Our Clinical Team
Leadership & Care Team
Call Now 1 (877) 874 – 8695
Call Now 1 (877) 874-8695
Call Now 1 (877) 874-8695
Call Now 1 (877) 874 – 8695
Norman Underwood, PhD, serves as Recovery Services Coordinator at Burning Tree Ranch. A Burning Tree alumnus, Norman brings both personal experience and a deep appreciation for the discipline, accountability, and integrity that define the Ranch’s approach to recovery. His commitment to these principles is reflected in his work with clients and his dedication to the culture that helped shape his own recovery.
Norman earned his PhD in Ancient History and Medieval Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, where he also received his master’s degree in Ancient Greek and Roman History. He graduated cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Medieval Studies. Prior to joining Burning Tree, Norman served as a college professor at New York University (NYU).
An avid reader and podcast enthusiast, Norman enjoys exploring museums and antique malls. Outside of work, he is passionate about serving those in need throughout his adopted home of North Texas and following NCAA basketball, especially his beloved Duke Blue Devils.
Daniel Goldman serves as the Director of Clinical Outreach in Los Angeles, supporting professional partners, families, and individuals throughout Southern California. Daniel is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II) and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) with more than a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. Since entering recovery in 2011, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of substance use disorders and long-term recovery. His work is grounded in the principles of personal accountability, family involvement, clinical integrity, and long-term recovery—values that have helped define Burning Tree’s approach to treatment since 1999.
Dan Garza, LCDCi serves as the Lead Treatment Technician at Burning Tree Lodge, where he supports daily operations, provides leadership and training to operational staff, and helps ensure the team upholds Burning Tree’s high standards of care, accountability, and safety for clients. As an alumnus of Burning Tree Ranch, Dan brings a unique perspective and personal commitment to the mission of recovery, helping foster a culture of excellence and integrity throughout the program. A lifelong Austin native, Dan is passionate about living a life of sobriety and service. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time at his family ranch, cheering on Texas Longhorn football, and making memories with his dog, Clyde
Kim Zimmerman serves as an Admissions Specialist for Burning Tree Programs, where she is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission to create a life of excellence beyond sobriety. As an alumna of Burning Tree Ranch, Kim brings both professional experience and a deeply personal understanding of the program’s impact, having maintained her sobriety since 2019 by continuing to apply its principles. Prior to joining The Burning Tree Team, Kim built a successful career in corporate America, specializing in project management and relationship development. Her ability to connect with families, combined with her firsthand experience, allows her to guide others with both clarity and compassion. Kim resides in Dallas, Texas, with her Goldendoodle, Finley.
Jesse Earwood serves as Chief Operating Officer for Burning Tree Programs. With more than a decade of dedicated service in various roles—including Executive Director of Burning Tree Ranch—he brings deep operational expertise, steady leadership, and a strong commitment to Burning Tree’s mission of creating a life of excellence beyond sobriety. He oversees all program operations across Ranch and Lodge, ensuring clinical and operational alignment and maintaining the progress-based standards that define Burning Tree’s reputation for lasting recovery. As an alumnus of Burning Tree Ranch, Jesse applies his experience toward supporting employees, strengthening team cohesion, and protecting the long-term vision of Burning Tree—so that clients and families continue to benefit from the depth, structure, and accountability our programs provide. A scratch golfer, he enjoys a full life in long-term sobriety and continues to lead by example in all he does.
Olivia Jensen-Seay is the Professional Relations Manager at Burning Tree, where she works directly with attorneys, wealth advisors, and private clinicians who support families facing the challenges of chronic addiction and relapse. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Olivia is passionate about public speaking, service, and creative solutions to complex personal and social issues. Her early career included curating film series and cultivating relationships with patrons, artists, and independent filmmakers through the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival. She brings clarity, professionalism, and empathy to her role. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys gymnastics, horseback riding, and gardening—pursuits that reflect her energetic and grounded approach to life and service.
Meghan Beck is a clinically trained addictions counselor pursuing her Advanced Technical Certificate in Addictions Counseling from Austin Community College and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas State University. With over eight years of frontline experience, Meghan has facilitated individual, group, and family sessions across multiple treatment settings. Her clinical strengths include case management, crisis de-escalation, safety planning, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Meghan’s academic distinction includes earning the Chancellor’s Honor Roll for a 4.0 GPA. She brings mature insight, rigorous training, and deep personal commitment to the field of substance use disorder treatment.
