Executive Team

JON DOWER,  MS, LPC, NCC, CRC, ICAADC, CCS, SAP

JON DOWER, MS, LPC, NCC, CRC, ICAADC, CCS, SAP

Executive Director

Jon Dower was born and raised in Morgantown, WV, and completed a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Mr. Dower is a Licensed Professional Counselor in WV and holds several addiction-related certifications, including advanced alcohol and drug counselor, clinical supervisor, substance abuse professional, and intervention professional. Jon is the Executive Director for WVSL Solutions, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that provides recovery housing across West Virginia, peer recovery support services, supportive employment, and clinical services as a licensed behavioral health organization. Mr. Dower is an adjunct professor at WVU teaching in the College of Applied Human Sciences, emphasizing addiction-related studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He serves on several SUD-related boards of directors, including the WV First Foundation and President of the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVAAP). Previously, Mr. Dower spent multiple years as the Chair of the Recovery Subcommittee Governor’s Task Force on Substance Misuse and Prevention and the Vice President for the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR). Jon is a person in long-term recovery.

DAN MCCAWLEY

DAN MCCAWLEY

Director of Operations

Dan is a West Virginia native and a person in long-term recovery. He is an internationally certified peer recovery support specialist and certified interventionist, giving him a well-rounded perspective on substance use disorder care. Dan is a founding board member of the National Peer Recovery Alliance (NPRA) and sits on the Central Appalachian Peer Partnership (CAPP) Advisory Council for the Studies to Advance Recovery Support (STARS) Network. He brings decades of operational management to the team and enjoys the challenges of various operations. Dan is a leader in the peer community in WV and nationwide. His insight into best practices in peer recovery has led him to develop peer recovery training for continuing education in West Virginia and beyond.

ANNE CHRISTOPHER, CPA

ANNE CHRISTOPHER, CPA

Controller

Anne graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a licensed CPA. Anne is a career accountant with a foundation in public accounting and extensive experience in private-industry, owner-managed businesses. Anne worked extensively with WVSL over the past four years through a management agreement and has considerable knowledge of and experience with managing multiple grants. Anne joined the WVSL team full-time in April 2022 so that she could focus all of her efforts on WVSL. .

WVSL Housing

Krista White

Krista White

Director of Recovery Housing & Intern Coordinator

Krista was raised in Cowen, WV and is currently a student at West Virginia University. Ms. White serves as our Director of Recovery Housing & Intern Coordinator, and Charleston staff manager. She is the mother to her daughter Brittany, and now a grandmother. Krista managed a 16-bed halfway house, and a 10 apartment complex women and children’s residence in Charleston WV, for women struggling with substance use disorders. She is now a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, certified naloxone trainer, is active in her recovery community, and participates in various initiatives to improve substance use disorder services across our state. Krista is also a person in long term recovery

Erik Link

Erik Link

House Manager

Erik is a dedicated Recovery House Manager committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals on their journey to recovery.

Jeff Ancell

Jeff Ancell

House Manager

Jeff serves as a caring Recovery House Manager, offering guidance and encouragement to individuals striving for lasting health and wellness.

Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith

House Manager

Caroline is a compassionate Recovery House Manager focused on fostering a safe and empowering space for program participants to achieve their recovery goals.

Amber Arnett

Amber Arnett

House Manager

Amber is a devoted Recovery House Manager dedicated to assisting program participants in building the skills and confidence needed for a successful recovery journey.

Police & Peers

TRAVIS TEETS

TRAVIS TEETS

Police & Peers Coordinator

Travis was born and raised in West Virginia. He has a background in the construction and electrical trades, spanning many years. As a person in long-term recovery, Travis was inspired to give back to the community by entering into Peer Recovery Support. He is currently a part of the new Police and Peers program in WV and is involved in various other recovery support initiatives. Travis is also an active member of the local recovery community and deeply values his life in recovery. He states, “Experiencing life now, I want to help others like me find a better life.”

ALLEN YOUNG | Sober Living House Manager/Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Allen Young is the house manager of men’s recovery residents in Morgantown, West Virginia. Allen is a person in long-term recovery and a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. He is extremely passionate about helping others achieve long-term recovery and overall health and wellness. In his spare time, you can find Allen building models, watching the Cleveland Browns, or spending time with his family.

