
Meet The Team

Board President - Owner
Jim Gray
Jim is the founder and owner of iRecover Treatment Centers in Canada and is co-owner of iRecover in the United States with Dr. Hilgard Goosen. Jim has been sober since 1989 and has been in the Recovery field since 2006. Jim has had a massive impact on thousands of participants that have come to his treatment centers over the years and is also featured in the online "Coffee with Jim" video series on Youtube. In this series, Jim dispenses advice from years in recovery by answering viewer questions. Jim is also a carpenter by trade, a licensed pilot and collector of 1957 Fords. Jim is a father of three sons and is also a proud grandfather.

Chief Executive Officer - Owner
Dr. Hilgard Goosen
Dr. Hilgard Goosen is a dedicated physician with a varied career in general medicine,specialized procedures (endoscopy and obstetrics and gynaecology), and addiction treatment.
Through a shared passion for aviation, Dr. Goosen met Jim Gray in 2018—a longtime recovery expert and founder of iRecover Canada. Jim's profound insights into addiction recovery sparked Dr. Goosen's interest in the field. Inspired and persuaded by Jim, he took on the role of Medical
Director for iRecover's Canadian treatment centers, bringing his medical expertise to support evidence-based, compassionate care for those struggling with substance use disorders. After gaining hands-on experience in addiction medicine, Dr. Goosen and Jim Gray expanded their successful model to the United States, becoming equal partners in establishing iRecover US Inc. in Howard, South Dakota.
Today, as CEO of iRecover US, Dr. Goosen continues to lead with a commitment to innovative,
personalized treatment approaches that empower individuals on their path to lasting recovery.
His blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and heartfelt dedication positions him as a trusted
pioneer in addiction medicine across North America.

Regional Director
Deon Smit, BA HSS, Spec Psych - Forensic
I have been working with iRecover since 2011 in Canada and it is a great honor to bring the iRecover ethos to the United States. It is an inspiring and humbling experience to see families heal and reclaiming their loved ones. We strive for excellence here at iRecover and I am blessed to be supported by a world class team of clinical and medical professionals. I love that we can feel God Almighty's presence in what we do every single day.

Director of Nursing - Howard
Alizabeth Downs, RN
I have a genuine heart for helping people heal, and what I love most about iRecover is the incredible, family-like team I get to work with every day. This supportive environment allows me to build meaningful connections while continually growing both personally and professionally. The amount of personal growth I’ve experienced since stepping into this field has been remarkable. I’m constantly encouraged to become the best version of myself, both for the participants and for my own journey. I’ve been a nurse since 2014, with experience in several different fields, behavioral health and addiction being my favorite. I’m especially passionate about this work because it’s deeply connected to the whole person, impacting every aspect of health, and is present in every area of nursing, making it both meaningful and essential. I’m also actively pursuing my Master’s degree to strengthen my ability to help others. Outside of work, I’m a wife to a wonderfully supportive husband and a mom to four amazing kids, soaking up every moment of rest and relaxation I can find. I’m passionate about fueling my mind, body, and spirit through nutrition, fitness, and my faith, striving to do it all for God’s glory!

Executive Assistant / Legal Liaison - Howard
Elle Kizer
Hi, I’m Elle Kizer, the Administrative Assistant at iRecover. I take pride in supporting daily operations with organization and attention to detail, and I’m honored to be part of the important work being done at iRecover. Outside of work, I’m a wife and mom who enjoys spending quality time with my family.

Billing Specialist - Howard
Des
Hi, I’m Des. I’m someone who enjoys finances, building strong working relationships, and helping wherever I can. One thing I enjoy most about working at iRecover is the connections. You are not just a number when you come to iRecover, we truly value seeing you strive to be the best version of yourself, day in and day out. Outside of work, I’m usually following my clan around with sports, tripping over toys or enjoying a night at home with my family.

Nurse Practitioner - Howard
Meggan, CNP
I am Meggan Reisch, a Nurse Practitioner (CNP) with iRecover.
I bring over a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner and have a passion for caring for the whole person. In addiction treatment, I focus on encouraging the healing of the body, mind, and soul, and I value making strong connections with our participants. It is essential to me that participants have access to care for their physical and mental health conditions so they can be successful in treatment. On a personal note, I am a wife and mother to three children, and I enjoy living in rural South Dakota. I also prioritize my own health by enriching my faith, staying active, working out, and eating healthy, which allows me to provide the best care to others. I look forward to being a positive influence during their time at iRecover.