Scott serves as a clinical team member for Burning Tree Lodge. With a B.A. in Accounting and an A.A. in Addiction Studies, Scott blends academic discipline with practical insight into the recovery process. His foundation in clinical care is supported by his experience as a Recovery Advocate, where he guided clients through early sobriety with empathy and structure. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Scott brings integrity, focus, and calm under pressure to his work. Families can trust in his education-based approach—one rooted in service, accountability, and the belief that recovery begins with consistency, compassion, and one meaningful connection at a time.
Shana Hightower, LCDCI is the Director of Client and Alumni Experience at Burning Tree Lodge and an alumna of the program. She works closely with the Executive Clinical Director to help lead the treatment community and guide clients through the core teachings of the Big Book. Her role fosters client engagement in sponsorship, accountability, and long-term connection. Actively working her spiritual program, Shana leads by example—creating a strong, principled recovery environment during treatment and beyond.
Shirley Paniagua is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor at Burning Tree Lodge. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services – Addiction Counseling from Austin Community College, where she graduated with honors as a Phi Theta Kappa member. Shirley has worked across outpatient, emergency, and community-based programs, including Integral Care and Oak Springs. Her clinical experience includes assessments, individual and group counseling, discharge planning, and resource coordination. Shirley is passionate about helping underserved populations, especially those impacted by homelessness and addiction. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work.
Holly Serves as an Admissions Specialist for Burning Tree Programs. Having worked in various clinical roles throughout her career, what Holly most enjoys is connecting clients and families with the services they need to achieve their full potential in recovery. With the ultimate goal of becoming a licensed therapist, she is currently completing her degree in Social Work. Certified as a Mindfulness In Recovery Facilitator, she seeks to lend a sense of calm, diligent attention to the important needs of each and every loved one who seeks help from the Burning Tree organization.
Eric Button serves as Chief Relations Officer of Burning Tree Programs. Eric works to unite our families with the clinical process at Burning Tree Ranch, introducing each family to the support, education, and resources available throughout their loved one’s treatment process. As an alumnus, he shares his personal recovery story throughout the United States, helping connect as many families as possible to the wide network of professionals who, like Eric, are dedicated to improving the lives of others. An avid aircraft enthusiast and aviator, Eric has been sober since 2005. He and his fiancé reside in Austin, TX.
Brook McKenzie serves as Chief Executive Officer for Burning Tree Programs. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a Member of The American Counseling Association (ACA), The National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Counselors (NAADAC), and The Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP). With compassion, understanding, and insight, Brook seeks to engage in the healing experience of every family Burning Tree serves. He is also the author of You’re Waiting on You, a guide offering families practical tools for navigating addiction and relapse. Happily married with two young boys, he enjoys fatherhood, sobriety, and all the wonders of living a whole life in recovery.
William “Chance” Lippert, LCDCI, serves as a Clinical Case Manager at Burning Tree Lodge, where he coordinates care, communication, and accountability for clients and families navigating recovery. Drawing on a strong foundation in 12-Step philosophy and substance use treatment, Chance manages admissions follow-through, conducts assessments, and helps shape individualized treatment and discharge plans. He acts as a primary point of contact for referents, providing timely updates and ensuring continuity across clinical and operational teams. Known for integrity, clear communication, and firm boundaries, Chance supports clients in building responsibility, structure, and sustainable change while maintaining meticulous documentation and collaborating with the treatment team to ensure consistent, accountable care.
Kristi Miles serves as a Medical Assistant for Burning Tree Lodge. She has been a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant for 11 years and has worked in various specialties during that time. Some of these include pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, and rheumatology. She has worked in the substance abuse treatment field for almost 6 years.
Aaron Ball serves as the Director of Nursing for Burning Tree Lodge. He has been an Registered Nurse for 12 years and has worked in many different specialties. He has spent the last 5 years working across the entire spectrum of the substance abuse treatment field and has found a passion for working with those that struggle with addiction and alcoholism. His own personal experience with recovery has granted him a unique and valuable perspective that allows him to serve this patient population most effectively.
