About the Conference

Deborah Curington has more than 10 years of experience in the Substance Use Disorder field, where she has as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in a residential treatment facility. Currently, she works as a Recovery Support Specialist she works with clients from diverse demographics, both individually and in group settings, providing her with unique opportunities to make a difference.

Jesse Mogle spent 12 years attending college and is not a doctor! He is, however, a guest expert on Fox and NBC and has worked with companies such as Disney, LiveNation, Metal International and Universal Studios as well as the University of Southern California, the University of Florida, and UCLA. Jesse has been a talk show host, the lead news anchor for a television station in Los Angeles and an internationally published business analyst. Jesse’s projections of the economies of Singapore and several western European nations were featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian and USA Today. He is an avid motorcycle rider, traveling 12,000 miles coast to coast one summer spreading his mother’s ashes in over 100 locations in 29 states. In his free time, Jesse hikes mountains, adds to his over 700 concerts attended, and drives hundreds of miles for animal sanctuaries and aquariums.

Mark Aaron Litvine is a person in long term recovery from a substance use disorder and mental health condition since March 1 st , 2013. Mark uses his lived experience with mental health and substance use to provide hope, assistance, guidance, understanding and encouragement to the individuals that he serves. Mark fell through the cracks of the criminal justice system in 2012 and everything Mark does is, so no one has to go through what he went through. Mark started out by volunteering as a peer at the Birmingham Fellowship House and was in the first class of state Certified Recovery Support Specialists in Alabama in March 2016.

Mark is also a Certified Peer Specialist on the Mental Health side as well. Mark is one of the founding members of R.O.S.S. the first Recovery Community Organization in Alabama and Mark was the Director of Marketing for the Recovery Organization Of Support Specialist starting in 2016. Mr. Litvine started out training the state Certified Recovery Support Specialists in 2016 as well. Today Mark is the Substance Use Peer Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Mental Health and coordinates our Certified Recovery Support Specialist community. Mark received the Peer Warrior Award in 2017 for his hard work and dedication to the peers in Alabama. Mark serves on the Governor’s Alabama Opioid Council and is an Ex Officio member of the Ethical Peer Accountability Committee for the state Certified Peers in Alabama. Mark is also a SAMHSA GAINS Nationally certified Trauma Trainer. Mr. Litvine was taught early on in his recovery that he lives a life of purpose today which is to advocate for and serve those in his community.

Emily Couch is a grateful person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and mental illness. She holds three college degrees – BA in theatre, ADN in nursing, and AAS in criminal justice. Emily is passionate about walking alongside peers as they discover the gifts of recovery for themselves and enabling them to build lives, they are proud of. She currently works as the case manager for the 17th Judicial District Recovery Court (felony and misdemeanor) in Lincoln County, Tennessee. When she isn’t working, you can find her reading, writing, singing, traveling, baking, and snuggling with her fur babies (two cats – Leo and Gigi). She is currently working on her first book, Dare Them to D.R.E.A.M.

John Vereen, a native of Pasadena, Maryland, embodies a life marked by a commitment to leadership, service, and innovation. Born and raised there, he laid the foundation for his journey early on. In 2000, John graduated from the United States Naval Academy (USNA), where he majored in Quantitative Economics and made a lasting impact as a three-year starter on the Midshipmen football team. This experience instilled in him the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that would shape his future endeavors. Commissioning as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy, John dedicated 7.5 years to serving his country. Notably, he piloted the first naval vessel to return to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, since the Vietnam War, a testament to his commitment to bridging historical gaps and fostering international relations. Transitioning to civilian life, John continued to ascend in leadership roles within the logistics, manufacturing, and sales industries. His journey led him to become a Factory Automation Sales Engineer, covering the region of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle for six years till 2020. In this role, he specialized as a subject matter expert in Machine Vision systems, an innovative instrument automating the human eye in the manufacturing process. In this role his expertise assisted companies such as Mercedes Benz, Hyundai, Toyota, and many more solving applications to improve quality, efficiency, and safety. A family man at heart, John is the proud father of two young individuals. His 15-year-old son, who has Autism, is a source of inspiration for John’s advocacy in creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. His 10-year-old daughter aspires to change the world through her passion for coffee, culinary, and visual arts. Currently, John has taken on the role of a full-time Realtor, bringing his leadership skills and expertise to the real estate industry. Not content with just professional success, he actively contributes to the community as the Diversity and Fair Housing Committee member, DEI Belonging Council Chair at Realty South and Human Efficiency, Optimization Consulting. Driven by a vision of optimizing humanity through shared desire for Kindness, Love, Integrity, Respect, Peace, John founded the Human Efficiency Optimization (HEO) consultancy. Through this venture, he provides valuable insights and guidance to individuals and organizations looking to enhance their performance and foster an inclusive and equitable environment. In every facet of his life, John Vereen exemplifies a dedication to leadership, service, and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on our existence

