Neil McKinnell
Chairman of the Board
Neil McKinnell, the founder and Chairman of the Board for Evoke Wellness, has over 25 years of experience creating and leading successful businesses in e-commerce, real estate, manufacturing and distribution, and healthcare. As a seasoned executive, Neil’s ability to balance strategic decisions, financial discipline and a hands on approach to leadership has markedly helped Evoke Wellness establish a concrete foundation needed for its earned success.
Thomas Sibilia
Executive Director CAC
Thomas Sibilia serves as the Executive Director at Evoke Wellness in Hilliard, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a certified addiction counselor with an impressive 22-year tenure in the behavioral health sector. His journey commenced in South Florida, where he began as a dedicated volunteer at a treatment center before ascending through the ranks as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), ultimately attaining the esteemed position of Senior Vice President of Operations within a prominent organization.
Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas finds solace and creativity in strumming the guitar’s strings, a passion that has led him to actively participate in various musical ensembles.
Kailie Johnson MSSA, LSW
Clinical Director
Growing up in Cleveland, OH, Kai cherishes her upbringing on the shores of Lake Erie. With a bachelor’s in social work from Cleveland State University and a master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, her academic journey has been substantial. Currently enrolled as a doctoral candidate at Simmons University, Kai is working towards furthering her expertise.
Her journey in the field began 8 years ago as a tech at a treatment center, the steppingstone that led her to becoming a seasoned therapist. With a focus on aiding adolescents, adults, and families grappling with addiction and mental health concerns, her experience is diverse and impactful.
Kai’s notable contributions extend beyond the clinical realm. Her involvement spans local boards in Ohio and Florida, along with national boards dedicated to advocating for legislation that bolsters individuals affected by addiction. Beyond her professional dedication, leisure pursuits encompass sharing the joys of dance and yoga instruction, exploring the great outdoors through hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, and hanging out with her cats.
Her passion for this work is an unshakable belief in the inherent worth of all individuals and the potential for transformative change.
Rae Ann Smith, MSN, APRN, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Rae Ann has been an Adult Nurse Practitioner for 12 years. She received her master’s degree in nursing from The Ohio State University in 2011 and moved to Charlotte, NC where she worked in oncology, hospice, palliative medicine, and corrections. It was through her work in corrections that she was introduced to addiction medicine. She returned to Columbus, Ohio in 2016 where she continued to practice in the field of addiction medicine. Over the years, mental health and addiction have become her passion. She found Evoke Wellness in 2022 and loves the patient centered focus of the care given to every client. The atmosphere is relaxed and feels more like a home than a treatment facility.
In her spare time, Rae Ann enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has a son, Cameron, and a fur baby, Bella. Her hobbies include shopping, traveling, and collecting turtles. She also loves doing community service through her professional nursing sorority, Chi Eta Phi.
Shawnese Thompson
Director of Nursing BSN, RN
Shawnese was born and raised in Sharon, Pennsylvania. She has been a resident of Columbus, Ohio for two years now and is loving it. She came to expand her career opportunities as a nurse. This is her first position as a nurse in the substance use field. She has a history of working with mental health, intermediate, and ICU patients. To Shawnese, nursing isn’t just a profession; it is a passion for caring for people.
When caring for a client and witnessing their recovery from beginning to end, the results are so rewarding. She remembers her grandmother telling her, “People never forget how you make them feel,” and in this line of duty, it is essential to let the patients know you truly want them to feel like themselves again.
Staci Mitchell
Director of Admissions
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Staci recently transferred to Hilliard, Ohio to work with our amazing team doing what she loves. Staci is a motivated, empathetic, goal-driven, and strong communicator. She has worked in the substance use field for 4.5 years.
“I have this unique opportunity to encourage and empathize with clients who are engaging in a monumental, life-changing experience. Meeting them on their level and ensuring everyone receives the best client care possible that is tailored to their specific needs.”
Megan McCuan
Director of Human Resources and Recruiting
Born and raised just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, Megan moved to Westerville, Ohio for college in 2004 and has been in central Ohio ever since. Megan can best be described as Empathetic, goofy, resilient, creative, and motivated. This is the first time she has worked in the substance use field but has been in recovery for over 14 years.
“I love being an HR professional and leader because I get to work with a diverse population of employees, and I get to use my technical skills and knowledge to help an organization grow and develop. I love working at Evoke Wellness because I get to do all of these things in a recovery and cause-driven setting.”
Cody Palmer
Director of Business Development
Cody was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He has over four years of experience in the substance use field and knows the Ohio area very well. Cody can best be described as Persistent, motivated, sociable, reliable and friendly. As someone who is personally in recovery, he loves doing what he does because it allows him to give back to the community that he once took so much from.
Travis Fantauzzi
Director of Operations
Travis was born in New York City and raised in sunny Tampa, Florida. Travis graduated from Gulf High School. After high school, he attended South Florida University studying arboriculture. Travis’s training from South Florida University prepared him for his job as a certified tree climber, which he did for 10 years. Travis got his career in substance use as a behavioral health technician at Waves Recovery in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
From waves, Travis continued working as a BHT until he landed at Evoke Wellness at Miramar. Travis began his career with Evoke as BHT and quickly became the Lead BHT. Travis continued his journey moving to Massachusetts Evoke Wellness as the operations supervisor, promoted to operations manager and has been promoted to the director of operations. He has a strong work ethic and enjoys being a part of the Evoke family. In his free time, Travis likes to fish, grill, hike, go to the beach, or anything involving the outdoors.
Paige Doerfler
Clinical Therapist BSW, CDCA
Paige has a bachelor’s degree in social work and graduated from Ohio University in 2019. She completed her CDCA upon graduating and is currently working towards her LSW. Outside of work she spends her time at the gym and eating all the food. She enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors, with her dog and with her nieces and nephews! Paige has a passion for this population as it hits home. She enjoys helping others and being part of their recovery journey aiding and advocating. She has been engaged in the field since 2018 and initially worked in outpatient/sober living, then transitioned into detox and inpatient once she began working at Evoke Wellness.
Branson McCarthy
VA Case Manager
Branson is a CDCA Case Manager currently working towards his LCDC at Columbus State Community College. Branson was born and raised in Columbus and began his time in the Substance Use Disorder field in 2019 at Maryhaven as a Patient Care Assistant and found a passion for helping others which lead him to study further and become a case manager. After helping to start up a sober living community Branson joined Evoke when they opened the Ohio location and when the Veterans Program was established he happily accepted the role as his family was heavily involved with the armed forces and he wished to help in any way possible. In his free time, Branson loves to summit mountains, kayak, spend time with his family, and enjoy the little things in life.
Vashawn Thurston
Executive Chef
Vashawn Thurston, is an executive chef at Evoke Wellness LLC. She was born in Miami, FL and is a mother of three children. Vashawn has a love of cooking and helping others find success through food preparation. Prior to coming to Evoke Hilliard, she was employed through Evoke Wellness at Miramar where she worked through various positions before becoming executive chef at Evoke Cohasset. Vashawn loves what she does and it’s very evident in every meal she expertly crafts.
