Learn more about the Ranch and what sets us apart.
We understand that our families need as much help as their loved ones.
Listen to first-hand accounts from Burning Tree Alumni.
Learn more about the characteristics of a chronic relapser.
Learn more about the many types of disorders we treat, including addiction.
An in depth history of how and why the ranch got started.
Family involvement is vital to the success of the program.
Creating structure, accountability, and consistent clinical scheduling.
We crafted an environment where accountability is central.
An authentic approach to discovering freedom.
Looking for a specific topic? Use the search.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, also known as EMDR therapy, is a powerful method for treating trauma. It involves activating sensory inputs on the right and left side of the body while the patient recalls a traumatic memory. The sensory activity might include buzzing a paddle that the patient
Gary Dinkleman, known for his insightful counseling methods and as a long-time counselor at Burning Tree Ranch, retired in 2021. Gary helped hundreds of family members break the cycle of addiction. Gary lived in Illinois and while 3-years sober he worked at a grocery store. His sponsor started going to
The definition of relapse within addiction can be complex. We tend to view it as the moment when a sober individual returns to using their addictive substance again. A more precise definition would be that relapse refers to the process that leads a sober individual back to substance use. The
What are the first 30 days of rehab like? It depends. Often when going into rehab, clients need to go to detox. Medical detox is critical for people who are saturated with alcohol or drugs. Especially with alcohol withdrawal, clients can have seizures and even die. The First 30 Days
Ultimately, many symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal are the result of the effects that these chemicals have on the body and brain. In the first days and even weeks during withdrawal, different withdrawal symptoms may occur as a result of abruptly stopping taking a substance. The longer someone has
Oftentimes when we see a client who has successfully been admitted into Burning Tree Ranch, they have already had several treatment episodes. In extreme cases, we have seen some clients who have gone to more than three dozen treatment centers before making it to the Ranch. By this time, these
There are many things that set alcohol apart from other commonly abused substances, starting with the fact that alcohol is a perfectly legal drug. Unlike other drugs whose use could result in a lengthy prison stay, alcohol can be purchased just about anywhere, and buying it will not result in
Treatment resistance is a term that describes someone who does not respond to usual treatment programs. Some people struggling with substance abuse or alcoholism have a difficult time staying sober by going to a 30-day addiction treatment center. You can say that they are resistant to the treatment. Some people
We are a highly sophisticated long-term residential treatment and aftercare program designed exclusively for the chronic relapser.
AFFILIATIONS
MONITORED BY
Made with ♥ by One Five Nine Design
Alexis “Lexi” Thomas serves as Admission Specialist for Burning Tree Programs. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Arizona, Lexi lends passion, knowledge, and insight to the admissions process. Treating every inquiry with a sense of tenderness and empathy, Lexi knows first-hand what the family member’s experience of addiction feels like. After losing her own family member to addiction, Lexi dedicated her life to helping others find the freedom they deserve. A native of Tucson, AZ., Lexi is happily married and expecting a baby. She counts one dog and a cat amongst her growing family.
Patty Raymer serves as Sr. National Business Development Representative for Burning Tree Programs. Active in the national recovery community since 1992, Patty has enjoyed over 30 years of sobriety, service, and excellence in her personal triumph over addiction. Today she helps guide families and clients in their own quest for meaningful, individualized treatment solutions. As one of the most recognizable names in our industry, Patty believes that enrolling in one’s own personal work is the best way for the family to heal from the wounds of addiction. Subscribed to the mantra of “Trust God, Clean House, Help Others,” Patty and her husband reside in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Kristie Mays serves as Financial Assistance Coordinator for Burning Tree Ranch. Responsible for a host of duties to include payroll and client billing, Kristie boasts a 25-year background in the financial services industry. Utilizing clear communication to assist the team mission of excellence, Kristie demonstrates her commitment to Burning Tree’s fiscal viability by the method of accurate accounting and financial modeling. Happily married for 26-years, Kristy has 3 beautiful children, a long-haired dachshund, cocker spaniel, and a 1-year-old terrier. She is a proud Texas native.
Shelia Sirls serves as Client Care Manager for Burning Tree Ranch. With a 30-year background in behavioral health, Sheila assists our clients in developing the needed life skills to support a full life in recovery. Blending kindness with practicality, Shelia demonstrates the virtues of personal responsibility by helping our clients coordinate their chores, weekly food shopping, supplies inventory, and menu planning. Known across the entire United States for her country fried chicken, Sheila joined Burning Tree Ranch in 2006. A native of Kaufman, TX she has two grown children and six beautiful grandchildren.
Leroy Wooldridge serves as the Director of Maintenance for Burning Tree Ranch. Responsible for maintaining one of the most unique properties in the nation, Leroy manages all aspects of Burning Tree’s two-thousand acre ranch. With a professional background in commercial construction, Leroy employs a broad range of skills in his quest to maintain Burning Tree’s facilities at optimal functionality. Earning “employee of the year” multiple times since 2009, Leroy exhibits Burning Tree’s passion for “creating a life of excellence beyond sobriety.” He and his wife reside in Kaufman, TX, and are the proud parents of three grown children.
Shelley Long serves as Operations Manager for Burning Tree Ranch. Responsible for upholding the core principles of the organization, Shelley utilizes a combination of efficiency and attentiveness to create a safe place for our clients to recover. Shelley has worked for Burning Tree for more than a decade. Shelley’s strengths are strong organization skills, taking initiative, and using her sense of humor in her day-to-day job. Shelley wants to help alcoholics and addicts find their way to a successful sober life. Shelley and her husband have four grown children and two grandkids.
Meghan Bohlman serves as Clinical Director for Burning Tree Ranch. Holding a Master of Arts in International Disaster Psychology, Meghan’s therapeutic specialties include Trauma, Addiction and Family Dynamics. Her leadership style encourages the team to integrate objectivity with compassion while remaining consistently focused on the mission of offering ethical and authentic clinical interventions to the chronic relapser. A published researcher, Division I athlete, and EMDR-Trained therapist, Meghan embodies the Burning Tree standard of excellence. Happily married, she and her husband reside in Kaufman, TX.
Peter Piraino, LMSW, serves as Chief Executive Officer for Burning Tree Programs. Responsible for executing the vision of Burning Tree’s philosophy of excellence, Peter’s primary goal is to help as many clients as possible gain access to the treatment they need. A clinician by training, Peter incorporates sound, ethical business practices to help inform the organization of its duties to the greater community. By placing the needs of his staff and company ahead of his own, Peter leads with a team approach that continues to inspire the mission of Burning Tree Programs. A proud father, Peter and his wife count five dogs amongst their family members.
