Our Team

Frederic J. Wilson, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Frederic J. Wilson is a licensed MD specializing in psychiatry. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and his specializations include dual diagnosis with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and behavioral problems. He received his undergraduate degree from California Lutheran University and attended medical school at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. His general psychiatry residency was completed with the UT Southwestern Program in Austin. He has experience at a number of facilities including Seton Shoal Creek, the University of Texas Mental Health Center, Austin State Hospital, Dell Children’s Medical Center, and more.

As Medical Director of Nova Recovery Center, Dr. Wilson sees clients on a regular basis. Dr. Wilson utilizes a multidimensional approach to the mental health needs of Nova clients, incorporating biological, psychological, and social aspects into addiction treatment.

To learn more about Dr. Wilson, please visit his website.

Jennifer Matthews, LPC, NCC, CDWF

Clinical Director

Jennifer Matthews has been in practice since 2006. She specializes in assessment, complex trauma work, and addressing shame-based behaviors in addiction treatment. She has worked in several states, for both non-profit and for profit agencies. Ms. Matthews has 4 years experience in residential treatment settings, including implementing the Daring Way curriculum into programs. She also has several years experience in all other levels of care in both substance abuse and mental health focused treatment.

Jenn completed an internship in 2008 at Southeast Alabama Medical Center Behavioral Medicine Unit and Alta Care. She has been a National Certified Counselor since 2011. She received her EMDR training in 2013. She has been a Certified Daring Way Facilitator since 2013.

Ms. Matthews received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Troy University in 2006, Cum Laude. She completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Troy University in 2008, Summa Cum Laude.

Brittney Lollis

Clinical Counselor

Brittney has a Bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis and a Master’s degree in social work. She is an LMSW, LCDC, and a Master Addictions Counselor (MAC). Before working for Nova, Brittney was an employee at Recovery Place in Savannah, Georgia where she worked in DUI court before transitioning to the women’s residential program as the Therapeutic Childcare Coordinator. In this position, she worked with clients and their children to rebuild communication and parenting skills and improve the family dynamic. As the court liaison for the Family Dependency Therapeutic Court Program, she also met with lawyers, judges, and child welfare representatives to provide treatment reports for mothers in the program. Upon completion of her Master’s degree, Brittney transitioned to in-home care for teens struggling with addiction. She began working for Nova in August of 2016 and currently serves as a residential Clinical Counselor, facilitating process groups, individual and family therapy sessions, and chemical dependency education. Brittney is passionate about working with chronic relapse clients and she enjoys seeing sober alumni come back to share their story. In her free time, Brittney enjoys shopping, camping, hiking, yoga, playing with her dog Shane, and playing adult slowpitch softball during the summertime.

John Olrech

Recovery Specialist Director

John has worked in the addiction treatment field for more than seven years. He has served as a team member in various roles, including a Resident Care Associate, Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Manager, and a Recovery Specialist, helping numerous clients implement the 12-step values as they transition from rehab to independent sober living. Currently, he also leads 12-step groups, co-facilitates Nova’s three-day intensive Family Program, and oversees the Recovery Specialist Department and the Clinical Department with the goal of maintaining the unification and culture on the Nova campus. John has been with Nova since October of 2014 because he firmly believes in the company’s vision. “Nova is not centered on creating an image or producing a cookie-cutter version of someone in recovery,” he says. “Nova is very interested in maintaining one’s truth, while at the same time, introducing them to a community in which one person cares about another.” In his free time, John enjoys playing music in a band, spending time with friends, playing golf, and meditating. He is also married and has a fourteen-year-old son.

Nick Tolar

Recovery Advocate Manager

Nick worked in several different industries before accepting a position with Nova in April of 2013. He chose to pursue a career with Nova because he wants to do his part in helping people start their sobriety journey and be an example for others. Nick is in recovery himself and serves as the Recovery Advocate Manager, overseeing Recovery Advocates in detox and residential rehab, managing the company transportation, and fulfilling daily client needs while ensuring the safety of all clients in recovery. When he’s not working, Nick likes to watch movies, travel, exercise, cook and try new foods. He also really enjoys driving around with no particular destination while listening to music.

Derek Stone

Recovery Specialist

Derek struggled with addiction at a very young age and first experienced the freedom of recovery at the age of 20. He received his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois and has nearly eight years of professional experience in substance abuse treatment. At Nova Recovery Center, Derek guides clients through a spiritual process of awakening and growth. As a mission-driven person, he gravitates toward mission-driven companies, so working for Nova was a chance to pursue a set of values that both he and the company share. Derek also enjoys the family atmosphere that Nova provides. “Within a month of working here, I already felt like family,” he says. “I’ve never experienced that anywhere before.” When he’s not working or attending recovery meetings for his own recovery, Derek actively sponsors others, maintains his recovery blog (bigbookwizard.com), and facilitates recovery-related workshops. He also enjoys a game of chess or Magic the Gathering and is an avid reader.