Meet the Owners

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Craig LaSeur is the Clinical Director of Growing Hope Recovery. His approach to healthcare revolves around a client centered experience delivered by an effective and healthy organization. Entering the behavioral health field in 1999, he has a diverse and rich history of direct client care, program development, practical application of compliance measures, building effective teams and responding to change in the industry. 

While he grew up in Chicago, Illinois and received a Master’s degree from the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction, his career has taken him to Minneapolis, MN; Port Townsend, WA; Auckland, New Zealand; Whitney, TX; and Lafayette, LA where he now calls home. In recovery from substance abuse since 1998, he has maintained a passion for helping people find a solution to alcoholism and addiction.

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he is particularly focused on helping veterans and their families.

Dr. McCormick is a proud native of Northeast Louisiana with over two decades of medical experience. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and went on to receive his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. He completed his Family Medicine residency through the University of Arkansas in 1999.

While practicing primary care, Dr. McCormick developed a deep interest in Addiction Medicine and became board-certified through the American Board of Addiction Medicine in 2010. For 18 years, he served the West Monroe community through his private Family Medicine practice, where he treated a wide range of medical and addiction-related conditions.

His areas of expertise include preventive health, geriatrics, chronic disease management, nutrition, and substance use disorders. Dr. McCormick brings a compassionate, whole-person approach to care, believing that healing must address the mind, body, and spirit.

At Growing Hope Recovery, Dr. McCormick is dedicated to supporting each individual’s unique path toward long-term recovery and wellness.

Shade Rodreguez is a Certified Counselor in Training (CIT) with over five years of experience managing sober living homes and two years working directly in the addiction treatment field. As the Sober Living Administrator, she provides structure, mentorship, and accountability to residents navigating early recovery.

With seven years of sobriety herself, Shade brings a deep understanding of the daily challenges that come with rebuilding a life in recovery. Her relatability, consistency, and no-nonsense compassion make her a trusted presence in the home. She values peer connection and fellowship, believing that a supportive community is one of the most powerful tools for lasting change.

Shade’s approach blends structure with empathy. Her daily focus is on building a sense of unity and responsibility among residents—helping them find strength not just in the program, but in one another.

Outside of work, Shade is known for her adventurous spirit. She enjoys spontaneous road trips and regularly runs 5Ks. Her charisma, humor, and down-to-earth nature make her someone residents feel comfortable turning to, both in moments of struggle and celebration.

Cecilia Sullivan is the founder, owner, and CEO of Growing Hope Recovery, a program deeply rooted in personal experience and driven by a mission to offer real healing to those battling addiction. After walking through her own journey of addiction and recovery, Cecilia felt a powerful calling to create a safe, structured environment for others seeking lasting change. In 2015, she opened her first sober living home with a simple but bold vision: to plant seeds of hope that could grow into transformed lives. Cecilia leads with both compassion and clarity. She believes that healing happens best in environments where structure, accountability, and love coexist. Under her leadership, Growing Hope has expanded into a multi-location recovery community—offering not just a place to stay, but a path forward. Her guiding principles are rooted in faith, integrity, and the belief that no one is too far gone to change.

A proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Cecilia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she learned early the value of hard work, customer service, and treating people with dignity—lessons that continue to shape her leadership today. Before founding Growing Hope, Cecilia gained hands-on experience working in her family’s business, JJ’s Ladies Fashions, which helped cultivate her blend of business savvy and heart-centered service. As a leader, Cecilia is known for being present, purpose-driven, and deeply invested in the lives of her staff and clients. She empowers her team to lead with empathy and excellence, and she remains actively involved in program development, admissions, and day-to-day operations.

Cecilia is a Louisiana native who loves her family, her faith, and her community. She enjoys working out, reading, creating art, and traveling. She shares her life with her husband, Cole Sullivan, and their two sons, Joseph (7) and Luke (2). Together, their family is committed to living out the mission of Growing Hope Recovery—offering grace, guidance, and the promise of a new beginning.

Jade Foster serves as the Admissions Director for our intensive outpatient program and is often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help. With a compassionate and approachable presence, Jade ensures that every client feels safe, heard, and supported from the very first conversation. She believes that kindness, accessibility, and genuine connection are the foundation of a successful admissions experience.

As a Counselor in Training (CIT), Jade brings five years of personal recovery experience to her role. Her own journey inspires her work and fuels her commitment to helping others find hope in the midst of struggle. She understands firsthand how overwhelming it can be to take that first step and is passionate about walking alongside others as they begin their path to healing.

Outside of work, Jade enjoys writing and spending time with her son and extended family. Her blend of professional insight and lived experience allows her to meet people where they are—with empathy, encouragement, and a deep belief in the power of recovery.

Edward Joseph Michael IV is a Registered Addiction Counselor with six years of experience in the Addiction Treatment field. He serves as the Lead Counselor at our intensive outpatient program, where he brings a grounded, compassionate approach to helping individuals navigate early recovery.

Edward holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has since dedicated his career to supporting people on their journey to healing. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients identify patterns, build resilience, and stay engaged in the recovery process.

Edward is in recovery himself and celebrates over eight years of sobriety. His lived experience gives him a unique ability to connect with clients through empathy, accountability, and hope. He believes that recovery is not just possible, but transformative—and he’s committed to walking alongside others as they discover their own strength.

Outside of his work, Edward enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his beloved Razorback sports teams.

Ted Hernandez Jr. is a vital part of our team, serving as Transportation Driver and Client Transport Coordinator. With over two years of experience in addiction recovery services and a background as a professional chauffeur, Ted prioritizes safety, dependability, and trust in every ride he provides.

CPR and First Aid certified, as well as a trained Peer Support Specialist, Ted brings more than just logistics to his role—he brings lived experience. With over two and a half years in recovery himself, he understands the emotional weight that can come with early sobriety. Through casual conversation and a calm, steady presence, Ted supports clients on the road while quietly assessing how they’re doing and where encouragement may be needed. Known for his outgoing personality, quick wit, and approachable nature, Ted makes clients feel seen, safe, and supported. His desire to give back to the sober community is the driving force behind his work.

Outside of work, Ted continues to stay active in the recovery world, offering his time and support to others on their journey. Whether he's behind the wheel or offering a word of encouragement, Ted shows up with humor, heart, and a genuine belief in the power of second chances.

James Briody brings over 13 years of experience in addiction recovery services and 7 years in client transportation to his role as Transportation Driver. CPR and First Aid certified and trained in client safety through Reliance, James approaches his work with professionalism, consistency, and care.

With 10 years of sobriety himself, James understands how critical everyday support can be in early recovery. His calm, encouraging presence and friendly conversations help clients feel at ease while reinforcing positive, recovery-centered thinking. He leads by example—showing up on time, treating others with respect, and always prioritizing safety.

James is known among staff and clients alike for his integrity, consistency, and courteous nature. He brings not just people to their destinations, but also a steady reminder that recovery is possible—and worth it.

Outside of work, James enjoys spending time at the beach and taking long walks. His steady presence and quiet encouragement make him a dependable, respected figure in the recovery community.