Our Leadership

The faces and stories behind the experts working to lead you down the right path to recovery.

Leading to Recovery

The Welwynn team of caring professionals includes licensed and certified clinicians, fully trained in the treatment of substance use disorders. They are carefully selected to have extensive experience and expertise in working with the range of issues particular to high-functioning executives and professionals. All staff members who provide wellness services are also considered experts in their field.
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CEO

Will Guest, CADC

As CEO, Will plans to continue Welwynn’s primary mission of being the premier treatment facility for executives, professionals and their families dealing with the aftereffects of drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues. “I was extremely pleased when Will agreed to come aboard. The addition of someone of Will’s reputation and character to our already extraordinary team of dedicated professionals will allow Welwynn to continue to grow, prosper and serve even more folks in need over the coming years. The future is, indeed, a lot brighter with Will at the helm! - Lewis Finch, Founder and Former CEO”

Will’s background as a clinician, administrator, and executive with over 2 decades of experience in the field of addiction and mental health treatment makes him a great fit to lead Welwynn’s future growth trajectory. As a person in long term recovery and the former facility director and treatment supervisor of a multi-location addiction treatment concern, he brings a knowledge base to the table that belies his 42 years of age. And as a family man – his wife, Jennie, and two daughters, he possesses the empathy needed to make every client and their support feel like Welwynn is where they need to be!

“Our philosophy is one of empowerment, and our vision for you is lasting sobriety. We have structured a program of modalities and a staff of clinicians that have helped many executives, professionals and their families. As a recovering professional, I am committed to helping you realize that recovery, health and happiness are possible.”

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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND MARKETING

Autumn Stewart

Autumn joined Welwynn Outpatient Center as a clinical intern in September of 2021. Autumn was born and raised in Mocksville, NC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Autumn will receive her LCMHC-A licensure along with the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification upon graduation.

Previously as the Director of Clinical Outreach, Autumn’s goal was to expand brand awareness utilizing personal relationships and clinical experience through a large network of therapists and other treatment providers locally, regionally, and nationally.

As the Director of Operations, Autumn’s primary goal is to ensure seamless coordination within the team, enabling the organization to achieve its strategic objectives efficiently. With her integrative leadership and passion for operational excellence, she plays a pivotal role in driving the company's growth and success.

Autumn resides with her fur-child, Blu, a rambunctious 2-year-old Dalmatian in Durham, NC. Autumn loves a good book, quaint coffee shops, and traveling. Contrary to most suspicions, Autumn prefers summer so she can spend time at the lake.
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Director of Admissions

Shannon Ware

Shannon Ware is the Director of Client Services at Welwynn Outpatient Center. Most recently Shannon worked in Baltimore at Johns Hopkins Medicine International as their Corporate Relations Client Specialist. While there she developed and managed relationships with high profile patients and corporations around the world, facilitating and coordinating their medical care.

Prior to her stint at Johns Hopkins, Shannon planned and facilitated promotional activities for a large regional non-profit in Baltimore, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as Special Events Coordinator.

Shannon’s role as the Director of Client Services stems from her almost three years of tremendous impact on Welwynn’s growth as the Director of Community Outreach. She works directly with prospective clients and their families ensuring the smoothest possible transition into recovery. Shannon knows the priceless effect of collaboration from her experience working at Johns Hopkins Hospital and here at Welwynn; therefore, she facilitates connections between referring providers and Welwynn clinicians. Treating the entire person by seeing the entire person is Shannon’s goal for each client and family member in Welwynn’s care.

Shannon graduated from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN with a BA in Economics and furthered her studies at Lincoln College at Oxford University in Oxford, England through a Sewanee-affiliated European Studies.

She relocated to Raleigh in 2017. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter: traveling, any activity where they can soak up the sun, exploring local cultural opportunities, and at the end of the day, grilling a delicious dinner.
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​Clinical Program Director for Mental Health

Mackenzie Almond, LCMHC

Mackenzie Almond is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist in North Caroline. Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel hill and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University Graduate School. She received Dialectical Behavior Therapy training through Psychwire in 2019 and has facilitated multiple adult and teen/parent DBT groups as well as full-model individual DBT sessions. Mackenzie has worked in intensive mental health services since 2016. She has extensive experience working with people who experience severe depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, existential despair/crisis, suicidality, NSSI (non-suicidal self-injurious behavior), bipolar disorder, and trauma. Mackenzie feels it is most important to meet her clients where they are in the room. Therapy is a collaboration, not a power struggle. She believes her clients have lived expertise and she is here to witness their story, walk or sit with them in it, and when they are ready, guide them through to the other side personalizing skills to their life along the way.

