The clinical staff at Free by the Sea is comprised of highly skilled professionals with a combination of over a century of experience in the field of addiction rehabilitation and mental health. We practice an evidence-based approach built on the tried-and-true 12-step recovery model. Clients are treated with compassion, respect, and understanding at all times.
Rather than focus solely on the client’s addictive behavior, our counseling programs are designed to promote healing of the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. This integrated approach allows us to effectively address the addiction while exploring and healing other aspects of life that may have been sacrificed for the addictive behavior. When we heal the whole person, the client is better equipped to return home with the strength they need to pursue a life free from addiction. We limit the number of clients under our care to ensure each person receives the time and attention he or she needs along their journey to recovery. By maintaining a low client-to-counselor ratio, the quality of our service and strength of treatment outcomes are consistently outstanding.
Dr. Richard Crabbe
Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. Dr. Crabbe’s vast education includes studies in England, New York, and Nebraska. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002. Dr. Crabbe is married with two children and enjoys music, reading and chi gong ( an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique).
Sarah Crosby, Billing Manager & Corporate Compliance Officer
Sarah and her family relocated to the PNW six years ago from the scorching hot desert of Tucson, Arizona. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona and is currently working on her Masters in Psychology at Purdue. Sarah, along with her husband and children, are huge animal lovers. They have a total of nine animals: six dogs and three cats. Since joining the Free by the Sea family, she has served in multiple roles, such as SUDPt, Corporate Compliance Officer, Billing Manager, and Utilization Reviewer. She has a total of 19 years of experience in Account Management and understands the legalities associated with Insurance and Compliance. On her days away from FBTS, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring the wonders of the PNW.
Jennie Fox, Clinical Director-SUDP
Jennie has been with Free by the Sea since April of 2013. She started with the company as a treatment assistant and moved through the ranks of treatment assistant supervisor, med room supervisor, admissions, and found her calling as a counselor. When Free by the Sea expanded their program to include partial hospitalization, Jennie was tasked with creating the PHP program and has since flourished in the growth of this program. Jennie currently has an Associates Degree in Human Services with Chemical Dependency from Grays Harbor Community College. Jennie has been a team player through it all and loves being a part of the process in helping people change their lives.
Craig Brown, Treatment Placement Marketing Director
Coming soon
Lisa Butler, SUDP
Lisa has been with Free by the Sea since July 2019. Lisa began her career in the recovery field in 2014 where she started as a Recovery Technician on the graveyard shift. Lisa worked her way up to Medication Lead and to Admissions Coordinator. Lisa received her SUDPT training certificate in 2018, started her education at Grays Harbor College in 2019 and obtained her SUDP in March 2023. Lisa will receive her degree in Human Services and Chemical Dependency in Spring 2022 and plans to begin her bachelor’s program in Organizational Management. Lisa has been married for 25 years and is happy to report that both she and her husband have been sober since 2011. “Nothing brings me more joy than seeing our clients take the steps in recovery to maintain a happy, healthy and substance free life.”
Krysti Nelson, Admissions Director
Krysti joined our team in 2018 as a cook. She continued to challenge herself by taking on different roles such as Treatment Assistant, Admissions Specialist, and even threw in some driving at times. She is currently our Admissions Director and Transportation Supervisor. Krysti is passionate about working in the addiction recovery field and feels honored to assist clients in receiving the treatment they truly deserve.
Kurt Hanson, SUDPT
Kurt is currently enrolled at Grays Harbor College working towards his Associates Degree in substance abuse counseling. Kurt has been with Free by the Sea since February 2022 and is a SUDPT in Washington State. Kurt aspires to work toward his Bachelor’s Degree in the future. Kurt’s passion for recovery and drive to help others to achieve substance free lives is notable around Free by the Sea by both staff and clients. Kurt can often be heard telling the clients “God, I love Recovery”!
