Roots Recovery
Meet our Team
THE ROOTS RECOVERY COMMUNITY
Working in the addiction recovery industry is unique, rewarding work — and above all else, it’s work that fosters fellowship. We believe that one of our greatest strengths lies in our ability to build lasting relationships between our clients, alumni, and recovery staff that lead to a lifetime of support.
Our team is made up of compassionate, caring professionals who are dedicated to helping our clients overcome addiction so that they can live a happier, healthier life free from substances. When you’re here, you’ll have the best chance to get sober, begin a new life in recovery, and discover a sense of belonging and community.
Our Leadership Team
Our organization was founded by individuals who understand addiction, because they overcame addiction for themselves. It was their own journey that inspired them to develop the Roots Recovery program, and it continues to inspire our leadership team to help others beat their addictions so that they can achieve the life and future that they deserve.
Jeremy Jaeger
Executive Director
Jeremy Jaeger has been part of the recovery community since 2010. Recognizing a need for structured sober living in the Milwaukee area, Jeremy and his partner Ruby Jaeger opened their first sober living house in 2012. Roots Recovery came about in order to meet a further need of young people in early recovery: abstinence-based counseling and therapeutic support.
Trevor Nettles
Chief Operating Officer
Trevor has been a member of the Milwaukee recovery community since 2013.
“My favorite part of the job is really getting to know the clients that I can relate to so well. I see myself in all of them, and watching everyone grow and change at their own pace is so rewarding.”
Trevor enjoys spending time with his dog, Annie, and playing for the Milwaukee Hurling Club.
Ruby Jaeger
Chief Administrative Officer
Ruby Jaeger has a family perspective on addiction and recovery. Her background is in art and design, and she brings that sensibility to the creative problem-solving, environmental design, policy drafting, and workplace organization that she implements and oversees at Roots.
Our Clinical Team
Julie Chicks, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Julie Chicks is a distinguished alumna of UW-Madison Medical School and has been actively involved in the addiction field since 2010. Guided by the core belief that each person is unique and deserves personalized care, she is dedicated to tailoring her approach to each of our client’s individualized needs.
“I’m most excited about cultivating meaningful connections with my colleagues and clients at Roots, and providing quality care to help people reclaim their lives from addiction.”
Rachel Packee
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR, ICS, LPC, SAC
Rachel received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mount Mary University and has been working in the mental health and substance abuse field since 2014. Rachel values a strong therapeutic alliance, exercise, and spending time with her two cats. Rachel is devoted to treating the whole person and believes that everyone has a chance at recovery.
“The power of therapy and recovery is real; my clients show me that every day. I’m proud to say I work for Roots Counseling Services, where I’ve been able to watch clients turn their lives into a life worth living.”
Sarah Fink
COUNSELOR | ATR-P, LPC-IT
Sarah received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Art Therapy from Mount Mary University and has been working in the mental health and substance abuse field since 2021. Sarah aspires to create a therapeutic space that cultivates growth, welcomes vulnerabilities, and provides opportunities for empathetic witnessing.
“Working in counseling has taught me that we are only human. But it is our responsibility to be self-aware of these ‘imperfections,’ understand them and approach them with a new perspective to help better ourselves, while simultaneously giving ourselves some grace in the process if we falter.”
Cole Fulton
HEAD CLINICIAN, LPC, SAC
Cole has been a substance abuse counselor since 2016, and he is a fan of fishing, camping, and anything that involves the outdoors.
“My background is in secondary education, but I have found that counseling is a real passion of mine. Being a part of someone’s recovery process is an extremely rewarding experience.”
Ryan Rasmussen
Counselor | SAC-IT
Ryan has been a part of the Milwaukee recovery community since 2016. A former college basketball player, Ryan is involved in recovery focused basketball and softball leagues.
“Working with clients is such a humbling experience because I see a lot of myself in so many of them. Using my experience and continued education I hope that I can help others realize that recovery is possible. Working at Roots is so rewarding and I am grateful for it everyday.”
Kasie Viste
COUNSELOR, SAC-IT
Kasie has been a part of the Roots and Milwaukee recovery community since 2021. Kasie loves spending time with family and friends, particularly outdoors playing sports like volleyball.
