Sonya McKee lcsw-c
Chief Executive Officer & Clinical Director
With more than 20 years in addiction and mental health treatment, Sonya serves as Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Director. Her experience spans direct clinical care and director-level leadership, providing a comprehensive understanding of treatment delivery from frontline work to operational oversight.
She spent over a decade delivering culturally responsive services to the Seminole Tribe of Florida through long-term partnership and travel-based clinical work. Combined with extensive inpatient substance use treatment experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, she developed a strong foundation in the structure essential to residential recovery. As a licensed clinical social worker and private practice owner, she leads Upton House with integrity and a commitment to ethical, person-centered care.
LAURA DONOWAY LCSW-C
Clinical Quality Officer
Laura serves as Clinical Quality Officer for Upton House. With over 15 years of experience in inpatient substance use disorder treatment, including leadership as a Program Director, she is highly experienced in CARF accreditation, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and clinical documentation standards.
Although she does not provide direct clinical services within the program, her background in direct care informs her oversight. Her expertise in indirect care and her relational approach support program integrity, staff accountability, and meaningful client engagement.
Jason Cooper
Residential Operations Offcer
As Residential Operations Officer, Jason oversees the daily operations of the home, ensuring structure, accountability, and consistency within the residential environment. His leadership helps create a stable foundation where residents can grow in responsibility and independence.
Rooted in lived recovery experience and the 12-step model, he believes recovery extends beyond abstinence, it’s about rebuilding identity, strengthening relationships, and reconnecting to purpose. In his own recovery, Jason values spirituality found in nature, music, and practices like surfing that cultivate presence and connection to something greater than oneself. His steady presence reinforces both operational stability and authentic recovery.
Gene Woollen
Recovery Program Coordinator
With over 20 years in recovery and 10+ years of professional experience in the field, Gene is committed to helping individuals do the real work of recovery. Grounded in 12-step principles, he emphasizes service, accountability, structure, and daily action. Gene leads by example, supporting residents in building disciplined habits that sustain long-term change.
MARGOT
Emotional Support Companion
Through her presence, Margot supports the relational and emotional aspects of recovery. In active addiction, the ability to feel, connect, and regulate in healthy ways becomes dulled or disrupted. Addiction often reduces life to a single focus and mutes empathy, distancing us from meaningful connection. In the midst of rebuilding, she offers simple moments that help residents reconnect with laughter and and the world around them.