Leadership

National Counseling Group, Inc.
5002 Monument Avenue
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23230

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Phone: (804) 622-4201
Fax: (804) 622-4202

Francis A. Viera Jr.

President & CEO

In his role as CEO, Mr. Viera works with a variety of members in the community including parents, other treatment providers, school officials, court officials, attorneys, private businesses and members of other government agencies to help accomplish the NCG vision of being able to provide private mental health and substance abuse services to all people in need.  Mr. Viera has an intense passion for his work and believes strongly in the power for families and youth to change.
Mr. Viera joined the National Counseling Group in 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and was named President and CEO in March 2011.  Mr. Viera introduced and leads the “Emerging Leader” program, an extensive leadership development program to ensure that NCG’s staff receives the necessary training to successfully manage employees.  Additionally, he has introduced and trained NCG employees on the use of metric based management tools, such as the Balanced Scorecard, to support and improve operations. 

Prior to joining NCG, Mr. Viera was Vice President and CFO of Capital Hospice headquartered in Fairfax, VA, an affiliate of the Inova Health System and one of the largest hospice providers in the United States.  Prior to that, Mr. Viera served in various roles in the Inova Health System including CFO, Inova Alexandria Hospital, and CFO of Alternate Care Group, Inova’s non-hospital business.  Mr. Viera has held various management and “C” level positions for healthcare and healthcare consulting organizations.  Mr. Viera received his B.A. in Accounting from Assumption College in Worcester Massachusetts and attended graduate school in the MBA program at Bryant University.  He is currently completing a Masters of Organizational Leadership degree.  Mr. Viera is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).   He has served on several non-profit boards in the communities he has worked and lived in.

Deborah Sikes

Vice President of Clinical Service

Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner

Deborah Sikes is National Counseling Group's Vice President of Clinical Services. Ms. Sikes is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in the state of Virginia and has worked for the National Counseling Group for over 12 years. Ms. Sikes received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas in 1986 and a Master of Science in Education, also from the University of Kansas, in 1988. Her graduate field of study was in Counseling Psychology and her research project was on "The Moral Development of Juvenile Delinquents".

Ms. Sikes has developed an expertise in the treatment of adolescent dual diagnosis through her extensive work and educational experiences. Her employment history ranges from the private to the public sectors and includes the following: Aftercare Coordinator for a dual diagnosis adolescent unit at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, D.C.; adolescent treatment specialist at the Loudoun County Mental Health Center; and the mental health/family therapist at a Fairfax County day treatment program designed to treat dually diagnosed adolescents. Additionally, Ms. Sikes has also received a significant amount of post-graduate training on such topics as relapse prevention, dual diagnosis, addictions treatment, hypnotherapy and experiential therapy.

Ms. Sikes has provided many community training opportunities on such topics as Adolescent Relapse Prevention, Drugs of Abuse, Club Drugs and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling Post 9/11. Ms. Sikes has and continues to provide clinical supervision to a number of clinicians pursuing licensure for professional counseling and substance abuse counselor certification. In her current role as Vice President of Clinical Services, Ms. Sikes oversees clinical programming, quality assurance, and compliance and risk management.

Ms. Sikes has worked closely with Thomas Minnick, Sam Gray and George Young to develop NCG’s current mission, core values, philosophy of treatment and continuum of services that defines National Counseling Group, Inc. today. With her guidance and with the assistance and support of each employee and counselor, the National Counseling Group will continue to provide a rich variety of professional counseling and clinical services designed to meet the immediate and changing needs of individuals and families in the communities we serve.

Joan Green

Controller

Betty Dixon

VP Community Relations

Ms. Dixon received her Bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College, and served as a Court Services Unit Probation Counselor and Casework Supervisor in Charlottesville, Virginia while pursuing graduate coursework in Social Work. She was later employed as a western Regional Program Manager with DJJ. In 1987, she left the public sector in order to develop the first privately owned, intensive in-home agency in Virginia. In 1992, Ms. Dixon cofounded Family Preservation Services, Inc. and collaborated statewide with local and public officials to identify needs, integrate best practice principles, and recruit local leadership. FPS was acquired by Providence Service Corporation in 1997, and as VP of Planning and Development for PSC, Ms Dixon established collaborative agreements with public officials, recruited local leadership, and developed community based services in Delaware, West Virginia and North Carolina. During her 15 year tenure with FPS/PSC, she participated in numerous national, public/private initiatives, resulting in an array of innovative and research-based, community based alternatives for children, families and adults.