Lead Counselor / Clinical Supervisor - Howard
Rose, MA, LAC
My name is Rose Stephenson. I was subdued by active addiction until 1988, when I became sober. After a few years, I began to sponsor people and continued to do so for 24 years. In this time, I graduated from DSU in 2003 obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Still unsatisfied with my life, I went back to school as I had realized that my heart was made to help people with addictions. I graduated from USD in 2012 obtaining a master’s degree in Addiction Studies and am licensed by the state of SD. I oversee 5 counselors currently. We are an excellent team here at iRecover, as we all have the participants’ best interest at heart. The staff here are dedicated and sincere in their desire to assist the participants in discovering the people they were meant to be and to help them in their recovery journey.

Licensed Addiction Counselor - Howard
Tyler, MA, LAC , GC-C
My name is Tyler Zenz, and I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Certified Grief Counselor, and Certified Peer Support Specialist with lived experience in addiction and recovery. I earned my Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention with a specialization in co-occurring mental health disorders from the University of South Dakota, and my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Leadership from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. I have extensive experience working in inpatient and residential treatment centers, correctional institutions, detox facilities, and outpatient clinics. I have also collaborated with law enforcement to provide in-person crisis response for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and acute mental health crises.
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Counselor - Howard
Emily, ACT
Hi, my name is Emily. I bring firsthand understanding of the recovery journey, which shapes how I support and connect with the people I work with. I truly feel that God intended me to be at iRecover, and I am grateful to be part of a warm, caring environment where people feel supported and understood. My favorite part of working as an addiction counselor is walking alongside people as they find their strength and discover new hope. I enjoy creating a space where clients feel respected and encouraged, and I believe recovery is possible for anyone with the right support. Outside of work, I’m a mom of three. Between school runs, activities, and everything else, I stay busy, but it always reminds me to focus on patience, compassion, and what matters most. I bring that mindset into every session, offering encouragement and belief in each person’s potential.

Counselor - Howard
Barb, ACT
Hello! My name is Barbara Jeffers, and I have been an Addiction Counselor at IRecover since April 2023. Helping others on their recovery journey is deeply meaningful to me, as sobriety is a path I walk myself, one day at a time. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, along with our lively household of animals, including four dogs, three cats, and even four chickens. My work at IRecover is truly close to my heart, and it is an honor to support individuals as they discover hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Counselor - Howard
Crystal, ACT
Hi, my name is Crystal, and I am an Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT). I am a dedicated behavioral health professional with experience supporting individuals facing substance use, mental health, and co-occurring challenges. I approach my work from a trauma-informed, client-centered perspective, prioritizing emotional safety, accountability, and individualized care. I value collaboration within our teams and strive to support clients in building coping skills, achieving stability, and sustaining long-term recovery. I am committed to upholding ethical standards and continuing my professional growth to provide effective, compassionate care.

Medical Coordinator - Howard
Rachel, CMA
Hey, I’m Rachel! I love being part of the iRecover team here in Howard. Seeing confidence and hope return is incredibly rewarding, and I feel lucky to be even a small part of that. Outside of work, I’m usually with my family — cheering on my niece and nephew or spending summer weekends at the races. I’m also working toward my nursing degree and looking forward to continuing to grow in a field that makes a real difference.

Nurse - Howard
Rachel, LPN
I have been an LPN for 10+ years. I enjoy caring for participants in my nursing role and encouraging them to be successful in their recovery journey. Outside of work, my husband and I enjoy time with family, time outside with our German Shepard Jack, hunting and fishing.

