Meet the dedicated professionals behind the programs we offer at Laurel Heights Hospital. Our staff are passionate about offering comprehensive, compassionate care for young people who are in need of guidance and support.

Adewale Okeleji, M.D.

Medical Director – Chief Psychiatrist

Education: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Richmond University Medical Center-Staten Island, NY, American University of the Caribbean

Professional Affiliations: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Chief & Fellow; Faculty Role Appointment at Richmond University Medical Center

Experience: Lighthouse – Medical College of GA at Augusta University, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Richmond University Medical Center

Smitha Battula, M.D.

Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry

Education: Case Western Reserve University, Metro Health Medical Center, VA Medical Center in D.C.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships: American Psychiatric Association, Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association-Advocacy Representative, Andhra Pradesh Medical Council, India

Experience: Current Psychiatrist of Rainbow Kids Clinic in Marietta, Georgia, Albany Area Community Service Board

Chief Executive Officer: Corey Jackson

Corey is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a degree in Rehabilitation Studies with years of experience working with trauma, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, sexually reactive, and aggressive youth. Corey joined the senior management team at Laurel Heights in October of 2019. He is a certified instructor of Crisis Protection Intervention, Handle with Care, Verbal De-escalation, psycho drama facilitation, and is a Residential Child and Youth Care Professional facilitator through the University of Oklahoma.

Chief Financial Officer: Tiara Briscoe

Director of Nursing: Jasmine Gordon, RN

Human Resources Director: Saundra Newsum  

Saundra brings 25 years of HR experience from banking, manufacturing and technology industries to her role, and has dedicated her professional life to Laurel Heights Hospital for the past 19 years. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and teaching her granddaughter to be an exceptional person with multifaceted skills. With a B.A. in music, Saundra also is an accomplished singer.

Admissions Director: Christi Mcleod, LMSW

Christi is a true crisis interventionist in her role as Admissions Director – she calms the stormy waters of psychiatric crisis care with her demeanor and know how to connect parents, patients and staff to needed mental health services. She also worked in residential care in years past as a therapist and brings that level of care understanding to work every day to share with her team and others. Her southern roots in Alabama provide a model to follow: grace and kindness no matter how stressful the circumstances.

Director of Education/Principal: Marya Marcum-Jones, EdS

As a leader of teachers, Marya has loved working with them and watching each succeed with students and she fully supports in helping them both reach their potential in the classroom. Marya likes to tackle problems head on and enjoys working as part of a team. With 20 years in the educational field, she finds her own joy in developing spreadsheets for everything. Really.

Business Development Director: Sonya Rice, MBA

Sonya has seven years of experience in working with community mental health providers and with families, and once held a similar leadership position at Lake Bridge Hospital. She and her team are passionate about offering suicide prevention training and verbal de-escalation training, and creating autism-friendly environments. Her interests include design, animal rights and creative writing.

Director of Utilization Review: Leslie Williams, LPC, CPCS, ACS

Hailing from Somerset Kentucky, Leslie has served in the capacity as a licensed professional counselor in crisis centers, in-patient & outpatient hospitals, private practices, & homes across metro Atlanta. She served as a utilization review coordinator & now as the Director of Utilization Review Ms. Her committees, affiliations, & awards include: Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Psi Chi International Honor Society, & Spelman College Alumnae Association. An avid thrift shopper, in her free time, Leslie runs, Just Thrifted, an online clothing boutique where she provides personal shopping services & where one can purchase all of her amazing thrifted finds!

Director of Clinical Services: Ty Watson, LPC, NCC

Ty Watson is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience ranging from his work in Intake, mobile crisis, acute inpatient care, community counseling and private practice, as well as a trained CARF Surveyor. He has expert knowledge and training in trauma-informed care, depression, anxiety, family conflict, ADD and ADHD. As a Clinical Director, he has knowledge and expertise in regulatory compliance, clinical outcomes and documentation. On a lighter note, Ty is an avid poker player, and reading people is his superpower.

Associate Administrator: Rachel Pannell, MBA

With decades of experience working with children in acute crisis settings, psychiatric residential treatment facilities and group homes, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Laurel Heights and an innovative spirit to make programs and communication stronger to meet the needs of patients and their parents. She’s a Detroit, Michigan native and a New England transplant with a hobbies revolving around one word – SPORTS- watching them and playing them.

Laurel Heights Hospital’s professional staff are ready to help find the best treatment options for your child. Call 404-888-5475 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.