Novus Detox Centers - Staff

Director, Steve Hayes
Mr. Hayes graduated with Honors from the University of Arkansas and then with Honors from the University of San Francisco Law School. Over many years of private law practice, Steve had occasion to help people who were themselves victims of what he considered to be unscrupulous medical practitioners. After researching what was available to help people medically detox from drug or alcohol dependencies and/or addictions, Steve decided to create a facility where professional people would be comfortable. This meant private rooms, first class food, one-on-one personal attention, excellent education, natural options and ways to make someone truly drug-free, with patients that could go on to a rehab that would really help.

Medical Director, Dr. Brent Agin
Dr. Agin, our medical director, is board certified in Family Medicine. He attended medical school at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Experienced in counseling and detoxification for both illicit drugs and prescription medications, Dr. Agin is one of a very select group of physicians certified in buprenorphine therapy for both maintenance and rapid detox. His research in nutrition and vitamin therapy supports an important component of our detox program.

Director of Nursing Staff, Jean Ruble
Jean received her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from the University of Florida and is certified in IV Therapy. Her expertise is in working one-on-one with patients and during her years as a nurse she has worked in acute care, home care, hospice and wound care clinics. She has always been interested in treating patients to find the underlying causes of their pain or illness rather than just addressing symptoms with drugs. She has pursued education in nutrition and more natural alternatives to help the body heal itself. Jean brings to Novus a caring and nurturing spirit that safeguards and encourages our patients.

Deputy Director, Kirk Burness
A certified business management consultant with specialties in communications and instruction, Kirk has had more than 20 years of hands-on experience helping literally hundreds of medical practices improve in efficiency and ability to help their patients. Also with a degree in radiography and direct experience in hospital care, hospice, home care, nutrition and working one-on-one with patients, Kirk brings a wealth of diversified experience to Novus. Ever with the intention to help good people do better, Kirk has also worked with several non-profit organizations to improve life in general for the community. Kirk chose to come to Novus to utilize all of his medical and organizational experience to help Novus expand and become the premier medical detox center of its kind,  helping as many as possible who want to be free of drugs and start a new life.

Lead Support Counselor, JJ Bush
JJ is a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor with over seven years of experience in handling withdrawal symptoms of patients undergoing rehab or detox in a large national rehab facility before coming to Novus. JJ knew that after living through a life of drug addiction himself that he wanted to help others through the difficulties of withdrawal and return people to their lives and their loved ones. JJ is trained in many different kinds of assistive therapy and works with patients on a one-on-one basis. Now happily married and a new father, he has worked at Novus since its opening.

Support Counselor, Montana Spencer
Having spent much of his life working with non-profits helping others, Montana brings to Novus a determination to help make the world a better place. Before working at Novus Medical Detox Center, Montana worked in Hollywood, California and saw firsthand on the streets the horrors of addiction to street and prescription drugs. Members of his own family have been affected by drug addiction and he knows that this epidemic affects all strata of society. Montana also appears regularly on a Tampa, Florida radio talk show that discusses the prescription drug epidemic.

Office Manager, Nicole Webster
Nicole has over 5 years experience in administration, working for a non-profit organization prior to coming to work at Novus.  Nicole has a strong purpose to help people, especially in escaping from the trap of drug addiction.    Along with Montana, she appears as a co-host on the Prescription Addiction Radio show each Sunday night, bringing public attention to the growing prescription drug epidemic in this country.