Meet Our Leadership Team

“Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person that can.”

Cory Williams, Chief Executive Officer

Cory Williams exemplifies a hard work ethic, and this is visible in his success as an outstanding entrepreneur. Cory’s strong upbringing helped set him on the path of a successful leader. He stands firmly on ethical practices, motivates his employees to reach their personal goals, and incorporates the best leadership management skills into his businesses. This code of personal and business ethics has evolved into his success as an entrepreneur. Cory has been lauded by others in his community, as he has moved his business accomplishments in a forward direction.
His career began at Goodyear Tire as a college intern, and later as a full time employee. While working in a variety of managerial positions at Goodyear Tire and Troxler Electronics, he always had an entrepreneur spirit. At the age of 22, Cory started a medical transport company While owning and operating the medical transport business, Cory experienced many highs and lows of entrepreneurship that taught him many lessons – which he contributes to his success today.
Along his road to success, Cory received many accolades, such as being named Employee of the Year at Goodyear Tire and Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Chairman of the Board at EPIC Partners, as well as key member of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a longstanding member of Vistage Executive Leadership Group. Most recently, Cory was appointed board member at Tammy Lynn Center in Raleigh North Carolina.
Cory is no stranger to hard work. His parents were excellent role models. They worked tirelessly to provide for him and his two sisters. His grandmother was also a major influence and inspiration to Cory and instilled in him as a child that he could do whatever he put his mind to. Cory continues to incorporate this philosophy and the lessons he learned from his parents and grandmother into his work today.
Cory is an avid sports fan. He participated in many sports, from little league through college, which helped to develop his competitive spirit. He strives to never make the same mistake twice. His belief is that he never loses – he either learns or wins.
Cory is the proud dad of twin boys and a girl, with his beautiful wife, Patrice. He enjoys raising them to become productive citizens that will follow their dreams and achieve their goals.

Veronica Onsurez-Pannell, LPC

Managing and Senior Director of Behavioral Health

Veronica joined the Epic family in 2021. She comes with over 27 years of behavioral health knowledge, experience with Federal Government Drug Courts and held various leadership positions for several Community Services Boards.  She earned a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from VCU, with a concentration in Substance Abuse and Mental Health. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Master Addiction Counselor. Veronica has worked with adolescents and adults from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds with a broad range of needs. She has extensive experience in providing substance use and mental health services to the community and the criminal justice population. Veronica is a native of New Mexico and can provide services in Spanish.   In her current role Veronica oversees all aspects of the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services program. She also provides direct oversite for the Clinical Services program for the Danville & Martinsville locations.

Christy Mayes, LPC
Director of Behavioral Health - Martinsville

Christy Mayes is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with the Virginia Board of Counseling with over 10 years of experience in providing mental health and substance use services in the community. Christy is also a Virginia Board approved Supervisor. She is passionately dedicated to providing quality service and support to individuals in need through recovery-oriented treatment.  

Christy received her undergraduate degree in 2013 from Liberty University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Crisis Counseling. She also received her Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty in 2015. Christy has acquired experience and specialized training in various areas including trauma informed care, crisis intervention, medication assisted treatment for substance use, and leadership. Currently, she is serving as the Director of Behavioral Health for Epic Health Partners, at their Martinsville location.  

Shanel Beard, LPC

Clinical and Compliance Training Administrator

Shanel Beard, M.Ed, LPC is a licensed professional counselor from Chatham, Virginia. Shanel received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from The University of Virginia and her Masters of Education from The College of William and Mary. Shanel has served others by aiding them in improving their mental health and overall life experience for several years in various capacities. Shanel’s passion is providing hope to those who need it the most. Shanel loves singing, dancing, all things sports, and spending time with her family. Shanel came to Epic in August 2019 and currently serves as the Clinical and Compliance Training Administrator.

Crystal Breedlove, LPC
Director of Behavioral Health - Danville

Crystal Breedlove is a Licensed Professional Counselor that joined the Epic family in 2019. Crystal is passionately committed to providing assistance and quality care to individuals and families in the community. She has experience in crisis intervention, clinical supervision, Outpatient Therapy and leadership. Crystal received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the College of William & Mary and then earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Crystal has over 12 years of experience in the behavioral health field serving adults and children. She previously worked closely with the Department of Juvenile Justice providing 13 years of case management for youth and families involved in the court system. Crystal has provided exceptional support in multiple roles and programs at Epic. She is currently the Director of Behavioral Health at the Danville location.