Marcus Abernathy

Founder, Executive Director 

Marcus Abernathy is a survivor of heroin addiction. In 2015, he earned his master’s degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where he focused on addiction and recovery. He moved to Arizona and worked as a primary therapist at Red Mountain Sedona, Crossroads Recovery Center in Phoenix, and Elm Tree Recovery in Tempe. In 2018, he moved back home to Tulsa to start Sangha.

“I have lived in and managed a number of recovery residences. I have seen what works and what doesn’t, and I wanted to combine all the best elements into one program.” says Marcus. “My lived, educational, and professional experiences in this market give me a unique perspective on how to best serve those in early recovery. I love this town, and this is my way of giving back to it in the best way I know how.” 

Andrew Cassell

Program Coordinator

In May 2021, Andrew became Sangha’s full-time director of programming. A graduate of Tulsa’s Bishop Kelley High School and Northeastern Oklahoma College in Miami, Andrew has a large family that includes his wife, Candace, four children and four stepchildren, whom he loves spending time with. Andrew loves to work out and, in fact, spent all of 2019 training for strongman competitions, lifting weights upwards of 800 lbs.

Andrew helps oversee day-to-day life at Sangha, working closely with our residents, assisting them on their recovery journey, and helping them become successful members of the community. “I love Sangha’s vision and what it stands for, which is community,” he says. “I really like the impact that Sangha has already made and will continue to make in helping these men become the best versions of themselves. I am fortunate that I get to be a part of it.” 

Melissa Giles

Business Manager 

With a passion for learning and growth, Melissa graduated from Watonga High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (business, kinesiology and theater) and master’s degree in sports management at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology degree in sports and performance management. 

Melissa is a single mom of four biological children and two bonus children. She’s involved in youth sports throughout the Tulsa area and continues to pursue her own sport interest, Parkour, which she has been coaching for more than five years. “With a heart to serve others, Sangha has offered me the opportunity to merge my business background and my desire to serve my community,” says Melissa. “I look forward to growing with Sangha and the community of Tulsa.”

Nate Cullison

Case Manager

Now in long-term recovery, Nate began his recovery journey in late 2015. Through 2018, he lived in and helped manage recovery residences. Using his background in customer service, sales, and leadership, Nate has been working since 2022 as a peer and case manager, providing services to people in early recovery.

“I believe in helping people the way I have been helped,” says Nate. “I remember thinking I would never get well. Treatment got me started on my way toward long-term recovery, and sober living helped keep me on that path. Now I have the opportunity to pay it forward. I share my experience with what has worked for me in recovery.”

Thor: Dog of Thunder

Thor: Dog of Thunder adopted Marcus Abernathy in July 2019, less than a year after Marcus founded Sangha. Thor has been not only a companion but also a teacher and mentor. He is an energetic, super smart, extremely happy and loving dog who blesses the day of anyone he meets.  Every day is “the best day ever” as far as Thor is concerned, which is an attitude we could all adopt.

In loving memory: Geoff Patterson