We believe that collaboration with parents (or caregivers) is essential to each individual’s overall development and future success. The Hughes Center utilizes a multi-disciplinary team approach in conjunction with family partners to provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatment interventions that build upon the strengths and abilities of the individuals we serve within a secure campus setting.

Our team of dedicated professionals includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, registered nurses, licensed special education instructors and highly-trained mental health counselors.

Our Administrative Team

Mark Howard, Chief Executive Officer

The Hughes Center would like to welcome Mark Howard to the team as it’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mark joined UHS in 2018 as the CEO of Fairmount Behavioral Health a 235-bed inpatient and chemical dependency rehab/detox facility in Philadelphia. While at Fairmount, he developed a number of specialized programs including Medication Assisted Treatment for patients struggling with addiction, DBT programing for adults, and enhanced services for children/adolescents. Prior to joining UHS Mark served as the executive leader for behavioral health in a med surge facility in Richmond, Virginia and the principal of a public day school in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Mark has worked in the behavioral health field for over 28 years in a variety of administrative and clinical settings. He has extensive experience in clinical assessment, program development, and specialized educational services for children with disabilities.

Mark received his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville with a specialization in Administration and Children/Families. He later received his Post Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Dr. Terrence Bethea, Medical Director

Lisa Buchanan, Chief Operations Officer / Patient Advocate

Dr. Martin Ringstaff, Superintendent of Schools

Cindy Pruitt Rhodes, Clinical Director

Pamela Durham, Director of Nursing

Jon Monroe, Director of Plant Operations

Earnest N. Williams, Director of Program Operations

Lori Thurman, Business Office Director

Sonya Brink, Director of Admissions

Bradley Fussell, Director of Risk Management / Quality Improvement

Lamar Pritchett, Human Resources Coordinator

Nikki Craft-Jones, Patient Advocate/Human Resources Assistant

Michelle Cahill, Coordinating Teacher of Day Programming – Danville Educational Center

Daffany McDougald, Director of Education – South Boston Educational Center

The Hughes Center’s professional staff are here to help. Call 434-836-8500 for a no-cost, confidential assessment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.