Officers and Consultants

Tom Metscher

Rochelle “Shelley” Poerio

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Tasha Douglas

Daniel “DJ” Mills

Vice-President

Durette Candito

Kelly Briggs, CADC-I, MS, MA

Director Projects and Communication
Tom Metscher

Willi Baer

Consultant

Tasha Douglas

Catherine “Casey” Jones

Business Adviser

Board of Directors

Tom Metscher

Tom Metscher

President

Tasha Douglas

Tasha Douglas

Secretary

Durette Candito

Durette Candito

Treasurer

Sierra McKillips

Board Member

Samantha Altiero

Board Member

Ryan Muccio

Board Member

Chad Goins

Board Member

Sherry Cipollini, APRN, FNP-BC

Board Member

Joelle Bolton

Board Member

Clinical Staff

Jeremiah Umeh MSN, FNP, PMHNP-BC

Medical Director

Garnette McCracken, LCSW

Clinical Director

Linnea Siniaho, LMSW, LCADC

Clinical Staff

Crystal Sanders CADC-I, MS

Clinical Staff

William Johnson Davis, CADC-I

Clinical Staff

Shauna Dragna, CADC-I

Clinical Staff

Support Services

Diane Warrick

Operations Manager

Angelica Jonak

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Jaclyn Wilms

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Miranda Knowles

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Faith Merrill

Women’s and Children’s Services and Housing Support

Cathy Swan

Billing Specialist
Tom Metscher

President

Tom Metscher

Tom has been with the Living Free Board of Directors since 2022 following a 30-year career with the Fifth Judicial District Court’s Juvenile Probation Department. Throughout his career, Tom worked closely with at-risk youth and their families, helping develop local intervention, and treatment programs helping build community support systems.

A longtime advocate for youth services, Tom has collaborated with schools, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to expand educational, recreational, and mentoring opportunities for young people. His efforts have included helping secure grant funding for juvenile diversion and substance abuse prevention initiatives, along with after-school programming and community outreach.

Today, Tom continues his commitment to the community through his work with Living Free, helping support programs that strengthen individuals, families, and the community as a whole. He also remains active in youth programming such as Pahrump Valley Youth Activities which has operated every summer since 2010.

Tasha Douglas

Secretary

Tasha Douglas

Tasha is a dedicated real estate professional with 10 years of experience helping clients navigate the buying and selling process with honesty, integrity, and personal attention. In May 2025, Tasha took the next step in her career by opening Top Dog Real Estate, where she continues her commitment to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships within the community.

Outside of real estate, Tasha enjoys riding motorcycles, spending time with her dogs and family. She is also honored to serve as a board member of Living Free Health and Fitness, supporting an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.

Durette Candito

Treasurer

Durette Candito

Durette grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she was heavily influenced by the world-class art galleries and museums. Her studies in architecture and design were furthered by her incredible surroundings of European architecture with Spanish and Moorish details, as well as modern Pueblo desert construction styles and techniques. She has been a professional interior designer for over 40 years, designing homes throughout the Southwest from Texas to California.

Durette was raised in a family that was always involved in volunteering in one form or another, so giving back is second nature to her. She has worked with many non-profits both in Santa Fe and Las Vegas – serving on the board of the Santa Fe Rape Crisis Center, as past president of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH), the hospitality industry non-profit, and on the boards of both ALS of Nevada and Forgotten Song Foundation. She was actively involved as past vice-chair with the Nevada Commission for Women where she was a Commissioner; the Interior Design Society (IDS) and the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society (ADAS), a nonprofit professional organization committed to creative and business development and community. She currently is an active member of the Soroptimists International Pahrump Valley Club. She also sits on the Pahrump Valley Business Development Committee of the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Board Member

Sierra McKillips

Sierra is a School Social Worker with the Nye County School District and a lifelong Pahrump resident. While social work can seem daunting to some, Sierra sees it as a lifelong passion and a meaningful way to support the community she calls home. Her career path began with an interest in nursing, but through the guidance of a trusted mentor, she discovered social work as the ideal blend of her passions for mental health, teaching, and working with youth.

Sierra earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2016 and Master of Social Work in 2017 from the University of Nevada, Reno. She completed her clinical social work internship in 2025. Over the past 10 years with the Nye County School District, she has embraced challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and better serve students and families.

In addition to her district role, Sierra has served on the board of the Nevada School Social Worker Association for five years and currently serves as President. She also maintains a private practice and provides contract consultation for a local nonprofit.

