Canton, OH – After 21 years of dedicated service, Lisa Grubbs is retiring from the position of CEO at Phoenix Rising Behavioral Healthcare and Recovery, Inc., effective August 2026

Under Lisa’s leadership, Phoenix Rising has achieved significant milestones. Phoenix was created by Lisa and five other employees in 2005 after the abrupt closure of Nova Behavioral Health. Primarily serving Stark County with offices located in Canton, Alliance, Massillon, Northwest Schools, and Tuscarawas County. The organization has a staff of 100 employees providing services to 6,500 clients. Phoenix provides behavioral/mental health and substance use services to adults, children, and families

Michele Patterson Stokes, Board Chair, states, Phoenix has become a beacon of hope for individuals in need, and the organization’s commitment to treating every individual with unconditional respect and care has remained unwavering. Michele is thankful to Lisa and Phoenix Rising staff for adopting a culture that allows people to feel safe, nurtured, and for providing a place to allow growth and recovery

Grubbs stated, “Stark County is near and dear to me, and helping its citizens has been a privilege and an honor. I wanted to create a culture for staff, guests, and clients where they felt that they were treated with dignity, respect, and compassion regardless of their circumstances. Phoenix is about empowerment and resiliency .” Lisa is a licensed clinical counselor and will continue contributing to Phoenix Rising both as a consultant and clinician.

Grubbs further said, “I am proud of the team we have built, and I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive and make a difference in our community

We are happy to announce that Tara Grubbs, current Chief Clinical Officer (CCO), has been appointed as CEO, and this transition should be completed in August of 2026

Tara stated, “I see stepping into this role as both a responsibility and opportunity to continue advancing our mission and delivering exemplary client-centered care to the communities we serve. I have had the privilege of being mentored by Lisa and am committed to building on the strong culture and legacy she created.”

Tara and her team of Directors interviewed candidates for her replacement as CCO and we are happy to announce that Brian Starcher, LPCC-S, will assume her role

Brian states, “As the Chief Clinical Officer, I will be able to support both clients and staff to ensure that we continue providing quality care. I look forward to growing all clinical departments and continuing to provide a positive impact on our clients and their communities.”

Lisa states Tara has been with the organization for 18 years, starting as a therapist, then director of counseling services, and currently CCO. Tara understands the integral details of running an agency and works well with all disciplines within Phoenix. Additionally, Tara has gained the respect and support of the community and also with stakeholders

Brian has been with the organization for over 1 year and has vast clinical experience as well as an understanding of business operations. We are excited to watch both Tara and Brian grow the organization and continue to put the client first while providing compassionate, competent, and ethical treatment.

Join us at our Open House on July 30th from 3-6 pm at 624 Market Ave. Canton, Ohio, 44702