Meet our Team
Professional, Dedicated, Compassionate
Jessica Smith, MA, LCAS
Clinical Director
Jessica has been a part of the Launch Pad Wellness team since 2017. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the UNC-W in 2009 & her Master's degree in Counseling from Liberty University in 2013.
She is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and has extensive experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings within the Wilmington community & has been in the addiction treatment field for over 12 years. Jessica specializes in working with those who struggle with unresolved trauma, adverse childhood experiences, adult children of alcoholics and healing from codependency.
Jessica has lived in Wilmington for over 15 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and golden retriever Penny. In her free time Jessica loves to spend time with friends, serve in a women’s ministry at her church, and explore new restaurants with her husband.
Aaron Albert, MD, FAPA
Medical Director
Dr. Albert is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He received his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine & completed a psychiatry residency at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
Dr. Albert is a general psychiatrist with a special interest in treating substance use disorders.
Tricia Odham, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Tricia has been a part of the Launch Pad team since 2019 & practicing nursing since 1993! She earned her Board Certification in Family Practice in 2005. Her background in public health, family medicine, and addiction enables her to connect with our clients and motivate them to achieve their goals. She enjoys spending time with her husband, grandchildren, and fur kids. Tricia grounds the office with her soft voice & peaceful energy, as she loves music, reading, yoga and being in nature.
Counselor
Eugene Kaplan, CADC
Eugene has been a part of Launch Pad Wellness and Launch Pad Structured Living since 2016. Being a Substance Abuse Counselor was always his passion, as he has worked professionally in Charlotte for years mentoring and guiding those entering recovery, long before he decided there was no age limit on returning to school to fulfill one’s dream.
In 2008 he received his associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College & completed his bachelor's degree in 2020.
He lives in Oak Island with his lovely wife and dog.
Chloe Bigalke, LCSW-A
Therapist
Chloe has been a part of the Launch Pad Wellness team since September 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and human development from the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay in 2021 and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2023. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Associate (LCSW-A) who uses a trauma-informed, integrative care approach. Chloe is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy. She has experience working in hospital, home, and outpatient settings. Chloe specializes in working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, dual diagnosis, and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.
In her free time, Chloe enjoys exploring new places with her partner, hanging out with friends, playing video games, and going to the beach.
Therapist
Cody Gehl, LCSW-A
Cody has been a part of the Launch Pad Wellness team since January, 2024. He received his Bachelor of Arts (2019) in psychology and social welfare and Master of Social Work (2023) degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate (LCSW-A) that focuses on person-centered, trauma-informed, solution-based approaches with those he works with. He has experience working in home, hospital, and outpatient settings. Cody specializes in working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
In his free time, Cody enjoys watching movies, exercising, taking walks on the beach with his partner, trying delicious local foods, playing video games, and hanging out with friends and family.