Ms. Dixon joined National Counseling Group, Inc. in April, 2008. “I couldn’t be more pleased or impressed by the clinical integrity, supportive management, and the investment in staff development and overall positive culture of this Virginia based, privately owned and family oriented agency.” Ms. Dixon will be working with State and NCG leaders to identify current and anticipated needs and objectives, best practice principles, cost efficient programming, outcome evaluation and continuous quality improvement methods. Ms. Dixon understands the necessity of strong public /private partnerships in order to effectively respond to the needs of communities, families and individuals… “NCG truly values collaboration and is committed to the development and maintenance of long-term relationships with community leaders, contracting agencies and other community stakeholders.”

Ms. Dixon lives with her husband, William, and her daughters, Maggie and Emma, on their fifth generation family farm in Madison, Virginia. Managing cows, hay production, chickens, donkeys, gardens and the Farmhouse, Betty and William are committed to preserving the historic dairy farm. The family farmhouse is available for therapeutic groups, weddings and, the “Buzzard Hollow Summer Concert Series.” Believing that such history, biodiversity and natural beauty teaches and heals, Ms. Dixon and her family intend to preserve, and share the family farm for many generations to come.

Christopher P. Baham

Executive Director of Therapeutic Foster Care

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Master of Divinity

Mr. Baham, an outstanding clinical social worker, provides excellence in the management of the various programs and services provided through the Richmond office. Chris has been with NCG since 2001, and as an LCSW and an ordained minister he brings to the company a myriad of knowledge and experience in the areas of mental health and pastoral care. Additionally, Chris is a graduate of Auburn University in Civil Engineering. Heeding a higher call to make a difference in the lives of the people around him, he pursued dual master degrees in the fields of pastoral care and social work. These degrees have been awarded from Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University. While at VCU, Mr. Baham was recognized by his peers through the presentation of the Outstanding Service Award in recognition of outstanding service contributed to the School of Social Work. Believing in the values of NCG, Chris is dedicated to the provision of quality services to our community, thereby effecting positive social change, one client at a time. In any situation, Chris believes that there is always hope.

Stephanie Ney

Regional Director
Serving Manassas, Annandale, Warrenton, Culpeper, Front Royal, and Winchester

Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
Marymount University, Master of Arts; George Mason University, Bachelor of Science

National Counseling Group, Inc. (NCG) hired Ms. Ney as an individual, group, and family therapist in 2000. She has treated adolescent and young adult clients addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in out-patient and home-based settings. Ms. Ney has conducted mental health and substance abuse assessments, individual and family counseling sessions, substance abuse education seminars, relapse prevention groups, and has co-facilitated the Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Program (including the adolescent therapy group, parent support group, and the Education Discussion Group).

Ms. Ney became a clinical supervisor in the Piedmont region for NCG in 2005. The Piedmont region included the following jurisdictions and counties: Fauquier, Rappahannock, Western Prince William, Culpepper, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Fredericksburg. Ms. Ney became Site Director for the Manassas Office in 2008, covering Prince William County, Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Loudoun County jurisdiction. In she became Regional Director to the Northern Virginia Region in 2009, which includes the Annandale, Manassas, Warrenton, Front Royal, Culpeper and Winchester Offices.

Ms. Ney serves as the Family Assessment Services Team (FAST) chair and private provider representative in Manassas City, on the Board of Directors for the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) in the Program Planning Committee, Board member for the Child Protection Partnership (CPP) board, and the Historian for the Prince William Regional Counselors Association (PWRCS). As well attends quarterly meetings for the Prince William County, Gang Response Intervention Team (GRIT).

Sean M. Blair

Regional Director
Serving Richmond, Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton

Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Mr. Blair completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Richmond and attained his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Springfield College in Massachusetts. He concluded his education in high academic standing, to include various honors, awards, scholarships, and fellowships.

National Counseling Group, Inc. (NCG) hired Mr. Blair as an individual, group, and family therapist in 1998. In fact, he served as the first home-based services counselor in the company. Since that time, Mr. Blair has assumed a variety of dynamic roles within the vastly growing organization.

As a therapist providing direct client services, Mr. Blair worked with adolescent and young adults, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in out-patient and home-based settings. He conducted mental health and substance abuse assessments, individual and family counseling sessions, substance abuse education seminars, relapse prevention groups, and co-facilitated the Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Program (including the adolescent therapy group, parent support group, and the Education Discussion Group).

From 2001 to 2002, Mr. Blair assisted in the development and formation of the NCG Richmond site. This was the first NCG office located outside of the Northern Virginia region. Here, he served as the clinical supervisor and business development coordinator.

Mr. Blair became the Director of the Piedmont region for NCG in 2004 and remained in this role through 2008. He led clinical and business operations while supervising a staff that provided quality home based counseling services throughout Fauquier, Rappahannock, Western Prince William, Culpeper, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.

