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Chekesha Kay Ellis is a certified family recovery specialist living in recovery who is personally in sustained long-term recovery after a decade of prescription opioid addiction and abuse. She has joined with several programs and organizations to bring awareness and change to the opioid crisis. She is currently enrolled in the Recovery Corps Program. Upon completion, she will be licensed as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).
She works with Mobilize Recovery which trains people to advocate within their own communities. They work with “people in recovery, harm reductionists, families and allies impacted by substance use. Anyone who wants to make a difference in their community on drug policy and recovery advocacy.” Their initiative is a response to the ongoing drug epidemic, which is the biggest public health crisis of our time. She participates in an annual convening to learn innovative strategies and tactics for grassroots organizing. (www.mobilizerecovery.org)
She works with Recovery Advocacy Project (RAP) as a New Jersey (Region 2) State Lead for a network of people and organizations across the country advocating and training on local, grassroots levels for addiction recovery policies. (www.recoveryvoices.com)
She works as a Shatterproof Volunteer Ambassador (New Jersey), a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. It works to eradicate stigmas associated with substance use disorder or addiction. (www.shatterproof.org)
She is a member of Inclusivity Caucus that was organized due to the concern there were not many folks from the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ and people living with disabilities present at the table voicing the need for culture change within the recovery community.
She is the founder of ChaseNoMore.org which serves as a bridge to help people all across America by pointing them to resources that can assist with treatment and recovery. You can visit her website and request one on one consultation or invite her to speak at your event.
Flo Hilliard is a Senior Administrator and Faculty Associate with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry and linking to community engagement. Skilled in teaching and training in Addiction and Evidenced Based Practices in treatment, Community Advocacy and Recovery Community Capacity Building in changing public perception of Addiction and Recovery and Medication Assisted Treatment. Strong education professional with a Master’s degree focused in Health Science from University of North Florida.
Dawn is a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, with a PhD and consulting expertise related to women and health care policy
In her work as a researcher and consultant, Nickel has focused largely on exploring how best to support women who experience substance use disorders, mental health issues, and intimate partner violence, the three issues that prompted Nickel to start her own personal recovery journey in 1987.
Dawn understands that choosing to start her recovery journey at age 27 was only the beginning; she continues to choose and practice it every day. Dawn currently identifies as being in active recovery from anxiety, grief, workaholism and the patriarchy.
When she isn’t writing, working as a healthcare and social policy consultant, or helping to grow the movement she started, Dawn can be found hanging out at home with her partner and family, walking or hiking with She Recovers’ friends, doing the odd 1000-piece puzzle, or reading. Her life goals include “graduating” therapy at some point, writing more books and a screenplay, completing her travel bucket list, and spending quality time with family, especially her precious grandchildren.
Cassandra “Coach Cassie J” James Weathersby is an advocate and champion for Mental Rest, Wellness, and Women’s Emotional Healing. As a ‘survivor turned thriver’ of her battles with trauma & and mental illness, Cassandra is working to encourage other Black and Brown Women to stand in their truth; breaking the silence barrier around trauma that has kept many trapped, and empowering them to take off the superwoman cape. Cassandra has taken her experiences as a survivor and founded the nonprofit organization Black Women DO Heal in 2019. There, she is facilitating meaningful conversations and healing spaces to break the stigma of getting mental health and emotional support in her community to promote holistic healing.
Cassandra has over 40 years of lived experience in mental health,
over 8 years of experience as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator and Trainer of Trainers, an ACE Educator, a Certified WRAP Facilitator, a Target Health
Facilitator, trained in Compassionate Inquiry, and is a skilled self-
care facilitator. Coach Cassie J is also the CEO of Pure Valley
Educational Services, a mental health support, coaching, and
consulting agency located in South Louisiana.
Cassandra currently resides in the Greater New Orleans area. When she is not working, she enjoys writing, ink-doodles, theatre, music, and looking at nature from the comfort of her window. She is the Mother of three grown rugrats and GiGi of one granddaughter and two grandsons.
