The Counseling Services of Lancaster Staff

Our Executive Team

  • Ashley Hiers is a well-grounded leader and advocate in substance abuse recovery, as she is currently the Executive Director of Counseling Services of Lancaster. Ashley’s career is marked by her journey through addiction and recovery, which fuels her passion to aid individuals in navigating the same challenges.

    Ashley provides a multi-dimensional perspective on the treatment and recovery of addiction based on her achievements in earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Limestone University and obtaining certifications as a Peer Support Specialist and Substance Abuse Specialist.

    Along with the hard work of her recovery, Ashley also shares her story publicly, becoming the human face of the complexity of the fight and success of overcoming addiction. She talks at different state and national platforms in her effort to destigmatize addiction and to promote practical, caring help.

    She uses her life experiences and professional knowledge to give great insights, which are valuable and appreciable to politicians, healthcare professionals, and the community.

    Email: ashley@cslancaster.org

  • As Prevention Director, Ashlie Harder brings knowledge and experience from over a decade working as an addiction counselor and serving local non-profits.  She has a BA from Winthrop University in Psychology, a master's from USC in Rehabilitation Counseling, and an associate's degree in nursing from York Technical College. Her hope for the community is to bring her experience in drug and alcohol treatment and nursing practice together, to build highly effective public health initiatives to Lancaster County. She is motivated to address the most critical substance use issues facing Lancaster County and hopes to build close relationships with local leaders in order to implement initiatives that can sustain long term community health.

    Email: ashlie@cslancaster.org

  • Jessica Lee brings almost 20 years of experience in the field of substance use disorders and has worked in various treatment settings.  She has several licenses and certifications including SC Licensed Professional Counselor, Masters Addiction Counselor, Clinical Supervisor under APSC, and Substance Abuse Professional for DOT.  She strives to ensure that clients and their families are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion by offering trauma informed care services and advocating for reduction in stigma.  She wants to encourage the clients, families, and communities that there is hope and recovery does happen. 

  • Meredith Mills is a Licensed Professional Counselor, an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Clinical Supervisor IP. Originally from Concord, North Carolina, she has lived in South Carolina since 2008. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Gardner-Webb University, which she completed in 2008, and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, which she earned in 2016.

    Throughout her professional journey, Meredith has gained extensive experience in various settings, including inpatient hospitals, mental health systems, drug court systems, health care centers, and outpatient services for mental health and addiction. She is dedicated to advocating for her patients and providing them with the support they need. Before transitioning to a therapy role, she served as an ordained Youth and Children's Minister for 14 years.

    In addition to her professional pursuits, Meredith is a skilled musician who enjoys playing the drums and attending concerts. Her philosophy centers on meeting individuals where they are and fostering a nurturing environment for personal growth and recovery. Meredith is committed to educating, guiding, and inspiring each patient to realize their full potential. She is honored to be the Treatment Director of Counseling Services of Lancaster, where she strives to deliver compassionate care to every individual she encounters.

  • Taylor Platt, BS, Prevention Specialist

  • Robin Catoe, M.Ed., LPC, LAC, AADC, MAC, Senior Clinical Counselor

    Nickie Evans, SAS, BA, Counselor-ADC, CSL-Vet/Adult Drug Court Counselor 

    Derrick Fowler, MS, ADC, LPC, Clinical Counselor

    Benay Kennington, M.Ed., LPC, Clinical Counselor

    Chloe Wind, M.Ed., LPCA, LCMHCA, NCC, Clinical Counselor

  • Alicia Starnes, AS, CPSS, SAS, MAT Coordinator

    Dr. Jack Emmel, MD

    Dr. Emmel is a physician with 38 years of experience in addiction medicine. As a trained primary care physician with experience in private practice as well, he is committed to using chronic disease treatment principles in dealing with the biobehavioral disease of addiction.

    Peter Bean, PA-C

    Peter has previous experience in emergency medicine and comes from a similar outpatient clinic where he treated patients across the age spectrum and with various mental disorders, including many with substance abuse problems.

  • Courtney Greenberg, SAS, LEAD Case Manager

    Rico Robinson, SAS, CPSS, COAP Case Manager

    Beth Adams Ghent, CPSS, SAS, Peer Support Specialist

  • Donna Balkcum, Financial/Human Resource

    Gary Beers, Finance

    Luvenia Hopkins, Evening Shift Receptionist

    Lois Tidwell, Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, Client Services Coordinator

    Anne Maree Polston, CPSS, SAS, Peer Support Specialist, Client Account Administrative Specialist

    Kassie Boone, Billing Specialist