Robert Merritt, MSN, RN

Chief Executive Officer

Robert Merritt MSN, RN is the CEO of Myrtle Recovery Centers (MRC), Inc. focusing on substance use disorders in rural Tennessee and Kentucky. Robert is a 20-year experienced veteran in the areas of the treatment center,  behavioral healthcare, operations, compliance, finance, and marketing.  Previous roles include serving as an Administrative Director at Tenet Healthcare, an Independent Consultant at The Regional Medical Center, and the Senior Director of Nursing Services at Dignity Health.

Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated expertise and great success in implementing new programs, improving patient care, increasing staff retention, and enhancing operational efficiency.  Robert has also acted in multiple academic positions including clinical instructor, guest lecturer and healthcare educator.

Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from the University of Phoenix.

Douglas “Doug” Bates, LCSW, LISAC, ACHP-SW, CAGCS, CCTP, APHSW-C, FT, C-DBT

Clinical Director and Director of Program Development

Doug is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed independent substance abuse counselor with multiple certifications in Hospice & Palliative Care, Grief and Bereavement, Trauma and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He has worked in the fields of end-of-life/grief/loss as well as addiction and trauma throughout his 27 years as a clinician. Doug is from Sevierville Tennessee and received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology earning a concentration in Gerontology and Religion from Carson-Newman College. He then earned a Masters of Science in Social Work with a focus on Clinical Social Work and received further recognition in the area of Thanatology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In 2003, Doug made the decision to move out west to Arizona and was fortunate to work for the Meadows in Wickenburg Arizona honing his skills with childhood trauma and its impact on addiction and codependency and the holistic recovery of mind, body, and spirit. With his proficiency in family systems, he started out as a Family Therapist and then moved into Primary Care assisting those both directly and indirectly affected by addiction and the secondary symptoms of depression and anxiety due to trauma. He has also worked for several years in the field of Hospice & Palliative Care working the entire end-of-life continuum as a clinician and in leadership as well as a lecturer/professor/adjunct faculty for Community Colleges and has moved/worked between Arizona and California until 2023 when he made the decision to return ‘home’ to the Smoky Mountains to be close to his family. We are fortunate to have him as our Clinical Director and Director of Program Development here at Myrtle Recovery Centers.

Samantha Hamza

Case Manager

Samantha is a case Manager at Myrtle Recovery Centers.  Samantha has in-depth experience working with drug courts and the criminal justice system. In previous roles, she has worked as a court reporter and case manager for the City of St. Louis: 22nd Judicial Circuit Drug Court.  She has worked under multiple judges in criminal, civil, juvenile, and drug courts for Mecklenburg County District Court: Charlotte, NC. Samantha also has experience working as a paralegal in multiple law firms relating to criminal and civil matters.

As a case manager, Samantha plays a pivotal role in the continuum of care for individuals navigating the complexities of addiction recovery. From the moment a client enters treatment, Samantha works closely with them to assess their needs, establish goals, and develop personalized recovery plans. This collaborative process not only empowers clients to take ownership of their recovery journey but also fosters trust and rapport, which are essential for effective support. She coordinates with medical professionals, therapists, social workers, and community resources to ensure that clients receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs.

Samantha has an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from King’s College, Charlotte, NC, associate’s degree in education from Roane State Community College, Huntsville, TN and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN.  She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work.

Jami Burton

Receptionist & Intake Coordinator

Jami is the receptionist and intake coordinator here at Myrtle Recovery Centers. In previous roles, Jami spent eight years working at the Senior Citizen Center where she worked closely with the elderly in her community. Jami has also worked as a caregiver.

With a passion for caring for others, we are extremely thankful that Jami is one of the first people our patients encounter during their time at Myrtle. Jami is with patients throughout their time here at Myrtle, supporting them every step of the way.

Carl Bell

Behavioral Health Tech

Carl is a behavioral health tech at and a previous graduate of our inpatient program at Myrtle.  Having spent time at multiple treatment centers, we’re glad Carl finally got the support he needed with us and we are proud to have him as a colleague.  Before becoming a behavioral health tech, Carl was a volunteer at Myrtle.   

His insight into our program from both the patient and employee side is invaluable, giving him special expertise and understanding in his job role. As a behavioral health tech, Carl is responsible for helping to implement treatment plans developed by our licensed treatment team, he monitors clients’ progress, and helps them develop and maintain healthy coping mechanisms. He also plays a crucial role in providing emotional support to clients, helping them manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.  His compassion and understanding towards addiction, and passion to help people take the next steps in their recovery journey is unmatched and we are very thankful to have him as part of our team.