Kristen Harper, M.Ed., is a national leader in behavioral health and recovery policy with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, systems reform, and sustainable funding strategies. She has held key roles at SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery, the Association of Recovery Schools, and Recovery Communities of North Carolina and has led major grant-
funded initiatives across higher education and state systems. Kristen is widely recognized for amplifying lived experience in policy and advancing recovery-oriented, harm–reduction–aligned solutions.
Racquel Garcia is a dynamic Peer Recovery Evangelist, social entrepreneur, and subject matter expert with over 15 years in long-term recovery. As the founder of five grassroots organizations, owner of HardBeauty LLC, and Executive Director of the HardBeauty Foundation, she has transformed lives by empowering underserved communities through equitable care. Racquel’s pioneering programs like Mama Recovers, Dare to Doula, and Operation CARE foster recovery and systemic change through partnerships with hospitals and community services. Her work in justice reform through BE Free and her J.E.D.I. initiative, Bridgeworks, highlight her commitment to equity and inclusion. Appointed by the Attorney General to the Colorado Opiate Abatement Council and serving as Chairwoman of the Advisory Council for the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, Racquel is a leading voice in destigmatizing substance misuse and advocating for recovery. She balances her impactful work with a love for family, small-town mountain living in Colorado, and global adventures.
Carol Cruz is a renowned figure in the recovery movement — a transformation coach, visionary creator, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. With over 30 years of lived experience, she is redefining what it means to rise with resilience, lead with heart, and build with intention. Through her coaching and consulting practice, Carol empowers others to unlock their full potential and design lives that are impactful, sustainable, and unapologetically their own.
Stephanie Barboza is a person in long-term wellness with 27 years of lived experience through addiction and mental health challenges. She has made it her business to encourage, equip and empower others on their journey to wellness. Coach Stephanie holds extensive certifications in health and wellness, Recovery, and is an instructor for the American Red-cross and the Overdose Lifeline. Her recovery story is one that derived from faith and the practice of a wellness lifestyle. Coach Stephanie is aa Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and is the founder and CEO of C.L.U.B Blessed Service Inc. a nonprofit faith based organization empowering women in recovery to self-sufficiency. Coach Stephanie is the owner and operator of Unique Physique Studio, LLC offering services in fitness & weight management.
Pam Lanhart is the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive Family Recovery Resources, which she started in 2016 as a result of her son’s struggles with substance use at the young age of 12. Pam’s passion has always been to help families impacted by their loved one’s substance use issues, walking through the journey with intention, kindness, compassion and love in an effort to stay connected and promote recovery. Through these experiences, their families relationship with their son had been one rooted in love, in spite of his difficult journey. The Lanhart’s lost their son, Jake to an accidental overdose in October of 2021. As she sought to work through her grief, she was able to apply many of the principles of her personal recovery journey to her grief journey, and now helps other families as they walk through the difficulty of grief and loss.
Dr. Michelle Shaivitz is a passionate educator, author, and nonprofit leader committed to empowering individuals in recovery and beyond. As the Executive Director of Women for Sobriety, she blends personal insight with academic expertise to facilitate healing-centered spaces. Her work focuses on leadership development, trauma-informed practices, and the power of personal transformation. She has embraced leadership roles, both foreign and domestic, in the public and private sectors, and shares her successful leadership model through coaching. Michelle has presented nationwide on topics related to resilience, emotional recovery, and community-based sobriety solutions. She is the author of Broken is a Gift, a raw and inspiring memoir exploring healing after trauma, and is the visionary behind the “Officially Unbothered” empowerment movement. Michelle lives in Maryland, she is a mom, grammy, and adores her rescue pups. She is a lover of all animals, good food, great coffee, and all things recovery!
