Nathan began his passion for addiction treatment after entering long-term recovery in 2013. While working as a counselor and director in multiple treatment settings, Nathan acquired a bachelor’s in psychology, followed by a double master’s in clinical mental health (LPC) and healthcare administration (MHA). During this time, Nathan built a strong focus on quality clinical care, family systems, and patient safety. His long-time dream has been to bring addiction treatment home to the Lowcountry in Beaufort County. Nathan maintains a simple philosophy regarding addiction treatment, put the patient first! Nathan also serves on the board of the South Carolina Board of Recovery Residence.
Nathan is also a USCG licensed boat captain and was a mate and captain for ten years before moving to the addiction treatment field. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending time in the kitchen.
Dr. Katerina Marroquin received her PhD in Psychology from Walden University, her Master’s in Social Work from Florida International University, and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University. Dr. Marroquin has been a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Georgia since 2017. She is excited to bring her passion and experience to the community.
Dr. Marroquin has served as a clinical therapist working with adults and adolescents in recovery from drugs or alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health diagnoses during all levels of care. (Detox, residential and outpatient treatment, and group/individual therapy sessions.) Dr. Marroquin creates a courageous environment where everyone can truly embrace themselves without the fear of judgment and/or rejection. Dr. Marroquin also enjoys self-care implementation and loves being a part of the change process.
Dr. John Emmel has been actively treating addiction since 1980. He’s a board certified physician in both Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine. Additionally, he serves as a Medical Director/Consultant to the SC State Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. Dr. Emmel’s lifelong passion for helping people engage in active recovery is evident not only in his individual clinical work, but also in his teaching/training of other professionals in the field of addiction.
Kevin has lived in Hilton Head for 10 years since moving from New Jersey to the Lowcountry. He is a husband and a father to a 10-year-old son. For most of his life he was an online marketing specialist, but upon starting his own journey in recovery, he has now dedicated his time to helping others achieve their own sobriety.
While working as a Operations Assistant at Southern Sky, he is also attending Georgia Southern to move towards his goal of becoming a certified drug and alcohol counselor in South Carolina. He serves on the board of directors at the YANA club on Hilton Head and believes that recovery does not finish with treatment alone. For him, recovery is a lifelong journey that must always be maintained.
Originally from Atlanta, GA, Lindsay spent 13 years in the DC area where she attended the School of Management at George Mason University before going on to specialize in operations and general management for award-winning restaurants. Lindsay said goodbye to the restaurant world and dove into working in residential treatment before finally arriving here at Southern Sky Recovery. Lindsay serves as our Director of Admissions and Client Services, where she oversees daily office operations, admissions, and environment of care.
Lindsay is a firm believer that recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and she’s made it her personal and professional mission to provide those seeking help with an elevated recovery experience centered around respect for the client’s individual needs and good old-fashioned hospitality. In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys tending to her ever-expanding collection of plants, writing short stories, long walks through her neighborhood in Savannah, and cooking fun meals for friends and family.
A native of South Carolina, Reagan has always found her most fulfilling purpose in being of service to others. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She has also completed extensive coursework in media & the arts at The Savannah College of Art & Design, as well as Professional Communication & Leadership at Georgia Southern University.
Her professional career includes experience in healthcare marketing, public relations, business development, media, and administration. Her areas of specialization include marketing management, public relations, creative development, brand strategy, and customer service. Her professional accomplishments include being awarded the Morris Multimedia Innovation Award for the creation and development of Moments Magazine. She is also a graduate of the inaugural class of The University of Georgia’s Lynda B. Williamson Foundation Women’s Leadership Academy and the Region 12 Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
Reagan is an avid runner, lover of music, and the very proud mom of a Cadet at the United States Military Academy – West Point.
Scott S. Allen is an empathic and multicultural clinical mental health counselor who can help those struggling with substance abuse issues regain manageability over their lives and identify their powerlessness over drugs and alcohol. Scott is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He has earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Richmond. Scott is also fluent in Mandarin Chinese having attended Capitol Normal University in Beijing, Shanghai Jiaotong University, and Nanjing University while living in mainland China, Japan, and Vietnam for 16 years.
Scott has witnessed the powerful effect counseling can play in the lives of individuals firsthand and hopes to continue this tradition of empowering clients to become well. Scott feels uniquely qualified to help those struggling with substance abuse issues as he once was a client receiving counseling care at a treatment facility in Savannah, GA. Through individual, group, and art therapy he was able to recognize with the aid of counselors, whom themselves are recovering alcoholics and addicts, how to infuse creativity, cultural humility, and mindfulness meditation into his daily life. At this treatment facility, Scott was introduced to Twelve Step programs and began a process of working those spiritual principles for living a happier and freer lifestyle.
As it was made abundantly clear in his time in Asia and America, the social stigma surrounding addiction perpetuates the suffering of those inflicted with this disease and it is his personal goal to ameliorate this problem using cross-cultural communication, empathic and professional skills. Scott advocates for recovering addicts by volunteering and devoting time cooking meals for the homeless population of Savannah at the Emmaus House Soup Kitchen, establishing the Center of Addiction Recovery at Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus, and the Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in the Savannah/Chatham area.
Chris holds a CACREP accredited Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Webster University where he graduated with academic honors. Chris is a board-certified counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NCC #1625101) and holds licensure as a licensed professional counselor associate (LPC-A #7990) and a licensed addiction counselor associate (LAC-A #820) in South Carolina.
Chris enjoys working with individuals who have been impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and the obstacles of life. He works from a multidisciplinary and holistic approach with an eclectic therapeutic orientation based in a person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, motivational-interviewing, and trauma-informed philosophy.
