Pasadena Villa

Our Leadership Team

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Our leadership team is composed of compassionate, experienced professionals who help make it possible for Pasadena Villa to provide life-changing treatment every day.

Pasadena Villa - CEO - Angel Piper

Angel Piper

Chief Executive Officer

Pasadena Villa Network

Angel Piper brings over 20 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, with a strong background in leadership roles, including program development, clinical oversight, business development, and assessment and referral. For the past six years, she has served as CEO at various behavioral health hospitals, where she has made significant contributions to improving patient care.

Angel holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business from Virginia Commonwealth University and later pursued an MSW and LCSW. She has worked with diverse populations, including adolescents, adults, active-duty service members, and veterans. Her passion for behavioral health drives her commitment to enhancing patient care systems and patient experience.

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John Kupfner, MD

Medical Director

Pasadena Villa Network

Dr. John Kupfner, our Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director, is a respected leader in the mental health field. With extensive experience, including his current role as Department Chair at Peninsula Behavioral Health in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Kupfner has contributed to the community as a mental health expert on radio and television, appearing on WUOT, WLVT, WATE, and WBIR.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his Medical Doctorate from the University of New York State, Buffalo School of Medicine. Dr. Kupfner completed his Psychiatry Residency at the University of Virginia and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the same institution. His leadership and expertise make him a key member of our dedicated team, ensuring the highest quality care for those we serve.

Brenda Keller, CEO, Smoky Mountain Lodge and the Stables Autism Program

Brenda Keller

Chief Executive Officer

Smoky Mountain Lodge + The Stables

Brenda Keller is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in clinical services, intake, risk management, and leadership roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Asbury University and a master’s in counseling from Kaplan University. 

Brenda is passionate about all aspects of treatment. She uses solution-focused DBT, CBT, and other therapeutic modalities to help individuals heal from trauma and lead fulfilling lives. As a certified RYT 500 yoga teacher, Brenda integrates the mind-body connection into therapy, supporting healing through breath and movement. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs and teaching yoga.

Eric Forestal - CEO of Great Lakes - Headshot

Eric Forestal

Chief Executive Officer

Great Lakes

Eric Forestal brings over a decade of experience in mental health, starting as a behavioral health technician and advancing through management, director, and executive-level roles. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Indiana University and an MBA from Tennessee State University.

Eric is deeply committed to delivering high-quality care, inspired by witnessing the transformative impact of successful treatment on individuals’ lives. As a former clinician, he views leadership as an opportunity to empower his team, leveraging their collective strengths to provide exceptional service to clients. Eric enjoys weightlifting and engaging with local recovery communities outside of work. 

Pasadena Villa - The Grove - Jim Patton

Jim Patton

Chief Executive Officer

The Grove

Jim Patton brings over 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience and executive leadership to Pasadena Villa. Previously, he served as executive director at Wise Path Recovery Centers and held leadership roles at OVP Health Recovery Center and Charleston Comprehensive Treatment Center, managing a 1,000-patient MAT program.

With 13 years of sobriety, Jim combines personal understanding with professional expertise, fostering leadership rooted in integrity and respect. He holds a master’s in education from Eastern University and is committed to compassionate, high-quality care.