Through specialized training, conferences, and over seven years of working with crises and suicidality, Mackenzie is committed to helping those experiencing emotional despair, distress, and/or suicidality navigate their struggles in an environment of compassion and understanding. She has focused her training on the risk assessment, intervention, and treatment planning of those with passive, active, acute, and chronic suicidality, aiming to help individuals across the entire spectrum of suicidality. Mackenzie volunteers with People Address and Understanding Suicide Experiences (PAUSE), American Association of Suicidology, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and provides crisis support for NAMI’s Survivor’s of Suicide Attempts support group (SOSA), amongst other special projects dedicated to driving the suicide prevention and advocacy movement forward. Mackenzie also spends time speaking to other mental health clinicians and graduate programs about how to work with suicidality.
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PRIMARY THERAPIST​

Barbara James, LCSW, LCAS, CCS

Barbara is a highly experienced and compassionate mental health professional with over 14 years of dedicated service. Holding a diverse set of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Marketing Management from New York University and a Master of Social Work from East Carolina University, Barbara is a well-rounded practitioner. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitator (TCTSY-F), EMDR therapist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Barbara's expertise extends to evidenced-based practices such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered therapy.
As a holistic practitioner, Barbara incorporates mindfulness, grounding, emotional/self-regulation, and somatic techniques into her practice, not only as a mental health professional but also as a certified yoga teacher. Beyond her clinical qualifications, Barbara is a Stephen Minister, reflecting her dedication to providing empathetic and spiritual support. Barbara believes therapy is a process of partnership, fostering an environment for healing and personal growth. Her extensive background, certifications, and heartfelt approach make Barbara a trusted resource for those seeking help with mental health, substance use disorders, grief, trauma, and personal growth. In her free time, Barbara enjoys various activities such as traveling, biking, hiking, yoga, gardening, and entertaining friends and family.
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DIRECTOR OF HOLISTIC SERVICES

Kristen Johnson

Kristen brings over 10 years of experience in massage, bodywork and energy medicine to the Holistic Wellness Program at Welwynn.  She received her massage education from Arizona School of Integrative Studies, and has training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Acupressure, Craniosacral Therapy (Upledger Institute), Qi Gong, Reiki, and Sound Healing.

Kristen believes addressing the physical and subtle bodies is a crucial component of the comprehensive and lasting healing of addiction.  Trauma is recorded in our physical beings as well as our energy fields, and these grooves of pain often are the underlying drivers of addictive behavior.  The therapeutic engagement of the body and biofield can bring awareness and insight to the places words exclusively cannot reach and enable individuals to access their innate resilience.

On a foundational level, massage, reiki and sound healing therapies reduce stress and pain levels, and facilitate the experience of grounding, emotional release and self-regulation.  These are marvelous allies in one’s own Hero’s Journey.

In her spare time, Kristen enjoys flower gardening, hiking the numerous trails in the Triangle, and subjecting friends and family to her culinary experimentations, which usually (but not always) turn out well.
Jesse Bennett
Clinical Program Director of Substance Use

Jesse Bennett, MSW, LCAS, LCSWA, CCS-I

Jesse Bennett is a dedicated professional with a passion for empowering individuals to lead fulfilling and liberated lives. With a master's degree in social work from North Carolina State University, Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of mental health and well-being. Jesse also holds a certificate in Integrated Harm Reduction Psychotherapist. Jesse's approach to therapy is rooted in a deep understanding of the complexities of the human experience. He specializes in working with adults facing a wide range of challenges, including mood disorders, relationship struggles, substance use, life transitions, and issues related to gender, sexuality, and identity exploration. Jesse's eclectic training allows him to draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, with a primary focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He also incorporates other proven approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction Psychotherapy to tailor his approach to each client's unique needs.
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HUMAN RESOURCES/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Andrea Budd

Andrea Budd has 13 years of extensive experience working with individuals suffering with alcohol and drug addictions as a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor in both North Carolina and Florida. Andrea has held numerous positions in the recovery field for affluent populations since 2010, including Residential Manager, Program Director, Director of Operations, Group Counselor, Admission specialist, Human Resources, and assisted in Case management. Andrea is an integral part of the executive team at Welwynn and specializes overseeing the day-to-day operations, developing, and implementing Policy and Procedures as it relates to patient care and safety and maintaining confidentiality with poise. When taking on her role at Welwynn, Andrea embarked the journey of CARF accreditation and succeeded her goal in obtaining the initial credentialing for CARF three-year accreditation as of February 2022.

