment options, and identifying the next steps toward sobriety. Makayla is committed to supporting each client in building a foundation for lasting recovery by helping them access the tools, services, and support needed to move forward with confidence.
Jacqueline Channell
Client Relations
I’m an ambitious, dependable, and goal-oriented individual who values personal growth, continuous learning, and building a successful future. I take pride in being hardworking, adaptable, and willing to take on new challenges. I am passionate about expanding my knowledge, developing new skills, and creating opportunities for myself. I believe in staying determined, maintaining a positive mindset, and continually striving to become the best version of myself.
Lindsey "Lou" Walden
Peer Support Specialist
Lindsey “Lou” Walden is a compassionate Peer Support Specialist dedicated to empowering individuals in recovery. Through lived experience, empathy, and a commitment to individualized support, Lou helps others navigate recovery resources, build resilience, and discover that lasting change is possible.
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Whether you’re looking for drug and alcohol detox services or just need someone to talk to, our team can help.