Caroline was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, before later moving to Birmingham. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies and Master of Social Work from Samford University. Prior to joining Birmingham Recovery Center, Caroline completed multiple practicum trainings in local healthcare, advocacy, and family counseling settings. She is passionate about education, experiential learning, developing healthier relationship patterns, and breaking cycles of dysfunctional patterns or unhelpful behaviors. Caroline utilizes a collaborative therapeutic approach of attachment focused, person-centered, narrative, motivational-interviewing, and experiential modalities. Caroline has been trained in Experiential and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. She is passionate about providing quality care through the therapeutic perspective of warmth, empathy, and recognizing individual strengths. Caroline is thrilled to be a part of the treatment team and desires to collaborate with individuals in rebuilding a healthier and happier life through careful attentiveness and positive relationship.
Archives: Our Teams
Charles Long, PMHNP-BC
Elizabeth Wackenhut, CRSS
As a Client Care Coordinator at Longleaf Recovery and Wellness, Elizabeth brings a unique perspective to her role, drawing from her personal journey of recovery. Having navigated her own path to wellness, she understands the challenges and triumphs that come with it, allowing her to offer empathetic and effective assistance. Beyond her professional role, she is passionate about maintaining her physical and mental well-being through exercise, which serves as a cornerstone of her self-care routine. Music is another integral part of her life, providing inspiration and solace during both good times and challenging moments. Additionally, she is deeply committed to giving back to the recovery community by sponsoring other women through the 12 steps, fostering a sense of connection and support. Through her dedication to holistic care and advocacy, she strives to empower individuals to reclaim their lives and thrive in their recovery journey.
Paul Bryant, LMSW, CRSS
Paul was born and raised in Birmingham, AL and has a strong desire to give back to the community. Paul completed his undergraduate studies in social work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and also received his master’s degree in clinical and medical social work from UAB. While attending UAB, Paul was a member of the Phi Alpha social work honor society and was the recipient of the Norman Eggleston Award. Currently a licensed master social worker and certified recovery support specialist, Paul had been practicing clinical addiction treatment, coordinating the entirety of recovery support services for all of Jefferson County, Alabama’s specialty and treatment courts. He has had the honor to facilitate training on recovery at the local, state, and national level. Bringing years of professional recovery-oriented experience to Birmingham Recovery Center, Paul himself is in long term recovery which is why he is so passionate about helping people find recovery and becoming the best versions of themselves. He understands that stopping substance use is only the beginning, and to truly improve quality of life people must find purpose, grow, be happy, be useful, and experience true peace.
Nuly Farruk, CRSS
Nuly, our dedicated Client Care Coordinator at the Birmingham Recovery Center, brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her role. Having maintained an unwavering sobriety for 11 years, she understands firsthand the challenges individuals face on their journey towards overcoming substance use disorders. As a certified Peer Support Specialist, she leverages her own journey to empathize with and guide individuals on their recovery journey. Nuly is deeply passionate about providing support to those seeking sobriety, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their well-being. Actively engaged in 12-step recovery meetings, she draws strength from the communal aspect of the recovery process and continually hones her skills as a compassionate listener and motivator. Beyond her professional commitment, Nuly extends her dedication to the recovery community by sponsoring women, offering a personalized and empathetic touch to those in need. As the mother of two boys, she brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the importance of family dynamics in the recovery process. Nuly’s multifaceted experience, coupled with her genuine compassion, makes her an invaluable asset in the journey towards lasting recovery.
Gracie
Leah Brast, MS, ALC
Leah was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Before joining Birmingham Recovery Center, Leah was a counselor for the Jimmie Hale Mission organization. During her time there, she provided individual and group counseling to women and men recovering from substance use dependence and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and grief. Leah is passionate about providing a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free environment for individuals to identify and explore their problems while encouraging them toward personal growth and change. She utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach of person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and motivational-interviewing modalities. Leah feels that her responsibility as a therapist is to empower individuals in establishing healthy behaviors to maintain a healthier and happier life free from substances. Leah is a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider and is excited to be a part of the treatment team at Birmingham Recovery Center.