Our Team
Recovery is built on connection, trust and compassionate care. At Black Bear Lodge, our team brings together experienced clinicians, medical professionals and behavioral health leaders who are dedicated to helping individuals build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Located in the North Georgia mountains, Black Bear Lodge combines evidence-based treatment with a supportive environment where patients can feel safe, seen and empowered throughout their recovery journey. Every member of our team shares a commitment to providing individualized care rooted in dignity, respect and hope.
Jessica Taves, PhD
Group CEO
Jessica Taves, PhD
Group CEO
Dr. Jessica Taves holds a PhD in Health Psychology and brings over 20 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, with a proven track record of operational excellence, strategic growth, and team development.
She has led large-scale organizations as a Regional VP, and is known for her compassionate leadership style, data-driven decision-making, and ability to build strong, mission-aligned cultures. Her background spans national and regional leadership roles across addiction treatment, mental health, and autism services. Jessica is passionate about delivering exceptional care and creating environments where both patients and staff thrive.
Hannah Funderburk, LPC, CPCS
Director of Clinical Services
Hannah Funderburk, LPC, CPCS
Director of Clinical Services
Hannah Funderburk is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State University with her Master’s in Professional Counseling in 2014. She began working at Black Bear Lodge as a Primary Therapist in May of 2016 and later became the Director of Clinical Services.
Her passion and expertise in the field of addiction and behavioral health make her uniquely adept in treating patients in early recovery. She focuses on instilling a sense of hope while offering a safe place for patients to process the challenges that led to seeking treatment at Black Bear. Hannah’s focus as the Clinical Director is supporting the Clinical Team in providing the best care possible to our patients.
In her free time, Hannah can be found spending time with her husband and playing with their 2 dogs and 4 cats, several of whom have special needs. She also enjoys reading and baking new recipes.
Darlene Engel, BSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
Darlene Engel, BSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
Darlene Engel joined the team at Black Bear Lodge as a staff nurse in August of 2020. She later became a Nurse Manager before moving into her current role as the Chief Nursing Officer. Darlene received her BSN from Indiana State University.
In addition to being a Registered Nurse, she is a certified Forensic Nurse Examiner who is trained in trauma-informed care and spent many years of her nursing career working in critical care and emergency medicine. She acknowledges, “I have seen the many effects that trauma along with broken spirits can have on our lives, but one thing is for sure—life is ever-changing and always has a bright horizon ahead for those seeking.”
Born and raised in Maryland, Engel has made Georgia her home away from home since 2019.
Vince Foley
Regional Human Resources Director
Vince Foley
Regional Human Resources Director
Vince Foley holds a BA in criminal justice administration and has worked human resources for well over a decade. In 2013, he became regional human resources director for Black Bear Lodge and Foundations Atlanta-Midtown and Foundations Roswell, two of Foundations Recovery Network’s Intensive Outpatient Programs. Raised in Homestead, Florida, Foley says he came to this line of work by “the grace of God. Someone gave me a chance to do more and be more, and I did,” he explains. He’s passionate about being able to serve both patients and employees with the compassion and dedication they deserve in order to assist them in making their lives better and more complete.
When not working, he can be found spending time with his wife and three boys. Foley also enjoys helping others.
Corey Hawkins, LPC
Director of Performance Improvement and Risk Management
Matthew Partain, MBA
Director of Admissions
Matthew Partain, MBA
Director of Admissions
Originally from West Georgia, Matt joined the BBL staff in 2015 in the patient care department, as a Residential Assistant. In long-term recovery himself, he worked as a program manager for a court approved men’s program for 3 years before moving into the healthcare sector of substance abuse treatment. After supervising the RA Dept for many years, Matt completed his bachelor’s degree in business with a specialization in healthcare management, and then moved into his current role as Director of Admissions. Matt enjoys working in the field, but especially has enjoyed being a part of a new patient’s initial engagement in our program.
Matt states, “Initial interaction is such a critical part for any experience. When dealing with substance abuse, it may be what sets or breaks a patient’s trust in our facility. It’s critical to have buy-in from those we serve and their loved ones, to give them faith that they made the right direction by coming to Black Bear. It enhances the patient experience, and that may have life-long implications when dealing with addiction. Our facility is awesome, but it’s our staff that make this mountain, and what we do here, so special. I’m grateful to be a part of that experience.”
In his free time, Matt enjoys reading and doing little art projects. His wife, an LPC, and he have two dogs, one who is partly paralyzed, and three cats, one with a seizure disorder, who round out their family. Matt states, “Some things in this world need special love and attention. It makes our hearts happy to be able to give them all they need, and more. Both in our professional and personal lives.”
Chad Hepler
Director of Business Development
Chad Hepler
Director of Business Development
Chad Hepler is the Director of Business Development at Black Bear Lodge, where he leads strategic growth initiatives for the residential addiction treatment program in the North Georgia mountains. With nearly 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Chad brings a well-rounded perspective that bridges both clinical understanding and business strategy.
Chad began his career working on the clinical side within addiction hospitals and behavioral health facilities, gaining firsthand insight into patient care, treatment processes, and the recovery journey. This clinical foundation has shaped his approach to business development—ensuring that growth efforts remain aligned with quality care and patient outcomes.
Over the past decade, Chad has specialized in business development, building and strengthening referral networks across hospitals, providers, and community partners at both the local and national levels. He previously served as Director of Business Development at a leading behavioral health hospital, where he played a key role in expanding market presence, increasing admissions, and developing high-performing outreach strategies.
At Black Bear Lodge, Chad is focused on establishing strong referral partnerships and positioning the program as a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking recovery. His leadership is driven by a commitment to access, clinical integrity, and long-term recovery success.
Denise Workman, DO
Medical Director
Denise Workman, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Denise Workman has been a practicing physician for over 20 years. She is dual board-certified in both Family and Addiction Medicine. She is currently the Medical Director at Black Bear Treatment Center in Sautee-Nacoochee, Georgia. Dr. Workman attended medical school at NOVA Southeastern College of Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and then returned to Georgia and completed her residency at Emory University in 2003. She has practiced in the North Georgia Mountains since then.
Dr. Workman enjoys working in a challenging environment and constantly learning. Having been raised in a military family, she has a special place in her heart for our servicemen and women and the particular challenges they face when struggling with the disease of addiction. She is proud to work for a treatment center that also values that service and wants to give back to those families.
A Team Committed to Recovery
At Black Bear Lodge, recovery is an opportunity to rediscover hope, build resilience and create a healthier future. From admissions through aftercare planning, our team is here to support individuals and families every step of the way.
Ready to Begin Healing?
If what you’ve read here gives you hope, we’d love to talk. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance and help you or your loved one get started.