TYSON KINCAID | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Tyson Kincaid, a West Virginia native, is a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist with a strong commitment to the field. With several years of experience, Tyson has amassed a wealth of resources from across the state, enhancing his ability to provide comprehensive support to individuals on their recovery journeys. He stands as a prominent leader in the community, renowned for his adeptness in organizing and spearheading outreach events that foster positive change within the community. Tyson’s dedication and expertise make him an integral part of our team, where he continues to impact the lives of those seeking recovery support.

WVSLS Behavioral Health

BAILEY CARPENTER | Administrative Assistant

Bailey is an Administrative Assistant based in Morgantown and a person in long-term recovery. Well-known in the Morgantown Recovery Community, she finds fulfillment in service work and aiding others. Overcoming numerous obstacles in her life fuels her passion to help others lead fulfilling lives. Currently collaborating with WVSL Behavioral Health, Bailey extends support to community members in need of Behavioral Health resources. Beyond her professional commitments, Bailey cherishes moments with family and friends in the recovery community. Recovery serves as the cornerstone of her life, propelling her to empower others towards success.

Sina King-Smith, MS, NCC, RDN, LD | Clinical Therapist

Sina, whose journey from the serene landscapes of rural Appalachia to pinnacle academic achievements is genuinely inspiring. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Akron, plus additional Master’s in Nutritional and Food Science and Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University, Sina has cultivated a wealth of knowledge. More than a holder of numerous degrees, she melds empathy and expertise in her role as a certified intuitive eating counselor and nationally certified counselor, navigating through intricate matters like eating disorders and body image concerns. In the academic sphere, Sina contributes as an adjunct instructor at WVU and Fairmont State University, shaping the future professionals of the discipline.

CHRIS ARTHURS | Mental Health Counselor

Chris Arthurs was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia; he holds a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Chris has years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. He focuses on working with vulnerable, marginalized, and stigmatized populations regardless of their socioeconomic status. Additionally, Chris has completed education on substance use disorder and is pursuing advanced alcohol and drug counselor certification. Mr. Arthurs’s goals include becoming an impactful advocate for the recovery movement. Chris has training in multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution Focused Brief Interventions (SFBI).Chris also identifies as a person in long-term recovery.

PEER Managers & Supervisors

 

TEISHA PRIM | PEERS Supervisor

Teisha is a Morgantown native and well known in the local recovery community. Teisha has overcome many obstacles in her life. Today she is a certified PRSS, an incredibly hard worker, and an even better mother. She is active in the local recovery community and has a passion and talent for helping those struggling with SUD. She has worked with the Mon County Quick Response Team and engaged herself in outreach at local community centers.

ELIZABETH FARR | PEERS Supervisor

Elizabeth Farris a Peers Supervisor based in Charleston. With a strong background in Peer Recovery, She brings PRSS state certification and community health worker to her work. She is deeply committed to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, suffering from the disease of addiction, and her passion for helping her community is evident in her unwavering dedication. Beyond her professional life, Elizabeth Farr enjoys being with family, attending local mutual aid meetings, and being present in her local recovery community, demonstrating her multifaceted nature. She is unwavering in her drive to make WV a safer place for its residents.

CRAIG HARSH | PEERS Manager

Craig is a West Virginia Native and person in long-term recovery.  He has been active in his local recovery community since 2017 and became a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) in 2021. Before working in the peer field, he volunteered with local outreach and drop-in programs.  He has experience working in various fields, from customer service to care-based fields, such as assisting individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). He brings with him a focus on empowerment, advocacy, and ethics. Since Joining the WVSL Solutions team, he has assisted with peer support at in-patient treatment settings, community outreach, Mon County QRT, recovery community events, connecting justice-involved individuals to treatment, peer training classes, and peer management. 

ASHLEY MCELWEE| PEERS Manager

Ashley McElwee is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Peers Manager based in Charleston. With a strong background in peer recovery, she brings lived experience to her work. She is deeply committed to supporting multiple pathways to recovery and community health work, and her passion for person-first care is evident in her unwavering dedication. Beyond her professional life, Ashley  enjoys hiking, live music, and being active in her local recovery community, demonstrating her multifaceted nature. Ashley believes in giving back to her community is integral to recovery and growth.

PEER Recovery

 

JUSTIN ADAMS | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Justin Adams is a born and raised West Virginian from the small town of Amandaville and a person in recovery. He is the father of 4 girls and 1 boy. He has a Dual Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Theology & Bible Doctrine. Through the training he received in the BA Program he is a certified Christian Minister, Social Justice Advocate, Moral Rehabilitation Mentor, and Pastor.

