Our Senior Leadership Team
Hermitage Hall is dedicated to helping young people heal from the trauma they’ve experienced and the challenges they’ve overcome. That work can’t be done without an equally dedicated staff of behavioral health professionals. Our clinical department is comprised of licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers that hold a minimum of a master’s degree in their area of expertise. The medical team includes a board-certified pediatrician and psychiatrist, and our teachers are certified in Special Education.
Read on to learn more about the group of senior leaders that guide our mission to provide the level of high-quality care and treatment our residents deserve.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Joe Fote, PhD, MBA, LSSBB, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Joe joined UHS and Hermitage Hall in February 2023, and brings over 30 years of executive healthcare leadership experience in operations, finance and process improvements. Prior to joining Hermitage Hall, he was CEO of Youth Town of Tennessee, CEO of a healthcare consulting firm, and held other executive leadership positions as Vice President, and CFO.
Dr. Joe is a board certified healthcare provider in Counseling Psychology a published author, “Career Geyser, Secrets that Propel You to Success”, and a frequent guest speaker on parenting issues.
Dr. Joe is proud to join UHS and Hermitage Hall leadership with a focus on superior patient care, improving financial outcomes, process improvement initiatives, as well as strategic company directions. Dr. Joe earned his undergraduate degree from Houghton College, his MBA from Thomas More College, and his PhD in Psychology from Cornerstone University.
In his free time, Dr. Joe enjoys reading, hiking, golfing and spending time with his wife Lynn, daughters Kaitlyn, and Taylor, and grandson Elliot.
Ashley Beard, LPC-MHSP, MPA, Clinical Director
Mitzi Milts, Chief Financial Officer
Mitzi joined Hermitage Hall in October 2012 as the CFO. Mitzi has extensive experience working in both the private and public financial sectors. Before Hermitage Hall, she was the Chief Financial Officer with Natchez Trace Youth Academy. Mitzi has her bachelor’s from Middle Tennessee State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Gladys Bush, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Bush is a graduate of Meharry Medical College. She completed her residency in General Psychiatry and her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The Ohio State University Hospital. Dr. Bush has experience working with children and adolescents in academic settings, inpatient hospital settings, and community mental health settings. She is board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
DIRECTORS
Calissa Brooks, MS, Director of Risk Management and Quality Assurance
Calissa Brooks is the Director of Risk Management and Quality Assurance. Calissa began her career with Hermitage Hall in 2016 as the Utilization Review Coordinator. Calissa is a caring professional who displays a strong commitment to the success of children and families. Over the last 17 years she has an extensive history of working in the mental health field including severing as the Director of Clinical excellence at Camelot Care Center, worked with the Tennessee Department of Children Service investigations unit and conducted presentence investigations as a U.S. Probation Officer. Calissa Brooks holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University, Master of Science in Criminal Justice from UT – Chattanooga and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from UT-Chattanooga.
Jeremy Humphrey, Director of Operations
Jeremy Humphrey has spent over 20 years of his career working with a diverse population of children, youth, and families in various setting that include: community-based, outpatient, residential, & shelter programs. Jeremy has worked in trauma-informed settings with kids & youth who have struggled with addiction, anxiety & depression, as well as other mental health needs. Jeremy received his undergraduate and Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has devoted his career working with kids, both directly and administratively. Jeremy believes in creating a positive culture that will promote a productive and therapeutic environment through ensuring effective and quality programing and standards.
Dr. Albert Z. Holloway, III, Director of Education
Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Holloway received his bachelor’s in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. He obtained his Doctorate and Masters in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University. Prior to Hermitage Hall, his leadership experience includes working with youth at the juvenile detention center as well as working with youth that have been sent to alternative learning centers due to behavior. Dr. Holloway believes that every student deserves a meaningful education that will provide them with the necessary tools to be productive members of society.
Tamela Wilkerson, Nursing Director
Sarah Cleary, MS CRC, Director of Admissions
Sarah came to Hermitage Hall in July 2022 after spending time working within behavioral health hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia. Sarah obtained her BS in Communication Disorders and MS in Counseling from the University of Arkansas. She enjoys puzzles, indoor cycling classes, and spending time with her dog.
Reach Out for Help Today
Our admissions staff is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. (CST) to schedule a no-cost, mental health assessment. Call 615-742-3000 to get started. For questions about our programs, you can also use our online contact form. In the case of a medical emergency or crisis, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.