Clinical Staff Biographies

Randy Viers, MS, CDP, NCAC II, CDS III
Program Director ~ Directing all Clinical Operations for Olalla Recovery Centers

Randy entered the field of chemical dependency in 1993, working in residential and outpatient treatment both. Randy permanently joined the Olalla staff in 1997 and has worked his way up the ranks from counselor to treatment supervisor and currently serves as the Program Director for both the inpatient and outpatient programs. Randy is a member of CDPWS, NAADAC, on the Advisory Board for Peninsula Work Release (DOC), the Advisory Board for Pierce College, SSMH-ALCDA, the Key Peninsula Crime Prevention Task Force, and the Key Peninsula Sportsmen’s Club. Randy has been clean and sober since 1990 and is active in recovery-based events and activities. Randy is also our famous employee (a musician & film star). His true love is music. He is a musician, composer, songwriter, and owner of a recording studio, and ASCAP Music Publishing Company.

Karen Augustine, CDP, BRI
Outpatient Counselor (Adult & Adolescent), Certified Interventionist

Karen brings over 25 years of chemical dependency treatment experience to Olalla Recovery Centers. Karen has worked in a variety of treatment programs, including drug courts, methadone treatment, intensive inpatient, intensive outpatient, women’s residential treatment, and clinical supervision. Karen is also a board registered interventionist and is Olalla’s Intervention Specialist. She is currently an intensive outpatient counselor and also does relapse prevention and aftercare groups at our Gig Harbor location. Her family background is in the airline industry, and as such, she works with the airlines and the pilots that come through our treatment program. Karen has over 27 years of recovery and remains active in recovery activities and events. She is affiliated with NAADAC, CDPWS, BRI, and the Tucson Astrology Guild. In 2011, Karen was appointed to the Human Services Advisory Board for Tacoma Community College. Karen truly loves this work and often states how much she enjoys working with the patients and their families.

Carly Christiansen, BA, CDPT
Inpatient Counselor, Women's Programs

Carly came to Olalla in June of 2011 as our Women’s Program Counselor. Carly previously worked at an outpatient treatment agency, so she has a diverse exposure to the field of chemical dependency. Carly believes recovery is most successful when a holistic approach is utilized, and all parts of an individual’s life are included in recovery. She has her Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences from Washington State University (Go Cougs). She is also going to be starting a Masters in Social Work Program at the University of Washington in the Fall of 2011. In her spare time she enjoys running, boot-camp style workout classes, cooking, cycling, reading, and hanging out with her husband and two miniature pinschers.

Steven Fischer, BA, CDPT
Treatment Supervisor

Steve joined the Olalla team in March of 2009 as a volunteer. After six months of dedicated volunteerism, Steve was offered a position in our support coordinator department. Since receiving his Chemical Dependency Counselor Trainee Certification, Steve has been working closer with the clinical team in an internship role. Steve was promoted to Treatment Supervisor in the Summer of 2011. He is continuing his education working towards a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is a member of NAADAC, a Political Action Committee Advocate, member of Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church and member of the Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club. Steve is grateful to be clean and sober and blessed with the opportunity to help others who are suffering in their lives. He loves to spend time with family, playing music, riding motorcycles, and helping those in need. Steve is also a huge fan of stand-up comedy. His laughter is boisterous and his sense of humor shines.

Michelle Hambly, CDPT
Assistant Counselor, Inpatient

Michelle joined Olalla Recovery Centers as a volunteer, completing her work-study practicum with ICDC College, where she is on the Director’s Honors List.  Michelle has over eighteen years clean and sober.  She has wanted to help those suffering from the disease of chemical dependency for many years.  She lost her nephew to the disease, confirming this is the correct career path for her.  Michelle participates in the Red Ribbon Campaign which is part of the National Family Partnership, by speaking at schools and assisting in the Red Ribbon week at area high schools.  Most of her volunteering efforts consist of helping addicts & alcoholics on the streets.  She extends a helping hand to help people navigate the various options such as detoxification, self-help meetings (AA/NA) and obtaining housing.  Michelle is very spiritually based and hopes to make a difference in many lives.

Megan Hathaway, CDP
Outpatient Counselor, Adults & Adolescents

Megan joined Olalla Recovery Centers at our Gig Harbor location as our Adolescent Counselor in September 2011.  Megan has worked in chemical dependency treatment for over 2-years.  She has worked with both adults and youth.  Megan has received specialized training in trauma and sexual abuse and is therefore well versed in some of the diverse issues the youth as well as adults bring to their treatment experience.  Megan has been clean and sober since July 2007.  She states of her recovery, “treatment was a huge part of saving my life, and I wanted to give back to the community what was given to me.”  Additional things Megan enjoys are traveling and experiencing different cultures.  Her hope is to teach adolescents the tools to break the cycle of addiction within their families and communities and to lead healthy lives.