Sabrina Coffin, Certified Health & Life Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Sound Healer
Sabrina received her certification as a Health & Life Coach in January of 2018. She offers a holistic approach to recovery by encouraging others to learn to tap into their own body wisdom and begin to practice self-care in a way that can potentially be truly transformational. Sabrina often speaks about approaching life’s many pivotal moments with curiosity, rather than judgement and shame. She encourages others to learn to love and nurture themselves, perhaps for the first time. As a Certified Yoga instructor, Sabrina understands the beauty of finding peace and support on the yoga mat. She encourages all to try yoga as a way to release anxiety, breathe deeply, move freely and be open to the many possibilities that open up as a result of saying “yes” to recovery. Sabrina holds weekly Sound Baths as a way to move energy within the body and hopefully let go of stress, anxiety and worries while entering into a meditative state.
Brian Taylor, SUDP
Brian has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including geriatrics, addiction treatment centers, and hospitals, over the past 18 years. He has been working in the field of addiction since 2015. Brian studied chemical dependency at Lower Columbia College and earned his SUDP in 2020. In the future, he would like to continue his studies in mental health, focusing on personality and attachment disorders. During his off hours, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and children on the ranch, traveling, working on various projects, and researching his favorite subjects.
Landon Downing, Admissions Coordinator
Landon, an alumni of Free by the Sea, battled addiction for nine years before starting his recovery journey in 2015. This history gives him a deep understanding of both the individual and family members seeking treatment, as well as their experiences once they arrive at Free by the Sea. Landon joined the team in 2016 and has served in various roles since then. He now works in admissions, where he connects with prospective clients, provides resources, and helps new clients adjust to the program. His passion for helping others on their recovery journey is unparalleled. Outside of work, Landon, who has been married since 2019, enjoys time with his four daughters, two dogs, and loves getting away for vacations. He credits Free by the Sea as the foundation of his newfound love for life.
Robin Kenning, ARNP/RN
With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Robin Kenning has expertise spanning emergency medicine, addiction recovery, and mental health. Starting her career in the early 1990s, she became board-certified in Family Medicine in 2010 and later focused on Emergency Medicine, managing critical cases at the provider level. In 2019, Robin discovered her passion for Addiction Medicine, dedicating herself to compassionate, holistic care during detox and recovery transitions. Recognizing the importance of mental health in addiction treatment, she became board-certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), enabling her to address both addiction and mental health challenges. Robin’s diverse career includes working in Native American communities, urban emergency departments, and coastal detox centers, always prioritizing individualized, whole-person care. Committed to empowering clients, Robin continues to support their physical, emotional, and spiritual healing on the path to recovery.
Stacy Wirkkala, SUDPT
With a diverse professional background and a passion for holistic healing, Stacy brings a wealth of expertise to Free by The Sea. A former Washington State-licensed pharmacy technician and volunteer firefighter, Stacy has spent 7 years working in the nutrition and wellness industry, including nutrition shops and wellness centers, where she gained extensive knowledge in nutrition, wellness, and dietetic sciences. Specializing in co-occurring disorders and whole-person recovery, Stacy has served as a substance abuse counselor across various high-demand settings, including crisis units, detox services, and intensive outpatient clinics. Additionally, Stacy contributes as a substitute paraeducator in local public schools, focusing on behavioral health. Committed to supporting individuals on their journey to healing, Stacy emphasizes mindfulness, health and wellness, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to any situation or way of life. Her well-rounded skill set and compassionate approach make Stacy a dedicated advocate for those seeking recovery and a brighter future.
Diane Williams, SUDPT
Diane began her journey as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor at Free By The Sea in October 2024. She is certified as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) in the state of Washington, having earned her certification in 2022. She holds two Bachelor’s Degrees: one in Psychology and one in Human Services, with a focus on Substance Use Disorder. Her passion for this field is deeply personal, as her family has been affected by the struggles of loved ones in active addiction. Witnessing their challenges and their journey to recovery sparked a strong desire in her to help others navigate their own path to healing. She firmly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to change their lives, to know that they are worth the effort, and that they have the strength to accomplish their goals. This belief drives her work every day and fuels her commitment to supporting those seeking recovery.
