Laurisa Guerrero currently serves as the Executive Director at Georgia Council for Recovery. Through her position with GC4R, she has the opportunity to work with multiple teams of peer recovery coaches providing support to individuals with substance use disorders through emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, department of family and children services, family treatment courts, and a recovery support warm line. Laurisa graduated  from Emory University with a Master’s Degree in Public Health in Spring 2022. She currently resides in Atlanta with her wife and two loving Labradors. Most importantly, Laurisa is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorders. What this means to her is that she has not felt the need to use drugs and alcohol to change the way she feels since October 2014.

A native New Yorker, Joyce and her family reside in Lithonia, Georgia. She came to the Council as no stranger to the human services field. A graduate from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, Joyce obtained a B.A. in Sociology/ Social Work.

Gene Conroy has more than 37 years of nonprofit leadership experience in executive nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing and advocacy on state and local levels. He has held various positions in recovery programming and advocacy, and is currently the Assistant Executive Director of Operations for the Georgia Council for Recovery (GC4R). Mr. Conroy is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES) which is designated as a Certified Peer Specialist – Addictive Diseases (CPS-AD in the state of Georgia), and holds certifications as a Science of Addiction and Recovery Trainer and Cultural Competency Training Facilitator. He has conducted trainings in Board Development and Fundraising for RCOs in California and Florida, and has also co-taught Recovery Coach Academies in South Carolina and Georgia. His current duties for GC4R include oversite of direct peer recovery support services and training, CARES Peer Recovery Coach training and support, Recovery Community Organization Development, organizational development and fundraising. He has over 34 years in long term recovery.

Jill is a person in long term recovery. What this means for her is that as of March 3, 2015, she has not felt the need to use drugs or alcohol to change the way she thinks or feels. Recovery has given Jill so many things – today she is a good daughter, sister, partner, friend, and mother. Jill works as the HR Manager for GC4R and the best part of her job is being able to support GC4R team members in their growth and development within GC4R and beyond. She enjoys being able to mix HR, peer support, and lived experience together to be an optimal support to staff. Jill graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2016 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and she is also SHRM-CP certified.

Doreen is a person in long term recovery who is committed to living recovery out loud and believes in multiple pathways to recovery for the individual, family and communities as a whole. Originally from New York City, Doreen now resides in Decatur, GA where her recovery began in December 2006.

Emily Ribblett is a person in long term recovery. Her recovery started on March 5, 2015. She came through CARES in 2017 and is part of CARES Cohort 24. Today Emily serves as the Director of Education and Curriculum Development for GC4R.  Since being employed with GC4R, Emily has obtained an MBA, CPS-MH, WHAM Facilitator Certification, and a Certificate of Completion in Grants and Fundraising from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Emily is proud to be present in the lives of her family today including being a grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.  She also actively volunteers in several community service opportunities including the Atlanta Union Mission, Sunrise Detox Facility, and The Phoenix Recovery Community Organization. Emily supports multiple pathways to recovery. She is a dog mom, avid hiker and lover of outdoor adventures.

Candice Savannah is a person in long-term recovery. That means it has been over 8 years since she used any drugs or alcohol because she is just that WORTH IT! Today she stands as a SURVIVOR, as an ally for every child and ANY person who has ever felt abused or broken. She is a CPS-AD, a California native, a mother of 3 young adults, 1 cat, and a grandson. A plant enthusiast, lover of cats, and has a strong passion for recovery.

She unapologetically promotes her recovery today because it has TRANSFORMED her life! She is an asset in the community. She has a purpose, feels heard, and feels empowered. Her family looks up to her and kids actually ask for suggestions. She is unafraid of new journeys who sets and knocks out goals. She is able to show up as a confidante and cheerleader to friends and community members. Today, because of RECOVERY she is COMMITTED!

Laree Tolbert is a woman in long-term recovery who has not used drugs to change how she thinks or feels in 13 years.  Because of recovery her life is better than she ever imagined.  Laree is committed to living recovery out loud to show others that recovery is real. 

Alvin Cotton is the Database Coordinator for the Georgia Council for Recovery and a person in long-term Recovery.  Al was born in Alabama and moved to the Atlanta area in 1983, where he worked for law firms and for Barnes & Noble, and was involved with Southern Voice, Atlanta’s LGBTQ newspaper at the time.  In 2018 he returned to Alabama and worked for four years at University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center as a Peer Support Specialist and also as a Buddhist Chaplain resident.  Al has been in Recovery since 2001.  He has been an active member of the Shambhala Center of Atlanta for 28 years, and worked to start and support meetings that introduce meditation to people in Recovery.  He attended Huntingdon College and Vanderbilt University, and enjoys reading, meditation and long walks around large hospitals.  Al is certified as a CPS-AD (CARES) in Georgia, and a CRSS in the state of Alabama, and lives in Roswell with his partner Ben Lewis.

