Work Experience

 May 2018 to present: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center 720 Westview Dr. SW Atlanta GA 30310.  Associate Director, Training and Technical Assistance.

Working in collaboration with Addiction and Recovery stakeholders in the eight states of the Health and Human Services Region 4 to meet training and technical assistance needs.  Primary emphasis is on intensive technical assistance to facilitate systems transformation and the implementation of evidence-based addiction treatment practices.  Position also involves managing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Targeted Response (STR) Technical Assistance (TA) Grant which creates a training and technical assistance infrastructure related to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Prevention, Treatment and Recovery in the eight states of Region 4.

 March 2010 to April 2018: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center 720 Westview Dr. SW Atlanta GA 30310. Carolinas, Tennessee & Kentucky Program Manager. 

Working in collaboration with Addiction Treatment and Recovery stakeholders in Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to identify and meet training and technology related needs.  Personally developing and conducting addiction and addiction treatment related trainings for direct service providers in the Southeast.  Serve as a change agent for implementing the goals and objectives of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the Southeast.

November 1999 to February 2010:  Charleston Center (Charleston County Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services) 5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston SC  29401.  Opioid Treatment / Infectious Disease Program Administrator.

Administering the clinical / fiscal aspects of the Opioid Treatment Program and all aspects of the HIV Prevention programs at Charleston Center.  Providing clinical supervision to a staff of seven clinical counselors, who in turn provide Level I addiction treatment to a population of over 250 opiate dependent clients who were being prescribed Methadone or Suboxone.  Supervise all aspects of HIV Testing, Case Management and Prevention and Education to clients in addiction treatment at Charleston Center. Manage an annual budget of $950,000.00

 November 2008 to December 2012: South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors (SCAADAC) 1215 Anthony Avenue, Columbia SC  29210.  President and Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors.

Duties included representing addiction counselors at the state level related to training and certification.  Direct and provide leadership to an elected and appointed board of fourteen.  Represent South Carolina on the Board of Directors of NAADAC the Association of Addiction Professionals.

September 2008 to December 2012, South Carolina Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (SCATOD), Chair.

Serve as chair of the organization that represents the ten opioid treatment programs in South Carolina. The Association is composed of public and private programs developing and implementing policies to best meet the needs of all providers and patients.  Represent South Carolina on the Board of Directors of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD).

November 2006 to October 2008: South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors (SCAADAC) 1215 Anthony Avenue, Columbia SC  29210.  President - Elect.

Responsible for all aspects of SCAADAC Annual Conference. Obtaining and coordinating presenters and speakers for a 2.5-day conference with attendance of between 150 and 250.  Set up with four Regional Representatives a minimum of two professional development trainings per region per year. Represent SCAADAC on the South Carolina Addiction Training

January 2003 to February 2010, Charleston Center (Charleston County Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services) 5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston SC  29401.  Chair, Clinical Training and Privileging Committee

Provide leadership and direction to a ten-member committee that develops and implements clinical trainings to facilitate professional growth and competence within the clinical staff at Charleston Center.  Developed a yearlong series of trainings tied to the specific core functions required for clinical privileging.  In addition to Privileging Trainings develop and implement the Annual Clinical Training Calendar for the agency, part of which is coordinate with other agencies (State DAODAS, SCAADAC) to maximize resources.  Assisted in the development of training efficacy measures.

October 1995 to November 1999, Charleston Center, 5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston, SC  29401.  Assistant Opioid Treatment Program Administrator / HIV Program Coordinator.

Supervise all aspects of HIV Testing, Case Management and HIV Risk Reduction counseling provided to clients in addiction treatment at Charleston Center.  Directly supervised and provided clinical supervision to two HIV Counselors.  Served as Opioid Treatment Program Manager in the absence of the Program Manager. Maintained a caseload of 20 clients receiving Methadone in Level I Addiction Treatment.

 May 1995 to December 1999, Charleston HIV Prevention Collaboration.  Chairman.

