SPEAKERS
Heidi has presented and developed conference workshops for 25+ years. In addition to presenting, she was also teaching faculty for the counseling programs at both WVU and Marshall University Graduate College, from which she recently retired this spring.
Heidi has also co-founded a private practice solely dedicated to offering growth, change, and healing opportunities from the adverse effects of trauma, addiction, and developmental attachment injuries. She is very grateful to be a part of this years FSC Peer Recovery Retreat, and is honored to be of service to those in attendance.
Jostin Holmes is an esteemed professional in addiction and behavioral health. Since his appointment as the Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Policies Manager at the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy in February 2022, Jostin has played a pivotal role in shaping the state's approach to addiction treatment and recovery. He brings a wealth of experience to his current role, having worked as a substance abuse therapist, inpatient treatment supervisor, and outpatient services director for recovery residences in West Virginia. Jostin's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Licensed Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and he is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD).
In recognition of his expertise and dedication to the field, Jostin had the privilege of presenting at the NADAAC Conference in Denver, Colorado in October 2023 on peer support models with law enforcement. His ongoing commitment to improving addiction and behavioral health services makes him an inspiring figure in the field.
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 as well as the West Virginia Recovery Subcommittee of the Governor's Council on Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention. He brings decades of experience as director of operations at WVSL Solutions. 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.
Jon Dower was born and raised in Morgantown, WV and is a graduate of West Virginia University. Mr. Dower holds several addiction related certifications including alcohol and drug counselor, certified clinical supervisor, substance abuse professional, certified trauma professional and intervention professional. Mr. Dower current is the Director of Recovery Services for Ascension Recovery Services, an organization that provides turn-key substance use disorder treatment center development and direct SUD services to individuals and families. Jon also works as the Executive Director for West Virginia Sober Living, a 501 (c) 3, non-profit that provides recovery housing across the state of West Virginia, and peer recovery support services at a community-based level. Mr. Dower is an adjunct professor at WVU teach in the department of Counseling. He serves on several SUD related board of directors including President-Elect for the West Virginia Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, as the Treasure for the WV Alliance of Recovery Residents, and on the Governor’s Counsel for Substance Abuse Recovery Committee. Jon is a person in long-term recovery.
Charles Mullins brings nine years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, having served in multiple capacities, including Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), Targeted Case Manager, Intake Specialist, and Director of Operations at Licensed Behavioral Health Centers (LBHCs). He holds an MBA in Healthcare Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marshall University. Committed to advancing equitable access to care, Charles is passionate about expanding mental health support to unserved and underserved populations. His family includes his wife, Brittany, and their three children. They are active members of Norway Avenue Church of Christ in Huntington, WV, where he teaches a Bible study for men in recovery.
Deb Harris is the Manager for the West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) Reentry Programs and Jobs & Hope WV, a statewide initiative launched by Governor Jim Justice in 2019 to address the substance use disorder crisis and help West Virginians in recovery find meaningful employment. She leads a team of thirty staff members who provide support and guidance to individuals who face barriers to reentering the workforce, connecting them to resources such as career training, high school equivalency, and career employment.
For her outstanding work with Jobs & Hope WV, she was honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Empowerment Award in 2020. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to the West Virginia Workforce Development Board.
Deb has a wealth of experience in assisting students and individuals with various challenges and barriers. Before joining Jobs & Hope WV, she worked as a TANF and Peer Counselor at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, where she helped students on academic probation and those who needed state benefits to complete their education.
Deb holds a Master's Degree in Adult Continuing Education and Evaluation from Marshall University, a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Rehabilitation from West Virginia State, and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Addictions from Bridge Valley State. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Peer Councilor during her studies.
She currently resides in Charleston with her husband and four children and their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Charlie”. They enjoy spending time outdoors skiing, fishing on the Greenbrier River and going to concerts.
For her outstanding work with Jobs & Hope WV, she was honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Empowerment Award in 2020. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to the West Virginia Workforce Development Board.
Deb has a wealth of experience in assisting students and individuals with various challenges and barriers. Before joining Jobs & Hope WV, she worked as a TANF and Peer Counselor at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, where she helped students on academic probation and those who needed state benefits to complete their education.
Deb holds a Master's Degree in Adult Continuing Education and Evaluation from Marshall University, a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Rehabilitation from West Virginia State, and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Addictions from Bridge Valley State. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Peer Councilor during her studies.
She currently resides in Charleston with her husband and four children and their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Charlie”. They enjoy spending time outdoors skiing, fishing on the Greenbrier River and going to concerts.
Elizabeth “Liz” Neal, a West Virginia native, lives in Charleston and is in long-term recovery. She is an internationally certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) and a Community Health Worker dedicated to making West Virginia a safer and more inclusive place for all its residents. She also graduated in April 2025 from the University of Charleston with an Associate's degree in Workforce Leadership.
Currently, Liz serves as the Peers Supervisor at West Virginia Sober Living Solutions, where she leads a team of Peer Recovery Support Specialists and facilitates the PRSS Basics course. With deep roots in the southern coalfields of West Virginia, Liz is passionate about reducing stigma, providing education, and empowering others to overcome challenges.
Her dedication extends to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and those living with Substance Use Disorder. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Liz is active in her local recovery community. In her free time, Liz cherishes moments spent with her family and children. Her unwavering commitment to helping others and her vibrant presence in her community exemplify her mission to create positive change in the lives of West Virginians.
Kenneth and Mari Jo Murray reside in Fairmont, West Virginia. They have been married for 25 years and have three sons: Kolby, Mattox, and Owen. Kolby and Owen are both diagnosed Level 2 Autistic, with Owen having comorbidity Social Anxiety Disorder. Kenneth and Mari Jo met while attending West Liberty State College (University). Kenneth Graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice. He also holds an AS in Police Science, a master’s degree in strategic leadership, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy with 14 hours master’s Credit from the University of Virginia. Mari Jo has studies in psychology. Kenneth enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard in 1995, commissioned to an officer in 2004, was deployed for Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom, Kenneth retired in 2019 as a Major with 24 years of service. Kenneth was a certified as an Army instructor in 2006. Kenneth enlisted with the West Virginia State Police in 1998. He has been stationed across north central West Virginia, the Professional Development Center and the West Virginia State Police Academy in Charleston, WV as the Deputy Director of training and has been a certified Law Enforcement Instructor since 2019. He is currently assigned as the Logistics Officer for Troop 1 in Fairmont, WV. In 2014 Kenneth and Mari Jo decided to homeschool their three sons. Mari Jo is the primary educator of the children, gearing the educational needs to each child. In 2020 Kenneth worked with other special needs parents and the Autism Training Center at Marshall University to get legislation passed mandating training for interactions with autistic persons to entry level police officers, this bill passed unanimously. In 2022 Kenneth returned to the legislature where an amendment was placed before the legislature to include mandatory autism refresher training every three years to currently certified officers across West Virginia, this bill also passed unanimously. The bill was signed into law and can be found in the West Virginia state code 30-29-5a, “Criminal justice training regarding individuals with autism spectrum disorders; Alzheimer’s and dementia.” Since 2022 Kenneth and Mari Jo have been training police and first responders on the interaction with autistic persons across the state. Training has been completed with many police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatchers and social services agencies and as part of First Choice Services Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), as well as agency requested training events. Kenneth and Mari Jo are active members of the corridor chapter of the Autism society of West Virginia. They attend Covenant Church in Fairmont, West Virginia.