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 13 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 launched 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, having admitting over 400 men in less than four years. 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 4 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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HARRISON ARNETTE

Director of Admissions & Business Development

Harrison 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. In his free time, you can find him at Zilker Park or at a local coffee shop enjoying a cup of coffee with his sponsees and friends.

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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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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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LEON PASTERNAK

Recovery Technician

This is Leon: a beast of a man and musician. 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.

BEN CAPELLE

Recovery Technician

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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MIKE PRESLEY

Recovery Technician

Mike helps to run the day to day operations with our clients. 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. 

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 delivers a high standard of excellence and offers a collaborative team spirit with those she works with. 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 friends getting outside and attending the great live music Austin has to offer.

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