Executive Team
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
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
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
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
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
House Manager
Jeff serves as a caring Recovery House Manager, offering guidance and encouragement to individuals striving for lasting health and wellness.
Vaugn Waugh
House Manager
Vaughn works as a Recovery House Manager, offering a positive environment for program participants to pursue their recovery in.
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
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 |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.
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.
SHANIA "NIA" MOSER | Peer Recovery Coach
Nia was born and raised in West Virginia and is a person in long-term recovery. Nia is a compassionate and dedicated peer recovery coach who has been guiding people on their journey to recovery for six months. Her passion for helping others shines through in everything she does, making her an invaluable resource for those seeking recovery and personal development. When she’s not coaching, she loves spending time with her son, networking with other peers, and helping in the community.
Jason Henline | Peer Recovery Coach
Jason Henline is a peer recovery coach based out of Summerville, WV. With two years of experience, he has a strong background in working with clients who have mental health and substance use disorders. With over three years in recovery, Jason is very passionate about what he does. He is very committed to using his own life experiences with addiction as an example. Along with available resources, he hopes to help guide others along their recovery path and his passion for recovery is evident in his unwavering dedication. He is always willing to go above and beyond for anyone in need and would be a great asset to anyone who will allow him to help. Beyond his professional life, Jason likes spending time with his family, making the absolute most out of everything and never taking a single day for granted.
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.
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 NEAL | PEERS Supervisor
Elizabeth Neal 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 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, MSW | 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.
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.
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 | 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.
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.
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.
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.
KEN KERR | Peer Recovery Support Specialist
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.
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.
MARKIE JEFFRIES | Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Markie is a PRSS from Montrose WV. Markie graduated from Abundant Life Christian Academy in 2004 and is currently a Peer Recovery Support Specialist as well as a caring mother. Markie covers Upshur, Randolph,Tucker, Barbour, Gilmer and Braxton Counties, and has been working as a Peer for Jobs and Hope WV since April of 2021. She is passionate about helping those in need, and is proud of being a person in long term recovery.
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!
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.
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 and 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.