Chris was born in Pueblo, CO and spent his childhood in Hilo, HI before graduating high school in Georgetown, SC and attending undergrad at the College of Charleston (Class of 2015). He is active in physical fitness, considers himself an adequate fantasy football player, and cheers for Louisiana State University—Geaux Tigers!
Michael Haven is a licensed Physician Assistant specializing in Addiction Medicine as well as Primary and Urgent Care. He graduated with honors from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2020 and from the College of Charleston Honors College in 2016 with a Major in History and a Minor in Spanish language. He grew up in Hilton Head Island and graduated in the top 10 of his class at Hilton Head Island High School in 2012. He is thrilled to have returned to his hometown to provide medical care to patients of all ages and give back to the psychiatry/addiction medicine field, which is his personal passion. In his free time, he enjoys playing in soccer and softball leagues and watching Liverpool Football Club.
Shana Dabney is a dedicated mental health professional with a strong background in both criminal justice and social work. She holds a Master of Criminal Justice from Troy University and a Master of Social Work from Savannah State University. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, she is also certified in Trauma Informed Intervention and Forensic Intervention equipping her with the specialized skills to support individuals facing complex psychological and behavioral challenges.
A proud Veteran, Shana’s military service sparked her passion for working with fellow veterans and addressing the unique mental health needs they often experience. This commitment has carried over into her civilian career, where she continues to advocate for comprehensive, accessible mental health services for underserved populations.
Shana’s professional experience spans a wide range of individuals and settings, including veterans, those struggling with substance use disorders, and clients across all age groups—from children and adolescents to adults and older adults. Her early work within the criminal justice system shaped her proactive approach to mental health, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and community-based solutions. Deeply committed to promoting long-term wellness and stability, Shana works to address the behavioral health factors that contribute to elevated incarceration rates, advocating for systems that offer support rather than punishment.
Outside of her professional life, Shana enjoys gaming, sports, and traveling.
Steffan brings warmth, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping people feel safe and supported as they navigate recovery. Her background includes 20+ years of experience in substance use counseling, mental health support, and supervision for professionals in the field. Steffan’s credentials include: CADC-II, MPH, MSW, CCS, and SAP. She combines evidence-based knowledge with real-world understanding to meet clients where they are and help them feel empowered on their journey.
Steffan’s skills include guiding individuals through relapse prevention, anger management, trauma-informed care, and recovery planning, as well as mentoring future counselors and professionals. She focuses on helping people build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their values and strengths. Her goal is to walk alongside each client with encouragement, honesty, and hope—reminding them that recovery is possible and that they don’t have to face it alone.
Chris is a dedicated Certified Peer Support Specialist who joined the Southern Sky Recovery team after relocating from the upstate of South Carolina. Since 2023, he has been committed to guiding others on their recovery journeys, drawing from his own transformative experience with addiction and personal growth. Before entering the recovery field, Chris built a career in the manufacturing industry, bringing a unique perspective and work ethic to his role.
A devoted husband and father, Chris cherishes his family, including his 8-year-old daughter, 14-year-old stepson, and 20-year-old stepdaughter. In his downtime, he is an avid musician, finding solace and inspiration in writing and composing music.
Chris’s life is a powerful testament to resilience and redemption. His personal struggles with addiction and brokenness have fueled his passion for helping others navigate their own paths to recovery. With a heart for service and a story of hope, Chris is committed to empowering individuals to move forward and embrace lasting transformation.
Stephanie is deeply committed to helping women navigate their path toward healing and transformation. Her own experiences and past struggles, including her journey through recovery, have shaped her understanding and inspired her passion for supporting others. She brings empathy, patience, and steadfast dedication to her role as Residential House Manager, creating a safe and nurturing environment where residents feel valued and encouraged to grow. Stephanie’s faith is the cornerstone of her life and the work she does. She believes that hope, prayer, and trust in God provide strength and guidance through recovery, and she seeks to model that hope for the women she serves. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside others as they rebuild their lives, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Outside of work, Stephanie treasures life’s simple joys, like going to the movies, listening to music, and spending meaningful time with her family. Guided by her faith, she approaches each day with warmth, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of the women she serves.
Sadie is a dedicated college senior with over a year of experience in the field of sobriety, passionate about guiding and supporting individuals on their journey of recovery. She possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities associated with addiction and is committed to providing compassionate and effective assistance to those in need. She has been personally impacted by the loss of loved ones due to substance abuse, therefore sparking her passion for working in this field. She is currently obtaining her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in psychology and health humanities at the University of South Carolina – Beaufort. After obtaining her bachelor’s, Sadie plans to get her master’s in social work and become an addiction counselor. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact, Sadie is committed to helping individuals overcome addiction and build fulfilling, substance-free lives through support and advocacy.
Meet Leia, our English Cocker Spaniel, a trained therapy dog at Southern Sky Recovery. As our Senior Paws-on Therapist and Resident Treat Connoisseur, Leia brings a unique blend of comfort and joy to our team and clients.
With her soft, curly fur and soulful eyes, Leia excels in providing therapeutic cuddles, proven to reduce stress and bring smiles. Despite her young age, she balances her role as a professional therapist with her innate playfulness, often showcasing her impressive ‘play dead’ skills to the amusement of everyone around.
But Leia is more than just a therapy dog; she’s also a skilled upland hunter, demonstrating a different kind of prowess in the field. Her love for treats is well-known, distinguishing between ordinary biscuits and gourmet delights with a discerning palate. Leia’s presence in our center is not just comforting but also a constant reminder of the joy and healing that can come from our furry friends.
She may dream of chasing squirrels, but for now, she’s content bringing laughter and warmth to our facility, one wagging tail at a time. Leia’s unique blend of professional skills and playful antics makes her an invaluable member of our team, embodying the spirit of recovery and resilience we strive to foster in our community.