Lane Kingsbery, CDPT
Inpatient Counselor, Plaid Group

Lane has worked in the human services field since 2003.  He worked as a primary counselor at an outpatient chemical dependency clinic for over a year before coming to Olalla Recovery Centers.  Lane has also written therapeutic workshops based on Jungian Archetypes.  Lane is very passionate about assisting people in realizing their true potential.  He is also passionate about educating families about the disease of addiction.  Lane is also a facilitator for the Soltura Foundation.  He hosts several therapeutic drum circles during the year at various locations.  Lane specializes in gender-specific group counseling, experiential self-discovery techniques and the healing power of music – both as meditation and therapeutic intervention.  Lane has a pleasant disposition with lots of enthusiasm for his patients and for life.

Charles F. Mason, Jr., BA, CDPT
Inpatient Counselor, Platinum Group

Charles has been working with people who have substance addiction issues for several years, both at the Washington State Department of Corrections and now as a counselor for the Plaid Group at Olalla. In addition, he volunteers as a Special Advocate with Pierce County Juvenile Court, where he specializes in helping children affected by substance abuse in the home. Charles is a member of several professional organizations, including NAADAC -- the Association for Addiction Professionals, and is a graduate student member of the American Psychological Association. He is currently working on a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in counseling and family therapy.

Bryan Peterson, CDPT
Assistant Counselor Inpatient & Outpatient

Brian completed his human services degree at Tacoma Community College (with honors) in March 2007. He started with Olalla Recovery Centers in 2007 completing his work study practicum requirements. He then transitioned to intern/assistant counselor status. Bryan currently works at our outpatient program in Gig Harbor. Bryan is a member of the CDPWS, NAADAC, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Gig Harbor Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the International Association of Firefighters. Bryan worked 31-years as a firefighter / emergency medical technician. He retired in June 2005 as Deputy Fire Marshal in Federal Way. He has been sober since 2005, a graduate of our treatment program. Bryan’s passion is photography. He is the owner/operator of Wandering 101 Photography. Bryan’s photos depict his creative side, plus his passion for nature.

Carol Potts, CDS III, NCAC I, CDP
Outpatient Counselor / Women’s Counselor

Carol began her journey in the field of chemical dependency with Olalla as an intern in 1994 and became the inpatient women’s counselor in 1995. She is currently at the outpatient site, where she is the women’s counselor as well as managing one of the intensive outpatient groups, plus aftercare and relapse prevention groups. Carol is very dedicated to her family and volunteers readily for recovery based activities and events. She is a member of CDPWS and NADAAC. Her laughter is contagious and her spirit is unwavering.

Lois West, BA, CDP
Inpatient Lead Counselor, Blue Group

Lois began her internship in chemical dependency services with two agencies in Kitsap County. She joined Olalla Recovery Centers in 2006 as our Blue Group counselor. Lois has been involved with various recovery based activities in addition to working with her patients here at Olalla. Lois has a gentle spirit and deep understanding of the issues our male patients endure while beginning a life of recovery. She is highly artistic and offers patients another avenue of expressing themselves via an artistic medium. Lois is also our Native American spiritual circle and smudging coordinator. She works with our Native American consultants in offering a native spiritual component to recovery and treatment. Lois is also a former professional ballet dancer. It is her grace and jovial sense of humor the patients enjoy while here in treatment.

Management Team

Kevin Merrick, General Manager
Mr. Merrick has been the General Manager for Olalla Recovery Centers since 1995. Kevin brings a breadth of talent to the organization based upon his educational background in business and finance. Kevin is a dedicated to the service of families struggling with addiction and to the employees of the organization.

Randy Viers, Director of Clinical Operations
Please see Randy's bio above.

Christine Lynch, Director of Administration & Operations
Christine has been with Olalla Recovery Centers since 2000. Prior to her work in chemical dependency, Christine worked in the law enforcement and legal field for over ten years. She has a degree in psychology, business administration and human resource management. In her current position at Olalla, Christine oversees the administrative and operational functions for the organization, including human resources. She also manages the outpatient branch of Olalla Recovery Centers in Gig Harbor ~ Gig Harbor Counseling.