What Our Participants Are Saying

Testimonials

“When I was first referred to NCPHP I was angry and scared. It didn’t seem fair that my “personal” issue had become a public, professional issue that would threaten my career. I was upset that I was referred for an evaluation and even more upset when that evaluation suggested I needed treatment for chemical dependency…but I did. My experience with NCPHP was so helpful – both from a recovery support standpoint AND a professional repair standpoint. When I slipped a year later, I was still scared and broken – but I was incredibly grateful that my past experience with NCPHP had been fair, helpful and non-punitive. NCPHP even helped me transition out of medicine temporarily and then offered the support they could when the time was right for me to make my way back in. Now I am almost 8 years clean, practicing addiction medicine in another state, trying to pay it forward and I remain incredibly grateful for the caring support NCPHP gave me when I needed it most.”

“It did not seem really fair to enjoy the real moment of my first job and not share this with the people who helped me accept it as a person, with failings, gifts, rights and boundaries. Ironically, it was not the contract, my first call or even my first pay check but the realization hit me when I walked back to my office after a long day and noticed they had put the sign up. I actually have no idea how long it had been there. So I did the natural, totally professional, above-it-all thing, and like a tourist took a picture of it. Then I immediately thought of all the people who got me here – who believed me when all I had were stories, who trusted that I had a right heart and who tolerated all my stubbornness.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. For all you’ve been through, for your devotion to helping others, for your ability to see a spark of good.”

“NCPHP saved my life. There is no doubt in my mind this is true. Twenty-eight years ago, I was held prisoner by my addiction to alcohol. My craving for alcohol and compulsion to drink was controlling every facet of my life. I had long since given up on the notion that I wasn’t an alcoholic. I knew I was. Every day I would get up and swear to God, to myself, and to everyone and everything I held dear I wasn’t going to drink that day, but every day by three or four o’clock in the afternoon I would be drinking. It was baffling.”
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“Hope you all are doing well. I’m practicing in {another state} now, and couldn’t be happier. But I wanted to let you know that today I celebrate X years of sobriety. I will always be grateful to you and the folks at NCPHP for your help in saving my career and probably my life. Thank you, friend, and God Bless you all.”

“I am a physician in recovery. NCPHP supported me when I relocated from South to North Carolina. They have treated me with kindness, fairness and respect. Even after my release from monitoring, they have continued to be available to advise me. It has been a relief to know that the NCPHP is on my side and for that I am very grateful. The NC professionals recovery community is strengthened by having a caring and capable PHP.”

“I came to NC in recovery for 2 years and I believe the NCPHP staff enhanced my sobriety while I was being monitored for an additional 2 years. NCPHP has been an excellent resource for this physician in recovery. Now I am 11 years out from the influence of alcohol. Thank you NCPHP!”

“Now in my 12th year of continuous sobriety and clean time, it is very clear to me that the most remarkable event in more than a decade of my life was the caring intervention at the North Carolina Physicians Health Program.

I saw them first as career interrupting agents, but now I can see that for me it was supportive, professional, confidential and effective, if not completely lifesaving. It helped me and the people of North Carolina by providing capable care to an impaired physician. I am awake, aware and grateful. Above all I serve and remain productive. Thank you NCPHP.”

“I had the good fortune of being introduced to the NCPHP in 2006 after an addiction relapse which almost cost me my vocation and my life. The PHP did 2 major things for me, which made the difference between a bright future and a dark future or even death. First, they held me accountable. Not in a gestapo way, but in a friendly, encouraging manner, which really gave me the motivation to do my very best. There were requirements, which were necessary, such as meetings, urine tests and reports to complete, but there was also always kind and encouraging words to help me on my path and give me the motivation I needed to stay clean.

Second, they intervened for me with the Veterinary Medical Board, which gave me a second chance to straighten my life up without losing everything I had worked so hard for and built through my life. It was a gift that I did not deserve, and that is the definition of grace. I am very thankful to everyone at NCPHP that I have my life back and am able to continue to do what I love. NCPHP is a wonderful organization with loving, caring people involved in it. They are there for you if you need them. I would highly recommend any medical professional with a substance abuse problem call them; they will be there to help you.”