Melissa Beck is a person in long-term recovery who hails from the most magical of all cities – Birmingham, Alabama. Her recent midlife crisis focused on earning a Master’s in Public Health from UAB, with a focus on SUD. She has been a Certified Recovery Support Specialist since 2017 and received her Alcohol Drug Counselor certification in 2022. Her professional interests focus on expanding the role of peer support, documenting the outcomes, successes, and opportunities of the profession, along with a better understanding of how chronic illnesses can be effectively treated with minimal use of opioid pain relievers and establishing best practice protocols for when such medication is needed. She and her husband Jason are the proud pups parents of a husky named Sir Charles Barkless and another canine of unknown origins who answers to Kylie.

Dr. Charles Dent is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran who has devoted his career to assisting others. He is a certified recovery support expert with over 40 years of experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, and coaching. Dr. Dent effectively integrates spiritual guidance with practical counseling methodologies to empower individuals to take control of their lives. He has maintained his recovery for more than 15 years.

As the Executive Director of Friends of Recovery Alabama, a non-profit organization, he is dedicated to supporting individuals throughout Alabama by developing robust peer support networks and training programs. He aims to empower individuals to enhance their lives and realize their full potential.

Moreover, Dr. Dent is committed to cultivating a community that acknowledges and addresses trauma. He collaborates with faith-based organizations, community groups, and healthcare services in Mobile and across Alabama. His objective is to establish a supportive environment where all individuals can flourish.

Jerrod Smith is a dynamic speaker, community leader, mentor, and author with a passion for empowering individuals to overcome adversity and embrace emotional healing. Beginning his career in communication with a focus on mental health, Jerrod’s experience in mental health and substance use private practice revealed the widespread struggle of individuals suppressing pain through self-medication. This discovery fueled his research into emotional intelligence and healing.  Through years of study, certifications, and training, Jerrod combined his expertise and desire to help others into impactful public speaking engagements. His talks inspire resilience, foster emotional intelligence, and equip audiences with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.  Jerrod is the author of Let’s Unpack, a transformative book that has profoundly impacted its readers. He also leads an 8-week coaching program of the same name, designed to help youth and adults work through repressed emotions, rediscover their voice, and reclaim emotional expression. As the founder of The Fight Club, Jerrod has helped students, parents, teachers, and individuals from all walks of life confront adversity and learn how to F.I.G.H.T. His program equips participants to Identify challenges, strategize solutions, and take bold steps toward personal growth.  Jerrod is committed to making a difference in diverse settings, including schools, group homes, churches, drug treatment facilities, and businesses. With passions in writing, public speaking, teaching, and mentorship, his mission is to motivate, educate, and enhance lives by helping individuals discover their purpose and take action.  If you’re looking for a speaker who can transform the lives of your students, parents, or educators, Jerrod Smith is your answer. Contact him at https://jerrodsmithspeaks.org/speaking/workshops to discuss how he can positively impact your next event. 

Jennifer Moreno has been in recovery since October 24, 2008. She is the night shift Program Assistant at the Woman’s Shoulder in Mobile. She is active in the recovery community & started the first in person Pagans in Recovery meeting in Alabama. She is also enrolled in college – thanks to the insight she gained about opportunities to start your education through other people in long term recovery.