Jaclyn Brown is the Owner and CEO of Stay Golden Coaching & Consulting, along with her own online creative shop, Jaclyn Kane Creations. She is also the Day of Service Liaison for Mobilize Recovery. She lost her younger brother, Marc, to a heroin overdose on November 16, 2018. Since then, she has become very passionate about advocacy and education around the topics of substance use, mental health, and harm reduction. Jaclyn is the host of “Dark and Enlightened,” a podcast about where she has open and honest conversations with guests about dark and stigmatized topics, in hopes that listeners will leave a little more enlightened than they were before. She lives in Mesa, AZ and in her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and dogs, creating art, eating tacos, and binge watching Netflix reality shows.
Shelly Dutch has dedicated her life’s work to those with Substance Use Disorders for over 40 years. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her dedication to the alcohol and drug issues in our society. She is certified at both the state of Wisconsin and national levels, and emphasizes mentoring and service as the key to recovery. She also co-founded Horizon High School, an emotional growth recovery school in 2006. Community is integral to recovery and Recovery Foundation lends itself to her mission. Shelly founded Recovery Foundation in 2006. “We must provide services to include equity for all, regardless of their socio economic status or race. The mission is to provide scholarships for those in need as well as supporting peer mentorship and educating the community to help increase awareness about addiction.” Shelly has volunteered on the Recovery Foundation board of directors since it was founded and continues to be actively involved. She is also co-facilitating a Women’s therapy group virtually. Shelly was the Founding Director of Connections Counseling from 2003-2022. Shelly is in long term recovery and committed to helping others on their recovery journey! She is described as being compassionate, genuine and having zest for life. She currently spends 8 months in San Diego and 4 in Northern Wisconsin with her husband and golden retriever, Daisy!
Cassidy Newman is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and dedicated Care Coordinator with over seven years of experience in the substance use recovery field. In long-term recovery herself since September 13, 2016, Cassidy brings deep personal insight and unwavering passion to her work. Her journey—from early substance use and incarceration to sustained recovery and leadership—fuels her mission to help others find freedom and healing. Cassidy has worked across treatment centers, nonprofit coalitions, and grassroots efforts, including being a founding member of the Tennessee Oxford House Alumni Association. She now serves as a direct link between first responders and individuals struggling with substance misuse, providing peer support and long-term follow-up care. Her commitment to community wellness, harm reduction, and person-centered recovery makes her a trusted voice in both local and statewide recovery efforts. Cassidy is currently pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Administration to further her impact through systems change.
Tara Moseley Hyde is a dedicated advocate and leader in the field of substance use recovery. She holds a dual master’s degree from American University School of Public Health, specializing in public administration and public policy, and a bachelor’s degree in public policy and pre-law from the University of Louisville. Her passion for public policy and research was ignited during an internship with the Legislative Research Commission on the Health and Welfare committee. As a person in long-term recovery since 2011, Tara became the Chief Executive Officer of People Advocating Recovery (PAR) in 2022. In addition to her role at PAR, Tara is the Vice Chair and co-founder of the Louisville Recovery Community Connection, a recovery community center in the heart of Louisville Kentucky and one of the first in the state of Kentucky. Tara also serves on the board of the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supporting the regulation of recovery residences and governance policies across Kentucky. She also serves on the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Advisory Council at SAMHSA. Tara has contributed significantly to developing policies that facilitate the successful workforce reentry of individuals with substance use disorders. Her work spans designing supportive recovery spaces on university campuses, community-based systems of care, and creating standards for recovery peer support services in collaboration with SAMHSA, BRSS TACS, and the Department of Corrections. Tara continues to champion recovery equity and raise awareness across the nation, leveraging her expertise to create supportive environments for individuals in recovery.
Christy Osborne was born and raised in Los Angeles and is a graduate of the University of Southern California and Pepperdine University School of Law. After passing the California bar, she moved to London, where she held roles in law, public relations, and business development—including a position at the UK Parliament and founding a popular lifestyle website for American expats. Christy found her true calling when she gave up alcohol and discovered a passion for helping women do the same. She has since coached hundreds of women across the US and UK as a highly trained senior sobriety coach, blending neuroscience, faith, and practical tools to help clients break free from alcohol and live with purpose. She is the author of Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind, and the co-host of the popular podcast But Jesus Drank Wine & Other Stories That Kept Us Stuck. Christy lives in Sussex, England, with her husband, their two teenagers, Ella and Carter, and their cavapoo, Copper.