In 2009, Mr. Blair became the Regional Director for Central Virginia, where he oversees the Richmond, Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton offices. He continues to implement systems, develop regional plans and goals, monitor compliance, manage an outstanding team of site directors, and assist in the growth of four new NCG offices.

Mr. Blair has been featured in international, national, and local media regarding his expertise in the field of mental health and substance abuse. Additionally, he has enjoyed presenting at national and local conferences, conventions, workshops, and seminars.

Mr. Blair maintains a strong commitment to health and physical well-being. He firmly believes in the mind-body connection and the strong influence that each entity has on the other. Mr. Blair’s personal accomplishments include winning the 1990 New Jersey State High School Soccer Championship, hiking 20 miles across the Grand Canyon in one day, and completing the 1999 Marine Corp Marathon in less than four hours. He also enjoys spending time with family and playing golf.

Mr. Blair is honored that NCG has become the community based provider of choice for many clients and referral sources. Please feel free to contact him with any questions or referrals via his work cellular phone, (703) 932-6984.

Holly M. Duggan

Regional Director
Serving Newport News, Virginia Beach, and the Eastern Shore

Ms. Duggan joined the team at National Counseling Group, Inc. in October 2001, shortly after the opening of the Richmond office. Ms. Duggan provided home based counseling to youth and families in the Richmond area for 3 years before her promotion to Assistant Director for the Richmond site. In June 2006, Ms. Duggan was offered a Site Director position and tasked with opening a brand new office in Newport News. Ms. Duggan assisted in the success of the Newport News site for 3 years and was then promoted to NCG Regional Director in June 2009. Ms. Duggan currently oversees operations for the Southeast Region of Virginia encompassing NCG’s Newport News, Virginia Beach, and Eastern Shore sites.

Ms. Duggan brings expertise to the National Counseling Group in the areas of family and youth counseling, family systems theory, building relationships in the community, and Medicaid guidelines. Originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Ms. Duggan graduated with honors in Psychology from St. Lawrence University in upstate New York where she was a member of Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honor Society. She also received the Peter Silverhart Award for her research in Psychology during her senior year. In college, Ms. Duggan participated in an internship at the Ogdensburg Psychiatric Facility for Youth working with teenage girls. Ms. Duggan later obtained her Master's of Science degree in Child and Family Studies at Syracuse University after completing her thesis on criminal persistence in juvenile delinquents. Ms. Duggan's counseling specialties include family systems, communication skills, anger management, problem solving, behavior modification, mediation, and parenting. As a member of the American Counseling Association, Ms. Duggan believes there is good in all people, and it takes love and respect to find it.

Angela Porter

Regional Director
Serving Roanoke and Martinsville

Paul Lawrence

Special Assistant to the President and CEO, Director of Legislative Affairs

Robert “Paul” Lawrence is the Special Assistant to the President and CEO of the National Counseling Group, Inc. and is the Vice President of the organization serving as the Director of Operations.

Mr. Lawrence is a tenth generation Fauquier County, Virginia native. Born in Warrenton, Virginia, he grew up in the village of Marshall (the ancestral home of, and named for, our country’s fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Marshall).

In lieu of High School, Mr. Lawrence was graduated from Randolph-Macon United States Air Force Academy in 1987 with the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Corps Commander for Operations. While attending the Academy he received the prestigious General Douglas A. MacArthur Award for excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership and is among the most prestigious awards given by the association of Military Schools and Colleges of the United States.

Mr. Lawrence went on to attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia graduating in 1990 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance and Real Estate Law. While attending JMU, Mr. Lawrence became a licensed Realtor® and a licensed property-casualty/life-health insurance agent. Also during this time period, Mr. Lawrence became a certified Emergency Medical technician-Paramedic and served in both paid and volunteer positions to include President of the Marshall Volunteer Rescue Squad and as a certified Law Enforcement Officer of the Commonwealth.

Upon graduation, Mr. Lawrence joined his father in the family’s insurance business which began in 1969. While serving as the office manager, Mr. Lawrence attended Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia and was graduated in 1998 with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Upon his father’s retirement in 1995, Mr. Lawrence assumed management of the insurance business and grew it to annual revenues in excess of three million dollars.

Mr. Lawrence is involved in many civic and community organizations to include the Shriners Hospitals for Children, served as Past Master Cochran Lodge No. 271 (2009), and co-chairman of the Marshall District Comprehensive Plan advisory committee.

Mr. Lawrence terminated his insurance business in early 2009 to join his friend and mentor, Thomas W. Minnick, in assisting with the management of the growing National Counseling Group enterprise.

Mr. Lawrence continues as the managing member of his family’s property corporation and enjoys politics, boating, and construction projects in his free time. He is married to Dr. Kimberley Ryan-Lawrence, DNP, FNP-C.