About the Conference

The purpose of the conference is to provide education on peer services, promote the value of utilizing peer services, promote advocacy, and encourage collaborations with all community organizations.  

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 Litvine is a person in long term recovery from a substance use disorder and mental health diagnosis. Mark uses his lived experience to provide hope, assistance, guidance, understanding and encouragement to the individuals that he serves. Mark is also a Certified Peer Specialist on the Mental Health side as well. Mark is one of the founders of R.O.S.S. the first Recovery Community Organization in Alabama and Mark is the Director of Marketing for the Recovery Organization Of Support Specialist. Mr. Litvine also trains the state Certified Recovery Support Specialists. Mark received the Peer Warrior Award in 2017 for his hard work and dedication to the peers in Alabama. Mark serves on the Alabama Opioid Task Force and Ethical Peer Accountability Committee for the state Certified Peers in Alabama. Mr. Litvine was taught early on in his recovery that he lives a life of purpose today which is to help others and make a difference in his community. Click here to download full bio.

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.

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. 

Karen Elmore is a Certified Recover Support Specialist, through ADMH and works for one of the state’s certified community centers in Mobile at People Engaged in Recovery.  Karen is a longtime resident of Mobile and serves Mobile, Clark and Washington Counties.  She is the Team Leader for Mobile’s outreach department and is a person in long term recovery.  Through her six years of working in recovery, she has helped countless numbers of families and their loved ones struggling with addition. I help guide our peers through their pathway to recovery, whatever their pathway may be. We help get assessments to get into treatment.  We advocate for them to get into treatment and provide transportation for our peers.  We help advocate in the courts and with probation officers to send our peers to treatment as opposed to going to prison. Our goal is to advocate, impower, and collaborate for our peers to receive ultimate care at the state certified facilities and achieve recovery.  Karen is a member of Civitan International at the Cottage Hill Civitan Club, helping people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  Karen is the mother of two children and is a grandmother of three. Today she is proud to give back to her community however she can. 

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.

Aubin Cawthon is a person in long term recovery from an opioid use disorder. Since September of 2016, he has not found it necessary to use substances. Mr. Cawthon received his recovery support specialist certification through ADMH in 2020 and started working at R.O.S.S as an outreach worker in Madison Co. In 2021 he was given the opportunity to help start A.C.E- Advocating for Change through Education. With the ACE program he got an amazing opportunity to educate the community on substance use and recovery while working to change the conversations we as a state have about substance use disorder and people who use substances. Today Mr. Cawthon works at the Coordinator at R.O.S.S.’s Madison County Recovery Community Center and continues to build bridges for individuals struggling in the community. 

Julie Ray is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and is a person in long term recovery.  Her date of sobriety is May 25, 2002.  She dedicates her life to helping others with substance use disorder.   Julie worked at R.O.S.S. as the Outreach Administrator for 6 years.  Presently she is the Special Programs Administrator at R.O.S.S., working with SAFE Care, OD2A.S, and the OTP’s.  In 2018 she received the Peer Warrior Award and Alabama Outstanding Peer Award in 2018. She uses her lived experience to advocate for individuals on medication assisted recovery. Julie helped implement the outreach program for R.O.S.S. as well as having peer services inside opioid treatment programs.  Julie loves dining out, reading books, shopping and traveling.  Julie is an active member of the Addiction Recovery Alliance, Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, Jefferson County OD2A Regional Overdose Task Force, Co-Chair for MCH/SU Council, Alabama Workforce Committee, Alabama Governor’s Council,  and Civitan.   

Judd is a person in long term recovery  and  has been  drug  free  since April 2017. Judd  was trained  and  certified  as  a Certified Recovery  Support Specialist (CRSS) by the Minds  and  Mentors  Paraprofessional  Training Program through the University of Alabama. He has worked in the long term recovery community, as a spiritual counselor, intake coordinator, program manager and  program director. Judd  currently  serves  as  the  Program Director for the Restoration Springs Transitional Housing Program for men in Fayette, Alabama. Judd also serves on the ACRM and ARSA Board.

Ms. Butler has been in long-term recovery for over 31 years.  She has worked in substance use disorder services in different capacities for over 29 years as well as actively participating in and promoting recovery in the community.  Her experience spans a variety of services to individuals and their family members including direct care in residential and outpatient settings.  She worked for 17 years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as a primary substance use disorder counselor, aftercare coordinator for health care professionals, treatment coordinator for Jefferson County Drug Court, and Coordinator of Recovery Resources for the Alabama Department of Mental Health.  She worked for 10 years at Aletheia House as a primary counselor serving consumers and family members.  Ms. Butler is the Director of Zoe Helpful, a recovery support agency providing training, consulting, and recovery coaching services.  Ms. Butler promotes recovery resources through contact with recovery community, advocate groups, faith-based community coalitions, substance abuse consumers, their family members, prisons, court offices, universities, and other community stakeholders.  Ms. Butler is dedicated to the promotion of individual driven, evidence-based, recovery focused, easily accessible substance use services for all those in need. 

