Owner/Founder

Chico West, MA, LPC, CET

Chico is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Certified Experiential Therapist. He brings his passion for creative solutions to each client. Chico West has been in the field of addiction for over 15 years, and has been sober since August of 1989. He served as interim director for the Center for Alcohol Education at SMU.  Chico also served as the CEO of Burning Tree Recovery Ranch in 2000. Though he works with a variety of cases, Chico’s specialty is working with chemically dependent clients and their families, as well as people who suffer with Attention Deficit Disorder. Chico started Gaston House with the hope and passion to create an environment for young men to experience the joy of life free from chemical dependency.  He sees the need to address not just the chemical dependency, but the entitlement issues that face most of the young men who come through Gaston House.

Staff

Derek Atkins, MA, LPC-Intern – Head Counselor

Derek is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. He is a former resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado where he came to enjoy the great outdoors and a love for playing all contact sports. Derek has worked in the field of counseling in various forms including working with the military, acting as a correctional officer and even as a group home director. Derek works closely with the residents of the house counseling them through the many difficulties faced by recovering individuals.

David Fields – House Manager

David has been in recovery since January of 2001 and is active in twelve-step fellowships. Currently working on his master’s in counseling at Criswell College, David lives at the house and helps the guys with transitioning into the sober community. He serves an important role in assisting the community to have solid structure and consistency.

Leslie Miller, MA, LPC-Intern

Leslie is a graduate of Amberton University with a master’s degree in Professional Counseling. She has been in recovery since 2002, and is active in the local 12-step community where she encourages clients to become involved in service work. Recognizing that addictions affect entire families, Leslie works closely with clients and other family members to foster healthier relationships.

Jonathan May, MA, LPC-Intern

Jonathan is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling and Biblical Studies. Originally from Midland Texas, Jonathan is married to Mica and has a two-month-old son named Jackson.

Reese Mullennix – Assistant House Manager

Reese is a 2008 graduate of Gaston house and is involved in local twelve-step fellowship. His activities include speaking at local recovery-based facilities and working at a local YMCA. Reese lives at Gaston house where he uses his experience in recovery to help clients overcome addiction and live with integrity.

Johnny Cash – Our House Dog