Speaker Bios

Maricel Bernardo, MSM-HCA, Program Director, Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia, First Choice Services, Inc.

Maricel Bernardo, MSM-HCA is the Program Director of the Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia at First Choice Services, Inc.  She has worked in the problem gambling field since 2018 and has assisted many persons with a problem gambling and their loved ones.  In her prior role as the Program Coordinator, Maricel led the prevention and outreach arm of the program for many years.  She is active in the prevention field and works with different prevention groups and organizations promoting problem gambling education and awareness.  She is a member and serves on different committees of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services (NAADGS).  Maricel has a MSM Health Care Administration from Marshall University and BA Psychology from West Virginia University. 

Tammy L. Collins, PhD, Associate Director, Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery

Tammy L. Collins, PhD, has more than 25 years of experience in translating research into practice and policy in the fields of behavioral health, justice, and education. She currently conducts applied research and education as Associate Director for the Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery and is an evaluation consultant for prevention and a youth systems of care project in Ohio. Her doctorate of philosophy in human development and family science with a cognate area of adolescent behavioral health risk and protective factors was earned from The Ohio State University. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in journalism/public relations from Marshall University. Dr. Collins has led administrative and applied research teams at Ohio and WV state agencies including being Deputy Director at the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Senior Research Analyst at the WV Supreme Court of Appeals, and Policy and Planning Coordinator at WV Division of Criminal Justice Services; as well as leading research and evaluation teams at The Ohio State University and Marshall University. Dr. Collins has served as a subject matter expert for national, state, and local prevention, youth and community development, and applied research projects. She is credentialed in prevention in both WV (Prevention Specialist II) and Ohio (Certified Prevention Consultant).

Sierra Castedo de Martell, PhD, MPH, Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Sierra Castedo de Martell, PhD, MPH, is a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator with the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research – Treatment and Recovery Services Research Branch. In that role, Dr. Castedo de Martell oversees the health economics portfolio. She previously completed a postdoctoral research fellowship with Chestnut Health Systems, where her research focused on economic evaluation of peer-driven substance use interventions and recovery support, as well as improving the measurement of key health economic indicators for the recovery population. Prior to moving into research, Dr. Castedo de Martell served as the director of the collegiate recovery program at the University of Texas at Austin, and served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education. She is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and lives just outside of Detroit, MI. 

Susie Mullens, MS, Licensed Psychologist, LPC, AADC-S, Program Director, WV Collegiate Recovery Network

Susie Mullens is a licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor, certified advanced alcohol & drug counselor and supervisor with over 33 years of experience in the mental health and substance use disorder field. Throughout her career, she has worked across all aspects of the continuum of care, providing comprehensive support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Currently, Susie serves as the Program Director for the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network, a project of the Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery, housed at Marshall University Research Corp. In this role, she and the WVCRN Team, lead efforts to expand collegiate recovery initiatives across higher education institutions in West Virginia.

Previously, Susie was the Interim Director of the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP), where she successfully secured $100,000 in seed funding to support the development of five collegiate recovery programs throughout the state.

Before her time at ODCP, Susie held several roles, including Director of Operations for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE), Recovery Specialist helping to establish the West Virginia University Collegiate Recovery Program.  She also served as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative on the ARHE Board of Directors.

In addition to her work in collegiate recovery, Susie is currently serving as Treasurer on the West Virginia Association of Alcohol and Drug Prevention (WVAAPP) Board of Directors and is a past president of WVAAPP.  Susie’s extensive experience and passion for supporting recovery in higher education continue to drive her efforts to strengthen recovery communities across West Virginia.

Toni Marie Rudisill, MS, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, WVU School of Public Health

Toni Marie Rudisill, MS, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the West Virginia University School of Public Health.  Dr. Rudisill’s research focuses on the relationship between substance use (particularly cannabis use), transportation safety, and health policy. Dr. Rudisill has published ~50 peer-reviewed manuscripts in reputable medical journals. Her research program has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and the American Thoracic Society.  She currently teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in population health, epidemiological concepts, study design, and research methodology.

Amy Saunders, MA, Managing Director, Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery

Amy Saunders is the managing director of the MU Center of Excellence for Recovery and an associate vice president at Marshall University, where she provides expertise on implementing integrated and collaborative community and statewide grants and projects. She received a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Marshall University and has over 25 years of experience working in the fields of behavioral and public health. Saunders served as the director of Marshall’s Wellness Center for over fifteen years where she implemented multiple health and wellness initiatives on campus, provided counseling and crisis services to students, and advocated for campus and state policies. She has served as the director of a school-based mental health program overseeing services to students in five middle schools. During her time at Marshall University, she has authored and received over 45 public and mental health-related grants where she has served as a Principal Investigator, evaluator or collaborator bringing in over $87 Million in funding to WV. Saunders has assisted with strategic planning and coalition development within local communities throughout the state and understands the need for collaboration and communication among stakeholders on projects. She has aided in forming multiple coalitions working to mobilize stakeholders to reduce substance misuse through advocacy, education and prevention efforts. She serves as an advisory member on the Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment and is Co-Chair for the Prevention Subcommittee.

Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, PSII, ICPS, Executive Director, WV Prevention Solutions

Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, PSII, ICPS is the Executive Director for WV Prevention Solutions. As a certified Prevention Specialist II, I serve as the liaison between the grant funders and the 13 counties in Region 4. I support all staff in prevention services throughout our region as well as statewide. I manage existing grants and seek additional sources of funding to increase our reach in prevention to build healthier communities. I provide training throughout West Virginia in a variety of topics including educating professionals, community members, parents, and youth in an array of substance use disorder issues. I also work with community members and stakeholders to create sustainable positive change using environmental strategies in substance use disorder prevention.

Samuel Wilkinson, Assistant Director of Center Operations, West Virginia University Center of Excellence in Disabilities

Sam Wilkinson is the Assistant Director of Center Operations at West Virginia University’s Center for Excellence in Disabilities. He also serves as the Principal Investigator of the Regional Transition Navigator Services. He previously worked as a project manager coordinating public health projects focused on the opioid epidemic, hepatitis-c treatment, and obesity. He lives in Morgantown.

Jeremy Bailey, Student, Marshall University

Jeremy Bailey, Marshall University representing non-traditional students. Jeremy’s Major is Social Work, and his activities/clubs include Phi Alpha Honors Society, Psi Chi Honors Society, Marshall University Collegiate Recovery Community, and Marshall University Student Social Welfare Organization. His work related to mental health or substance use include Student Leader for WVCIA, Student Assistant for Marshall University Suicide Prevention Education Across Campus (MUSPEAC), SAFE Project Working Group Facilitator, Smart RxU Ambassador, Be The One Ambassador Program Mentor, Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitator, Healthy Futures Mentor with AmeriCorps and QPR Facilitator. Jeremy’s future plans include graduating with a BSW in the fall and immediately entering the one-year MSW program. He hopes to work with people who have great ideas to make those ideas a reality. 

Brea Belville, Student, Marshall University

Brea Belville is from Ironton, OH and attends Marshall University, representing students in leadership. Brea is a Finance major with minors in management and legal environment. She has been active in the Pre-Law Club, Financial Management Association, and Student Government Association, where she serves as the Student Body President & Marshall University Board of Governors Member. She established a cabinet with a Secretary of Mental Health Initiatives, which has hosted 3 QPR suicide prevention trainings this year. Her team has also collaborated with MU Administration to seek best practices to level-up mental health resources. Recently, she became a Be The One Ambassador and is eager to share the information with other college students.  She will be continuing her education at law school in the fall. 

Kaname Bryant, Student, WV State University

Kaname Bryant, West Virginia State University is representing athletes. Kaname Bryant is a social work major at West Virginia State University. He is a sprinter on the WVSU Track and Field team. He worked the entire month of September assembling fentanyl testing strips into pamphlets to be distributed to various organizations across WV. He held a tabling event for stress during final exam week, where they handed out snack bags to students, along with informational leaflets related to stress, substance abuse, final exams, and overall mental health. His future plans include potentially working with children or teenagers as a social worker. He is still deliberating over which field of social work in which he wants to get involved and has recently switched his major to psychology. However, healthcare/clinical social work remains in the forefront of his mind, and he wants to help families cope with illnesses.

Jacob Graham, Student, BridgeValley CTC

Jacob Graham is a 55-year-old freshman at BridgeValley CTC from Newark, New Jersey by way of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virgina. Mr. Graham never imagined he would be in West Virginia but has come to love the atmosphere, the community and the people. He is a classically trained musician and has played the piano since he was six years old. Jacob is also a chef who specializes in Italian cuisine, and he is an amateur DJ in his spare time. His interest and passion for video gaming led him to his major which is cybersecurity and network administration. He is a divorced father of 6 and a grandfather of 9. Jacob is also a recovering addict who is learning to live, love and enjoy life to its fullest without using mind altering or chemical substances. His philosophy that “age is nothing but a number” is exemplified in his life. He says, “I am living proof that an old dog can learn new tricks.” He looks forward to the opportunity to meet new people, do new things and gain friends along the way. He is committed to sharing his hope, experience and wisdom with anyone willing to listen and hopefully help someone along the way.  

Keela King, Student, Mountwest CTC

Keela King, Mountwest Community & Technical College is representing commuter and community college student. Ms. King is majoring in Management Technology with a concentration in Business Administration. Keela is currently seeking an associate’s degree, and plans to obtain her master’s in the future. Keela has attended numerous trainings and conferences related to mental health and substance misuse. Her experience includes organizing Narcan training sessions, distributing harm reduction materials on campus, and participating in mental health awareness events at Mountwest. She has planned and executed multiple resource fairs benefiting the community. She has implemented multiple ONEboxes both on the main campus and at off-campus locations. She is exploring different career paths to find the right fit for her skills and interests.

Grishma Madaliya, Student, WV State University

Grishma Madaliya, West Virginia State University, will represent international students. Grishma Madaliya is a student from India in her junior year at West Virginia State University (WVSU) majoring in Sport Studies Pre-professional. Her career aspirations are to be a physical therapist. Currently, she serves as President of CHOICES Peer educators, a student organization that hosts awareness tables around mental health, wellness, substance misuse prevention and interpersonal violence. In addition, Grishma was elected as the Vice President of the Student Government Association and is also employed by the university as a Residence Assistant (RA) where she greatly enjoys talking with student residents on a personal level and assisting them with their overall wellness. Her caring nature and personality extends the same assistance to the WVSU Women’s basketball team as she also serves as their team manager. Grishma is a true leader on her campus and a friend to everyone.