Meet The Team

Ragan oversees staff training, marketing, and supports organizational fundraising efforts. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Certified Supervisor of Peer Recovery Specialists, with training in Wellness Recovery Action Plan and Motivational Interviewing. She is also an Intentional Peer Support Organizational Trainer, Adverse Childhood Experiences Interface Trainer, Certified Personal Medicine Coach, Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery Facilitator, Crisis Intervention Team Instructor, and a Master Trainer of Crisis Services for Peer Supporters. Ragan holds a Master of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and has more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She has been in recovery since May 28, 2008.

“For me, recovery is about recognizing my strengths and weaknesses so I can work each day to counteract negative thoughts and behaviors with wellness practices and activities that bring me—and hopefully those around me—joy. It’s a constant work in progress.”

Lindsey provides day-to-day operational leadership across all the organization's programs and service locations. She oversees program implementation, staff support, and service delivery to ensure that every program operates with quality, consistency, and fidelity to the organization's peer-led and peer-designed models. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Certified Anger Management Specialist, Certified Yoga Instructor, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Her personal journey through childhood trauma and loss informs her compassionate, whole-person approach to leadership and community care.

“Recovery is being willing to be vulnerable, to grow through what you go through, and being open to continuous self-development.”

Chris oversees the organization’s electronic health record system and uses data for quality monitoring and program evaluation. He is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, holds an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Blue Ridge Community College, and is trained in Intentional Peer Support, Motivational Interviewing, SMART Recovery, and Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Chris is in long-term recovery from substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges, and his work is grounded in his lived experience.

“What recovery means to me — living my best, most authentic life.”

Alex is Program Manager of the New Market Office, managing outreach and recovery programs serving Shenandoah and Page Counties. She is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, and trained in HIV and Hepatitis C testing, harm reduction services, Motivational Interviewing, and Intentional Peer Support. In long-term recovery from substance use and mental health challenges, Alex uses her lived experience to inspire hope and support others on their recovery journeys.

“Recovery has allowed me to have the life I had long dreamed for. I can be a present and dependable mother to my children. I can spread hope and inspiration to those seeking, and have patience and understanding to those who are not. Recovery to me means that I believe in myself and know I am worth it!”

Mandie is Program Manager of the Rocktown Health office in the City of Harrisonburg, overseeing Strength In Peers’ peer-led recovery support programs. She is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, and trained in Motivational Interviewing, and Intentional Peer Support. After many years navigating substance use disorder, Mandie pursued peer support work to share her own lived experience and show others that recovery is possible.

“Recovery to me is working on successfully managing my addiction and regaining control and stability in my life. It is the ability for me to finally be a mother to my children. Recovery is person-driven and emerges from hope!”

Megan is Program Manager of Strength In Peers’ Harrisonburg main office, overseeing the Community Resource Center, Street Outreach, Comprehensive Harm Reduction, and the HIV/Hepatitis C Testing Program. She is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and trained in HIV and Hepatitis C testing, harm reduction services, Motivational Interviewing, and Intentional Peer Support. She is in long-term recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work each day. Megan’s recovery journey fuels her passion for serving others and her belief that healing and transformation are possible for everyone.

“Recovery to me is finding my true self, being the best mom to my kids, and having a new beginning in life.”

Mary Beth is the Coordinator of the Community Resource Center. She has a background in social work with a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Mary Washington. She is trained as a Peer Recovery Specialist with specific training in Intentional Peer Support, Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery and Motivational Interviewing. After losing her infant son in 2014, Mary Beth became active in the Sadie Rose Foundation, a local organization providing support for child loss. This is where she was first introduced to non-clinical peer support and the healing that comes through peer support groups. Through the Community Resource Center, Mary Beth offers one-on-one support to help connect community members with local resources. She enjoys listening to people’s unique stories as they work towards improving their lives.

“Recovery is accepting the challenges life throws my way and sharing my experiences with the hope that it will help others on their recovery journeys.”

Madelyn coordinates the Recovery Program for participants in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and providing one-on-one case management. She is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, and trained in Motivational Interviewing. She is in long-term recovery from substance use and mental health challenges and shares her lived experience so that others know they are not alone. Madelyn believes that recovery is a gift available to anyone.

“Recovery to me is having a positive outlook on life and having the power of personal choice and freedom. I’m progressing every day to be a better version of myself — one day at a time.”

Dasha coordinates the Re-Entry Recovery Program for participants in Shenandoah and Page Counties and provides one-on-one case management, facilitates peer-led support groups and workshops, and conducts outreach to incarcerated individuals at Page County Jail. She is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Anger Management Specialist, Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, Certified in Crisis Services Training for Peer Supporters, certified through the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health in Gambling Services, and trained in reentry case management, harm reduction services, Motivational Interviewing, and Intentional Peer Support. Dasha is in long-term recovery from substance use, mental health, and trauma-related challenges, and is passionate about supporting incarcerated individuals as they return to the community.