Elana Parker Merriweather serves as the Adolescent Substance Use Program Manager and Trainer in the Office of Substance Use Treatment Services at the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In this role, she provides administrative and programmatic oversight for certified and contracted substance use treatment programs in Alabama. She is responsible for monitoring clinical treatment compliance with federal and state funding guidelines. Additionally, she serves as a Trainer and Training Coordinator where she plans, coordinates and implements professional development learning opportunities through both virtual and in-person formats for behavioral health providers and peers throughout the State. She also worked for the Alabama Department of Public Health in the Cancer Division, HIV/AIDS Division, Office of Women’s Health, Office of Minority Health and the Center for Emergency Preparedness for 15 years. She is an ally for people in recovery, people who are living with disabilities, people living with mental illness, current and previously incarcerated persons, unhoused individuals, and people who are living with chronic health conditions. She enjoys learning and creating learning opportunities for the people we serve. She is married to her best friend, Anthony and they have 3 blessings, Jeremy, Joshua and Alex.

Amanda Salter Gray is a person in long-term recovery and a survivor of trauma and abuse with 26 years of lived experience navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Through her involvement with the Alabama Department of Corrections, she gained the life skills that supported her recovery and inspired her to help others facing similar struggles.
She has worked with People Engaged In Recovery (P.E.I.R.) for over four and a half years and currently serves as the OD2A Coordinator for the southern region of Alabama. Amanda is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (C.R.S.S.), Faith-Based Support Specialist (FBSS), National Trauma Trainer for the criminal justice system, Harm Reduction Educator, and Narcan Trainer. She also works with the Escambia County Drug Court and is a dedicated advocate for recovery, trauma-informed care, and community change.

Jacquelyn Johnson is a peer professional, recovery advocate, and mother whose story is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and trusting the process. Drawing from her lived experience in recovery and life’s challenges, she inspires others to see growth not only in victories but also in the difficult moments. With authenticity and compassion, Jacquelyn empowers individuals impacted by substance use and mental health challenges to recognize their strength, embrace hope, and believe that healing, purpose, and transformation are always possible—even when the journey is hard.

Stephanie Jennings is an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), a State-Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), and a Certified Peer and Family Support Specialist (CPSS). She brings more than 11 years of lived recovery experience to her work and currently serves as the Executive Director of Best Life Recovery.
Stephanie has extensive hands-on experience as both a women’s program director and a house manager within sober living environments. Her deep understanding of recovery housing operations, combined with her person-centered approach, makes her a trusted leader and the primary point of contact for prospective residents seeking recovery support and stability.
Widely known throughout North Alabama’s recovery community, Stephanie is deeply engaged in networking, collaboration, and advocacy with individuals and organizations committed to helping people build meaningful, sustainable lives in recovery.
Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a major in Advertising and double minors in Marketing and English. Outside of her professional work, she is an accomplished photographer, a lover of music and cats, and operates a photography studio at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment in Huntsville.

Tajuan McCarty has been in long-term recovery since September 2021. Despite challenges with substance use and justice involvement that began at the age of twelve, McCarty completed her BSW, MPA and MPH.
McCarty has assisted those in treatment for SUD, worked in child welfare, helped the severely mentally ill and chronically homeless. She found her niche for a period of her life advocating for those seeking refuge from human trafficking.
Led by her Christian faith and understanding the gap in services, she founded the largest single-site human trafficking facility in the United States. This achievement and her efforts to train law enforcement on how to identify human trafficking, led to her to accepting an award from FBI Director James Comey. She was also named one of Birmingham’s Top 20 Women Who Make a Difference.
McCarty became a Certified Recovery Support Specialist while working for R.O.S.S. She currently works with 988 Lifeline to help those who are suicidal or in crisis.
Now in recovery and free from the chains of addiction, McCarty wants to help others not repeat her mistakes. She has learned first-hand working in the helping profession can lead to burnout if we do not take care of ourselves. She is honored to share her unique perspective that self-care is more than a bubble bath and getting our nails done…it’s essential to our well-being.

 Deidre Wilson is celebrating 9 years of sobriety with her anniversary on 4/2/2014. She began her work as a Certified Peer Support Specialist in 2017 at the Awakening Recovery in Walker County. She was awarded an Initiative Peer Award along with other peers in the county for their efforts in expanding recovery. Deidre currently works with the Birmingham Fellowship House, as Peer Support Specialist and Case Manager in their Walker County Outpatient office. She gives back to the community each week by coordinating with local churches to provide outreach to the Beacon House girls, a moderate residential facility for female teens involved in DHR.