Sierra is especially passionate about community collaboration and building bridges among local agencies. She looks forward to bringing her professional experience, energy, and deep connection to Pahrump to the Living Free Board in support of its vital mission.

Outside of work, Sierra is an avid golfer and proudly coaches both the middle school and high school girls’ golf teams. She also values time with family and friends.

Board Member

Samantha Altiero

Samantha has called Pahrump home for most of her life. She grew up in the community, attended school locally, and now operates a real estate business serving the town she knows and loves. Pahrump has played an important role in shaping who Samantha is, and she is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the place that has provided so much throughout her life.
Samantha values the people of Pahrump most of all. While the community faces challenges like any other, she sees daily examples of kindness, resilience, and neighbors stepping up to help one another. That spirit of connection inspires Samantha to stay involved and look for meaningful ways to make a positive difference.

She is passionate about supporting local families, helping animals, protecting the environment, and strengthening the organizations that serve the community. Serving on the boards of several local nonprofit organizations has been among the most rewarding parts of Samantha’s life. She considers it a privilege to work alongside people who are equally committed to improving life in Pahrump.

Samantha believes strong communities are built when people come together, share responsibility, and support one another. She is proud to contribute her time, experience, and commitment to efforts that help create a brighter, healthier future for Pahrump.

Board Member

Ryan Muccio

Ryan has called Pahrump home since 2009 and is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of the community. Through professional service, volunteer leadership, and community partnerships, he works to connect local residents with meaningful resources and opportunities for care.

Since 2016, Ryan has led the organization of Pahrump’s Annual Remote Area Medical Clinics. These weekend pop-up clinics provide free medical, dental, vision, and mental health services for individuals and families who may otherwise experience barriers to care. His leadership has helped expand access to essential healthcare services for countless community members.

Ryan also serves on the advisory board for NyE Communities Coalition, where he contributes to strategic conversations and supports efforts to strengthen community well-being. He is passionate about volunteering, supporting local causes, and working alongside others to create practical, positive change in Pahrump.

Professionally, Ryan is the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Desert View Hospital. He combines strategic communication, healthcare outreach, and relationship-building to promote hospital programs and services, collaborate with local partners, and help residents access the care and resources they need.
Outside of work and volunteer service, Ryan is an enthusiastic Vegas Golden Knights fan who enjoys attending games with friends. Go Knights Go!

Board Member

Chad Goins

Chad has spent more than 15 years serving as a local Farmers Insurance Agency Owner. As a graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, his connection to this community is deeply personal.  He is dedicated to lifting up the community by serving on local boards and sponsoring youth activities to build a brighter future for our local kids.

Board Member

Sherry Cipollini, APRN, FNP-BC

Sherry has cared for the Pahrump community for more than two decades. She began her nursing career in 2006 and became a nurse practitioner in 2016. Her clinical background began in emergency medicine, where she served as a registered nurse, clinical supervisor, emergency department manager, and later as a healthcare provider in both Las Vegas and Pahrump.
In 2020, Sherry opened Enhanced Aesthetics and Wellness, where she offers personalized care in aesthetics, regenerative wellness, and hormone optimization. Her work is guided by a commitment to compassion, individualized treatment, and helping patients improve their quality of life.

Community service has always been an important part of Sherry’s career. She volunteers with Remote Area Medical, providing care at pop-up clinics that offer free medical services to individuals who might otherwise face barriers to healthcare. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Outreach Training Organization, which supports individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse.

In 2025, Sherry was named a Healthcare Hero by Nevada Business Magazine in recognition of her service, community-health leadership, and lasting relationships with patients throughout the region. She views the recognition as a reflection of what matters most to her: caring for people and making a meaningful difference in her community.

Outside of work, Sherry enjoys traveling and spending time with loved ones and friends. She also has a love-hate relationship with running and has completed more than 50 half-marathons, relay races, and obstacle-course events.

Board Member

Joelle Bolton

Joelle has called Pahrump home for more than 20 years, building a life and raising her family in the community she loves. As the proud owner of two small businesses, Joelle understands the importance of hard work, connection, and supporting local families and organizations.

Giving back to her community is something Joelle is deeply passionate about. She is especially inspired by the healing work being done through Living Free Health and is honored to support its mission of helping individuals and families find greater health, hope, and well-being.

Medical Director

Jeremiah Umeh, MSN, FNP, PMHNP-BC

Jeremiah provides behavioral health and psychotherapy services in Pahrump and Las Vegas. Licensed to provide both medical and psychiatric care, he brings 20 years of patient-care experience to his work. He is committed to compassionate, individualized support that promotes wellness, recovery, and overall well-being.