Kara Trainor: Advocate, Peer, and Changemaker
Kara Trainor, CPRC, CPSS, CHW, is a prominent figure in Michigan’s behavioral health and recovery communities. As a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder, Kara combines her lived experience with professional expertise to support others on their recovery journeys. She works within Community Mental Health agencies, hospitals, and educational institutions, playing a crucial role in initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis and empowering those with lived experience. Kara’s advocacy, mentorship, and dedication to inclusive recovery practices make her a respected leader and a beacon of hope for many.
I am a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in Virginia, CEO of The McShin Foundation, and the best-selling author of “Scattered Pink.” Recently I became a SHE RECOVERS Professional, celebrating my journey of recovery from SUD since May 27, 2007. With having over ten years of experience in leadership, fundraising, self transformation, self love, and being a guide to women, I get to walk in my purpose every day!
I’m a wife, mom, dog lover, and entrepreneur in long-term recovery—grateful every day for the second chance God gave me. Through the grace of Jesus, I’ve experienced the freedom that comes with healing, and now I’ve made it my mission to help others find that same hope.
I’m the heart and hands behind a growing photography and podcast studio—where creativity, connection, and purpose come to life. Whether I’m behind the lens capturing someone’s story or building a space for others to create, every part of this journey is rooted in faith.
As an educator and advocate, I also work alongside the faith community to equip churches and ministries with the tools they need to support those struggling with mental health and substance use. I believe recovery is possible, and that the Church can be a powerful place of healing and restoration.
This is more than a business—it’s a calling. And I’m just getting started.
Allison Deraney lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and two rescue dogs. She is a woman in recovery from alcohol who credits sobriety for waking her back up to her first passion—writing. Allison is a licensed real estate attorney who is looking to pen more creativity into her days. She spends her free time wandering in nature with her dogs and cheering her kids on from the sidelines of the basketball court. You can find more of Allison’s writing on her Substack, DARE TO BE, where she explores the power of speaking up about a life of recovery.
Abby Teixeira is a 3x best-selling author, international speaker, trauma recovery coach and feminine business mentor, supporting women in recovery to reclaim their voice, rewrite their story, and rise into purpose-driven leadership. A proud Latina Canadian and cycle-breaking mother of four, Abby is also a survivor of complex trauma and has been in long-term recovery from addiction for over a decade.
Abby is a certified woman centered coach and facilitator specializing in identity-level transformation. She is a core leader within the Healing and CPTSD Community Hub, where she holds space for survivors navigating parenthood and recovery.
Blending storytelling, ancestral wisdom, and evidence-based coaching, Abby helps women break cycles, dismantle shame, and lead with authenticity and power. She is deeply committed to decolonized healing, generational change, and creating safe, liberatory spaces for women to heal, rise, and lead.
Meghann Perry, CARC, RCPF, is an award-winning storyteller, theatre educator, and recovery coach professional who designs innovative learning experiences and therapeutic programs for the behavioral health field that are grounded in peer support and creative expression. She’s a global keynote speaker and presenter on the peer workforce, storytelling, and stigma for organizations like NIH, NAADAC, FAVOR, PRCoE, HRSA, Hazelden, and the Lisbon Addictions Conference. Meghann is a former drug user who passionately supports people in prevention, harm reduction and recovery and leads a team of dedicated facilitators redefining education in the substance and mental health field.
Jessica Birch serves Knox County as a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist. This 31-year-old, mother of two, is a Justice-involved Peer Support Specialist, a Recovery Coach Professional and a Certified Human Trafficking Consultant. Jessica experienced addiction during her first pregnancy, and she is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and helping other women find their purpose.
Michelle Kavouras is a nationally credentialed addiction counselor and peer recovery specialist with a deep commitment to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals navigating substance use during pregnancy and parenting. With nearly a decade of experience in harm reduction, recovery support, and systems change, Michelle brings both professional expertise and lived experience to every space she enters.
