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
Kathleen Trott MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Kathleen Trott began working in addiction medicine in 2003. She received her Medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Services Center, and completed her residency at the Oregon Health Services Center.
Before pursuing medicine Dr. Trott earned undergraduate degrees in finance, Mandarin Chinese, and chemistry.
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.”
Lauren Lathers
Counselor, LPC, ICS, CSAC
Lauren received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University and has been working in the substance abuse and mental health counseling field since 2013. Lauren is passionate about holistic approaches to wellness which include eating healthy, practicing yoga, and spending time with dogs.
“My clients have taught me that resilience is real. I enjoy seeing them embrace recovery and grow as young adults. I’m grateful to be part of a compassionate team that truly cares.”
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.”
Zach Rehbein-Jones
COUNSELOR, APSW, SAC-IT
Zach has been a part of the Milwaukee recovery community since 2017. Zach received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee and has been working in the substance abuse and mental health counseling field for the past year. His interests include running, traveling, and watching Wisconsin pro sports.
“The Roots Recovery program was key to turning my life around. I’m grateful to now have the opportunity to help clients in their journey towards recovery.”
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.”
Mark Milaeger
COUNSELOR | LPC-IT
Mark has been in recovery since 2009. He received his Master’s Degree in Community Psychology from Alverno College and has been working in the substance abuse and mental health counseling field since 2018. Mark enjoys going to Bucks and Brewers games, going to concerts and spending time with his family, friends and dog.
“It is a very special thing to be let into somebody’s life and help them work on their recovery. It is so rewarding to see them grow and live the life of their dreams. I am so grateful that my clients allow me to do that.”
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
“If I can do it, anyone can do it, if they are ready. My passion is helping others beat their addiction. I am committed to helping as many people as possible successfully complete the Roots program. I believe that education and understanding addiction is a key part of recovery.
Many of the residents in my house remind me of myself. Initially not really knowing what to expect. Trying to understand all the new rules and expectations being asked of me. As each day passes learning how to get along with completely new people and learning how to hold each other accountable for each other’s success or failure. It’s tough at first, but as the friendships build so do the small successes.”
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.
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.“
Kasie Viste
House Manager
“I was hopeless and desperate before I got to Roots, I did not know how to live a life without drugs or alcohol. I struggled with mental health as well as addiction. With some hard work and help from the Roots program I built a solid foundation of recovery. Today I live a life I never dreamt of. It is humbling and surreal to be in a position to help other women get from where I was, to where I am today.“
Brandon Luedke
House Manager
“I was so tired, hopeless, and scared when I got into Roots. I was sick of burning bridges with people who cared about me. After a lot of hard work, determination, and the help of the program, I found a new way to live. Giving back and helping the next struggling addict or alcoholic is what I love to do now, I see a little bit of myself in everyone who comes in, and I know if I can do it anybody can do it.”
Sean Held
House Manager
“I came to Roots extremely broken and afraid. My drug addiction brought me to a point where I thought I was hopeless. Roots offered more than just a sober environment. They helped me stay focused on my recovery and learn to help others. I took what I learned at Roots and now apply it to my everyday living. My success in life internally and externally are owed to Roots Recovery. Without it I don’t know if I would be here today.”
Joey White
House Manager
“Once I realized I could not get sober on my own, Roots was there to show me the way with love, support, and a program that really works. All I had to do was put in the work and follow the steps that were laid out for me. I was desperate to try anything to just have a smile on my face again. Roots gave me that and more, and now I am blessed to have the opportunity to help others find their purpose and meaning in life in recovery.”
Iz Palmer
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.”
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