With solid experience in rehabilitation and substance abuse counseling, Andrea possesses a comprehensive skill set and compassionate understanding necessary to affect positive outcomes for those seeking help. Andrea’s purpose is to heal, restore, and transform the lives of clients through highly personalized, nurturing and understanding interactions.

Andrea resides with her two pets Moongirl and Rehab in Raleigh, North Carolina. In her free time, she practices yoga, enjoys nature walks/runs, attends support groups for Alcoholics, and explores the city for good vegetarian cuisine.
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Founder and Former CEO

Lewis Finch

Lewis has enjoyed a long and outstanding career in advertising and marketing. He built a successful advertising agency that grew from a single-employee start-up over his garage, to a multi-million-dollar marketing firm that was voted the fastest growing business in Raleigh-Durham, NC in 1999.

Several years ago Lewis faced a turning point in his life when he confronted his alcohol addiction. He realized he needed help and left home and business for rehabilitation. Through his recovery and later while consulting for an addiction recovery clinic, Lewis recognized that many professionals are not able or willing to leave home and work to get help for their addictions. He also observed that high performing professionals responded better to therapy when participating with their peers.

His answer to this discovery is Welwynn Outpatient Center. Welwynn is the very first individualized intensive outpatient treatment center serving specifically executives and professionals, and providing the highest level of care in a setting with people to whom they most closely align.
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DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL OUTREACH

Allison Ksor

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CADC Intern

Linsey Patterson

Linsey is a dedicated Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern and Substance Use Primary Therapist, specializing in providing compassionate support to individuals facing substance use challenges, homelessness, and incarceration. Her journey in the field of mental health has been marked by a deep commitment to improving the lives of those often marginalized in society. Linsey earned her bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University, where she developed a solid academic foundation and a passion for helping others. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for her current role, where she strives to make a meaningful impact on the mental well-being of her clients. Beyond her professional pursuits, Linsey finds solace and inspiration in the natural beauty of the mountains, a love she shares with her loyal canine companions and feline friend. With a warm cup of coffee in hand, she has found both comfort and motivation during her previous experiences working in the coffee industry.

As a professional with a heart dedicated to the well-being of others, Linsey's favorite season is fall—a time of change and transformation, mirroring her commitment to helping individuals find hope and healing in their lives. Linsey's dedication to her clients, combined with her academic background and diverse experiences, make her a valuable asset in the field of mental health counseling, where she continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.
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Clinical Intern - Administrative Assistant

Le-Keisha Griffin

Le-Keisha is an aspiring mental health professional currently pursuing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Her academic interest and focus revolve around Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Substance Use Disorders and addressing generational trauma.
As an intern, Le-Keisha is dedicated to applying her knowledge in a practical setting, helping individuals navigate mental health challenges. Her commitment to understanding and addressing generational trauma reflects a holistic approach to counseling, making her a valuable asset in the field. With a genuine passion for making a positive impact, Le-Keisha is poised to contribute effectively as she continues to develop her skills and expertise. In addition to her academic pursuits, her versatility and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset in both the clinical and administrative aspects of her professional endeavors.
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DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Macon Moye

Macon has worked as the Director of Business Development at Welwynn for almost 2 years now. With decades of experience working for corporations, he also struggled with addiction to opiates and alcohol for 15 years before taking the journey to become sober. After 3 months spent in the hospital due to health issues related to his addiction, he has now been sober for 9 years with the help of his family, friends, rehab centers, and Alcoholics Anonymous. After his first AA meeting, Macon,“felt like maybe [he] had a chance at life again. An actual real-life second chance at life. A successful, happy, sober life with success and happiness redefined and sobriety being a new way of life.” He now wants to help others to find the strength to seek help and find the path to recovery which is why he is at Welwynn.
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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Robin Story

Robin is a North Carolina native with a traveler's heart. She graduated from Peace College with a double major in elementary and special education, and a minor in psychology. She also received my international certification to teach English as a foreign language in Prague, Czechia. Robin comes to us with over 10 years of experience teaching in various settings, including at a residential high school in upstate New York. She taught English to teenage boys who were in recovery from substance use, those in foster care, and those with open court cases, etc. In her most recent role, she was the program director for teenagers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin enjoys reading, watching hockey, going to concerts, and traveling in her free time.

Get in Touch with a Member of Our Team