Dr. Brandee Izquierdo is the Director of Behavioral Health Programs for Pew Charitable Trusts, where she leads a team of researchers and advocates at both state and federal levels to expand access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and enhance suicide prevention interventions in hospitals and health systems. Prior to joining Pew, Dr. Izquierdo held several leadership roles, including executive director of the Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic Project and director of advocacy and outreach at Faces & Voices of Recovery. She also served as the associate director of special populations with Behavioral Health System Baltimore and as director of consumer affairs for Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration.
Dr. Izquierdo, a woman in recovery, began her professional career as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, providing direct services and support to individuals navigating behavioral health services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in government and public policy, a master’s in public administration, and a doctorate in public administration. Leveraging both lived experiences and academic knowledge, Dr. Izquierdo is committed to driving impactful and sustainable change for individuals seeking a path to wellness.
Mandy Manners is an award-winning trauma-informed ICF accredited Life and Recovery Coach working predominately for socially minded organisations is wellbeing, leadership and development coaching for Real Clear. She is an expert trainer at The Coaching Academy and a trainer in First Aid for Mental Health. Mandy is the co-author of two books Love Yourself Sober and Love Your Sober Year and a speaker, organising and appearing on panels at Latitude Festival as well as being a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts. She is a Trusted Advisor in Education and Pedagogy and designated coach for the She Recovers Foundation. She also an ambassador for Alcohol Change.
Mandy has a background in non-for-profits – previously working for an arts marketing and research organisation and over 15 years’ experience in education, for 10 years teaching and course development at a French university. She is passionate about breaking down stigma and raising awareness to the intersection between mental health, addiction and trauma and helping people to live well and thrive.
Rev. Lisa Bryson is the Founder and Executive Director of Praising Through Recovery, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to long-term recovery. With over 18 years of experience in the clinical and mental health fields and more than two decades of specialized coursework in trauma, addiction, and recovery, Rev. Bryson has become a trusted leader in substance use recovery, mentorship, and faith-based community outreach.
In addition to her leadership at Praising Through Recovery, Rev. Bryson serves on the Pastoral and Ministerial Leadership Team at Bridgeway Community Church, where she co-leads the Eastern European Mission Team and has directed the Addictions and Recovery Ministry. She is also a valued Advisory Board member of The Ed Lally Foundation, an organization committed to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Her dedication to service has been widely recognized. As an international missionary, she has served in Haiti, Kenya, Rwanda, Hungary, Romania, and Ukraine, where she provides resources, preaches, teaches, leads conferences, and educates communities on the importance of support groups and mentorship in fostering peer support for sustained recovery. In recognition of her impactful work, she received The Great Commission Award from Kingdom Harvest Outreach in 2011. In 2017, she was honored with a Community Service Award from the Baltimore City Club of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., and received a Certificate of Recognition from then-Mayor Catherine E. Pugh for her outstanding contributions to community outreach.
Jessica is the Senior Project Manager in the Overdose Response Network with the Clinton Foundation. She leads various projects that aim to bring awareness to substance use disorder and end the stigma surrounding it. Jessica is a person in long term recovery who recently celebrated her 21st year of sobriety. Jessica is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. She is also certified by CCAR as a Recovery Coach. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and an Associate’s Degree in AODA from Moraine Park Technical College. Her areas of focus are assessment and treatment of substance abuse in adolescents and adults.
Jessica has over fifteen years of experience providing AODA treatment services to adolescents and adults in residential, transitional, inpatient and outpatient settings. She has spent over ten years working within and supervising medication assisted therapy programs, such as Suboxone and Vivitrol. She is a Wisconsin representative of the national organizations, Mobilize Recovery and Recovery Advocacy Project, with The Voices Project. Jessica volunteers her time by holding positions as the Governor’s representative on the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse as well as an Intervention & Treatment Committee member and an Equity & Inclusion member for SCAODA.