Our Staff

If you are interested in working in the field of recovery, please contact us.

Kathy Evans, CAC, SAC, NCAC1

Co-Owner

I have worked in the field of addiction for 27 years and am co-owner of The Journey Detox and Recovery, LLC. I also am the CEO of Tri-County Outreach, LLC, which is a supportive living program for males located in Anniston, Alabama. I have served on the board of directors for: The Alabama School of Alcohol and Drug Studies, Alabama Association of Addictions Counselors, The Agency for Substance Abuse and Prevention, and The Calhoun County Drug Coalition. I am a member of NAADAC, National Association for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors.

Currently in recovery for 27 years, my recovery is my top priority. I have dedicated my life to helping others, and my favorite title is Nana.
It is only by the Grace of a loving God and a beautiful fellowship that I am in recovery and helping others today.

Lamar Ward, CEO, CAC

Co-Owner and CEO

I was a daily user of prescription narcotics and alcohol. I used for 25 years. On one of my daily attempts to get narcotics, I was arrested in a pharmacy and taken to jail. While I was incarcerated, I had a heart attack during opiate withdrawal and was transported to a hospital. The next day, I underwent a triple bypass and had to have three stent implants in my heart. From there, I went into a treatment program and stayed for one year. During my stay in treatment, I gained an insight into the disease of addiction. By God’s grace, on July 1st, I will celebrate 15 years clean and sober from all mood and mind-altering chemicals.

In January of 2012, Kathy Evans and I, in partnership with Clay County Hospital, started The Journey Detox and Recovery, LLC. Since the inception of The Journey in 2012, we have had the privilege of partnering with other hospitals in the state of Alabama, as well as working with others in the southeast, to provide a safe and uneventful setting for medial detoxification and to provide a continuum of care for all patients who desire a clean and sober life.

Don Wheat

Unit Manager

I am currently the unit manager with The Journey Detox and Recovery, LLC, at our Troy Regional Medical Center location. I have worked in the field of recovery since 2011. I have worked with The Journey since 2012. I started in the field of recovery as a counselor/technician, and through hard work, am currently a unit manager. I have managed our Troy location since 2014, and prior to that, was the unit manager at our Clay County location.

I have a Human Services degree from Gadsden State Community College. I have earned certifications for CPSS and CRSC. I am a member of and currently working through NAADAC to become a Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor, NCAC1.

Being in recovery since 2010, I have a passion for helping and working with others suffering from addiction and alcoholism.

Summer McFarlane

Program Manager

I began my journey of recovery on February 10, 2024, and have since dedicated my life to helping others find hope and healing. I joined The Journey Detox and Recovery as the Intake Coordinator in February 2025, and through hard work and passion for this field, I was promoted to Program Manager. I hold my CRC (Certified Recovery Coach) and CPSS (Certified Peer Support Specialist) and am actively pursuing my CRSS certification. I plan to continue my education by earning a degree in Social Work. I am committed to using my experience and training to walk alongside others as they break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.

Recovery Is Not a Destination, It's a Journey

24 Hour Consultation

Alabama drug and alchohol rehab available in Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowa, Fayette, Franklin, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jeffereson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marengo, Marion, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington, Wilcox, and Winston counties.

Ashland, Alabama Location
83825 Highway 9
Ashland, AL 36251

Troy, Alabama Location
1330 Highway 231 South
Troy, AL 36081

Wiregrass Medical Center

1200 W. Maple Ave

Geneva, AL 36340