“I was monitored by the North Carolina Physicians Health Program as I was being established in recovery. I have nothing but good things to say about my following the suggestion to contact them and of the support and advocacy that they have provided over the years. The staff were, and are, always professional, responsible, and seemed genuinely interested in my well-being. I always enjoyed my time with my field monitors during their visits as a refreshing break from my clinical day – a chance to talk recovery with an interested ear. The NCPHP staff undoubtedly played a positive role in my recovery and I hope to remain forever grateful for this. As my medical career has continued to blossom as one of the infinite fruits of this recovery, I have gained a growing respect for the NCPHP as an organization that, in my opinion, serves as a model for advocacy program in other states. Thank you.”

“When my world came crashing down, due to consequences of active opiate addiction, NCPHP was there to help me organize the process of detox, rehab and monitor early recovery. Through NCPHP’s advocacy and leadership, I was afforded the opportunity to regain my medical license. Eight years into recovery I am blessed with a personal and professional life that far exceeds my wildest expectations.”

“NCPHP exists in a gray zone to lend an arm to those who spend a lifetime doing this for others. When a provider needs support, knowingly or not, it is truly a gift to have NCPHP in a position to provide it. Without NCPHP, I daresay what would happen; at the least, we would lose some of the most precious resources in our community. I can’t imagine how this tough role can be performed any better than the way I have known NCPHP to do it.”

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Cindy Clark, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Director of Operations

Cindy Clark joined NCPHP in January 2015, serving in both administrative and clinical roles. She oversees the organization’s financial operations, including participant billing, and manages human resources and general office operations. Additionally, Cindy serves as the primary liaison to the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy.

Her clinical work has included treatment for both children and adults in various settings. Prior to joining NCPHP, Cindy spent five years with the North Carolina Pharmacist Recovery Network, the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy’s program for potentially impaired pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students—now managed by NCPHP.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Social and Economic Justice from the University of North Carolina and earned her Master of Social Work from East Carolina University.

Keenan Glasgow, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS, NCC

Director of Field Services / Western Field Coordinator

Keenan Glasgow has been with NCPHP since August 2012 and currently serves as Director of Field Services and Western Field Coordinator. He supervises the statewide Field Coordinator team and monitors participants in the western region of North Carolina.

Keenan has worked in mental health and substance use treatment since 1999 in both direct care and supervisory roles. He earned his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University in 2010.

Jerry Smith, PsyD, LCMHCS, CCS, MAC, NCC, SAP

Clinical Coordinator

Dr. Jerry Smith joined the NCPHP team in August 2020 with over 22 years of experience in mental health and addictions treatment. He previously worked with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for outpatient treatment services and has experience in various environments, including active-duty military/dependent counseling, child/adolescent treatment facilities, community mental health, and addictions treatment.

Dr. Smith obtained his Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology in July 2009 from the University of the Rockies in Colorado and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling in December 2002 from Campbell University in North Carolina.

Jason Thompson, MSW, MHA, MBA

Case Director

Jason Thompson joined NCPHP as a Case Director in November 2025. He conducts screening interviews, coordinates care with treatment facilities, and helps healthcare professionals maintain compliance with licensing boards during monitoring.

Jason earned his Master of Health Adminstration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Social Work from the University of Louisville. He brings over 22 years of specialized expertise in co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Jason most recently served as the Program Director for Sibcy House, a prominent residential facility focused on the comprehensive assessment and treatment of substance use and mental health disorders.

Moli Jones, MA, LCAS, MAC

Triangle Area Field Coordinator

Moli Jones began working at NCPHP in April 2017 as a Field Coordinator covering the Triangle area. She has practiced in both inpatient and outpatient treatment facility programs, working with several special populations. Moli has experience utilizing integrative treatment approaches developed specifically for PTSD and substance use disorders. She is involved with the North Carolina Substance Use Disorder Federation and actively participates in the NC DMV evaluation program.

Bill Ingraham, CSAC

Eastern Field Coordinator

Bill Ingraham is the Eastern Field Coordinator at NCPHP and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with over 10 years of experience. He has worked in various treatment environments and has served clients including licensed professionals and uniformed personnel.

Bill has also worked with legal systems in both New York and North Carolina, including the Eastern Carolina District federal court drug treatment program. Prior to joining NCPHP in November 2016, he served as a counselor in an outpatient facility and performed assessments for DWI and family court cases.

Beth Byarlay, MBA

Assistant Director of Operations

Beth Byarlay joined the NCPHP team in August 2015 as Communications and Case Manager and was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations in August 2023. Beth serves as the administrative liaison to the North Carolina Medical Board and is the primary contact for treatment centers. She also coordinates the treatment scholarship funds, oversees fundraising efforts, and manages all marketing and communications initiatives, including the NCPHP website.

