Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Austin Barnes is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DeNovo Recovery, where he leads the organization’s mission to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral healthcare and addiction treatment, Austin has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families find hope, healing, and lasting recovery.
As a person in long-term recovery himself, Austin brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to his work. His lived experience fuels his passion for creating treatment programs that are individualized, effective, and rooted in dignity, accountability, and compassion.
Austin holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and is a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, including counselor, admissions director, director of outpatient services, and executive leadership positions overseeing substance use treatment programs.
Under Austin’s leadership, DeNovo Recovery has developed a comprehensive continuum of care that combines evidence-based clinical practices, Twelve-Step principles, trauma-informed care, and holistic recovery support. His vision is to create a recovery community where individuals are empowered to overcome addiction, rebuild relationships, and develop meaningful, purpose-driven lives.
“Recovery is not simply about stopping the use of substances. It is about discovering a new way to live. Every person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and build a life filled with purpose and hope.”
— Austin Barnes
Abigail Barnes, BBA
- Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Abigail Barnes serves as the Chief Operating Officer of DeNovo Recovery, where she provides leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for the organization. With over a decade of experience in both the substance use treatment field and business leadership, including accounting, finance, human resources, and operations, Abigail brings a strong balance of professional expertise and a deep commitment to helping others.
Abigail earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in financial management, organizational development, human resources, and business growth. In her role at DeNovo Recovery, she works to ensure the organization operates efficiently, effectively, and in a way that supports quality care, staff development, and the needs of the local and surrounding communities.
Abigail is passionate about investing time, effort, and opportunity into people who are willing and ready to better their lives. Her work is driven by a desire to help individuals overcome addiction, rebuild their futures, and have the opportunity to live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
Outside of her work at DeNovo Recovery, Abigail serves as a youth pastor at her church and enjoys sharing her faith with others. While DeNovo Recovery is not a faith-based program, Abigail’s personal faith remains an important part of who she is and helps guide the way she leads, serves others, and supports the mission of the organization.
Crystal Clark, MAADC II
- Admissions Director
Crystal Clark serves as the Admissions Director at DeNovo Recovery and has been a dedicated member of the team since 2022. In her role, Crystal is often the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking help. She is passionate about breaking down barriers to treatment and helping people feel supported from the very first conversation.
Having served in several roles within the organization, Crystal brings a strong understanding of DeNovo Recovery’s programs, admissions process, and client needs. Her personal recovery experience also allows her to approach each person with empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Crystal understands the courage it takes to reach out for help and begin the treatment process. She works to make every individual and family feel comfortable, respected, and encouraged as they take their first step toward recovery.
Born and raised in Elwood, Kansas, Crystal remains deeply connected to her hometown. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and staying connected to the hometown community that has helped shape who she is today.
Benjamin Cupp, MSW, CRADC
- Clinical Director
Benjamin Cupp serves as the Clinical Director at DeNovo Recovery, where he oversees clinical operations and supports the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment services for individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. In his role, Benjamin provides clinical oversight, ensures compliance with treatment standards, supports program development, and offers guidance and leadership to the counseling team.
Benjamin is a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor and an MCB Clinical Supervisor. His professional credentials reflect his commitment to ethical clinical practice, counselor development, and maintaining a strong standard of care within the behavioral healthcare field.
Since joining DeNovo Recovery in 2023, Benjamin has grown within the organization, previously serving as a residential counselor before stepping into his current role as Clinical Director. His experience in direct client care gives him a strong understanding of the client experience, daily program structure, clinical documentation, treatment planning, and the importance of compassionate, consistent support throughout the recovery process.
Benjamin is committed to helping individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery through client-centered care, accountability, evidence-based practices, and a structured therapeutic environment. He is passionate about supporting both clients and clinical staff while helping create a culture where growth, healing, and lasting change can take place.
Benjamin earned his Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa and his Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, taking photographs, painting, and visiting art museums.
Brittany Moore
- Director of Operations
Brittany Moore serves as the Director of Operations at DeNovo Recovery and has been a dedicated member of the DeNovo team since 2022, previously serving as Business Director before stepping into her current leadership role. Through mentorship and hands-on leadership development within DeNovo Recovery, Brittany has grown into a key operational leader for the organization.
In her role as Director of Operations, Brittany helps manage the day-to-day operations of DeNovo Recovery and works to ensure the program remains structured, supportive, and therapeutic for both clients and staff. Her personal journey of overcoming addiction gives her a unique understanding of the courage, vulnerability, and strength it takes to seek change. By combining her lived experience with her professional knowledge, Brittany is able to connect with clients in a meaningful and compassionate way.
Brittany is committed to helping create an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, understood, and empowered as they work toward building healthier, more fulfilling lives. She believes recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the first step and is dedicated to walking alongside individuals as they begin creating lasting change.
Brittany is also a proud mother of four boys. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, making memories, traveling, spending time outdoors, and fueling her busy days with Red Bull.
Jennifer Bell
- Business Director
Jennifer brings more than 15 years of experience in business management and executive leadership. In her role at DeNovo Recovery, she oversees financial operations and human resources, helping ensure the organization remains financially sound, well-organized, and supportive of both staff and overall program needs.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has been passionate about helping organizations and individuals reach their full potential through strong leadership, mentorship, and strategic growth. Known for her people-first leadership style, she takes pride in mentoring others, fostering professional development, and celebrating the success of those around her.
What sets Jennifer apart is her ability to combine strategic business expertise with a genuine commitment to helping others thrive. She has a unique ability to recognize strengths in others, often before they see them in themselves, and helps individuals build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve meaningful goals.
Jennifer remains committed to lifelong learning, leadership, and service, continually seeking new ways to support both personal and professional growth.
Kayla McDowell, MAADC I
- Alumni Coordinator
DeNovo Recovery is proud to have a dedicated Alumni Coordinator and Substance Abuse Counselor who is passionate about supporting individuals throughout every stage of the recovery journey. With several years in recovery, she brings empathy, understanding, lived experience, and hope to the clients and alumni she serves.
In her role as Alumni Coordinator, she stays connected with clients after treatment by helping them maintain meaningful support, strengthen their recovery community, and continue growing in long-term recovery. She also works closely with clients during their time in treatment, offering encouragement, guidance, and support as they begin building a strong foundation for lasting change.
She is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where each person feels seen, valued, empowered, and hopeful as they move forward in recovery. Outside of her work, she is a proud wife and mother to six beautiful daughters and enjoys iced coffee, country music, and serving others through her passion for recovery.