Justin is certified in Hospice Care and is currently a student at Marshall University’s Social Work Program. He is a WV Peers Human Service Worker connecting families in need with healthcare and social services, education, and health materials related to COVID-19 and engaging with families of individuals with substance use disorders to help them along the stages of change. Justin is also a person who has been Justice-Impacted and advocates for other justice-impacted individuals’ successful reentry.

BRYANNA HODGE | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Bryanna Hodge is a Peer Recovery support specialist  based in Charleston. With a strong background in the service industry, she brings Efficiency Improvement and Team Collaboration to her work. She is deeply committed to helping people navigate their way into recovery, and her passion for peer coaching is evident in her unwavering dedication. Beyond her professional life, Bryanna enjoys spending time with her children, watching true crime documentaries and is an animal lover, demonstrating her multifaceted nature. She wants to show people that recovery is possible, no matter what they have done in their past, they are absolutely worth recovery.

GREGORY HOLCOMB | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Greg is a West Virginia native, wonderful father, and well known in the WV recovery community. He spent some time working in the medical field but decided he wanted a change of scenery and crash landed into the WVSL family.

Greg has over a decade in recovery and much to offer anyone curious about what recovery looks like. He is currently employed as a PRC and works directly with the community, getting to know and willing to help anyone he comes across.

SARAH DAVIS | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Hailing from Fairmont, West Virginia, Sarah is a versatile team member with some college experience and a robust skill set. Her background includes working in the restaurant and hospitality industry and owning a construction company, showcasing her leadership and project management abilities. As a person in long-term recovery, Sarah’s personal journey fuels her dedication to helping others in their recovery journeys. Her unique business acumen and empathy make her an invaluable asset to our team, where she passionately contributes to our mission.

KENNETH DAWSON | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Kenneth Dawson is a Peer Recovery Coach based in Morgantown, WV. With a strong background in Customer Service, he brings dedication and relatability to his work. He is deeply committed to overcoming the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, and his passion for the Recovery Community is evident in his unwavering dedication. Beyond his professional life, Kenneth Dawson enjoys time with his daughter, being of service in his recovery community, and strengthening his relationship with God.

Joe Mytro of WVSL
JOE MYTRO | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Joe is a certified recovery coach and peer mentor specialist in West Virginia. He graduated from Mountain State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Prior to joining Ascension Recovery Services, Joe worked at a 28-day inpatient treatment facility in West Virginia and has run multiple sober living homes in the state.

Joe is the Men’s Program Director for the West Virginia Sober Living house in Morgantown, West Virginia. He is father to three children, Jonah, Amber and Autumn and grandfather to three young boys, Tatum, Hawkin and Maximus. Joe is also a person in long-term recovery.

KEVIN "KJ" BURROWS | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

KJ is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist based in Morgantown. With a strong background in business administration, he brings years of lived experience with SUD to his work. He is deeply committed to advocating for people with SUD, and his passion for helping others is evident in his unwavering dedication. Beyond his professional life, KJ enjoys being an active member of his church, camping, listening to music, and spending time with his wife and children. Kj is devoted to helping people with his work on QRT and outreach.

KRISTI SEAY | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Kristi is a peer recovery coach in Charleston. She is working on getting her PRSS certification and is deeply committed to helping other women in their recovery journey. Beyond her professional life, Kristi enjoys painting, being present in her local recovery community and spending time with her family.

WESLEY QUIGLEY | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Wesley is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist based in Morgantown, WV. With a strong background in the service industry, he brings incredible collaborative skills to his work. He is deeply committed to helping others as well as his personal recovery, and his passion for helping people achieve their goals is evident in his unwavering dedication. Beyond his professional life, Wesley Quigley enjoys live music, traveling, and being outside in nature. He believes that helping others is key to his own success.

BRANDI GOWERS | Peer Recovery Coach

Brandi is a mother of two daughters and is a native of Clarksburg, WV. Before coming to WVSL Solutions, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As a graduate of our housing program, Brandi is very passionate about helping others in their recovery journeys. 

 

KEN KERR | Peer Recovery Coach

Ken is from Bridgeport, WV and has a strong background in the culinary arts. Ken has worked for many years honing his kitchen skills at various restaurants and resorts along the east coast. Ken is very active within the recovery community and gives much of his life to help others on their recovery journey in the same spirit that others gave to him. In his free time, Ken enjoys playing golf, attending sporting events, and cooking for his friends and family.