Jessica has been in long term recovery since 2020 after 14 years of active substance use. She is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist for ROSS. Jessica joined the Recovery Community Support Program where she was promoted to Program Coordinator. Jessica oversees all the classes and provides training to the future peers of Alabama. I love that I get to watch these peers grow along their journey and go on to be well rounded, experienced professionals. I live a beautiful life today and I owe all of it to my recovery, as well as those who came before me to lead the way.

 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.

Herbert Gooden is a highly experienced Stress and Anxiety Practitioner, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, and Neuroscience Coach specializing in spirituality. He brings over 20 years of clinical expertise to his practice, including extensive training in bodywork as a Clinical Massage Therapist and certification as a Recovery Support Specialist through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. 

Herbert currently operates a private practice based at Children’s Harbor of Alabama, where he provides essential stress reduction and management services tailored for staff, patients, and families at both Children’s Harbor and Children’s of Alabama. His work integrates evidence-based techniques and the neuroscience of mindfulness to support holistic healing and well-being. 

Herbert is an accomplished author and mentor who has guided over 15,000 clients throughout his career. He is married and a proud father of four children. 

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.

Dr. Hernández is from Borikén (Puerto Rico), fluent in Spanish and English, and lives in Massachusetts.  With more than 36 years of experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health, HIV/AIDS, HCV, Problem Gambling, and related services, Dr. Hernandez leads with a social justice lens and approach grounded in eliminating disparities and building equity.  As a public health professional, with experience across the continuum, he embraces and promotes a greater understanding of the Structural Determinants of Health (SDOH) approach, coupled with implementing multiple strategies over multiple domains.  Dr. Hernandez also believes that quality public health work cannot be accomplished without true partnerships and engagement with people with lived and living experiences, their families, and formal and meaningful relationships with community-based organizations and institutions.Dr. Hernandez has served as a consultant to a wide range of organizations and institutions funded by federal, state, and local sources, including the Prevention, Addiction, and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers, the Opioid Response Network, and other National Technical Assistance Centers located through the US. In this capacity he delivers tailored technical assistance, capacity building, and training to people in the front lines of service delivery, as well as those in leadership and senior management roles.  Currently, Dr. Hernandez is Chief of Public Health at New North Citizens’ Council in MA, serves as Senior Consultant at the Addiction Technology Transfer Center at Brown University, is a member of the Steering Committee of the National Peer Recovery Center of Excellence, and is on the Advisory Board of the National Hispanic and Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence.  He also teaches at the New England Schools of Prevention and Addiction Studies and the Best Practices School and is President of the Massachusetts Addiction Counselor Certification Board.As a person in long-terms recovery, Haner is committed to uplifting the voices of people in recovery and wellness processes and works tirelessly creating equitable and meaningful access and quality of care to the entire Public Health Continuum, which includes Prevention, Intervention, The Multiple Pathways of Recovery, including Treatment, and Recovery Supports.  

Mr. Samra is a senior content expert for the SAMHSA Program to Advance Recovery Knowledge (SPARK) and a senior recovery specialist for the Opioid Response Network (ORN). He is skilled at both virtual and onsite T/TA across a diverse cross-section of behavioral health and recovery services. He has a master’s degree in public administration and currently resides in Nashville, TN with his wife and two rescue dogs, who provide more support and joy to his own recovery than anything else. He utilizes his extensive personal experiences, direct service delivery, and professional expertise when providing technical assistance and training.  

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’ experience leading nonprofit organizations. In 2004, Curt co-founded the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force in Covington, Washington (official sponsor of Purple Light Nights) and in 2011 he founded Go Purple USA to raise awareness about domestic violence and engage communities to take a stand against domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Curt has been interviewed nationally by television stations, radio stations and podcasts to talk about this issue.  After seeing firsthand how substance use disorder had a devastating effect on family and friends, Curt, his wife Tracy Lindsley and Executive Director Stephanie Jennings, co-founded Best Life Recovery Residences in 2019, an AARR-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 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.  Curt serves as a member of the Opioid Response Network for the state of Alabama. Curt is the Founder and Director of the Alabama Recovery Advocacy Day, that takes place annually in Montgomery in March. As a member of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, Curt serves as Chairperson for the Parity Act Working Group on the Treatment and Recovery Standing Committee, as well as Chairperson of the Alabama Recovery Housing Initiative Working Group of the Law Enforcement Standing Committee. Curt also is an Advisory Board Member and a presenter for the Alabama School of Alcohol and Drug Studies. He is passionate about collaborating with recovery organizations, certified peer support specialists and other recovery professionals across Alabama to help individuals with substance use disorder to achieve long term recovery. Curt is an advocate for the NARR Standards and AARR-certified recovery housing programs and the difference that quality recovery housing can make in helping people find long-term recovery. 