Coordinating, implementing and evaluating HIV prevention activities in Charleston County.  The Collaboration is composed of local agencies involved in HIV Prevention activities.  Managed a budget of over $140, 000.  Compliance with Federal funding guidelines required.

 March 1995 to December 1997, South Carolina HIV Prevention Community Planning Group, Member.

Working with representatives of public and private organizations, individuals infected with and affected by HIV Disease from across the state to develop plans and priorities to address issues related to HIV Prevention within South Carolina.

May 1992 to October 1995, Charleston Center, 5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston SC 29401.  Methadone Clinical Counselor / HIV Project Counselor.

Working in an outpatient setting providing individual counseling and case management to individuals in Level I Addiction Treatment on Methadone Maintenance.  Additionally, provided alcohol and drug (AOD) assessment and referral to HIV, STD and TB clients of the Charleston County Health Department and provided HIV Education and HIV Risk Reduction groups to clients in AOD treatment at Charleston Center.

December 1991 to May 1995, Charleston Center, 5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston, SC 29401, ADSAP Group Leader.

Working under contract providing alcohol and drug education and group therapy to individuals attempting to regain their Driver’s License after being convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).  Responsible for evaluating appropriate reduction in risk prior to group completion.

 October 1991 to May 1992, Charter Hospital of Charleston, 2777 Spiessegger Drive, Charleston SC 29405.  Dual Diagnosis Therapist.

Working in an inpatient setting, experience includes conducting life skills / chemical dependency related classes, performing individual and group counseling for clients who are chemically dependent and have a psychiatric illness.  Maintaining appropriate documentation of therapeutic progress.

 January 1989 to October 1991, Lowcountry AIDS Services, P.O. Box 207 Charleston, SC  29402.  Client Services Coordinator.

Experience includes counseling people infected with HIV, People With AIDS and their families.  Providing intake / assessment, case management and service referral.  Additionally, providing general information counseling and HIV educational presentations.

August 1975 to April 1985, United States Navy, Rising to the rank of Lieutenant

Served in various positions of responsibility both shipboard and on shore, last of which was as Operations Officer onboard USS Aylwin (FF – 1081).

Education

 Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama    Bachelor of Arts    August 1975

The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, Master of Education- Clinical Counseling   May 1991

 Professional Presentations / Trainings (During the Past 5 Years)

 Effectively Working with Individuals who have HIV and Substance Use Disorders; HIV Testing; HIV, Beyond the Basics:; 4/23/15 – 3 CEU, 4/28/15 – 3 CEU, 10/1/15 – 3 CEU, 10/20/15 – 3 CEU; 6/16/16- 3 CEU; 9/22/16- 3 CEU; 11/12/17 – 3 CEU; 6/12/18 -3 CEU 6/22/19 – 3 CEU

Human Sexuality – Working with Gay, Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Substance Abusers:  Trained a s Trainer for SAMHSA LGBT Training; Certified as a Master Trainers for SAMHSA LGBT Curriculum. 3/24-26/10; Certified in Updated Curriculum 3/16/16; Certified in YMSM Curriculum 8/22/17.  1/22/15 – 4 CEU, 5/12/15 – 3-CEU 8/18/15 – 6 CEU, 9/24-25/15 – 6 CEU, 10/8/15 – 3 CEU, 10/19/15 – 4 CEU; 2/23/16 – 6 CEU; 7/19/16 – 6 CEU; 7/20/16 – 3 CEU; 10/13/16-3 CEU; 10/20/16-3CEU; 10/21/16-6 CEU; 10/26/16-6 CEU; 10/27/16 – 3 CEU; 2/4/17 6 CEU; 3/23/17 6 CEU; 3/29/17 3-CEU; 7/27/17 3-CEU, 9/2617 -6 CEU;10/27/17 – 6 CEU; 11/8/17 – 6 CEU;11/9/17 6 CEU; 7/24/18 – 6 CEU, 1/26/19 – 2 CEU; 2/18-20/19 – 11 CEU; 7/23/19- 6 CEU; 9/10/19; 6 CEU; 11/12/19- 6 CEU

