Meet The Team
Our dedicated team of behavioral health technicians and peer recovery support members are passionate and credentialed.
We interact with our clients daily and use our training and compassion to make a difference in their long-term recovery.
Nadine Dexter
Chief Executive Officer
Nadine Dexter
Chief Executive Officer
Nadine Dexter joined Highland as Chief Executive Officer in September 2021 and has more than 40 years experience in behavioral healthcare. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Iowa and her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from The University of Kansas. Nadine carries a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner-Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN/CNS) in the state of Kansas. She has dedicated her entire career to the field of mental health and has experience in all facets of psychiatric nursing and healthcare leadership. Working as a staff nurse, charge, night supervisor, director, academia, chief nursing officer, and CEO, she truly understands the challenges and fulfillments of not only serving individuals in need but also contributing to the development the professional field. She loves to teach and has hosted a few radio shows in an effort to decrease the stigma so often affiliated with mental illness. Nadine and her husband of 40 years relocated to WV from the Mountain West and are enjoying the magnificence of this great region.
Veronica Marin
Chief Financial Officer
Veronica Marin
Chief Financial Officer
Veronica Marin joined Highland as the Chief Financial Officer in December 2021 and has more than 16 years of experience in healthcare finance and administration. Veronica is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and earned her Bachelors of Business Administration from Western New Mexico University in May 2000 and her Masters of Business Administration in May 2002, also from Western New Mexico University. Veronica later went on to earn her Masters in Accountancy in May 2009 from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the Highland team, she worked in finance and administrative roles at four different healthcare facilities across the country. Veronica, her husband, Chris, and their three children, Kaitlyn, Korri and CJ, currently reside in Charleston and enjoy the outdoors, sports, art/music, family, and traveling in their free time.
Edward Cox
Chief Nursing Officer
Edward Cox
Chief Nursing Officer
Edward Cox, Chief Nursing Officer for Highland Hospital, is a West Virginia native with more than 20 years of behavioral health nursing experience. He obtained an ADN degree at Davis and Elkins College and began his behavioral health career path as an LPN in 2002 at Sharpe Hospital. Since then, he’s worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Clarksburg, WV and in Orlando, FL. He obtained a BSN from West Virginia University in 2013 and an MSN from Aspen University in Denver, CO. In 2019, he earned a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT. He enjoys spending time on his farm with his wife, children, grandchildren, and animals when he can find the time.
Amy Stricker
Director of Human Resources
Amy Stricker
Director of Human Resources
Amy Strickler joined Highland as the Director of Human Resources in September 2020. She was previously director of HR and payroll manager at A Brighter Avenue in Arizona, senior benefits analyst at Riverside Health Systems in Virginia, and senior HR generalist and payroll manager at USI in Virginia. She has 10 years of HR experience and 25 years corporate experience. Amy has both an MBA and an MHRM from American Public University in Charles Town, W.V., and an undergraduate degree from University of Charleston in Charleston, W.V. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR).
Amy’s spouse is retired military, so she has been afforded the opportunity to live all over the United States, with her favorite assignment in Hawaii. She resides with her family and animals on their beautiful farm.
John Birckhead
Director of Business Development
John Birckhead
Director of Business Development
John Samuel Birckhead III was born in Hagerstown, MD but has spent the majority of his life in West Virginia. As a youth John was in state’s custody which is one of the main reasons why he chose to work in the mental health field. John received his undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies from Berea College with honors. Immediately after John began working for WV DHHR while simultaneously obtaining his Master’s Degree in communication from West Virginia University. Prior to joining the Highland Hospital Team in 2024 John was a service advocate/account manager for a competitor for 13 years where he was named account manager of the year. “Without the support from many people I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today”. In his free time John enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers and Phillies as well as traveling and running.
Katie Hackney
Director of Clinical Services
Katie Hackney
Director of Clinical Services
Katie Montana Hackney is a native of Charleston, West Virginia. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and began her career with Highland Hospital the very next day. While working full-time as a case manager and psychometrician, Katie obtained her Master of Arts in psychology from Marshall University in 2016. For the past eight years, Katie has served in various roles at Highland Hospital, including case management, therapy, psychometrics, therapy supervision, and program management. She has served as the director of clinical services since 2019. Her passion is ensuring the deliverance of quality care to all who seek help. She enjoys the outdoors, her pet horses and dogs, Mountaineer football, and her family.
Chad Clagg
Admissions Director
Chad Clagg
Admissions Director
Chad Clagg is a WV native. He attended Marshall University and obtained his Bachelors in Psychology and later obtained his Masters of Health Administration from Ohio University. Chad has over 20 years of experience working in the WV behavioral health system. He spent the past 16 years with St. Mary’s Medical Center, primarily overseeing their behavioral health admissions and discharge planning. Chad joined Highland Hospital as the Intake Director in September 2021. He enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, traveling, and the outdoors.
Gerald Bragg
Director of Quality and Risk
Gerald Bragg
Director of Quality and Risk
Gerald Bragg has worked at Highland Hospital for 22 years. He worked as an LPN for 15 years, and then became the EHR Clinical Liaison, training staff and supporting documentation software. In 2022, he became Highland’s Performance Improvement Coordinator, working with regulatory services. He is excited to be stepping into his new role as Quality/Risk Manager. Gerald says there is something truly special about Highland Hospital and enjoys helping patients get back on their feet during a difficult time. Gerald is looking forward to his continued work in guiding and providing excellent care for the community we serve!