Beth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Megan Hentze

Lead Case Manager

Megan joined NCPHP in May 2024 as a Case Manager. She brings a diverse background in healthcare and social services. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Meredith College in 2008, Megan held various roles, including working as a pharmacy technician. Most recently, she spent seven years serving as a hospital social worker, supporting patients and families through complex care needs and transitions. At NCPHP, Megan draws on her strong organizational skills to support healthcare professionals navigating personal and professional challenges.

Sami Skipwith-Pickard

Case Manager

Sami Skipwith-Pickard joined NCPHP in April 2024 as a Case Manager. In this role, she provides support and guidance to program participants, helping them stay on track with their goals and maintain accountability throughout their recovery journey.

Sami holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She brings a versatile background, having held administrative roles across medical, veterinary, and mental health settings.

Hannah McKinney

Case Manager

Hannah McKinney joined NCPHP as a Case Manager in July 2024. She manages a caseload of program participants, offering consistent support and oversight, processing documentation, and preparing interview reports.

Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at her alma mater. Prior to her role at NCPHP, she worked as a middle school English teacher in the Wake County Public School System.

Jackie Breeze

Administrative Assistant

Jackie Breeze has served as NCPHP’s Administrative Assistant since June 2020. With over 19 years of experience in administrative support, she manages calendars, schedules meetings, prepares reports, answers phones and emails, and assists staff across the organization.

Prior to joining NCPHP, Jackie worked for more than 14 years as an administrative assistant at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), where she supported a large staff with a wide range of tasks.

Clark Gaither, MD, MRO, FAAFP

Medical Director

Dr. Clark Gaither brings extensive personal and clinical experience in addiction, recovery, and physician health to his role as Medical Director at NCPHP. His longstanding involvement with the organization includes service on the Compliance Committee (two consecutive three-year terms), the Board of Directors (2002–2007), as Board Chair (2004–2005) as well as a physician monitor for program participants. Dr. Gaither officially joined the NCPHP team in January 2017.

Dr. Gaither frequently represents the organization through presentations at hospitals, medical practices, and academic institutions across North Carolina. With a 27-year career as a family physician, he has developed specialized expertise in job-related burnout, complementing NCPHP’s mission to support physician well-being.

In his role, Dr. Gaither conducts screening interviews of potential participants and evaluates collateral information. As a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO), he reviews and interprets laboratory drug testing data to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Dr. Gaither earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lenoir-Rhyne College and a Master’s in Biology from East Carolina University. He graduated from the ECU School of Medicine in 1989 and completed his Family Medicine residency at ECU/PCMH in 1992. In 2010, he was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Emily King, MHS, PA-C

Associate Medical Director

Emily King joined NCPHP in January 2022, playing a pivotal role in participant engagement and program coordination. She serves as the referral liaison for the NCMB, NCBOP, NCVMB, NCBLMHC, as well as North Carolina hospitals, clinics, and self-referrals. Emily conducts initial screenings, develops individualized support plans, and represents NCPHP at conferences statewide.

A practicing psychiatric physician assistant since 2013, Emily earned her Master of Health Science from the Duke PA Program. She holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry and is trained as a First Commitment Examiner. Her clinical experience spans a wide range of diagnoses in both outpatient and high-acuity psychiatric settings.

Emily serves as Vice Chair of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs’ (FSPHP) PEER Committee and is a member of its Research Committee. She remains active with Duke University, serving on its PA admissions committee and contributing to professional development initiatives. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Michigan State University and maintains certification as a technologist in chemistry.

Joseph P. Jordan, PhD

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Jordan’s tenure at NCPHP began July of 2007. His terminal degree is a PhD in Counseling and Counseling Education, and he came to NCPHP with over 20 years of experience working in the fields of substance use disorders, mental health, and providing and supervising various levels of treatment for those conditions, including inpatient, outpatient, IOP, and long-term residential. As the current CEO Dr. Jordan is responsible for the overall functioning and management of NCPHP, reporting to the Board of Directors and the various constituency boards that NCPHP serves. He is the current Southeastern Representative to the Federation of State Health Programs (FSPHP) and a member of that organization’s Executive Committee, while also chairing multiple committees for the FSPHP.