Randy Hall received a B.A. in English and Political Science from Vanderbilt University, a J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law, and a M.Ed. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a person in long-term recovery, a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, a SMART Recovery 4 Point and Friends & Family Facilitator, and the former leader of the Recovery Dharma Global community. Randy works as a Program Coordinator with the Addiction Prevention Coalition where he coordinates Mental Health First Aid Trainings, manages volunteers, and provides peer support services, including facilitating numerous multiple pathways peer support group meetings every week.

Carla Bugg is Criminal Justice Services Coordinator for R.O.S.S. She has over 30 years in recovery, but only by the grace of God. She is also an advocate for individuals with a substance use disorder and are justice involved. She serves on the executive board of Not One More Alabama. She is a U.S. veteran, as she served 6 years in the Air National Guard. Carla is now a member of the Veterans Justice Commission and the Council on Criminal Justice. Carla is a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ as she is the founder of F.L.O. Outreach Ministry. She has 5 beautiful children and 4 adorable grandchildren and she loves to sing. Carla believes that once you find your purpose, you find your life.

With over 4 years of experience working with Safeplace, I have helped assess and educate clients on the dangers of Domestic Violence as well as helped provide local resources and coping skills to combat the repeat of this cycle. I completed the Minds and Mentors program through the University of Alabama and became a CRSS in 2021. I also completed Doula training through Birthwell Partners in 2023. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two sons and involving myself with my local AA community.

Hello, my name is Catrina Stephens, and I am a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist. I serve individuals and groups by providing support through trauma and substance use challenges, with a focus on fostering resilience, developing coping skills, and promoting sustainable recovery. I am committed to guiding others in their personal growth, leading recovery-oriented programs, and creating a safe and empowering environment where all individuals can succeed.

Dianne Durbin is a long-time employee of the ADMH and has directed the ADMH Advocacy Program for the past 9 years. She can be reached Monday – Friday at her office in Montgomery by calling the Advocacy Program Line at 800-367-0955.

Curt Lindsley has over 20 years of experience leading nonprofit organizations.
In 2019, Curt, his wife Tracy and Stephanie Jennings co-founded Best Life Recovery Residences, a certified recovery residence program for women in Huntsville, Alabama.
Since launching Best Life, Curt helped to lead the effort in 2021 for the Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences (AARR) to become accredited by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences in July 2021 to certify recovery residence programs in the state of Alabama based on the NARR Standards, becoming the only such organization in Alabama with that authority. The NARR Standards are recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an evidence-based best practices model for operating recovery housing programs. Curt has served as Executive Director of AARR since May 2023.
Curt is Founder and Director of Alabama Recovery Advocacy Day and Montgomery Recovers, and is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman for End Addiction Sand Mountain, which takes places annually in Rainsville, Alabama.
As a member of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, Curt serves as Chair of Recovery Is Here, a statewide initiative of the Treatment and Recovery Committee to bring recovery resources and inspirational recovery stories to community colleges across Alabama (September 2025). Curt also serves as Chair of the Alabama Recovery Housing Initiative Working Group of the Law Enforcement Committee, that is working to help facilitate recovery housing for justice-involved individuals that struggle with substance use disorder.
Curt is a member of the Opioid Response Network for the state of Alabama; a member of the Alabama Reentry Taskforce Behavioral Health and Housing Working Group; and a Board Member of the Alabama School of Alcohol and Drug Studies (ASADS).
Curt serves on the leadership team for the Southeast Addiction Recovery Coalition, formed in 2025 to advocate for resources to promote recovery services for the Southeastern region of the United States.
Curt was the recipient of the Ally of Recovery Award, presented in March 2025 at the 10th Annual Certified Recovery Support Specialist Conference Awards in Gadsden, Alabama.
He is a passionate advocate for the difference that quality recovery housing can make in helping to foster long-term recovery. He proactively collaborates with other recovery organizations, stakeholders and state agencies to work on common sense solutions to Alabama’s opioid crisis.
Curt regularly works with television media in Alabama and elsewhere to highlight the importance of quality recovery housing and services that support long-term recovery from substance use disorder.
Curt is available as a guest speaker to talk about recovery-related issues.

