We know all the hurdles and pitfalls of reaching recovery, so we're able to effectively develop an integrative business plan that includes diverse options for patients suffering from addiction.
Douglas M. Leech
Founder and CEO
Douglas M. Leech
Founder and CEO
Mr. Leech has a B.S. degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University and worked at Ernst & Young in Pittsburgh before returning to Morgantown, West Virginia and founding Ascension RS. Through his own struggles with addiction and subsequent recovery, Mr. Leech developed a passion for helping those suffering from the disease of addiction and set out to increase access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment across West Virginia and the country. Ascension RS is the national leader for developing comprehensive behavioral health systems that provide the highest quality clinical care with a sustainable business model. Over the past 12 months, Ascension RS has opened programs in 16 states, created 154 jobs, and written and received $7.72M in grant funding for small start-up programs.
Mr. Leech also founded West Virginia Sober Living (WVSL), a self-sustaining 501(c)(3) non-profit, operating recovery residences, job creation and reintegration programming, and a network of peer recovery coaches providing broad community support for SUD throughout West Virginia.
Steve Burton
LCSW | Director of Program Development
Steve Burton
LCSW, Director of Program Development
Steve holds a Masters of Social Work degree from West Virginia University and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. Over a career spanning nearly 20 years, Steve has held positions in children services, welfare to work, prevention, and addiction treatment administration. As the former Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Health Systems and First Choice Services, Steve helped develop and implement West Virginia’s and Pennsylvania’s first addiction and behavioral health help lines: Help4WV and PA Get Help Now. Steve is also a former adjunct faculty for the West Virginia University School of Social Work and former President for the National Association of Social Workers-West Virginia chapter.
Lauren DeWitt
Business Development Manager
Lauren DeWitt
Business Development Manager
Lauren leads Ascension RS’s marketing and outreach efforts and supports program development. Lauren attended Pennsylvania State University for her undergraduate studies and majored in Bio-Behavioral Health. Lauren has an extensive background in finance, marketing, and business development for both for-profit and non-profit organizations, domestically and internationally.
John Dolores
COO
John Dolores
John has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University and a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. John started in the field as a Clinical Psychologist where he performed individual and group therapy as well as a variety of mental health assessments. He then transitioned into management and led facilities at Universal Health Services (UHS), Acadia Healthcare, Summit BHC, and Discovery Behavioral Health. John started two behavioral health treatment companies, selling one in 2020. He also has his board certification in Healthcare Management.
