COLE SHIFLET

Founder & Executive Director

Recipient of the 2018 Ulysees "Mac" McLester Champion of Recovery Award, Cole Shiflet has been working in the field of substance abuse for 15 years and has done it all. Cole is no stranger to the devastation of addiction and has his own miraculous story of redemption from years of hard drug use, a criminal record, legal disasters, and a seemingly hopeless condition that was sure to kill him. After numerous treatment facilities and countless relapses, he finally found his stride in sobriety in 2006, the same year he began working as a tech at a treatment center that led to his career in the recovery industry. Having worked in a wide variety of positions across the industry since then, Cole went on to found the nationally prominent The Last Resort Recovery Center in 2012, where he served as acting Director. Selling his shares of TLR in 2015, he launched his dream program, Solstice Recovery.  His passion and deep love for helping others struggling with addiction is absolutely extraordinary.  His wife Tara and their 2 children are his rocks and greatest source of love and joy. 

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TARA SHIFLET

Co-Founder & Chief Amazement Officer

Tara is a recovering alcoholic with over 7 years of sobriety and is Queen of all the Solstice 'worst boys'. She fell into this business, after being begged by her husband, and proceeded to organize his beautiful, chaotic dream. She loves to assist "her boys" to carry the message of recovery, hope and all-around degeneracy, while providing a little credibility and professionalism. She is also a mother to her and Cole's beautiful children, Cross and Cannan. 

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RYAN ENGLISH

Program Director

Ryan currently lives a life he once only dreamed about but never thought was possible. He wants nothing more than to help others achieve the same freedoms he has been granted. His mission is to create a world of peace and harmony through understanding and meeting others right where they are at. Solstice has provided him with the perfect platform free from an attitude resembling holier than thou.

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MIKE PRESLEY

Director of Admissions & Business Development

Mike creates a smooth transition for clients who come to Solstice as our first point of contact, speaking with staff and families from across the country. He is passionate about working with families and helping others recover, sharing his own personal experience. Addiction has run rampant in his family and friends and that's why he works in recovery. He likes seeing pain and struggle shift into growth. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, playing sports, and working out. 

KILEY KUHLENBECK

Office Manager/Operations Ninja

Kiley's passion for helping others, combined with her Type A personality, makes her a natural at fulfilling her role as Solstice's Operations Ninja. She assists the Director of Operations with day-to-day tasks, maintains close communication with the families, and helps with maintaining budgets in relation to donations. She believes in the Solstice values of connection, community, and having fun in recovery.  Kiley has personal recovery experience, as well as experience working in the recovery field, but it's her street cred that makes her an honorary Worst Boy.

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BEN CAPELLE

Recovery Specialist

Ben is an alumni and Recovery Tech who helps to run the day to day operations with our clients. From processing intakes, to taking the guys to meetings and outings, he does it all.

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JOHN WENBERG

Recovery Specialist

Johnny's experience in addiction treatment ranges within the various levels of care including detox, residential, and outpatient settings. Johnny has an acute ability to recognize vital character building moments and helps our clients bridge the gap between treatment and returning to their life. In his free time he likes going to Barton Springs and playing with his car. 

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CLINT JESTER

Recovery Technician

Clint is simply and a gem of a human and he's that guy that proves anything is possible and that anyone can get sober.  Seriously, he's that guy!  He views his role as supporting men in recovery in treatment - simple as that. He serves as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to our clients in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.  His son, Cayden, is his beating heart, living outside of his chest.  Clint loves football, grilling food for others, church, and this way of life.

JOEY KRAUSE

Recovery Technician

Joey is another survivor of alcoholism and it means a lot to him to be able to help people. He's worked in treatment for about a year, and he makes an effort to stay positive every single day and pass along the things that have worked for him. When he's not working, he enjoys watching and playing just about any sport, taking road trips, and going camping.

ETHAN HOGAN

Recovery Technician

Ethan is the only drug addict in his family, so coming to Solstice as a client offered him one of the pieces of his life that he was always missing. As a tech, he loves being around and relating with likeminded individuals. Sharing his experience with guys coming out of the grips of addiction is one of the bright spots in his life today. In his free time, he enjoys getting outdoors anywhere on the green belt, sports and music.

MIKE TASSO

Recovery Technician

Mike had no idea what addiction was, he just liked to change the way he felt. Coming to Austin in 2015 changed his life as he was introduced to sobriety. Getting plugged in with Solstice and now working here, helping people and having another family is awesome. When not at work, he loves to check out live music and hang out with his friends.

ALLIE POUND

Marketing Manager

Allie's vast experience includes working in the marketing and business development arena for Realtors in Austin, marketing agencies and non-profits. She believes in Solstice and desires to carry out the memory of her partner and previous Admissions Director, Joe Ficerai, who passed away in 2020. In her downtime, you can find Allie with her daughter and son and their amazing support system in Austin.