- Now Open and Welcoming Clients
Christal Ankney is the Director of Nursing at Northern Path Recovery, bringing more than 20 years of healthcare experience and over 14 years in nursing leadership. Her career began with a commitment to guiding individuals through their most vulnerable moments with empathy and clinical excellence. She has held key leadership roles at Ohio Recovery Center/Ark Behavioral, Ohio Health, Maple Heights Behavioral Health/Acadia, and Lutheran.
In her current role, Christal oversees all nursing operations, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care across the facility. She works closely with a dedicated team to create an environment that prioritizes both the medical and emotional needs of individuals in recovery. Her leadership emphasizes personalized attention, holistic care, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
Christal’s passion lies in advocating for patients, improving clinical systems, and fostering a culture of excellence and compassion. She is deeply committed to helping every patient feel supported throughout their recovery journey. Her integrity, vision, and dedication make her a driving force behind the exceptional care delivered at Northern Path Recovery.
Elbert Starks serves as the Director of Quality and Performance Improvement at Northern Path Recovery, where he oversees initiatives that ensure regulatory compliance, elevate clinical standards, and optimize patient outcomes. With a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on Healthcare Administration and certification as a Professional Healthcare Risk Manager (CPHRM), Elbert brings deep expertise to the role.
He leads the design and implementation of quality assessment systems, performance improvement plans, and compliance policies that align with licensure, accreditation, and state and federal regulations. His leadership fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture of continuous improvement, all while prioritizing client safety and the delivery of compassionate, effective care.
Elbert’s extensive background includes over 28 years as a Respiratory Therapist and more than 20 years as a firefighter. This unique blend of clinical and emergency service experience informs his approach to crisis management, operational resilience, and service-driven leadership.
His work at Northern Path Recovery supports the organization’s mission to deliver safe, ethical, and high-quality care to individuals on their journey to recovery.
Nicole Johnson-Smith, MS, LMHC, CCTP, is the Director of Clinical Services at Northern Path Recovery. A licensed mental health counselor and certified clinical trauma professional, Nicole brings over 17 years of experience in behavioral health. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Saint Francis and has cultivated a career centered on trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, and strengths-based clinical practice.
Nicole is also a certified crisis peer supervisor, known for championing the voices of those with lived experience and guiding them toward recovery. Her approach emphasizes empathy, nonjudgmental support, and the belief that everyone has the capacity for transformation. She encourages patients to recognize their inherent worth and pursue personal growth with confidence.
Her guiding philosophy is captured in her favorite mantra: “Be the woman you want your daughter to grow up to be, and the woman you want your son to marry.” Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and traveling—activities that reflect the balance she promotes in her clinical work.
Warren Sterling serves as the Director of Admissions at Northern Path Recovery, bringing over 15 years of experience in chemical dependency and dual diagnosis treatment. He has developed deep expertise in clinical assessment, patient engagement, and guiding individuals and families through the often-overwhelming process of entering treatment.
Warren is known for his empathetic approach and his ability to assess complex needs with precision and care. He is skilled at facilitating informed admissions decisions and providing clear, compassionate communication to patients and their families. His reputation in the industry is built on a foundation of evidence-based practices and an unwavering dedication to helping individuals find their path to recovery.
Warren’s personal and professional experiences give him a unique insight into the challenges faced by those battling addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. His ability to foster trust and offer hope has made him an invaluable asset to the recovery community. At Northern Path Recovery, he ensures that each patient receives tailored, supportive care from the very first step.
Victoria Mansfield is the Director of Business Development at Northern Path Recovery, with nearly a decade of experience in healthcare business growth and strategic planning. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in management from Indiana Tech, graduating cum laude.
Victoria’s professional journey includes four years as a Territory Developer at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she specialized in Medicare sales, and four years in business development at Parkview Health Systems. Across both public and private sectors, she has demonstrated a consistent ability to expand market reach, build community partnerships, and improve access to care.
Her passion lies in addressing the systemic challenges within the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment landscape. Victoria is committed to connecting individuals to sustainable recovery solutions and ensuring continuity of care that fosters long-term success. At Northern Path Recovery, she leads outreach initiatives that bridge care gaps and bring vital support to the communities they serve.