ASHLEY JOHNSON | Peer Recovery Coach

Ashley is a Peer Recovery Coach in Charleston, actively pursuing her PRSS (Peer Recovery Support Specialist) certification. With a passion for aiding others in navigating their journey to wellness, she employs empathy and expertise to facilitate transformative change.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashley loves animals (particularly her pet, Nala), music and art. She prioritizes quality time with her daughter, Aujiana. She is dedicated to fostering positive change within herself and her community, focusing on meaningful connections whenever possible.

Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Program

 

ASHLEY CROUSHORN | DCR Coordinator

Ashley is a DCR Coordinator based in Charleston WV. She brings an associate’s degree in human services with a concentration in addictions counseling and is a state-certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. She is deeply committed to helping others, and her passion for justice-impacted population is evident in her unwavering dedication. Beyond her professional life, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, and Christmas. Ashley has compassion for other people and serves others without judgment.

RUTH TINDAL | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Ruth Tindal is a DCR – Peer Recovery Coach for SWRJ based in Kanawha County, WV. With a strong customer service and sales background, she brings empathy, compassion, and dedication to her work. She is deeply committed to meeting people where they are and her passion for the justice-impacted population is evident in her unwavering dedication. Beyond her professional life, Ruth Tindal enjoys her family, music, and the outdoors. Ruth is passionate about ensuring everyone knows they are never alone again!

NICHOLE WAZELLE | Peer Recovery Support Specialist

With a strong background in community outreach, Nichole brings empathy, compassion, and perseverance to her work. She is deeply committed to helping others gain resources to help them feel safe, happy, and healthy, and her passion for the justice-impacted population is evident in her unwavering dedication. Beyond her professional life, Nichole enjoys camping with her children, getting involved with her church and fellowship, and demonstrating her multifaceted nature. Nichole’s love for everyone keeps her motivated to empower them to find their best life.

Reintegrate Appalachia

WILLIAM NEAT | Reintegrate Appalachia Program Director

 William “Willy” Neat is the Program Director for Reintegrate Appalachia, overseeing all aspects of the program such as defining and implementing
operational policies for the organization and providing mentorship to staff and participants. With his over 25 years in the construction field, he contributes an incredible amount of expertise to the job. William graduated with a BA in “the classics” from St. John’s College, NM in 2003, and has lived in Morgantown since 2006. William owned and operated a remodeling business for 7 years and is also a person in long term recovery. William is a husband and the proud father of two daughters,

RYAN ALLEMAN | Senior Financial Accountant/ Office Manager

Ryan is a valuable member of the Reintegrate Appalachia team, as well as a person in long term recovery. Handling a wide array of tasks including accounts payable and project management, Ryan is the backbone of the Reintegrate team. Ryan has his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from West Virginia University and has been a Morgantown resident since 2020.

JONATHAN OBUGENE | Project Supervisor

Jonathan is the hardworking Project Supervisor for Reintegrate Appalachia. With a great eye for detail, Jonathan makes sure that each project is up to the clients standards. 

Support Staff

SHAINA PRICE, MPA | Senior Grant Accountant

Shaina Prince, MPA, graduated from West Virginia State University with a master’s degree in public administration. She has worked in the non-profit field for roughly six years but found her passion in the recovery field. Shaina serves as the Senior Grant Accountant for WVSL Solutions and runs her own art business in her spare time.  

BRAD GOSS | Staff Accountant

Brad was born and raised in Elkins, WV and is a person in long term recovery. Brad recently obtained his Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Davis & Elkins College. A diligent worker, Brad has held supervisory positions at restaurants in Elkins and is passionate about trying to help others escape the vicious cycle of addiction. Brad is an avid reader and also enjoys gaming in his free time.

ELISHA RUSH | Marketing & Fundraising Manager

Elisha is a marketing a design professional originally from Grafton, West Virginia.  Elisha obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Design from West Virginia University in 2014. Over the last decade, she has worked with various local organizations providing design work, promotion, and general community support. Elisha is a passionate advocate for the arts and mental health awareness.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Douglas M. Leech, Ascension Recovery Services

Randy Williams, United Bank

Dr. Zenovy Wowczuk, CMI2

Patrick R. Esposito II, Esq., Spillman Thomas & Battle

Mark J. Nesselroad, Esq., Glenmark Holding