Caitlin Faulk, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Clinical Director
Caitlin Faulk, a local to New Hanover County, established herself in the field of mental health and substance use services in an effort to serve the community in which she lives and loves. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys time on the waterway, activities with her family, and self-care in the gym. Caitlin graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and moved to Portland, Oregon for graduate studies where she obtained her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a secondary focus in organizational behavior.
She is currently a board approved Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. Caitlin has 13 years of experience serving mental health and substance use populations with 8 years of clinical supervisory experience. She found her niche in working with addictions right from the start of her clinical journey. She has served both adults and adolescents with co-occurring mental heath and substance use disorders, as well as populations with codependency, anxiety and mood disorders, behavioral problems, developmental disabilities, vocational difficulties, sexual offense histories, severe and persistent mental illness, and personality disorders. She describes her theoretical approach as eclectic to meet the individual needs of her clients, although her treatment modalities mainly stem from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, strengths-based approaches, and solution focused brief therapies.
Caitlin also specializes in the treatment of trauma using EMDR and serves those with DWI specific needs, including assessment and treatment, as well as a guide through their resolution. Prior to her transition to Brighter Start Health, Caitlin served a local nonprofit in various leadership roles with the direct focus of increasing access to behavioral health care. While Caitlin began her journey hoping to make a difference in the lives of the people in her community, she is excited to be able to continue her work with a company who undoubtedly puts people first, as well as lead the clinical team at Brighter Start Health in providing individualized care in a healing environment.
Sarah Snyder, CADC, MBA
Addiction & Mental Health Specialist
Sarah Snyder is a dedicated Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with two years of experience in addiction recovery and over a decade in mental health services. In addition to her counseling expertise, she holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), equipping her with strong leadership, program development, and strategic planning skills in the behavioral health field.
Sarah combines her deep understanding of substance use treatment and mental health challenges to provide holistic, client-centered care. Her MBA background enhances her ability to develop and manage addiction treatment programs, advocate for policy improvements, and implement organizational strategies that enhance client care and operational efficiency.
She provides counseling in outpatient group therapy and individual counseling settings, tailoring treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs. Passionate about empowering individuals in recovery, Sarah focuses on fostering resilience and supporting long-term sobriety through education and structured support.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Sarah actively participates in advocating for improved addiction treatment services and stronger community support systems.
Todd Deisler, CPSS
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Todd Deisler, a native Floridian, has embraced North Carolina as his home for nearly five years, as part of a profound journey of personal transformation. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), Todd embodies a commitment to exceeding expectations, investing 110% effort in every interaction with his clients.
Drawing from a diverse background in various non-profit organizations, encompassing both inpatient and outpatient settings, Todd represents the essence of support and empowerment for those navigating the path to recovery. Through his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, he endeavors to extend care and guidance to as many individuals as possible.
Driven by an authentic passion for assisting others, Todd draws inspiration from his own lived experiences, having confronted challenges including many years of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. His personal journey fuels his dedication to guiding others toward brighter futures, one step at a time.
Todd is celebrating his 1-year anniversary at Brighter Start Health and Wellness, bringing his compassion and dedication to their team. He is committed to supporting their mission and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute in any way possible, client by client.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Todd finds joy in life's simple pleasures, cherishing trips to the beach and vacations with his family. Complementing his professional endeavors, he actively engages in serving the community through involvement in local initiatives, volunteering to aid the homeless, and participating in community service projects such as serving on the board of a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals facing homelessness and substance abuse challenges.
Todd's commitment to making a positive impact extends to his involvement in his local church and Celebrate Recovery, reflecting his dedication to effecting change both personally and professionally. Todd is currently pursuing full-time studies at Liberty University. He seamlessly integrates his academic pursuits with his passion for helping others. Leveraging empathetic communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills, he forges profound connections with his clients, guiding them toward mental health stability.
At the core of Todd's approach lies the creation of personalized Wellness Recovery Action Plans, complemented by steadfast daily support as clients navigate their healing journeys. Proficient in fostering healthy coping mechanisms, aiding in goal formulation, and establishing robust support systems, Todd equips individuals with the tools they need to thrive.
Jamie Huffman, CPSS
Certified Peer Support Specialist
A Wilmington native, Jamie has turned her personal journey of transformation into a powerful tool for supporting others. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) at Brighter Start Health and Wellness, she is dedicated to meeting individuals where they are on their unique recovery paths, offering unwavering support and encouragement along the way.
Jamie's approach focuses on empowering clients to define their own recovery, utilizing a holistic model that emphasizes self-advocacy, healthy decision-making, and the importance of building a strong, supportive community. Having overcome 23 years of active addiction, Jamie brings a wealth of lived experience to her role. Her recovery story includes facing challenges such as homelessness, loss of family relationships, job instability, and struggles with the law. However, through the power of personal transformation, faith, and perseverance, Jamie's life has been restored, and she now helps others tap into their own potential for healing and growth. While Jamie's approach to recovery is deeply influenced by her Christian faith, she is committed to working with all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. Jamie believes in the power of resilience and the importance of finding the right tools and resources for each individual’s unique journey.
Whether through Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), relapse prevention strategies, or connecting clients with vital resources like housing, employment, and transportation, Jamie is here to guide people toward lasting recovery. Joining Brighter Start Health and Wellness in 2024 as an intern, she quickly transitioned into a full-time role, where she continues to make a profound impact on those she serves. She is an active participant in Celebrate Recovery and Regeneration, where she benefits from a supportive community of individuals who share similar experiences and goals.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with family, cultivating colorful flowers, and walking her dog to soak up sunlight and fresh air. She finds peace and balance in the simple moments, especially in watching the sunrise and sunset, which serve as a reminder of life’s everyday beauty.