“To me, recovery is a continuous journey of becoming a better version of myself, growing through the hard times and becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be.”

Stephanie coordinates the Safe and Secure Respite House and Recovery Houses. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and trained as a Community Health Worker and in Motivational Interviewing and Intentional Peer Support. In active recovery from mental health and substance use challenges, her recovery is rooted in a 12-step program and an active commitment to her recovery community. Stephanie is grateful for the opportunity to give back and to support peers navigating the same challenges she has faced.

“Recovery has given me the opportunity to reinvent a new life for myself. I am able to help those in the community that have struggled with the same things I have. I love seeing people thrive and have lives they can be proud of.”

Maegan coordinates the Comprehensive Harm Reduction program. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and trained in HIV and Hepatitis C testing, harm reduction services, and Motivational Interviewing, and holds an Associate’s degree in Human Services. She brings nonjudgmental, compassionate care to both office-based services and community outreach through the mobile unit. As a person in long-term recovery, Maegan is passionate about supporting individuals facing mental health, trauma, and substance use challenges.

“Recovery is a journey, not a destination. It means being able to show up as the best version of myself. Recovery means treating each person with unconditional positive regard and love. I get to share my story – listen, advocate, educate and walk beside people on their journey.”

Holly coordinates the Lion’s PRIDE  (Peer Recovery Internship for Development and Empowerment) Program, managing recruitment, training, and certification preparation for new Peer Recovery Specialists in the Shenandoah Valley. She is a Master Trainer in the Crisis Services, holds Integrated Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist and Problem Gambling endorsements, and is certified in SMART Recovery, Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery, Alternatives to Suicide, Hearing Voices/Unusual Beliefs, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Holly has a BA in Philosophy (Pre-Law) from the University of Mary Washington and graduate-level training in education and restorative justice. She is in long-term recovery from mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges and begins each day excited and grateful to live a life of service to others.

“Recovery is the long, slow process of being seen – first by yourself, and then by others – until what has been hidden or buried can live in daylight without collapsing. Visibility and acceptance gradually replace shame and disconnection until we are standing fully in the light.”

Samantha is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and serves as Program Coordinator for the organization's Mom 2 Mom program. Through the program, Sam provides case management services to women who are pregnant, nursing, or of childbearing age and facing challenges with substance use. She brings more than 12 years of personal recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, and physical trauma, and spent a decade prior as a school secretary and student advocate supporting students with behavioral health needs. Samantha has completed her 72-hour Certified Peer Recovery Specialist training.

“Recovery is about the power of a reset. It’s a commitment to breaking cycles of trauma and building foundations of hope not just for my own children, but for every family and young person I encounter.”

Lisa is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist on the Recovery Program serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. She provides one-on-one peer support at the Rocktown Health location and leads peer groups at Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail and Middle River Regional Jail. She is a Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator and Certified in the Crisis Services Training for Peer Supporters. Her work at Strength In Peers has also supported her own recovery journey, and she has been alcohol-free for over a year.

“Today, I know my story isn’t over yet—it’s just getting started. And if I can keep moving forward, so can you. There is always hope, and every day is a new chance to grow!”

Emily is a Registered and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist on the Recovery Program serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and providing one-on-one peer support at the Rocktown Health location. She is a Certified SMART Recovery Facilitator, Certified Anger Management Specialist, and trained in Crisis Support, Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing. She came to Strength In Peers after completing an internship with Recovery Corps. With three years of personal recovery, she channels her own resilience into compassionate support for others.

“Recovery means creating peace in a world that once felt like chaos and continuing to overcome anything that comes my way.”

Erin is a Peer Recovery Specialist serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County providing one-on-one peer support at Rocktown Health. Erin is committed to walking alongside individuals as they navigate their unique paths to wellness. Grounded in the power of many years of lived experience, she is currently expanding her professional toolkit by actively pursuing several formal registrations and certifications. With close to three years of personal recovery, she strives to be a lifelong learner and the strongest possible resource for the peers she supports.

"I believe that we grow through what we go through, that even in the storms of life we can dance in the rain. Recovery is inevitable, and there is always resilience and hope for better days to come."

Eric began his journey with Strength In Peers as a participant and now serves as a Peer Recovery Specialist on the Recovery Program serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. He was first introduced to peer support while incarcerated at Indian Creek Correctional Center and is actively involved in both a 12-step fellowship and a faith-based recovery program. Eric is committed to “recovering out loud” so that no one has to suffer in silence.

“Recovery is more than abstinence — it is finding the key to release yourself from your own prison. I believe in ‘recovering out loud’ so that no man or woman has to suffer in silence.”

Mylee is Peer Recovery Specialist on the Recovery Program serving Shenandoah and Page Counties. She is a Certified Recovery Coach Professional from West Virginia and is working on her Virgina Peer Recovery Specialist certification. With lived experience in both addiction and mental health recovery, she is passionate about supporting others on their journey and offering hope through understanding, empathy, and connection.

