Dr. Whitney Rogers, DSL-Founder/Executive Director

---

Whitney’s investment at The Lazarus Project of Knoxville originates from a sincere desire to minister to broken individuals who struggle with addictions and/or the clinical/legal struggles that often prevent individuals from becoming productive members of society. 

Whitney’s contribution is extended via professional training and experience acquired over the past 15 years that includes a combination of work experience and educational accomplishments. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree from Liberty University in Professional Counseling, a second master’s degree from Regent University in Organizational Leadership and a doctorate also from Regent University.

Whitney’s prior employment experiences further aide in her ability to ensure residents have access to the appropriate resources required to be successful. She has been fortunate to hold positions with several medical and behavioral health care providers, community health and indigent care facilities, the Knoxville Police Department, the Tennessee Department of Correction, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Deniese is a nurse and professional coder that has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. More specifically, her areas of experience include administration and management of physician private practices, urgent care facilities, Community Health Centers and in-patient facilities focusing on medical, behavioral health, substance abuse and adult education. 

Deniese also serves with previous experience with the Virginia Department of Corrections. Her passion is driven by experience with a family member who struggled with addiction and the consequences she faced as a child.

Richard offers a unique contribution to both the residents and staff at The Lazarus Project. 

Richard proudly served 20 years in the United States Army and understands the importance of developing a standard of living when maintaining sobriety.  

His lengthy employment history with local community health centers and indigent care facilities affords him the ability to identify with the silos individuals with addictions face when attempting to access care.

Richard is commissioned as an elder with the Church of God and possesses an unorthodox, divinely appointed ability to connect with residents and minister to their spiritual needs.  

Dr. Jensen is a psychiatrist and currently serves in a consultancy role at Lazarus.  Dr. Jensen received his doctorate in medicine in 2008 from East Tennessee State University at the James H Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, TN.  His residency in psychiatry was completed at Duke University in 2012 and he is board certified in psychiatry and neurology.  

Lee manages the housing staff and executes all resident operations within The Lazarus Project of Knoxville. He offers a unique contribution in guiding both staff and residents while on their path to sobriety, a contribution that originates from a historical struggle with addiction on a personal level. 

Lee genuinely understands the mental and emotional obstacles present in overcoming an addictive lifestyle and operates as a testament of success while willing to share his journey as a form of mentorship in efforts to provide support and corrective guidance when required.

Lee holds certificates in Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health 101, Recovery Programming, Professional Development, Mental Health Awareness and is educated in Narcan administration.

Brandon is a 2023 graduate of the year-long intensive program which he completed on his own initiative. 

Brandon has served within the organization as a House Supervisor, Transportation Specialist, Resident Fleet Manager and currently as a Housing and Facilities Manager while providing case management services to our residents.

Brandon not only manages the day-to-day housing operations but also coordinates the organizational transport schedule, the fleet, and the drivers that serve within the program.

His personal success story serves as a motivational factor for both residents and staff and his willingness to give constructive feedback to residents unveils his heart and passion to assist others who fight the same or similar struggles he has persevered to overcome. 

Brandon holds certificates in Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health 101, Recovery Programming Professional Development, Mental Health Awareness and is educated in Narcan administration.

Bill is a 2023 graduate of the intensive program which he completed on his own initiative.  

He currently serves as a Resident Manager who provides support for the Housing & Facilities teams.  His willingness to be transparent with residents and tackle opposition is an attribute for the organization as well as part of his personal testimony in how he overcome the addiction cycle through perseverance. 

Doug is a 2022 graduate of the intensive program and as lived independently for the past two years having maintained sobriety while continuing to serve as a mentor to others who struggle with addiction.  His desire to return to the recovery environment shows his passion for working with and encouraging individuals who are early in their recovery journey.