Our Team
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful participation, and real connection.
Lacey Knights
Lacey brings extensive experience in residential substance use treatment and clinical leadership, with a strong focus on person-centered, trauma-informed care. She provides clinical oversight and facilitates both group programming and individual counseling sessions, helping to ensure that Rise Recovery maintains ethical standards, thoughtful structure, and care that remains responsive to the individuals and families it serves.
Clinical Director, LADC, CCS
Polly Colvin Mackenzie
Polly brings decades of clinical experience working with at-risk populations and individuals with complex mental health needs. She provides clinical oversight, and offers direct therapeutic groups to residents. Polly’s depth of experience, steady presence, and commitment to ethical, person-centered care help ensure that Rise Recovery maintains strong clinical standards while remaining responsive to the needs of the community it serves.
LCSW Clinical Consultant & Board Member
Ellie Knights
Ellie oversees operational systems at Rise Recovery, bringing an extensive background in organizational structure and process management. Her work supports staffing coordination, internal processes, and regulatory alignment, helping to ensure the program operates smoothly, responsibly, and with consistency across all levels.
Head of Operations
Brent Armstrong
Brent serves as the Intake Coordinator for Rise Recovery and is often the first point of contact for individuals and referral partners. In addition to his role in admissions, he facilitates groups using a holistic approach that incorporates art, writing, and interactive activities, supporting engagement, self-expression, and personal growth within the structure of the program.
Intake Coordinator
Jaime Higgins
CADC and Program Coordinator
Jaime coordinates program activities at Rise Recovery and facilitates clinical and life skills groups. She oversees community engagement, daily group structure, and activity planning, helping create a program environment that supports accountability, connection, and engagement—while allowing recovery to include purpose, energy, and enjoyment.
Joshua Alexaner
Joshua serves as a Residential Technician and Clinical Aide at Rise Recovery. He supports residents through daily programming, engagement, and structured activities within the house, including assisting with meal preparation, cooking, and maintaining a consistent environment that reinforces routine, accountability, and life skills development. He also facilitates groups focused on art and creative expression, encouraging self-exploration and personal growth. As a person in recovery, Joshua brings lived experience to his role and has a goal of obtaining his Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential while receiving clinical supervision at Rise Recovery.
Residential Technician and Clinical Aide
Board of Advisors
Keirsten is a seasoned Registered Nurse with experience in hospice care and PNMI residential settings, bringing strong insight into medical co-occurring disorders and whole-person care. Known for her direct, honest approach and clear clinical perspective, she supports thoughtful decision-making and accountability in ways that benefit clients, staff, and the overall program.
Keirsten Littlefield
Registered Nurse
Christine brings over 25 years of experience working with individuals across all stages of recovery. She operates a private practice and offers extensive expertise in clinical treatment and community-based recovery, providing a well-rounded perspective that strengthens both program development and continuity of care.
Christine J. Berg
LADC
Dr. Nicholson brings medical expertise and clinical perspective to the Rise Recovery Board, supporting oversight of care, safety, and program development. He also serves as an outpatient referral resource for primary care and medication-assisted treatment needs, helping ensure continuity of care beyond the residential setting.
Andrew Nicholson, MD
John brings over 25 years of continuous involvement in a 12-step recovery program, offering a strong foundation of lived experience and long-term recovery. He is currently pursuing his Registered Nurse (RN) degree, expanding his ability to support individuals through both clinical knowledge and compassionate care. John serves on the Board of Directors at the Clyde Bailey Drop-In Center, where he contributes to creating a safe and supportive environment for recovery meetings and sober community engagement. As a proud husband and father, he is deeply committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through recovery, and believes strongly in the power of peer-to-peer support.