Ethics for Addiction and Behavioral Health Professionals: 2/15/08 – Certified as Trainer for Ethics for Clinical and Prevention Addiction Professionals Curriculum. Certified as Trainer for Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age Curriculum; 4/29/14; 4/23/15 – 3 CEU, 4/28/15 3-CEU, 10/1/15 – 3 CEU, 10/15/15 – 3 CEU10/20/15 -3 CEU, 10/23/15 – 3 CEU, 4/21/16 – 3 CEU, 4/21/16 – 3 CEU; 6/16/16-3CEU; 9/16/16-3 CEU;9/23/16-3 CEU; 10/27/16-3 CEU; 11/13/16 – 4 CEU; 3/3/17 3 CEU; 3/28/17 3 CEU; 4/20/17 3 CEU; 4/28/17 3 CEU ; 5/17/17- 3-CEU; 5/18/17- 3-CEU; 10/9/17 – 3 CEU; 10/18/17 – 3 CEU; 11/2/17 3 CEU; 11/6/17 – 3 CEU;11/7/17 – 3 CEU; 11/12/17 – 4 CEU 2/19/18 – 4 CEU ;6/12/18 – 3 CEU; 6/21/18 – 3 CEU; 6/29-30/18 – 12 CEU, 12/3/18 4 CEU, 5/22/19 3 CEU; 7/25/19- 3 CEU; 8/6/19- 3 CEU

Opioid Use Disorders and Medication Assisted Recovery: . Certified as Trainer of NIDA Buprenorphine Treatment Curriculum, 11/15/12.  4/30/15 – 6 CEU, 7/11/15 – 3- CEU, 10/14/15 – 3 CEU, 3/21/16 – 6 CEU, 3/23/16 - 6.CEU; 7/18/16-5 CEU; 8/25/16-6 CEU; 8/26/16-6 CEU; 9/1/16-6 CEU; 9/29/16-6 CEU; 1/6/17 3 CEU; 1/10/17 6 CEU; 3/8/17 6 CEU; 3/9/17 6 CEU; 3/10/17 6 CEU; 3/22/17 6 CEU; 4/6/17 3 CEU; 5/3/17 6 CEU; 5/4/17 6 CEU; 5/9/17 -6-CEU; 5/25/17 – 3-CEU; 6/14/17 – 6 –CEU; 7/26/17 – 6 CEU; .11/29/17 – 6 CEU;11/30/17 – 6 CEU;12/4/17/  - 6 CEU; 12/5/17 – 6 CEU; 12/7/17 – 3-CEU; 2/19-21/18 15 CEU; 03/20/18 – 6 CEU, 5/17/18 – 1.5 CEU; 5/18/18 – 1.5 CEU; 7/25/18 – 6 CEU

Addiction Pharmacology / Addiction 101: 1/28/15 – 6 CEU; 4/8/15 3 CEU;  5/8/15 – 3 CEU, 6/17/15 – 6 CEU; 3/31/16-3 CEU; 8/16/16-6 CEU;5/16/17 – 6 CEU, 11/1/17 – 6 CEU; 5/24/18 – 6 CEU, 6/20/19 3 CEU; 10/29/19 – 3 CEU; 11/13/19 – 6 CEU

            Cultural Diversity:  5/9/16 – 3 CEU; 10/9/17 -3 CEU.

            Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) / Person Centered Counseling: Certified as a Facilitator:  8/5/10.  2/25/15 – 6 CEU; 3/26/15 – 6 CEU, 5/13/15 – 6 CEU, 8/20/15 – 3 CEU; 7/19/16-6 CEU; 9/27/16 3 CEU; 1/13/17 3 CEU; 7/24/17- 6 CEU; Certified as a Trainer in “Recovery Frameworks” 3/15-16/12; 7/20/17 – 6 CEU; 7/23/18 – 6 CEU; 7/22/19-6 CEU

            Recovery Coach: 2/6-10/18 – 37.5 CEU; 5/2-6/18- 37.5 CEU, 10/11-15/18 37.5 CEU;  11/28-12/12/18- 37.5 CEU; 2/11-15/19- 37.5 CEU; 3/11-15/19 – 37.5 CEU; 4/1-5/19- 37.5 CEU;12/2-6/19 37.5 CEU

            Language of Recovery:  1/17/15 – 3 CEU, 3/25/15 – 3 CEU,4/17/15- 3 CEU, 6/12/15 – 3 CEU; 6/14/15 – 3 CEU, 8/6/15 – 3 CEU, 9/4/15 3-CEU, 10/16/15 – 3 CEU, 4/14/16 – 3 CEU, 6/10/16 – 3 CEU, 6/22/16 – 3-CEU; 8/29/16-3 CEU; 11/11/16 -3 CEU; 3/2/17 3 CEU; 7/27/17 – 3 CEU; 10/19/17 3-CEU;12/6/17 3 CEU; 3/21/18 – 1 CEU; 3/21/18 – 6 CEU. 6/20/18- 3 CEU; 3/22/19- 6 CEU; 3/26/19 – 3 CEU; 4/29/19- 3 CEU; 6/19/19 – 3 CEU; 7/24/19 – 6 CEU;10/29/19- 3 CEU, 11/14/19- 3 CEU

            Clinical Supervision: Certified as a Trainer, ATTC Clinical Supervision Curriculum 10/25-28/11.  5/25-26/16 – 12 CEU; 2/8-9/17 12 CEU; 3/16-17/17 12 CEU, 6/6-7/18 -12 CEU; 10/9-10/19 – 12 CEU

            Using Motivational Incentives : 1/16/18- 3 CEU; 1/29/18- 3 CEU, 2/26/18- 3 CEU; 5/20/19 – 3CEU; 8/20/19- 3 CEU

            Trauma Informed Care Within a Recovery Oriented System:  Certified as a Trainer in ATTC developed curriculum 4/8-9/14. 10/8/14 – 3 CEU.

            Increasing Hepatitis C Knowledge for Behavioral Health and Medical Providers:  Certified as a Trainer in ATTC developed curriculum 2/10-11/15; 9/22/16-3 CEU.          

            Strength Based Assessment: 9/28/17- 3 CEU; 11/15/17- 3 CEU; 7/26/18- 3CEU; 7/25/19-3 CEU

Awards

            2012 Nyswander – Dole Award.  Presented by the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) for exemplary performance in the area of patient advocacy and stigma reduction with respect to Medication Assisted Recovery.  First person in South Carolina to receive this award.

            2013 Flame Thrower Award. Presented by the South Carolina HIV/ STI/ Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coalition for extraordinary effort in the area of community prevention activities and advocacy work related to People Living With HIV within South Carolina.

Credentials & Licenses

Certified Clinical Supervisor, South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SCAADAC), Number 2007027

Master Addiction Counselor, National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), Number 501731

Licensed Professional Counselor, State of South Carolina, License Number 3485

Licensed Addiction Counselor, State of South Carolina, License Number 124

 Professional Organizations / Memberships

            National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)

            South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SCAADAC)

            South Carolina Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (SCATOD)

            National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals (NALGAP)

National Task Forces / Work Groups/ Boards

2012 -2013 - part of a seven-member national Ad Hoc Committee of the National Coalition for LGBT Health to revised the SAMHSA Curriculum “Providers Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals. Intent was to make recommendations for updating the curriculum, loss of funding prevented release of recommendations

            2012- 2017 - Member of ATTC Network Work Group to develop and implement a Hepatitis C Training for behavioral health and medical staff at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

            2014 – 2017 – Member of the ATTC Network Workgroup updating, and expanding SAMHSA’s curriculums related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Individuals with SUD.

            2019- Present – Member South Carolina Peer Certification Commission