Nurse - Howard
Alex, LPN
Hola, my name is Alex! I’m one of the nurses here at IRECOVER in Howard, SD. I have been with IRECOVER since 2023. Before working here, I worked in Corrections. Transitioning from a Correctional setting to a place of healing has been one of the best moves I ever made. It’s always a pleasure to work with so many different individuals. Everyone has a different story, a different struggle, yet destiny brings us to one place. I always strive to get to know everyone and make things as accommodating as possible during these trying times. When I’m not busy helping out with detox, I’m always free to chat or play a game of chess

Med Aide - Howard
Krista, UMA
Hi, I'm Krista, I work in the medical field at iRecover. I am very passionate about the work that I do. It is a great feeling, knowing you have been a part of someone's journey through their recovery. What I enjoy most about iRecover is the dedication and teamwork between staff. Working together as a team while watching our clients thrive. Outside of work, I am a wife and mother. My family is of most importance to me.
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Nurse - Howard
Cassidy, RN
Hey, I’m Cassidy! I’m grateful to be part of the team here and to support clients as they work toward recovery. Helping people rediscover hope, confidence, and stability is one of the most meaningful parts of my work, and I feel honored to walk alongside individuals during such an important time in their lives. My background includes working in inpatient addiction treatment and correctional settings, which has strengthened my compassion, resilience, and commitment to meeting people exactly where they are. Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family, staying active, and enjoying the simple things that make life feel full. I’m also continuing my nursing education and look forward to growing my career in mental health and addiction treatment. I love being part of a team that truly makes a difference, and I’m excited to continue contributing wherever I can.

Aftercare Specialist - Howard
Gretchen
Hello, I am Gretchen. I am the aftercare coordinator at iRecover. I take very seriously the importance of finding a safe and sober transition plan for all our participants before being discharged from our care. I bring real life experience to the table and am passionate in what I do. I believe the thing that makes working for iRecover so special, is that every day, as a team we invite God to be in this building and He be the leader in our work. It has been truly a privilege to work for such an amazing company on a mission to love and serve others.
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Addiction support worker - Howard
Ally
Hey there! I'm Ally! I absolutely love being a part of the IRecover team! Through working at IRecover I get to assist in helping participants through early sobriety and it's truly a rewarding experience. I get to set an example on what sobriety could look like for them through myself and how it is possible! This team works so well together and I couldn't ask for a better working environment. Always so grateful God led me here. Outside of work I'm a single mom to two beautiful little girls who keep me pretty busy.

Night Shift Supervisor - Howard
Ron
I have been working the overnight shift here at iRecover since the beginning when Howard Sd facility fully opened. It is an inspiring experience to see families heal and reclaim their loved ones. I strive to make the participants feel safe and comfortable during their short stay here at iRecover.

Night Shift Supervisor - Howard
Jo
Bio Coming Soon

Clinic Director - Sioux Falls
Tina, CAC
I bring both lived experience and professional expertise to my work in the addiction field. Having walked my own journey through addiction and recovery, I use that firsthand understanding to connect authentically with clients while pairing it with education, evidence-based practices, and over a decade of professional experience.
I have worked in the addiction treatment field for more than 10 years as a counselor and supervisor, supporting individuals at various stages of recovery. My approach is grounded in empathy, accountability, and empowerment, helping clients identify their strengths and work towards meaningful, sustainable change. I am passionate about helping people build healthier lives.
When I am not working, I spend as much time as I can with my 4 grown children, their spouses and my grandchildren. I also enjoy photography and binge watching Netflix.

Licensed Addiction Counselor Howard/Sioux Falls
Tyler, MA, LAC , GC-C
My name is Tyler Zenz, and I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Certified Grief Counselor, and Certified Peer Support Specialist with lived experience in addiction and recovery. I earned my Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention with a specialization in co-occurring mental health disorders from the University of South Dakota, and my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Leadership from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. I have extensive experience working in inpatient and residential treatment centers, correctional institutions, detox facilities, and outpatient clinics. I have also collaborated with law enforcement to provide in-person crisis response for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and acute mental health crises.

Counselor - Sioux Falls
Amanda, MS, NCC, ACT
I am a dedicated mental health and addictions professional committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve lasting well-being. I hold a Master of Science (MS) degree in Counseling and Human Development. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) as well as an Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT). With a foundation in evidence-based practices and a compassionate, person-centered approach, I specialize in supporting clients struggling with mental health concerns and/or substance use. My goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can process their experiences, strengthen their resilience, and build meaningful, sustainable change. I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they discover their strengths, values, and potential for growth. Outside of work, I’m passionate about spending time with my husband, pups, and new baby girl!

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Nurse Practitioner - Sioux Falls
Coming soon
Bio coming soon

Addiction Support Worker - Howard
Lacey
Bio coming soon