Our Staff

Jennifer Pius Gifford
Chief Executive Officer
jennifer@thecolemaninstitute.com

Jennifer is an experienced leader in addiction treatment services, having spent 25 years at The Coleman Institute, where she currently serves as CEO. She has held various positions at TCI, such as Clinical Supervisor, Director of Clinical Services, Director of Patient Experience & Affiliate Operations, and Executive Director, specializing in compassionate, evidence-based medical detox services for the Richmond, Virginia community and beyond. Passionate about leading multidisciplinary teams, developing strategic initiatives, and fostering community partnerships, Jennifer consistently improves patient outcomes. She is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and innovation in addiction recovery.

During her spare time, Jennifer is a mom who enjoys relaxing at the beach, traveling, and cheering on her favorite college basketball team, the VCU Rams.

Alex Augustus
Nurse Practitioner

Alex Augustus is a Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Adult Health Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care and helping people feel heard, understood, and supported during their recovery journey.

Outside of work, Alex is a mom who cherishes time with her family.

Johnnelle Shelton
Medical Assistant

Johnnelle Mayo has worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for 13 years and has been with the Coleman Institute since 2019. Johnnelle is a quiet force on our clinical team. She is a dedicated and highly skilled medical professional, who anticipates the needs of both practitioners and patients and always has a smile on her face. When you ask Johnnelle what she loves about her job, she answers: “As clichéd as it sounds, I simply love helping people. Seeing patients come out on the other side of whatever it is that they are going through is very gratifying. Serving this population in particular is so rewarding. Just offering them a smiling face and a kind word of encouragement can have such a positive impact. To be a part of their journey is a gift… you calm them and they teach you.”

When Johnnelle is not working with us, she is working at a local hospital Emergency Room as an ER Medical Technician. When at home, she loves spending time with family, reading, writing poetry, and listening to music. And she is a talented wreath maker!

Kimberly Perry
Receptionist

Kimberly Perry has worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for 12 years and has been with the Coleman Institute since 2013. In Kim’s tenure here, she has worked every area of the clinic. She currently works as our Front Desk Receptionist and greets every visitor with a big smile. Kim is passionate about her work and our patients and says: “Working in addiction medicine has been the most rewarding experience. It has allowed me to meet the most amazing people. My favorite part is helping our patients realize they can manage this disease and achieve their goals.”

Kim has a special way with patients and is often heard engaging in a big laugh with them. Her passion and compassion shine through every day. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family, traveling, camping and drawing wildlife with pen and ink.

Kelsey Markel, QMHP-T
Recovery Support Specialist

Kelsey Markel is the Recovery Support Specialist for The Coleman Institute. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Roanoke College in 2021 and is working toward her Qualified Mental Health Professional-Adult Certification. Kelsey has worked as an Adult Mental Health Case Manager in Southwestern Virginia and was an intern for a facility that specialized in Equine Therapy.

Kelsey is passionate about helping others with accomplishing their needs and goals. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and line dancing.

Jelisa Clanton
Admissions Coordinator

Jelisa Clanton is the Admissions Coordinator for the Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine. She has an associate’s degree in healthcare administration and has worked in the medical office setting for six years prior to joining our team. She finds fulfillment in helping others and loves being a part of helping them through their treatment journey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and traveling.

Joseph A. Crowley
Director of Business Development

Joe is the Director of Business Development for the Coleman Institute. His professional expertise is in Business Development, Strategic Marketing, Branding and Marketing Campaigns. Joe’s broad based corporate and small business experience includes business development and strategic marketing for large and small companies in multiple industries.

Joe is a Volunteer with a number of Community groups and non-profits in the greater Richmond area. He is an avid networker who loves to connect people and help them achieve their goals. Joe lives in Glen Allen, Va with his wife and family. He is a native of Lynn, MA and a diehard Boston sports fan.