Chad Koller, MHA, MS, joined Skywood Recovery as CEO in February of 2019. He brings with him a wide range of experience in healthcare leadership, including his positions as national director of operations and business development for Core Medical Group and as executive director of Life of Purpose treatment center in South Florida. Prior to that, he served for several years across the healthcare field as a director of operations, director of case management and therapist. Chad has served in advisory positions at Florida Atlantic University and has been featured on Channel 5 news as an expert on the opioid epidemic.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Koller earned his bachelor’s degree in community and public health from Middle Tennessee State University, his master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University and his executive master’s degree in healthcare administration from Florida Atlantic University. He felt drawn to the world of addiction and mental health treatment because he feels strongly about removing the shame surrounding these treatable medical conditions and about helping individuals find their unique paths toward recovery. “The restorative power of recovery is amazing to behold. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of the process in which someone can go through such transformation in a relatively short period of time,” explains Koller.

As he leads the team at Skywood, his goal is to develop a multidisciplinary team approach that can offer the best possible treatment and outcomes for patients. In this mission, Koller finds motivation in his personal mottos: “Be in service to others” and “Leave your ego at the door.” Outside of his work, he enjoys boxing, outdoor activities and spending time with his Siberian Husky, Shooter.

Christopher (Andy) Briggs, PHD, LLP, CAADC joined Skywood Recovery as Clinical Director in August 2019. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Western Michigan University (WMU). He also holds graduate degrees in counseling psychology and alcohol and drug abuse. His clinical experiences have included therapeutic work as a psychologist and behavioral health specialist at the Battle Creek Veteran’s Administration, WMU’s Homer Stryker Medical School, WMU Behavioral Health Services, and Bronson Methodist Hospital. Dr. Briggs has elected a behavioral theoretical orientation and is expertly trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

Dr. Briggs is a clinical psychologist who adheres to what research indicates is effective for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. He remains connected to the latest pharmacological and behavioral treatments by conducting research, presenting at conferences, and attending behavioral trainings. He is a member of the adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University teaching graduate courses on neuropsychopharmacology and co-occurring disorders. He is frequently called upon by the legal system to lend research-based expert opinions on cases involving substance use. He is a strong advocate for continued learning and growth and actively recruits interns from diverse training backgrounds to contribute to the treatment team at Skywood.

While his training experience is broad, he was drawn to the work of addiction treatment due to the complicated and challenging nature of the work. Dr. Briggs states, “People who struggle with substance use issues are desperate for something that works; anything that will save their life. It is crucial that someone with expertise and knowledge leads the team toward the best of what science has to offer.” Briggs also has a special interest in the over-prescription of amphetamines and treating the intense amphetamine craving profile.

Before coming to the social service field, Dr. Briggs was a business owner and lead software engineer for 10 years. He enjoys the integration of technology with psychotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes. Outside interests include motorcycling, hiking, travel, and his favorite superhero, Batman.