Brian Kite is the Program Manager for Recovery Community Organization Development at the Georgia Council for Recovery (GC4R). He is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES, CPS-AD Certified Peer Specialist – Addictive Diseases) and has been trained in IPS (Intentional Peer Support), MATS (Medicated Assisted Treatment Specialist), and as a WHAM (Whole Health Action Management) facilitator. In his role at GC4R, Brian has helped numerous communities around the state organize focused conversations around recovery and plan for and host local recovery symposiums to create Recovery Community Organizations. He provides technical assistance and coordinates continued training opportunities for the existing RCO Network of over 35 Recovery Community Organizations and facilitates a monthly learning collaborative for all organizations within the network. Most importantly, Brian is a person in long-term recovery with over 6 years in recovery. Brian and his son Henry reside in Grant Park in the City of Atlanta and enjoy spending time at the beach, camping, and creating art.

Greg Gardner is a person in long term recovery from alcohol use disorder. Greg has been in recovery since September 27, 2017. Greg has embraced and chosen to dedicate his professional life to serving those with AUD as they start their new life on the road to recovery. Greg has a passion for those who feel unwanted, unloved or unheard. His desire is to find the good in everyone and encourage the individual to focus on a positive path of recovery moving forward. To become the person and live the life they deserve in recovery, and not let the worst part of their past define who they are. Greg continues to experience the joys of recovery daily and he wants everyone to have this joy in their life. He believes and supports the GC4R mission statement and will share this mission with every opportunity.

Kenneth Pinion (he/him, they/them) is an AUD Peer Recovery Coach with the CARES Northeast Georgia Community Connections program. He is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Kenneth has been in recovery from alcohol and other substances since July 12, 2020.

Kenneth is a passionate advocate who uses his lived experience to show that recovery is possible for everyone. He has dedicated his life to helping others who struggle with substance use and joined the Georgia Council for Recovery in August 2022. Kenneth came to work with the GC4R because he has a passion for working with those who suffer from AUD and finds great joy in being with them as they embrace their recovery journey. Kenneth has worked in the recovery field for over two years, including local residential programs and recovery support centers.

Kenneth is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES) and Certified Peer Specialist for Addictive Disease (CPS-AD) in the State of Georgia. He also holds a Master of Arts (North Carolina State University, 2015) and a Bachelor of Arts (Georgia Southern University, 2013). When he’s not at work, Kenneth loves watching movies at home and spending time with this cat, Aeon.

Dawn Mullinax, CARES, CPS-MH, IPS, CPS-WH, MATS, is a person in long-term recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. For her, that means she has not used illicit substances since March 2007 and now is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist working for the Georgia Council for Recovery as a Statewide Education and Training Manager. Dawn is also a Certified Peer Specialist through the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and also has a recovery coaching certification through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. She has worked with other organizations in their innovative endeavors to include peers in the workforce for the past thirteen years. Her experience includes working with the Peer Support Wellness and Respite Center in White County, Benchmark Region One Mobile Crisis, North Georgia Drug Court Systems, and Northeast Georgia Medical Center as an emergency department GC4R Recovery Coach manager. Her goal for the future is to continue to excel in Recovery coaching workforce supports and training.

Lexi Hornbuckle is a person in long-term recovery. What this means to her is that she has not felt the need to use any substances since June 2019. Lexi is a Peer Recovery Coach in the Emergency Department and a CARES 51 graduate. She advocates for all pathways to recovery and is passionate about helping others by spreading a message of hope and self-care. She is a mother to two young children who she adores, and her recovery has given her the ability to be a role model in their lives and the mother they deserve. Today she is dedicated to supporting others on their journey to a better life and making sure they know that they are not alone. 

Winona is a person in long-term recovery. What that means for her is that she has not used substances to change the way she thinks or feels since December 5, 2015. Recovery has given her a new life and a new happiness. She is now able to be present in her daughter’s life and the lives of her family and friends. Winona is passionate about her recovery and continues to speak out loud about recovery because she wants to support her peers as well as advocate for them to help reduce the stigma attached to substance use disorder.