Clinical Director

Garnette McCracken, LCSW

With 18 years of clinical director experience and 36 years of experience in mental health and medical care, including 24 years as a licensed therapist, Garnette provides individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Her clinical expertise includes trauma, foster and adoptive care, addiction and substance use, grief and loss, mood and anxiety disorders, and caregiver support.

Garnette is trained in evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive art therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

She is also a dedicated clinical supervisor and educator, mentoring social work and marriage and family therapy students since 2007 and serving as an LCSW internship supervisor since 2010. She earned both her BSW and MSW from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University.

Clinical Staff

Linnea Siniaho, LMSW, LCADC

Linnea started her journey with Living Free while she was doing her practicum for her Masters in Social Work. She completed her degree in January of 2023 and is a Licensed Master of Social Work; obtained her LCSW in 2025 and her LCADC in 2026.

Her focus has been on addiction and trauma-related experiences. Linnea delves into the pattern of recidivism and relapse prevention strategies in addition to co-occurring disorders.

Clinical Staff

Crystal Sanders CADC-I, MS

Crystal is a CADC-I at Living Free. She holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and is continuing to pursue her education by completing her second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Crystal brings experience in mental health, complex case management, crisis intervention, care coordination, and working with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. She is passionate about providing compassionate, person-centered care and creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their journey toward mental wellness and recovery.

Clinical Staff

William Johnson Davis, CADC-I

Will is currently pursuing his education at Colorado State University with the goal of earning a Ph.D. in Psychology. Growing up in poverty and surrounded by addiction, he witnessed firsthand the impact substance use can have on individuals and families. Those experiences inspired his passion for helping others find hope, healing, and recovery through compassionate support and therapeutic interventions. William is deeply family-oriented, loves animals, and is grateful for the unwavering encouragement of his husband, who remains one of his greatest sources of strength.

Clinical Staff

Shauna Dragna CADC-I

Shauna is a CADC-I with experience in substance use treatment, clinical assessment, treatment planning, case management, and client advocacy. A person in recovery herself, Shauna is passionate about serving others and supporting individuals in building meaningful lives in recovery.

She is completing her Bachelor of Human Services at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she maintains a 3.98 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition. In Spring 2027, she will begin her Master of Social Work program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Operations Manager

Diane Warrick

Diane serves as Operations Manager at Living Free, where she has been an integral member of the team since 2020. She originally served as the first supervisor for the Women’s and Children’s Services program grant before taking on additional duties with back-office utilization reviews.

Her deep institutional knowledge and commitment to the organization’s mission have made her a valued leader in her current role, where she oversees daily operations, compliance and administrative needs.

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Angelica Jonak

Angelica is a state certified PRSS who understands that recovery can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning. With more than three years of personal recovery experience and firsthand experience with the Living Free program, she brings genuine understanding, encouragement, and hope to the people she supports.

Angelica enjoys helping clients recognize their strengths, build confidence, and remember they are not alone in their recovery journey. Outside of work, Angelica is a proud cat lover who enjoys quiet time at home with her cats.

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Jaclyn Wilms

Jaclyn is a state certified PRSS and Parent Child Assistance Program (PCAP) supervisor assisting in the Women’s and Children’s Services program. She has been proudly serving Living Free since January 2025. Bringing 3.5 years of personal recovery to her work, her lived experience drives her commitment to this field.

To expand her skills, she is working towards her CADC-I and a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW), with ultimate plans to become an LCSW. She is passionate about helping clients build a strong foundation for their long-term success.

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Miranda Knowles

Miranda is originally from Las Vegas and works as a state certified PRSS. Her own life experiences are what led her to this work and gave her a strong understanding of the importance of support, accountability, and second chances.

She is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in Computer Forensics, has maintained a 4.0 GPA, and will graduate in March 2027.

Outside of work and school, Miranda is a huge animal lover who enjoys spending time with family and exploring new places.

Women’s and Children’s Services and Housing Support

Faith Merrill

Faith has been part of the Living Free team for more than three years, supporting women and children in transitional living through the Women’s and Children’s Services program. She provides life-skills support, completes house checks, and leads practical classes on parenting, child behavior, and nutrition.

Faith’s commitment to supporting families is personal, shaped by seeing addiction affect her own son.

Before joining Living Free, she worked as a medical assistant and managed a podiatry office for 15 years. A Pahrump resident of 24 years, Faith enjoys farm life, horses, and time with her husband.