“Combining my personal experience with continued education and training puts me in position to help people realize their true potential. Everyone deserves an opportunity to better themselves, and I’m proud to be a small part in that journey.”
Madeline Devine
COUNSELOR, SAC-IT
Madeline received a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2024, and has been a part of the Milwaukee recovery community since 2014. In her free time, Madeline loves spending time with her family and friends, and taking her daughter on outdoor adventures around Milwaukee.
“My personal experience allows me to really connect with clients – I have been in their shoes. The most gratifying part of my job is helping clients realize there is an entire life to live after they get sober and helping them learn who they really are and what they’re capable of.”
Our Operations Team
Kayla Guarniere
Administrator
Kayla has been a part of the Milwaukee recovery community and a former house manager since she completed the Roots program in 2017. She joined the administration team at the counseling center in 2021.
“Working with people, especially in the recovery community continues to be a passion of mine. It brings me joy to be a part of clients’ recovery journey and see the growth day by day. I am so grateful for the opportunities I continue to receive at Roots.”
James Alder
Administrator
James first gained interest in working in the addiction field after completing the Roots sober living program in 2013. James utilizes his own experiences in recovery to connect with clients on a personal level. James’ interests include mindfulness, meditation, denim, Naruto, and organic, local foods.
Ethan Grube
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
“Working at roots recovery is a dream come true. There is nothing I’d rather do than play a small part in people, from alumni to new clients, bettering themselves and living better lives.”
Sean Held
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
“After being a house manager for a few years I knew I wanted to remain with Roots in some capacity. Joining the community and alumni outreach team was a natural fit for me – I know firsthand how critical these relationships and support networks are for people in recovery.”
Our Sober Living Team
Each of our sober living homes are led by house managers who help make sure residents are supported and stay accountable for themselves and their peers. Our house managers are alumni of our Roots Recovery program, making them especially equipped to understand the unique struggles — and rewards — of overcoming addiction.
Maggie Oertel
House Manager
“Before my journey at Roots, I felt like I was out of options. I had tried different things to get sober, but I always ended up in the same position I started. Throughout my time in Roots I met women in the program who modeled a new way of living that gave me hope. I began to believe in myself and I am grateful that I gave myself the opportunity, so that I may now help other women in recovery achieve a life that they find meaningful.”
Shaudé Jones
House Manager
“Before I came to Roots I had lost just about everything and everyone. Roots has helped me become a better person, and is still pushing me to be better everyday. The friendships I’ve gained in the program are ones that I will have for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back what was so freely given to me and help new residents find their way.”
Isiah Rosenblatt
House Manager
“I came to Roots looking for a different way to live. Roots gave me a safe space and community. I am grateful to be working for the organization that set me on the right path, I enjoy sharing my experiences and leading newcomers to a fulfilling life.”
Nathan Lange
House Manager
“I came to Roots feeling hopeless. I had ruined relationships with those who cared about me most. I didn’t even know what “recovery” looked like. Roots helped me find a new way of living, and I am blessed to be a part of that same journey for new residents.”
Brennan Garrettson
House Manager
“Coming into Roots I had done what seemed like irreversible damage to my life and to my relationships through my abuse of drugs and alcohol. Roots pushed me to develop an active program of recovery and as a result I have done things I never thought possible – including repairing relationships with family and friends. I am beyond grateful to be a part of the program that helped me rebuild my life.”
Brennan currently attends UW-Milwaukee, and as a fan of live music he enjoys exploring the Milwaukee concert scene.
Chandler Tedlie
House Manager
“Roots Recovery has changed my outlook on life and shown me how to sustain long term sobriety. I am thrilled to be a part of a team that creates a supportive community for those seeking help and a chance to break free from addiction.”
In his free time Chandler is a long distance runner and he loves finding new routes to run all around Milwaukee.
Hannah Caves
House Manager
“I view my life as before Roots and after Roots. Before I came to Roots, I felt extremely confused, afraid, and hopeless. This program gave me a new lease on life, and it’s one that I’m excited for. I have learned how to live sober, and built a beautiful life I didn’t know was possible. Today I am passionate about helping others as others helped me.“
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