Our Team
ATHENS AREA COMMENCEMENT CENTER
See What We Do?
Meet the Team
At the Athens Area Commencement Center, all of our staff are licensed and/or certified to treat the disease of addiction. The counselors and nurses continuously receive training and education in the most recent science of chemical dependancy. Athens Area Commencement Center treats each client Biologically, Medically, Psychologically, and Socially.
The Commencement Center exists to ensure that each client received their destination of sobriety and wellness in a safe and confidential environment. Our staff works together as a team to tailor each treatment and recovery plan to the individual patient. Our Aftercare Services and our deep commitment to the recovery community help to ensure long term sobriety for our clients.
Jason Brown, Owner and CEO
Jason Brown is a life long resident of Oconee County and the Athens Area. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Georgia in 1998, he has built a career serving others as engineer with Georgia Power, President of the Southeastern electrification Council and Founder of Southern Utility Partners as well as American Pole Line Hardware. Jason is an alumni of the Athens Area Commencement Center and the Aftercare Program, with strong ties to former owner, Jim Hinzman. He is rooted in the recovery community and strives to carry the legacy of AACC’s mission of treating the hearts, minds and souls of our clients with love, compassion and tolerance so that each may enjoy the freedom found in sobriety.
Crissy Walton, CARN, Administrator
Crissy Walton, CARN, is a passionate believer in treating the patient completely: mind, body and spirit, especially when it comes to recovery. Crissy’s attention to detail comes from her previous work experience in accounting and working with special needs students. She believed her previous job experiences make her a better nurse. “People in recovery need to know that someone cares – that someone is listening. You can’t just tell them you hear them – you have to live it. You have to meet them where they are. Love them to it. They also need to know the science behind the disease of addiction and what they can do to prepare to get better. Accountability and structure, along with counseling and medical supervision is what makes AACC successful.” Having been with AACC since 2014 she has transitioned from being our part time RN to Clinical Coordinator. Her favorite part of the program is the Aftercare Groups. ” Being able to see clients get better, being able to follow them from the beginning and watching them feel better physically and then transitioning back into their daily lives successfully is why I am here.”
Tia Burkhalter, CAC-I, Lead Councelor/Case Manager
Tia has a way of making people feel at ease, she is easy to talk to and meets people where they are. As a Certified Addiction Counselor ahe can anticipate the needs of others and help find a way to meet them; especially those in recovery as she herself has been sober since 2018. Tia has been working in the recovery field since 2020. She takes an enthusiastic, supportive approach and loves teaching about relapse prevention. “My goal is to help individuals become the person they were intended to be while maintaining sobriety.”
FARRIS JOHNSON, MD - Medical Director
Dr. Johnson has worked with the Athens Area Commencement Center, treating patients with addictions, since its early years. Dr. Johnson is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and is board-certified by the American Board of Family Practice. A native Athenian, Dr. Johnson has practiced medicine in Athens since 1985.
Kristin Doster, CARN, Clinical Coordinator
Kristin believes in a holistic approach to healing and growth, treating mind, body and spirit. She has been employed as an RN for 22 years with experience in critical care, long-term care and has been working in a recovery oriented setting since 2018. Having been part of AACC since 2014 she started as a part time RN and is now a CARN and Clinical Coordinator. Kristin wholeheartedly believes in the in the work this treatment center does. “As Someone who has gotten sober and worked to maintain sobriety myself, it is truly rewarding to to work with those who are here to better themselves and get well. There is no greater gift than being part of that journey with someone else.” Kristin’s favorite part of working at AACC is watching people grow and discover that sobriety is possible, realizing they are understood and supported. Kristin has been sober since 2016.
MERRILL A. NORTON - Pharm. D., D.Ph., ICCDP-D
Dr. Norton specializes in Psychopharmacology and Addiction Pharmacy as well as the management of chronic pain in the addicted patient. Dr. Norton serves on the faculty of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy with past teaching experience at Fairleigh-Dickinson University, Alliant International University of San Francisco College of Psychology, and Berry College. Dr. Norton was recently honored by the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association with the Distinguished Service Award for 2015 for recognition of commitment to the treatment and welfare of those affected by alcohol and drug addiction. Norton’s book The Pharmacology of Psychoactive Chemical Use, Abuse, and Dependence, and his DVD series, “The Hijacking of the Brain” are used to train mental health professionals nationally. His new book, The Pharmacist’s Guide to Opioid Use Disorders, was released in 2018.
Negin Moon, Pharm D, Pharmacological Advisor
Negin Moon is lead Clinical Pharmacist at Georgia Cancer Specialists / Northside Hospital, where she oversees operations across multiple pharmacy sites, ensuring excellence in oncology care, sterile compounding and regulatory compliance. With over a decade of experience spanning hospital, community and specialty pharmacy, she has lead teams through high-impact initiatives, from launching sterile compounding centers to spearheading large-scale vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. A licensed pharmacist in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, Negin is recognized for her leadership, mentorship and commitment to improving patient outcomes. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Totes to Tots and has contributed to national pharmacy publications including the American Pharmacists Association and Georgia Pharmacists Association.
Rebecca Henderson, RN, Addiction Counselor
Rebecca has practiced as a Registered Nurse since 2014, working in hospital settings with the adult population. She has seen thousands of people go through short and long-term illnesses. There is no amount of pain, suffering, and mental torment than those who are in active addiction, feeling stuck with no way out. There is hope and there is help. Through empathy, compassion, and love from The Commencement Center Team, clients can discover sobriety and serenity. As an Alumni of The Commencement Center, Rebecca has found her niche helping others in recovery. “It is a one day at a time journey to a life which is happy, joyous, and free. To see people who have been torn down by the disease of addiction now brimming with hope in a matter of a few weeks is life-changing. It’s not easy, but it is obtainable. The key is willingness”
Patrick Sparks, Business Manager
Patrick is often the first face you see when you enter AACC. His warm and kind heart make him perfect to be in that role, He manages the business side of things as well as participates with the daily tasks of serving Clients. With his long term sobriety and previous business owner experience, he brings invaluable acumen to our team. He believes that, “anyone can have the gift of recovery.”