Cynthia Barton is the Director of the women’s substance abuse recovery center, Providence Women’s Recovery. Cynthia is a native of the Dalton area and has been an employee of Providence since 2017. She has been working in the field of addiction for over sixteen years. She is a member of the Community Outreach Committee in Whitfield County and has served on the Board of Directors of Highland Rivers Mental Health Services. Cynthia holds a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, a Post-Graduate Master of Science in Trauma Counseling, a Post-Graduate Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Cynthia is a member of the organizations for addiction professionals, NAADAC and GACA. She is a supporter of 12-step programs and is a member of Rockbridge Community Church. Being in recovery for several years, Cynthia feels a calling in her life to share her experience in active addiction and the healing she has found in recovery. Cynthia will attest that it was through her relationship with God that she found the faith and courage to enter recovery and is what has allowed her to be where she is today. She has a passion for helping women who have experienced trauma find healing and freedom from addiction. Cynthia has three sons, a granddaughter, and a Morkie named Pancake. She enjoys creating mosaics, drawing, crocheting, and collecting sneakers. Although she loves living in the North Georgia mountains, the beach and Hobby Lobby are her happy places. Cynthia is a die-hard college football fan devoted to the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Cynthia states the best part of her job is similar to one of her favorite hobbies, mosaic art. It is watching God take what is broken and damaged and create new, precious works of art for His Glory.

Jennifer Hicks is a Licensed Master Social Worker and serves as a counselor at Providence Women’s Recovery. Jennifer has been connected with Providence since 2017. In addition to her counseling role, Jennifer volunteers as a group facilitator. Jennifer was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in North Myrtle Beach, SC. After coming to Georgia in 2017, she made Dalton, GA her home. Through Jennifer’s own walk in recovery, she realized helping others was her calling. Jennifer obtained a Masters in Social Work with an emphasis on Mental Health through Southern Adventist University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services at Belhaven University. She earned her Licensed Master Social Work certification in 2023. Jennifer is currently pursuing her Licensed Clinical Social Work certification. Jennifer enjoys cooking for others, spending time with her niece and nephew, and playing with her cat, Bubbles. Her favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. Jennifer feels this verse represents the new beginning she found in Christ and in recovery.

Mallerie Curnalia is a Residential Manager with Providence Women’s Recovery. She has been associated with Providence since 2024. Mallerie has a personal connection with our program that enables her to help women who are on their journey of recovery. Her goal is to experience long-term recovery through serving others and making interpersonal connections. Mallerie enjoys experiencing nature in all aspects. She is an avid hiker who appreciates a challenge. She loves camping and swimming and any activity that involves the outdoors. Mallerie’s life verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak.” She believes that when we are at our weakest, God is at His strongest.

Kari Barnhill serves as a Residential Manager in the women’s program. Kari was born and raised in Crown Point, IN. She moved to Georgia in 2023 and has made Dalton her home. She has been employed with Providence since 2024. Kari’s experience includes training and certification as a Medical Assistant. She provided services to individuals with special needs and disabilities and their families through the Wabash Center, Inc. in Indiana. Kari’s aspirations include furthering her education, while obtaining her certification in the field of addiction counseling. Along with crafting, Kari loves anything sports related. She is an avid professional Chicago sports fan. Kari enjoys time with her many nieces and nephews and caring for her dog, Jarvis. Kari notes that she found purpose at Providence by helping others learn to feel pure happiness and laughter. She feels that true joy is the key to recovery.

Janice Hicks is a Residential Manager at Providence Women’s Recovery. Janice was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Janice has been with Providence since 2023. Janice has two sons, Nick and Jason, and a granddaughter, Benzleigh. Spending time with her family is her favorite activity. She also enjoys walking, being outdoors, and swimming. Janice finds purpose in sharing her own journey to recovery as an example of the healing and restoration that can be found in recovery. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She feels that her relationship with God is what has carried her through.

Emily Whitaker serves as a Residential Manager in the ladies’ program. Emily is a native of the Georgia mountains in Jasper, GA. She has been with Providence Women’s Recovery since 2023. Emily enjoys singing and is a member of the Providence Living Water Bluegrass Band. She directs the women’s choir and leads the group as they sing at church and local senior living centers and long-term care facilities. Emily also enjoys walking and hiking and spending time with her family. Emily’s personal goal is striving to be who God created her to be; to show how He can take our struggles and turn them into victories. She notes her purpose at Providence Women’s Recovery is to love and support the ladies in their recovery and help guide them in living a healthy, sober life.