"To me, recovery is the process of reclaiming control of life and living with purpose while staying true to my values."

Richard is one of Strength In Peers’ longest-serving team members and a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who serves primarily in a public housing community supporting older adults on their recovery journeys. He is driven by a desire to help others achieve their goals and overcome addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges, and he and his wife are statewide volunteers with the Virginia Department of Corrections, conducting Christian services in prisons and supporting Kingsway Family Outreach/Prison Ministry.

“When we realize that substance use has destroyed our life, there are choices to make. We can seek recovery and support but our desire has to be strong. Without recovery our future is bleak, our lives are out of control. We must choose wisely, recovery is the proper choice.”

KJ is a Peer Recovery Specialist on the Comprehensive Harm Reduction team, bringing lived experience, resilience, and authenticity to her work. With four and a half years of personal recovery from addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges, she describes her journey as a complete transformation that continues to shape her growth personally and professionally. KJ is passionate about meeting people where they are and offering support without judgment and views her role as living proof that recovery is possible no matter how far someone may have fallen. She is currently working toward her state certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist.

“Recovery means continuous growth and the creation of a stable, peaceful life. It is about building something sustainable, nurturing healthy relationships, and learning how to truly enjoy life. Most importantly, recovery is about learning to live fully—and having fun while doing it.”

Heather serves as a Peer Recovery Specialist on the Comprehensive Harm Reduction team. In her role, she connects community members to resources, education, and practical tools that promote safety, dignity, and pathways to recovery. Heather brings lived experience with over 6 years long-term recovery from substance use disorders, as well as personal experience with mental health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness and trauma. Having overcome addiction and involvement with the justice system, she uses her experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and empower others.

“What once felt broken in my life is now being used to bring hope and healing to others”

Mckayla is a Peer Recovery Specialist on the Mom2Mom program, bringing a full-circle perspective to her work — she was once a participant in the program herself. Her lived experience allows her to connect authentically with the women she supports, and she is a firm believer that recovery is attainable for everyone when met with the right support. Mckayla is committed to creating a nonjudgmental space where every person feels seen, heard, and empowered, and her own long-term recovery is driven by her dedication to building a stable, healthy future for her two young children.

"Recovery is not about becoming a different person — it's about rediscovering who you were before the pain and learning to love that person again."

Brian is a Peer Recovery Specialist serving Page County. He provides peer recovery support, facilitates peer groups in the jail, and supports individuals with pre-release planning and post-release reentry. After spending much of his life in and out of jails and prisons, Brian is grateful to use his lived experience to walk alongside others as they prepare to return to the community and rebuild their lives.

Brian is trained in SMART Recovery, the MISSION Model, Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR), Intentional Peer Support (IPS), and REVIVE! opioid overdose and naloxone education, and is working towards his certification.  

Today, Brian is grateful to God for the opportunity to use his experiences to support others navigating incarceration, re-entry, and recovery. In relation to his lived experience, Brian is especially fond of the following quote from author Steve Goodier: 

“My scars remind me that I did indeed survive my deepest wounds.” 

As a Peer Recovery Specialist at Strength In Peers Rocktown Maternal Health Hub, Maralina provides dedicated, compassionate support to women navigating pregnancy, nursing, and early postpartum life while managing mental health challenges. Grounded in her lived experiences, she understands how deeply transformative and complex this time can be. Maralina is passionate about building authentic, nonjudgmental relationships that foster trust and genuine hope while creating space for both the overwhelm and possibilities of this stage of life.

“Recovery, to me, isn’t about reaching an ending—it’s about choosing to keep pushing forward, one day at a time. It’s a never-ending journey of growth, strength, and becoming the best version of myself.”

Jessica Howard is a Peer Recovery Specialist at the Harrisonburg Community Resource Center. She provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for individuals seeking resources and support while navigating homelessness, substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges. With eight years in recovery from substance use and continued healing from trauma and mental health challenges, Jessica draws on her lived experience to support and empower others.

Jessica is trained in Intentional Peer Support (IPS), HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and harm reduction services.

"Recovery isn't waiting for the storm to pass, It's learning exactly who you are while standing in it."

Carmen provides administrative support to Strength In Peers leadership with a focus on financial management, human resources, and fundraising. She is in long term recovery from trauma, mental health challenges, substance use and disability. 

"Recovery to me means rebuilding my life on a firmer foundation that I can trust not to crumble beneath me as I face inevitable obstacles and challenges."

Richard provides peer-based support to guests at the organization’s medical respite home following hospitalization. He completed his 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from the University of Georgia. His extensive background spanning business leadership, aviation fuels, and masonry restoration informs his grounded, practical approach to supporting others in recovery.

“Recovery became the path back to honesty, stability, and a deeper part of me that wanted to live with intention instead of escape.”