Helping People Throughout Life's Journey

Amy Gokey, LMHC, Executive Director
In 2016 The Friary welcomed new executive director, Amy Gokey, LMHC. Amy is a licensed mental health counselor who has been working throughout Lakeview Center for six years thus far. She has served as a therapist and victim's advocate working with clients to help them heal from past traumatic events and create balance in their lives. Amy also has worked as a liaison to the court system and facilitated crisis intervention training (CIT) with local law enforcement. In her role at The Friary, she will guide the team in developing evidenced-based treatment for those seeking recovery and relief from addiction.

Misty Lingle, Admissions Coordinator
Misty is the admissions coordinator at The Friary of Lakeview. Her professional experience includes clerical and clinical areas within the medical field and spans 15 years. Her broad medical knowledge has given her the necessary tools to ensure a smooth utilization review process that is effective for clients. Working at The Friary allows her to live out her favorite Mahatma Ghandi quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Rachael Pitts, Admission and Billing Coordinator
Rachael is the admission and billing coordinator at The Friary. Rachael joined the Lakeview team in November 2015 and brings with her more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry. “I love working at The Friary and being a part of something larger that makes a difference. There is no person walking the face of the earth who demonstrates more courage, dignity, honesty and integrity on a daily basis, than a person in recovery.”

Terry Ptacek, M.D., Medical Director, Certified Addictionologist
Dr. P's blend of expertise and compassion bring our patients the best medical care available. In his role as Medical Director he works closely with the treatment team to assure that total patient care is achieved. "When people stop abusing drugs and alcohol it's amazing to see how the body can heal."

Sandi Cobia, Therapist, MA
Sandi has worked for Lakeview Center since 2006 and has been at The Friary since 2014. She has a master’s degree in psychology from the University of West Florida and is working to complete course work and hours required to obtain licensure as a mental health counselor. Sandi’s experience at Lakeview Center also includes assessments and screenings for acute inpatient units and adult outpatient areas, as well as in-depth assessments for parents involved in the child welfare system. “My passion is truly to help others through tough battles in their lives and provide hope when they feel hopeless, and help them see a glimmer light in the dark tunnels of life that we all experience sometimes. I have faith that we as humans are here to help heal each other through love and compassion.”

Wadell Davis, Continuing Care Coordinator
Wadell is in charge of our Continuing Care program and works to strengthen our alumni network. He lives what we teach. "We'll love you till you can love yourself."

Meg Doherty, Therapist, MS
Meg is an addictions and mental health counselor. She earned her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, and has worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient, inpatient and residential, with clients diverse in age, race, diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Meg is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and blends a trauma-informed approach with the empowering cognitive and behavioral changes offered through choice theory /reality therapy.

Emmalee Fournier, Therapis,t MA
Emmalee received her master’s degree in Social Work in 2012 and began her career as a domestic violence counselor. After serving as a victim advocate for nearly two years, Emmalee traveled to and lived in Thailand and Cambodia teaching English and learning eastern philosophy at a yoga and meditation retreat center. Her combined knowledge about trauma and the body-mind connection piqued her interest in the treatment of chemical dependency. Emmalee compliments to The Friary treatment team in that addiction can be treated with biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual perspectives. Emmalee promotes a holistic approach, an inclusive and inviting treatment, tailored specifically to each individual’s background to help achieve personal needs and goals.

Nathan VanMeter, Intern Therapist
Nathan started with The Friary in the Summer of 2016. He is currently completing his master’s degree in Licensed Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) from the University of West Florida and plans to specialize in the addiction field upon graduation. Nathan appreciates the opportunity to work with all of the great staff at The Friary during his hands-on training experience. Nathan believes in the philosophy of empowering clients to meet life’s challenges.