Dr. Chris Jackson, Chief Clinical Officer – North, announces new Directors of Branch Operations for the Conway and Newport branches of Birch Tree Communities. Each new director was previously a primary therapist at the AHC location.
Ashley Crismon, LPC, is now serving as the Conway Director of Branch Operations. She began working with Birch Tree Communities as a therapist in December of 2021. She has previous experience in a college counseling center, providing short-term counseling to students, and inpatient experience in a behavioral health hospital working with children and adults. Crismon has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Addiction Studies and a Master of Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. Crismon also plays an integral role in documentation training for staff.
“One of my favorite aspects of working at Birch Tree Communities is seeing our members actively engaged in the community,” said Crismon. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of their journey, and working closely with members allows me to contribute to a positive, collaborative environment where everyone thrives.”
Brandon Williams, LMSW, is the incoming Director of Branch Operations for Newport. He has extensive experience with Birch Tree Communities in his 15 years with the organization. Williams began working part-time as overnight staff, enjoying the work so much that he decided to leave a career in web design to focus on his new position in mental health. He has served in multiple roles including overnights, evenings, Shift Supervisor, Program Tech, Day Service Coach, and Associate Director. During his time as Associate Director, he earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, continued his education through the accelerated Master of Social Work program at UALR, and began working as a Primary Therapist at Malvern and AHC.
“The best part of my job is that I get to see the impact that I have on quality-of-life improvements for our members,” said Williams. “It is rewarding to know that the work I do makes a difference. At Birch Tree Communities, going above and beyond is a point of pride among staff because we can see that it affects actual people in tangible ways. You can’t get that feeling just anywhere.”