Ashley Stevens was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia. She is currently the NICU Program manager with the Northeast Georgia Community Connections Team in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She also serves as a peer recovery coach when needed. She started working with the Georgia Council for Recovery in October 2017 and began working in the emergency department when the program went live in November 2017. Ashley is also continuing to further her education. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Georgia in August of 2021. Recovery has granted Ashley these opportunities. Ashley is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES 25) as well as a Certified Peer Specialist on Addictive Diseases (CPS-AD). Since working for the Georgia Council for Recovery Ashley has obtained a Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist (MAT) certification, as well as training on Intentional Peer Support (IPS).

Demetra is a person in long term recovery, what that means for her is that she has not felt the need to use any substances since November 23, 2018. Demetra is a Peer Recovery Coach with Georgia Council for Recovery (GC4R) under the NICU Program. Today she hopes to use her experience to help others going through the same things she went through. Demetra has experienced the stigma that is sometimes associated with people struggling with substance use disorder. She desires to show what is possible when peers are introduced to recovery and are supported, listened to, and understood. Compassion and empathy are two of her greatest tools. Today her personal recovery consists of Celebrate Recovery Meetings, Being a member of Crossover Church as Ministry Leader. Her recovery has awarded her a loving family, as well being a productive member of society.

Alexus Pitts is a person in long term recovery from substance use, for her that means she has not felt the need to use any substances since June 22, 2017. She has been given another chance at life and has recently celebrated 4 years in recovery. Alexus works with Georgia Council for Recovery as a NICU Peer Recovery Coach in the Northeast Georgia Health System. Alexus uses her lived experience to encourage others that there is a light in the darkness, and she wants to help them believe in recovery, and to let them know, they aren’t alone. Alexus lost custody of her children in 2017, and since then has fought every day to become a better person and a better mother for her children. She uses her children’s story along with hers to give light to others.  Alexus became a (CARES 38) in February 2020.

Beverly Ragland, BBA, CCS, CACII, CAMS-II, CARES, CPS-MH, CPS-WH is the Director of Virtual Peer Services for the Georgia Council for Recovery CARES Warm Line. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. She has worked in the field of addiction treatment since 2002. She was certified as a Peer Specialist (CPS-MH) in 2012 a Certified Addition Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CPS-AD) in 2014 and a Whole Health and Wellness Coach in 2014.

Beverly retired from the Atlanta Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in 2017 where I served as the VA National Point of Contact for VA Peer Specialist in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Beverly’s additional certifications as a CCS, CAC II, CPS-WH, CAMS II, MATS, NAMI Mentor, SOAR Trainer and WRAP Coach increase her ability to promote long-lasting quality recovery. Beverly is passionate about sharing her recovery experience to help others.

Abby Kice is a person in long term recovery who struggled with a substance use disorder and mental health challenges for over twenty years. She has not used drugs or alcohol since February 15, 2014, to cope with life. Living in long term recovery has opened a world of opportunities for Abby that she never dreamed possible. Today she considers herself to be a resilient individual, full of hope, and able to be fully present for life. Abby was born and raised in the Tidewater area of Virginia. She moved to Georgia in 2014 and now considers this her home. She currently resides in Atlanta with her cat.

Abby attended nursing school at the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology in 1989 and is a natural caretaker. Abby attended CARES 33 and and now serves as the Team Lead on the CARES Warmline. She has a passion for sharing her story of recovery with others, strongly believes in supporting all pathways of recovery, and that connection is the key to overcoming any adversity in life. Abby feels it is a truly a blessing to be able to support others on their journey to wellness.

Steve Gainer is a person in long term recovery. What that means to him is that he has not used alcohol or drugs for 15 years. Steve is committed to his recovery because it has given him new purpose and hope for the future while allowing him to gain stability in his life. Steve is an advocate for recovery because it has improved his life so much that he wants to make it possible for others to experience the benefits of recovery that he has experienced.

My name is Belinda Jackson, and I am a person in long-term recovery. What that means to me is that I haven’t used any mine mood-altering substances, nor had any challenges with my diagnosis in over 28 years. Today I live my recovery out loud. recovery has enabled me to be, a better wife, mother, sister, and a productive member of society. I have certifications in addictive diseases, Mental Health, and WHAM, and a certificate in Trauma-Informed Care. I now hold a position as Warm Line Peer Coach at GC4R. Where I am able to be of service and listen, to peers who have challenges and triumphs. This is not a job for me this is a passion.

Michelle Murray is a woman in long term recovery, and what recovery has done for Michelle is allow her to have a stable home as a single parent, and maintain a professional job working on the Cares Warm line as a Peer Recovery Coach. Michelle is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES-3 CPS-AD)