Kalee 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.

Tracy McWaters, is a certified recovery support specialist and is a person in long-term recovery. She dedicates her life to helping others with substance use disorders. Tracy began her journey with ROSS as a Peer. After a sixmonth program, Tracy started Medicated Assisted Treatment she then became an intern with ROSS in 2020. Tracey was then certified with the Alabama Department of Mental Health in May 2021. she was soon hired fulltime with the Marshall County campus. She continues to work with ROSS and is an asset to this community.

Haley Horne is a person in long term recovery who continues to help others who have substance use disorder. She is currently the Outreach Coordinator at ROSS, Recovery Organization of Support Specialists, where she has been employed for 2.5 years. In December of 2023, Haley graduated from UAB with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She is currently enrolled at University of Kentucky vigorously working on obtaining her Master’s in Social Work with a certificate in substance use disorder. She is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist through the Alabama Department of Mental Health and has spoken at numerous recovery meetings sharing her recovery story throughout Alabama and via Zoom for a recovery meeting in Denver, Colorado. She has spoken at both Calhoun and St. Clair County drug courts and presented at the JSU Social Work Conference. Haley’s passion is to help others with substance use disorder by guiding them along the path in recovery and she dedicates her time in Calhoun County. When not at work, Haley enjoys traveling the country and connecting with others in recovery around the United States. She also enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their 6 cats.

Nikki Warren is a person in long term recovery for the past seven years and a passionate advocate for those impacted by substance use disorders. Originally from Jasper, Alabama, Nikki has been dedicated to the substance use disorder field since 2020. She serves as the Executive Director at Hope for Women, the Director of Addiction Treatment Services for Quality Correctional Health Care, and Outreach Program Quality Analyst at ROSS Recovery Organization of Support Specialists. Nikki also lends her expertise as a member of the Board of Directors for The Recovery Den, LLC, where she helps drive recovery-focused initiatives in her community. In her personal time, Nikki enjoys traveling, watching true crime documentaries, attending live music events, reading, and spending time with her dog, Ozzy.

Sharon Jackson is a mother of six and one adopted niece. She has been in recovery for 23 years. She enjoys playing cards and dominoes. She currently works as a case manager for the Firehouse Ministries. She loves cooking for her family and friends. She has been a bilateral amputee for 14 years. She learned how to walk on prosthetics in 2009. She admits that they are challenges, but it is worth it. She spends her time maintaining peace within.

Paige Britton is the Founder and Executive Director of The Recovery Den, Inc., a nonprofit Recovery Community Organization based in Walker County, Alabama. As someone in long-term recovery since 2015, Paige is deeply committed to breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to meaningful support for individuals on their recovery journey. Since becoming a Certified Recovery Support Specialist in 2018, Paige has dedicated her career to empowering others and fostering connections within her community. Her vision and perseverance led to the creation of The Recovery Den, a space designed to meet the unique needs of Walker County residents through collaboration and tailored services. Paige is also a devoted wife and mom who finds joy in family time, watching movies, relaxing by the pool, and spending time at the beach. Her passion for recovery and her love for her community drive her work to create a brighter future for Walker County.

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.

Denice attended Tuskegee University and Miles College receiving her bachelor’s in criminal justice and later received a double masters from the University of West Alabama in Counseling Psychology and Adult Continuing Education. Denice began her behavioral health career at the Aletheia House residential treatment center in Birmingham, AL as a case manager and later as the Employment manager and therapist for homeless and re-entry veterans. She has served in the United States Air Force Reserves as a computer information specialist, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Beta Xi Omega Chapter in Tuskegee, AL. She has served as Clinical Supervisor for the NGRI (Not guilty by reason of insanity) population within Florida Department of corrections and later Director of Re-Entry services at Gadsden Re entry and Correctional Facility in Tallahassee, FL. She is a nationally certified trauma responsive trainer for the criminal justice population. Her current occupation is with the Alabama Department of Mental Health Substance Use Division as the Director of Substance Use Treatment Services, but her biggest accomplishment to date is being the mother of 4, Thomas, Rigney, Jalin and Brooklyn.