Benjamin Wolfe, CADC-R
Counselor
Benjamin Wolfe is a dedicated professional originally from the Philadelphia area, with a deep passion for mental health. After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Philosophy from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Ben embarked on impactful research in social justice, working closely with children in inner-city Philadelphia to address community challenges. In 2022, Ben relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he continued his career in the mental health field, working as a counselor in a residential treatment facility.
Over the course of two years, he played a crucial role in providing support to individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges, honing his expertise in the treatment and recovery process. Ben also enrolled in Cape Fear Community College to complete his Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification. Ben believes in the power of cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and logotherapy. Ben pulls inspiration from Philosophical text and today’s deep thinkers to add perspective to his therapeutic practice.
In his free time, Ben enjoys reading, spending time with his dog, and weightlifting. With a strong foundation in psychology, philosophy, and social justice, Ben is committed to improving the lives of others, blending empathy and knowledge in every aspect of their work.
Colton Maness, CADC-R, CPSS
Counselor
Colton Maness comes from a small town in the heart of the piedmont region of NC. He completed the education needed to obtain his credentialing at Brunswick Community College leading him to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.
Colton's passion in working with substance use disorders was sparked from his own recovery journey. Thus far, he has spent a large portion of his career as the Director of Operations in the very residential treatment program he went through himself. With hopes to expand into providing direct care, he then transitioned into peer support services where he came to develop his skill set and focused his heart on providing genuine support and positive change in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
In joining the Brighter Start Health team, Colton hopes to continue his journey in providing quality care by guiding individuals down the path of recovery through empathy, expertise, and a firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.
Ben Davis, CADC
Counselor
Ben Davis is a seasoned professional in the recovery field with over 20 years of experience. His journey into recovery began with his own personal experiences, which he seamlessly integrates into his clinical work, offering both empathy and expertise in group facilitation. Throughout his career, Ben has held diverse roles, including adult educator, career advisor, recovery residential housing manager, peer support specialist, program director, case manager, and certified drug and alcohol counselor.
Ben’s formal education includes studies in human services at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). He is committed to evidence-based practices, drawing inspiration from logotherapy, solution-focused therapy, reality therapy, choice theory, and the 12-step recovery model. With a holistic approach to counseling, Ben combines his personal recovery experience with his extensive professional knowledge to support individuals on their own paths to healing and transformation.
Charlotte Shah, LCMHC, LCAS
Intake Director
Charlotte is a dedicated and compassionate clinical mental health therapist and substance abuse counselor with experience helping individuals navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and life transitions. Charlotte provides a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth. She specalizes in helping clients struggling with substance use disorders, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and by working collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans and build coping strategies to foster long-term recovery.
Charlotte is deeply committed to the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of each client, whether clients are working through trauma, grief, or substance use challenges. Charlotte approaches every situation with empathy, respect, and an unwavering focus on the unique needs of each individual.
Kent Mooney, CADC
Intake Coordinator
Kent Mooney has a passion for the field of substance abuse with 6 years experience in the substance use field working as a CADC. Being passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to recovery, he is committed to providing support, education, and resources to those struggling with substance use challenges. Kent believes in a compassionate, client-centered approach, helping individuals build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Beyond his professional work, Kent values quality time with his family and embraces the outdoors. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and firearms, finding peace and balance in nature. His dedication to both his work and personal life reflects his belief in the importance of connection, wellness, and perseverance.
Jason Crist, CPSS
Admissions Coordinator
Jason Crist is a dedicated professional with five years of experience in the substance use field. As a Peer Support Certified specialist and seasoned Admissions Coordinator, Jason has played a vital role in helping individuals navigate the path to recovery. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by those struggling with substance use fuels his passion for providing compassionate support and guidance.
With a strong commitment to breaking down barriers to treatment, Jason excels in connecting individuals with the resources they need to begin their journey toward healing. His firsthand experience and professional expertise allow him to foster trust, offer encouragement, and advocate for those seeking a better life.
Beyond his professional work, Jason enjoys spending quality time with his growing family and close friends. He is an avid outdoorsman who finds solace in hunting, fishing, and firearms training. His love for these activities reflects his appreciation for discipline, patience, and perseverance—qualities he brings to both his personal and professional life.
Jason remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, ensuring that those in need receive the support and care they deserve.
Hannah Nicholson, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Hannah is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in addiction medicine and mental health at Brighter Start Health in Wilmington, NC. A native to North Carolina, she has a deep love for this state and its communities. Her nursing journey began with a BSN from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) in 2014, followed by experience as a Registered Nurse in a variety of settings, including the emergency room, operating room, med-surg, and primary care.
Driven by a passion for patient care and leadership, she earned her MSN in Nursing Administration from South University in 2018. Later, she furthered her education with a Post-Master’s degree from Duke University in 2023, completing the Nurse Practitioner program with a focus on Adult Medicine.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach or on the water. She also finds fulfillment in volunteering at her church, giving back to the community that has supported her throughout her life. Hannah’s mission is to provide safe, compassionate care and help individuals on their journey toward recovery.
Dr. Anthony Njapa, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Anthony Njapa serves as Medical Director at Brighter Start health and Wellness. He has served hundreds of patients across the southeastern part of North Carolina with over 22 years of experience. After completing his medical studies in 1997, Dr. Njapa began working as an OB/GYN. He spent nearly 9 years as an OB/GYN in New York before deciding to move to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2006 to open his own general practice, Coastal MDs. With his knowledge, experience, and commitment to helping individuals battle addiction over the last decade, Brighter Start Health is proud to have Dr. Njapa lead our medical team.