Drug & Alcohol Addiction Experts
Addiction Treatment Team
For many clients, coming to Owl’s Nest feels like coming home; for some, to the type of supportive caring home they never had. Our addiction treatment team is a tightly knit community of professionals who have the empathy and experience to help any man or woman find recovery from addiction.
Many members of our treatment team know recovery firsthand—not just as professionals, but as people who’ve walked this road themselves. In fact, several are proud alumni of The Owl’s Nest. Their lived experience allows them to connect with each client on a deeply personal level, offering not just clinical expertise but genuine understanding. They’ve been where you are, and they’re proof that new hope can truly take flight.
Leadership
Dr. George Cowan, MD
Medical Director
Meet George, our respected Medical Director. Dr. Cowan has been with Owl’s Nest Recovery since 2018, and before that he was involved in the military. George enjoys working at Owl’s Nest because it allows him to use his skillset to help people when they need it. When he’s not at work, Dr. Cowan enjoys spending his time flying, horseback riding, and farming. Dr. Cowan joined Owl’s Nest Recovery because he recognized the growing need for mental and behavioral healthcare specialists and knew he could be of service.
Natashia Funderburk
Clinical Director
Meet Natashia, our experienced Clinical Director and an instrumental piece of our clinical team here at Owl’s Nest Recovery. Originally from Cheraw, SC, Natashia earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health and has been with Owl’s Nest since 2021. She loves how passionate and caring everyone is on our team. Outside of work, Natashia spends her time reading, gardening, spending time with her family, and tufting. Helping others find sobriety and heal has been Natashia’s goal since she was a kid.
Bobbie Tharrington
HR Director/Director of Sober Living
For more than 13 years, I have been working hard to make The Owl’s Nest a haven for those seeking recovery — both as a client myself and now as an employee.
More than 13 years ago, I was in a detox facility. My family had an intervention with the coaches and decided to bring me to Owl’s Nest. I had lost all I had: my job, my 401K, my car, my home, etc. Alcohol and drugs came first.
More than a decade later, I’m now an Owl’s Nest success story, dedicated to paying the gift of recovery forward and to give others hope. It’s a new design for living. Watching firsthand how the clients come back to life, the light comes back in their eyes. Every time I get to attend a commencement, I think, “God is the great restorer.”
When not at work, I love playing with her granddaughter. She’s the light of my life. I also enjoy reading, watching old movies, and spending time with my family. They never gave up on me, and now I’ll never give up on our clients.
To anyone out there pursuing recovery: Keep God and sobriety first, and everything you put second will be first-class.
Office Staff
Hope Pegram
Business Office Manager
Meet Hope, our Business Manager at Owl’s Nest Recovery. Originally from right here in Florence, Hope earned a BBA from Francis Marion University and has been with us since 2019. As genuine as they come, Hope loves working together with her colleagues to help others. When she’s not on campus, Hope enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is very involved in her church. To Hope, the goal of service and recovery is what makes working at Owl’s Nest more than just a job.
Therapists
Ernestine Frazier, M.S.
Primary Therapist
Ernestine L. Frazier, M.S., is a Behavioral Health Specialist at The Owl's Nest, where she is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of addiction and mental health with compassion, dignity, and evidence-based care. She believes that every person deserves the opportunity to heal, rebuild their life, and discover hope, regardless of their past.
Ernestine holds an Associate of Arts in General Education, a Bachelor of Science in Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Behavior, and a Master of Science in Psychology. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), psychoeducation, and person-centered approaches to help patients develop healthy coping skills, strengthen resilience, and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
As part of the multidisciplinary team at The Owl's Nest, Ernestine facilitates individual and group counseling sessions, develops treatment plans, provides psychoeducation, and works closely with patients to support their progress throughout treatment. She is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment where every individual feels respected, heard, and empowered to make meaningful changes.
What Ernestine finds most rewarding is witnessing the transformation that occurs when patients begin to believe in themselves again. Seeing individuals regain confidence, rebuild relationships, and embrace recovery reinforces her commitment to serving others with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering support.
Ernestine understands that seeking treatment can be intimidating, and she wants every patient to know they will be met with compassion rather than judgment. Her goal is to help each individual recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and discover that lasting recovery is possible.
Through her dedication to behavioral health, patient advocacy, and recovery-oriented care, Ernestine remains committed to helping individuals and families find hope, healing, and a healthier future.
Case Managers
Admissions & Business Development
Alaina Hicks
Admissions
Before relocating to Florence, I gained extensive experience in the service industry, where I thrived in high-pressure environments, mastering the art of managing chaos with efficiency and composure.
Originally from Columbia, SC, I embarked on a personal journey to overcome addiction, seeking transformation and healing along the way.
Each day, I am fortunate to witness moments of profound change and recovery, and I am deeply committed to giving back the care, compassion, and grace that were extended to me during my own journey.
I have always believed that altruism is my true calling, and I find fulfillment in helping others.
In my personal time, I enjoy moments of stillness and reflection, grateful for the peace this program has brought into my life. I also enjoy reading, staying active through exercise, spending time with my kitten, and visiting new cities.
Medical Team
Recovery Support Staff
Nutrition Services