Meet Your Team
Dan Velez MSW, LCAS, LCSW, CCS
Clinical Supervisor
I have been working in the field of addictions and social work in North Carolina since 2012. After graduating from the University Of North Carolina School of Social Work, my professional experience has included outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment, medication-assisted treatment, working with the justice system and drug treatment courts, and integrated medical and behavioral healthcare. My primary areas of interest and expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders, along with co-occurring disorders and how these experiences are effected by substance abuse and/or behavioral addictions and compulsions.
I have received advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, and utilize these therapies in my practice. I also provide or aid in providing clinical supervision to our various social work, counseling, and addictions interns. Lastly, I perform substance abuse assessments for those who have received a DWI.
Erin Carrier, LCSW, LCAS-A
Clinical Addictions Specialist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist – Associate (LCAS-A) in North Carolina. I hold a BA from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and a Master’s in Social Work from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Prior to graduate school, I worked with children in a residential setting, with survivors of interpersonal violence, and with people recovering from homelessness and substance use disorders. Later, I worked in an acute inpatient setting, as a care manager for a managed care organization, as an embedded social worker in a specialty medical clinic, and as a therapist for a telehealth platform serving college students.
My theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral. I have also received training in Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and the Invitation to Change approach for families. I have special interest in anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness management, functional neurological disorder, TBI, and trauma. I embrace harm reduction and motivational approaches to behavior change. My goal is to support patients in identifying inner strengths and effective skills to maximize their safety and to lead lives that match their values. As a social worker, I value each individual’s identity and culture, and I work to mitigate the impact of social determinants on health and mental health.
Heather Gallagher, LCMHC, LCAS
Clinical Addictions Specialist
I began my professional career in the field of mental health before transitioning into the field of substance abuse counseling. I graduated with a degree in substance abuse and clinical counseling and have now been working as a professional counselor since 2014. I utilize a number of modalities while working with others, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Seeking Safety.
I enjoy working from a holistic model, viewing the mind-body connection, while working towards recovery. In addition to working with issues of addiction, I have a special interest in helping patients work through depression, anxiety, behavioral addictions, and trauma. As a therapist, I view my role as supportive and collaborative. I hope to join alongside patients to navigate recovery, meet their own unique needs, and build a life worth living. Lastly, I also perform substance abuse assessments for those who have received a DWI.
Cecil “Jay” Garrison, LCSW, LCAS-A
Clinical Addictions Specialist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of North Carolina having moved here from Northern Virginia. In the four years before coming to North Carolina I worked as a clinical social worker (substance abuse) at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital’s Residential Treatment Facility in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. During my time at the hospital I provided direct clinical services to active duty service members experiencing problems with substance abuse and other behavioral health issues to include depression, anxiety and PTSD. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Prior to coming to Fort Belvoir Community Hospital I worked for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Alcohol and Drug Services in Fairfax County for over 24 years. During my tenure with the CSB I worked in administrative positions, youth residential, supportive housing and Day Treatment programing for repeat drug offenders referred by the Courts. During my last 14 years with the CSB I served as the Continuing Care Coordinator at A New Beginning, a 30 bed residential substance abuse treatment program for adults residing in Fairfax County.
Lainey Johnson, LCAS-A, LCSW-A
Clinical Addictions Specialist
I began my professional work in the mental health and substance use treatment field in Washington, DC in 2016, working primarily with individuals experiencing homelessness. After a few years of non-clinical work, I returned to North Carolina to pursue further education and training. I graduated from the University of North Carolina’s School of Social Work in 2022, specializing in substance use and addictions treatment and integrated behavioral healthcare. I have since developed knowledge and expertise providing variety of substance use and mental health services, including individual and group counseling sessions and assessments.
I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach in therapy. I also rely on aspects of different modalities in my therapeutic practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and others. My primary areas of interest and experience include anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I strive to meet patients where they are and collaborate with them to make progress toward their specific goals. I appreciate and value the courage it takes to make change and I strive to support patients on their journeys of self-exploration and empowerment.
Samantha Puckett, LCAS-A, LCSW-A
Clinical Addictions Specialist
I began my career working with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in South Florida in 2016. While working as a Behavioral Health Technician at a substance use facility, I found it to be my passion working alongside men and women with substance use disorders. My professional experience includes working in residential treatment, partial hospitalization treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment.
I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University located in Norfolk, Virginia in 2018. After relocating to North Carolina, I pursued my Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, graduating in 2022. I believe in utilizing a holistic approach to enhance the lifestyle of individuals. I see therapy as an opportunity to join with my patients on the road to recovery, helping move past “stuck” places and encouraging growth and strength.
Karen Pandey, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Clinical Addictions Specialist
Karen is a seasoned substance misuse and mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience. She is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate challenges and achieve lasting recovery.
Utilizing a holistic approach, Karen integrates various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Positive Psychology, and mindfulness. Her strength-based approach empowers clients to identify and leverage their inner and outer resources to overcome challenges and achieve lasting recovery.
With a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and Public Administration, Karen brings a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and systems. She has a proven track record of working with adolescents and adults in diverse settings, including hospitals, treatment facilities, residential programs, and private practice.
