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
Brandon Cook, Chief Executive Officer
Brandon began his career in healthcare as a Firefighter and Paramedic where he discovered his passion for serving people in some of their most difficult moments in life. This passion led him to manage a flight program for a children’s hospital in the mid-south where he focused his healthcare mission to providing services for the purpose of changing a child’s future. His unique style of Servant Leadership allowed him the opportunity to enroll in the UHS COO-in-Training program beginning in 2022 where he served at 3 different UHS facilities, overseeing Acute, Residential, PHP, and Outpatient programs. Brandon holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and an MBA in Healthcare Management.
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 Operations
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.
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, RN, BSN, MS Director of Nursing
Tamela Wilkerson joined Hermitage Hall in 2013, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in nursing and biology. Tamela’s academic journey began at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. She pursued her master’s degree at Alcorn State University. However, Tamela’s passion for making a tangible difference in people’s lives led her to transition into nursing. She obtained her associate degree in nursing at Nashville State Community College, followed by her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Jacksonville University. Her experience spans working with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics in acute care, residential, and correctional facility environments. Tamela finds fulfillment in her work with young individuals, firmly believing in their capacity for growth and transformation. She has dedicated her career to serving the underserved mental health
Andy Shoulders, Director of Performance Improvement
Andy began his role as the Director of Performance Improvement at Hermitage Hall in August 2023. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and an MBA/MMHC from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Andy’s professional focus is on enhancing operational efficiency and achieving economies of scale. He utilizes Lean Six Sigma tools to improve cost structure, patient satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Victoria Dinkins, MSW Director of Admissions
Victoria has served in the mental health field over 13 years. She obtained both her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from Troy University. She began her career in mental health as a direct care staff in an Alabama children’s mental health facility and later served her community as a Intellectual Disability Case Manager. After obtaining her Master’s, she served as a Forensic Social Worker with Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute. Victoria is a dedicated mental health professional who advocates for disadvantaged youth and vulnerable populations through education and community service programs. She believes every child should be equipped with the proper resources and support to become a successful member of society.