Billing Specialist

Cathy Swan

Cathy has lived in Pahrump since 2006, and has been working in the Behavioral Health field since 2010. She is a certified Medical biller and Medical office assistant.

Tom Metscher
Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Rochelle “Shelley” Poerio

Shelley founded Living Free Health & Fitness (LFHF) in 2013 after researching – and observing – the benefits nutrition and exercise can have on helping people stay stopped.It has worked for many people, including Shelley herself (sober date: September 5, 2001).
Shelley has been a clinician since 2009.

Her previous business experience has been as a securities brokerage principal, and a principal in several small (<$10MM) businesses in the Washington, D.C. area.

Shelley is the author of the book, “Rebalancing the Addictive Mind: Beating Addiction with Exercise and Nutrition.” Shelley is credentialed as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor-supervisor, master addiction counselor, and certified fitness trainer. Shelley has an M.A. in professional counseling from Liberty University and a B.A. in Communication from Stanford University.

Tom Metscher
Vice-President

Daniel “DJ” Mills

DJ joined Living Free Health & Fitness in early 2025, with a personal commitment to helping individuals affected by addiction find recovery and purpose. Having watched loved ones experience addiction, DJ has seen firsthand the impact it can have on individuals and their families, while also seeing the incredible strength it takes to overcome addiction and build a life in recovery.

As Vice President, DJ brings experience in business ownership, nonprofit leadership, program development, and community service. Before joining Living Free, he owned and operated Quality Signs and Banners for many years. DJ then changed professional direction and went into the non-profit space, where he managed the local Family Resource Center, and then went on to help develop Nye County’s Community Deflection Program, where justice-involved individuals with behavioral health needs were connected with resources to address barriers, reduce risk factors, and support successful reentry.

Having called Pahrump home for more than 25 years, DJ is passionate about building strong programs, effective systems, and community partnerships that create a lasting impact on our community. As a father of young children, he is committed to helping make the community he calls home a better place for the next generation.

Tom Metscher
Director, Projects and Communication

Kelly Briggs, CADC-I, MS, MA

Kelly’s career has centered on helping people navigate the opportunities, transitions, and next steps that support progress in their lives. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she began her work in education by teaching internationally before moving into higher education, where she supported students in identifying goals and navigating academic pathways.

After moving to Pahrump in 2023, Kelly joined Great Basin College’s GEAR UP program, supporting students in low-income schools as they plan for life after high school, explore college and career options, and build confidence in pursuing their goals. Kelly is excited to bring her background in education, advising, and encouragement to Living Free, where she looks forward to helping clients navigate recovery and take meaningful steps toward the lives they want to build.

Outside of work, Kelly serves her community as a Master Gardener with University of Nevada, Reno Extension and as president of the Pahrump Valley Garden Club. She enjoys sharing practical gardening knowledge, encouraging sustainable practices, and helping others connect through a shared appreciation for growing things.

Tom Metscher

Consultant

Willi Baer

Willi is a nonprofit and donor consultant with more than three decades of leadership in Nevada’s nonprofit sector. She retired in 2018 as Executive Director of Pioneer Territory CASA, Inc. in Pahrump, where she had been the public face of the organization since its founding. Previously, she served as President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada from 1993 until her retirement in 2005.

Willi has taught nonprofit operations and management through UNLV Continuing Education and provided board training through United Way’s Blueprint classes. Her civic leadership includes service as past chair of the Better Business Bureau and on the Las Vegas Chamber’s Business Council Board of Directors. She also chaired several Chamber events, including the Customer Service Luncheon and HERO Awards.

Her contributions have been recognized with the Las Vegas Chamber’s Circle of Excellence Award, inclusion among the 25 Notable Women of Las Vegas, and recognition as one of the women who helped shape Nevada’s first 100 years. Since moving to Pahrump, Willi helped establish Soroptimist International of Pahrump Valley and served as its charter president.

Tom Metscher
Business Adviser

Catherine “Casey” Jones

Casey got involved with LFHF in 2014 to learn more about the challenges people face when in recovery. She is an experienced entrepreneur, having been in 7 start-ups, ranging from semiconductor design automation, semiconductor intellectual property, speech recognition and most recently pharmaceuticals. After spending more time with LFHF, she now contributes to the content and program development we offer to help people develop more traditional and satisfying – and sober – lives.

MS/MBA, The Tepper School, Carnegie Mellon University BA/MA, Stanford University