STAFF

Ronald Arrington, MS, LCDC, CSAT, SEP

Executive Director

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ronald Arrington earned his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in philosophy and comparative theology before obtaining a master’s in addiction studies from the University of Arizona.

While some people love to make five-year or 10-year plans, Arrington has gone through life seeing which opportunities present themselves. It’s a philosophy that has paid off for him. To date, his experience has included a trio of roles at Sierra Tucson, including assistant clinical director, director or special programs, and program director of the sexual recovery program. He also served as clinical director at both Sante Center for Healing and Grapevine Valley Hope and was program director of the adolescent program at Tucson General Hospital.

Like so many in the field, Arrington pursued this line of work intent on helping others, but through it he found healing for his own trauma and addictive issues. In his current role as executive director, he recognizes that he sets the tone for the program, so he makes sure to reflect respect for company, patients, colleagues, and self — valuing the role each person plays. “I think it is important for us have a sense of, and a belief, that what we do makes a difference, that what we do has value and we each contribute to the whole,” he explains. Arrington also places a priority on ensuring the program and facility adhere to all federal and state licensure, standards, and codes, and that our policies and procedures reflect those standards.

Married to a licensed professional counselor and music therapist, he has two grown children who live in Arizona. When not working, Arrington unwinds on either a bicycle or his BMW motorcycle, which he rides with his wife. He also loves to read, go to the movies and travel. Outdoor pursuits from fishing and hiking to backpacking and spending time in the mountains round out his interests.

Paul Lee, MD

Medical Director

Originally from South Texas, Dr. Paul Lee brings nearly three decades of experience in psychiatric and addiction medicine to his role as medical director. Dr. Lee did his undergraduate work at Lamar University before heading to University of Texas-Houston for medical school. An internship in Austin was followed by a residency at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

When it came time to put all that education to good use, Dr. Lee returned to Texas, opening a private practice in the small town of Paris. He also gained valuable hospital experience, and on the behavioral health side, he cut his teeth at Fulton County Detox. That’s what sparked his interest in psychiatry, inspiring him to go back and retrain in 1995.

Addiction treatment is a subject close to his heart as well. He first got sober in 1989 then had a brief relapse in 2009. It was that experience that Dr. Lee credits with helping him develop a real passion for recovery, a feeling that is renewed with every new patient he meets. It’s no wonder he says that one of his favorite things about his current job is watching people become free.

Married for nearly as long as he’s been practicing, Dr. Lee and his wife have two children. When not working, he enjoys spending time with family, at church, and mowing his pasture.

 

Lori Bachman, LCSW

Clinical Director

Lori Bachman was born and raised in the small town of Paris, Texas, and graduated with honors from the University of Texas-Arlington. As part of a large family, she is a strong believer in the power of community, which is a cornerstone of the Meadows Model. A licensed clinical social worker, Bachman has performed many clinical, teaching, and administrative roles over the past 25 years. Her personal clinical experience recognizes the importance of working with families and connecting patients with community support to increase their chances of long-term recovery. In her role as clinical director, Bachman dedicates her time to guiding and encouraging others to better understand and manage the negative effects of trauma and addiction.

Denice Slemmons, RN

Director of Nursing

Registered Nurse Denice Slemmons joined our staff in 2017, after several years as an acute psych nurse, but she actually began her career in healthcare in 1989. A graduate of the Paris Junior College School of Nursing in Paris, Texas, she’s worked in many different areas over the years, from customer service, marketing, and billing to compliance, direct patient care, and in various leadership roles. That broad experience provided her with an expanded knowledge of the healthcare system and how difficult it can be for patients and families to navigate that system during a crisis.

In order to be effective in this field, she believes it’s really important that people understand that addiction is a disease, not just a behavior or a habit, and that it does require clinical and medical intervention to be successful for most people. “What I love about The Meadows Texas,” Slemmons says, “is we are small enough to ensure that each client’s individual needs are met, and yet being part of The Meadows provides us access to some of the most renowned experts in the field.”