As your rehab and treatment center staff, we consider ourselves servants of Christ. We PLEDGE to nurture and develop each student according to their unique needs. We COMMIT ourselves to faithfully mentor and serve the young men and families that we have the distinct privilege of working alongside. We DEDICATE ourselves to do so with the same passion, love, and grace that Christ has shown to each of us.
Our Staff
Mitchell Easter
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director
Mitchell Easter
Mitchell Easter is the dedicated and visionary Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Ozarks Teen Challenge. With a strong commitment to helping young individuals overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives, Mitchell provides strategic leadership and direction to the organization. He is passionate about providing professional, effective support, and his emphasis on individual care drives the organization's mission to empower and support families in need. Mitchell's former experience as the National Director of Learning where he oversaw staff training and development initiatives in Adult & Teen Challenge centers across North America, combined with his deep understanding of the issues facing today's youth, make him an invaluable leader in the field of teen rehabilitation and support services.Rev. Scott C Dugin
Chief Operations Officer
Rev. Scott C Dugin
As the Chief Operations Officer, Scott Dugin not only oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions but also plays a pivotal role in guiding families through the decision-making process to enroll. His close interaction with families, assessing whether their son would benefit from the services and resources offered by Ozarks Teen Challenge, provides them with the reassurance they need about their son’s future.Joel Gurulé, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Joel Gurulé, LPC
Joel Gurulé is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor at Ozarks Teen Challenge. He integrates faith-based principles into his practice to provide holistic support to individuals seeking help. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Joel empowers students to address their mental and behavioral health challenges while incorporating spiritual guidance to promote healing and growth.Andrew Miller
Program Director
Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller is a seasoned leader in recovery ministry and works diligently as the Program Director. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals, Andrew is committed to developing and implementing effective programming to support and empower youth in need. In his role, Andrew provides leadership to a team of direct care staff, oversees training, promotes safety, and ensures the organization is compliant with required Adult & Teen Challenge accreditation standards.Landon Young
Discipleship Manager
Landon Young
Landon Young serves as the Discipleship Manager at Ozarks Teen Challenge. With a heart for guiding young individuals into meaningful lives, Landon plays a crucial role in developing and implementing discipleship programs that foster personal growth and spiritual development. His dedication to helping individuals build a strong foundation of faith in Jesus and character underscores his passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.Derrick Gilbert, CRADC
Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Derrick Gilbert, CRADC
Derrick Gilbert is an experienced Missouri Board Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC) with a B.S. in Addiction Counseling at Ozarks Teen Challenge. With a personal connection to the cause and a wealth of experience in the field of substance abuse counseling, Derrick brings a deep understanding and empathy to his work with young individuals struggling with addiction. His commitment to providing professional, effective care is evident in his approach, as he combines evidence-based practices with personalized support to help individuals on their journey to recovery.Deanna Kidd
Executive Administrator
Deanna Kidd
Deanna Kidd is the resourceful Executive Administrator. Her responsibilities include managing administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, and providing essential support for billing questions. Her professionalism and dedication contribute to the organization's efficient functioning, allowing the team to focus on providing care and support to those they serve.Phil Fifield
Aftercare Specialist
Phil Fifield
Phil Fifield is the Aftercare Specialist at Ozarks Teen Challenge. In his role, Phil works closely with families throughout the program to ensure parents or legal guardians feel equipped and ready for the “new normal” after program completion. He helps guide, equip, and empower families to develop proper boundaries and safeguards necessary for success after student graduation. Phil's commitment to supporting students' transition into life after the program makes him a valuable asset in providing comprehensive care and support to both students and their families.