Kaylee Cowan is a certified recovery support specialist and Is a person in long term recovery since July 1st, 2020. She is currently enrolled at Troy University on her way to becoming certified as a Community Health Worker. She is the facilitator for the R.C.S.P. at R.O.S.S. Birmingham where she has worked for 2 years teaching individuals in recovery how to become certified recovery support specialists. Kalee uses her lived experience as a person who uses medication assisted recovery as her pathway, to educate and advocate for others on medication assisted recovery. She is an active member for a non-profit called Jubilee House in Walker County, where she has been a part of many projects to help the community, including Project Freedom where Narcan is given to the community for free. Kalee is passionate about helping others in recovery and being an advocate for her community.

I have been a person in long-term recovery since May 2020. After losing my nursing license due to life struggles and substance use, I sought treatment and became committed to recovery, accountability, and personal growth. Finding ROSS Recovery Center in 2023 and becoming a Certified Recovery Support Specialist became a turning point in my life providing me with life-saving support, guidance, and advocacy that helped me rebuild my life and career, including successfully regaining my license. Now I serve as a Helpline Coordinator with ROSS Recovery Center. I use my lived experience, compassion, and peer support to connect individuals to recovery resources, encouragement, and hope while reminding them that recovery is possible, sustainable, and worth celebrating.

Officer Rebecca Bensema proudly serves the Bureau as Assistant Director for Reentry. In this role, she oversees all operations of Electronic Monitoring, Day Reporting Centers, Day Reporting Center Lite’s, the Residential Reentry Centers and other programs.
She began her career with this agency in September 2001 as a Probation and Parole Officer. She was promoted to Senior Probation and Parole Officer in December 2005. In September 2016, she was promoted to Probation and Parole Manager of Special Populations and Programs, followed by Director of Special Populations and Assistant Director of Reentry. While working as a Senior Probation and Parole Officer, Bensema served as an instructor for a grant-funded project through Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama at the Dale County Resource Center from June 2013 until September 2016. She was an adult education instructor at Wallace Community College from February 2015 until September 2016.
Bensema is a member of the Reentry Commission; Chairman of the standing Law enforce Committee under the Governors Alabama OPIOID Overdose and Addiction Council and represents the Bureau on other committees that focus on support services for the justice involved population served by the Bureau.
Bensema graduated from Wallace Community College in 1998 with an Associate of Science Degree. In 1999, she graduated from Troy State University at Dothan with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Her education continued with post graduate studies at Troy University. In 2004, she graduated with her Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

My name is Stan Whitfield, and I am living proof that recovery is possible. After struggling with opioid addiction and serving time in prison, I chose a different path. I’ve been clean and sober since August 13, 2018. My mission is to help as many people as I can reclaim their lives and rediscover their worth. No matter how broken things feel, you are not alone—and you can do this.

Sharon Jackson is very outgoing, loves the outdoors especially swimming. Loves spending time playing cards with family and friends. Sharon goals is to one day own a house and to go to Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. Sharon works at UAB as a registration agent, she a member of NA with 24 years clean. The best she’s accomplished was achieving a white chip in 2001!!

Helene grew up in Tuscaloosa and returned there in 2000 as a pastor of a small church. She has over 20 years clean and 30 years of pastoral experience in the Christian tradition. She has two married children and three grandchildren. Her wife of over 20 years is Susan Lowe, a certified addictions counselor and Program Director at the START Program in Fayette.
After Helene completed her Doctor of Ministry in 2010, she became involved in nonviolent change movements and interfaith groups and has developed educational materials and presentations on topics in these areas. Her leisure interests are traveling, hiking and swimming, creative writing, yard work, her cats and working puzzles.

Amanda Rose was born in Tuscaloosa, AL, raised in Gadsden, AL. She currently lives in Mobile, AL. She is a Program Assistant and a S.M.A.R.T. Recovery facilitator at The Shoulder for Women in Mobile, Alabama.