Staff
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
We meet you where you are in your addiction.
Carol Rucker Murphy, MD
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dillard University in New Orleans and received her Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School, graduating Salutatorian in her class. Dr. Murphy completed her residency in psychiatry at The Ochsner Foundation in New Orleans. She is Medical Director for the Fernwood House, and she has over 10 years experience treating patients with dual diagnosis.
Richard R. Mestayer, III, MD
Dr. Mestayer is the Executive Director; he is a graduate of LSU Medical School and the University Of Virginia School Of Medicine, where he completed his psychiatric residency with honors. He has 30 years of clinical experience as a staff physician, which includes both administrative and teaching responsibilities for clinical training of psychiatric residents of LSU and Tulane Universities. He also was Medical Director of the Ocshner Foundation Clinic’s Behavioral Medicine Unit for 22 years, which included treatment of chemical dependency.
Paula Norris, M.ED, LPC., DAPA
Holds a Bachelor of Science degree from LSU and two graduate degrees from Tulane University in the fields of education and counseling psychology. She has 28 years experience in mental health services, both administratively and clinically. She is a Certified/Licensed Professional Counselor Clinical Supervisor for the state of Louisiana and a Diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association. Paula works with clients who have dual diagnosis, PTSD, or need trauma resolution. Presently she is researching the efficacy and safety of Neurotransmitter Restoration Therapy and Low Level Laser treatment for the disease of addiction.
Thomas Pough, MS, CADC
Mr. Pough has recently joined the staff as our Program Director. Thomas has 22 years experience in addiction treatment and over 30 years in the counseling profession. He holds a M.S. Degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey University, and he is currently accumulating post master’s hours for LPC credentialing. Thomas is a CADC, a Certified Gambling Counselor, a Certified Relapse Prevention Counselor and a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. His credentials allow the Fernwood House to treat clients with not only chemical addictions, but gambling addictions, smoking addictions as well as clients with a history of chronic relapse.
Allen Kraft, BCSW, LCSW
Mr. Kraft is the assistant program director and comes to us with 20 years of experience in the field of Social Work. He received his master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a field instructor for the graduate school there. Allen has worked with clients through the lifespan from adolescents to geriatric patients and in the clinical setting from inpatient to private practice. He has experience working with dually diagnosed patients since 1989 and has worked with them exclusively since 2000. Allen has received extensive training in the field of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) under the guidance of Dr. Ralph Wicker, who is a neurosurgeon. He comes to us from the Oak Arbor Transitional Living Program in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
William Calkins, LCSW
Mr. Calkins is a volunteer consultant to our program. He has 27 years experience in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders. For the past 10 years he has focused on Research Based Therapy (RBT) as it applies to the effective treatment of Obsessive, Compulsive, Repetitive, Destructive behaviors. His undergraduate education is from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He holds a B.S. in psychology. His Master of Social Work is from Tulane University. Bill has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1992 and is credentialed at the highest level as a Board Certified Diplomat. In addition, he is credentialed as a Licensed Addiction Counselor as well as a Master Addiction Counselor.
Bill is responsible in whole or in part for starting two intensive out patient programs, two Court approved alcohol education programs, two half-way houses and one residential treatment center. Mr. Calkins has been a strong supporter of Fernwood House and has led the way as we add the scientific components of effective treatment to our already strong 12 Step based approach.
Dale Baxter
Mr. Baxter is a certified massage therapist and martial arts master. He has developed a complete mental, spiritual and physical fitness program for our clients. Dale has worked with various actors in the movie industry as well as professional dance companies and players in the NFL.
