Founders
Our founders are passionate about collaborating with families and providers to help young people uncover their strengths, find hope and achieve their goals.
Eric Strickland
Founder, Chairman
“I have always been aware of the pressures females face in our society, but I have a new appreciation for these pressures since becoming a dad. I watch as our two girls battle the pressures of how they look, how they achieve in school and how they perform at sports. But even as I struggle to balance protecting them with allowing them their independence, they continue to amaze me with their ability to stand strong. I’m passionate about developing strength, character and leadership in young people, and this extends to my activities outside work through coaching and helping to lead a Scouts BSA troop.”
Eric is President & CEO of 3LS, Inc., an organization focused on strengthening families and communities 3LS, Inc. is the parent of the Omni Family of Services, which includes Omni Visions, Omni Community Health and 3LS Properties. He also founded Omni’s charitable foundation, The Omni Family Foundation. Before joining Omni Visions in 2005, he was with the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Gina Drobnick
Chief Executive Officer
“As a mother of two teenage boys, I struggle with teaching them how to balance responsibility with fun, how to be mature but cherish childhood, and how to rise to every occasion. And like all parents, we face challenges around screen time, disappointments, friend conflicts and respecting elders. Leading HopeNation is a perfect way to build my parenting muscle. With an amazing and talented group of clinicians who are specialized in treating children, teens and young adults, we are changing the landscape of care.”
Gina has more than 25 years of experience as an operations executive with a variety of public and private organizations. Her specialty is in building organizations where employees thrive and clients feel connected to the mission.
Steven Shampain, MA, LPC-MHSP
Executive Director, Group Practice
“Over the years that I have been in practice as a therapist and working with clients across the age spectrum with different mental health needs, one theme is consistent — we are driven by a desire to be in connection with one another, to be seen and heard by others. I have been challenged to remain present to my child’s needs, both physically and emotionally, despite the distractions of outside forces. It is in this that the foundations of true connection can be found. Patience and presence. In allowing others to relate to you in their own space and time, we are communicating to one another — I see you; I hear you; I am connected with you.”
Experienced in treating children and young adults through individual and group therapy, Steven has also focused on family communications and dynamics. He has worked with schools to develop behavioral plans for students, and with families and adolescents while as an Adolescent therapist with HCA Tristar Skyline Madison Behavioral Hospital. Steven has additional experience working with substance abuse and the LGBTQ+ populations.
Casey Merrill, LPC-MHSP
Executive Director, Campus Practice
“I made the exciting jump into the foster care world four years ago to learn that practical application of what we ask parents to do is easier said than done. There are days when every parent wants to shut out the noise, mess and smells of our wonderful children. My continued journey is to love and be present. We are all a system, a unit, and as a parent we are always called to act first, which can feel so draining. Envisioning myself and my family as a system of love and connection creates room for trial and error, new parenting strategies and quality time.”
A licensed professional counselor, Casey is trained in trauma-focused behavior therapy, family systems, addiction-based treatment and suicidal risk assessment. She’s been a counselor and therapist in private practice and several organizations, including Cumberland Heights and Omni Community Health.
Expert, passionate therapists make the difference.
HopeNation therapists are specially trained and have extensive experience working with children, teens and young adults, including the use of telemental health. Read their bios to learn about their background and personal experiences with young people.
Megan Witt
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Board certified Telehealth professional trainings. BCTP-1.
Steven Shampain
- Executive Director, Group Practice
- LPC-MHSP
- Boardcertified telehealth professional trainings. BCTP-1.
Casey Merrill
- Executive Director, HopeNation
- LPC-MHSP, NBCC
Emma Norton
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Texas
- Bachelors of Science, TCU
- Master of Art from Dallas Theological Seminary – 2021
- EMDRia approved EMDR trained
Bethany L. Keith
- LCSW
- Board certified Telehealth professional trainings. BCTP-1.
Adesola “Busola” Ojo
- National Certified Counselor
- LPC-MHSP
- BCTP-I, CCTP, EMDR-C