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MSPHI

MSPHI MSDH

A RECOVERY SUMMIT FOR CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PROFESSIONALS

September 25, 2026 | Golden Nugget Casino, Biloxi

SCHEDULE  |  PRESENTERS  |  REGISTER

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Limited to 250 Professionals

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Let's Work Together

This engaging one-day event is focused on building relationships, collaboration, partnership and teamwork to develop a continuum of care from first encounter through long-term recovery. We will work to break down the silos  that hinder cooperation between professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, the court system, religious groups and the recovery community. Language has an impact on how those in need of recovery respond, sometimes avoiding needed services due to fear of judgment. To overcome this, we will discuss and review best practices and how strategies based on sound data can improve relationships and outcomes.

SCHEDULE

“This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-22-GG-04452-COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.”

SUMMIT PRESENTER INFO

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(*Accommodations not included.)

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr. Sam MacMaster

Co-Founder and Chair,
Advisory Board at National Institute for Behavioral Health

Sam McMaster has more than 30 years of experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. He has also served in leadership roles, corporate clinical leadership positions, and has held academic and research appointments focusing on treatment access and addiction science.

Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM

President, American Society of Addiction Medicine

A prominent American psychiatrist, addiction medicine specialist, and the President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Stephen Taylor’s focus is on expanding access to evidence-based addiction care. Dr. Taylor also works as the Medical Director of the Player Assistance/Anti-Drug Program for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). He is board-certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine with over 30 years of experience.

PRESENTERS & MODERATORS

WELCOME

Jan Dawson

Program Director, Mississippi Public Health Institute

Jan Dawson (Ed. S. Northwestern State University) is Director of Substance Use Prevention, Control and Education at Mississippi Public Health Institute. She manages a portfolio of opioid epidemic response grants in Mississippi, as well as other substance use programs, including workforce development, state leadership teams for substance use policy guidance, and coordinates with state agencies to support substance use programs. Her current portfolio includes grants from MSDH, MSDMH, CDC, SAMHSA, HRSA, and COSSAP.

Dr. Jon Hubanks

Director, Center for Injury Prevention and Recovery, Mississippi Department of Health

Jon works at the intersection of public health, clinical care, and policy to build systems that reduce preventable harm and expand access to evidence-based treatment. His work focuses on addressing complex health challenges such as opioid use disorder, overdose prevention, and injury prevention by translating clinical expertise and epidemiological insight into practical public health strategies.

PEER SUPPORT PANEL

George Massengill

President, Reach Impact Institute 

George Massengill is a Tennessee-based behavioral-health executive, licensed addiction counselor, entrepreneur, and recovery advocate with more than three decades of experience in addiction treatment, mental health, healthcare development, and technology. He earned his social-work degree from the University of Tennessee and holds Tennessee licensure as an addiction counselor (LADAC).  Massengill currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of RCN Treatment Centers, and Co-Founder and President of Reach Impact Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on reducing overdose deaths and creating sustainable pathways from “Rescue to Recovery.”

Throughout his career, Massengill has held executive, clinical, marketing, and business-development roles with organizations including the University of Tennessee, CRC Health/Acadia Health, Peninsula Health System, Bradford Health Services, Philips Holdings, and JourneyPure. He served as CMO/EVP and a board member with JourneyPure and has been involved in developing behavioral-health treatment services across the country.

An entrepreneur as well as a clinician, Massengill has founded, developed, and sold multiple behavioral-health organizations, including The Wellness Centers, HealthConnect America, Recovery Living Services, and Serenity Centers/Serenity Network. His work has included integrated networks encompassing detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient services, recovery housing, case management, and community-based behavioral healthcare.

His current work through Reach Impact Institute centers on overdose prevention, Naloxone access, stigma reduction, recovery housing, community and faith-based recovery supports, public policy, and building longer-term systems of care for people affected by substance-use disorders. Reach’s initiatives have included community impact summits and Naloxone vending-machine projects in Tennessee and Mississippi. Massengill has also spoken publicly on behavioral-health innovation and addiction treatment. His professional focus increasingly emphasizes treating addiction as a chronic condition and strengthening the continuum from overdose rescue ➡ treatment ➡ recovery support ➡ housing ➡ employment and community reintegration ➡ long-term recovery.

Jennifer Dick

Project Specialist, MSPHI

As a dedicated Recovery Advocate and Mental Health Advocate, Jennifer is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to wellness and mental health stability. Her advocacy work is rooted in empathy, education, and a committed effort to destigmatize mental health challenges.

April Johnson, PRSS

Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Hancock County Family Treatment Court

Since joining the Hancock County Family Treatment Court in 2022, April Johnson has provided peer support services including group facilitation, one-on-one support, case management, sober living check-ins, and participation in court proceedings. She also works within the Hancock County Jail, co-facilitating Workforce Development classes, and leads a Peer Support Coordination group for newly certified peers and those looking to grow in the field.

Her passion lies in strengthening peer support services and building pathways to recovery within the justice system. Her journey in recovery began in July 2021, and after successfully completing the Family Treatment Court program, she went on to become certified and now serves others walking a similar path. Her lived experience allows her to connect authentically and offer hope to those she supports.

April is a certified TBRI Practitioner, Forensic Peer Support Specialist, WRAP Facilitator, National Peer Recovery Support Specialist through NAADAC, and Certified Criminal Justice Associate.

Her mission is simple: to help others see that recovery is possible and that no one has to do it alone.

Dani Jones

Peer Support Specialist, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare

Dani Jones was certified as a Peer Support Specialist in 2021 after successfully completing treatment at Fairland Treatment Center in Tutteiler MS. She obtained her Forensic Peer Support certification in 2025. She’s more than a Peer. She’s also the mother to 4 beautiful children and married to her Highschool sweetheart, which are the very people who support her the most and remind her daily of all the reasons to keep pushing forward. 

She’s currently employed with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare and has been there since October 2023. She is the longest standing member of the Mobile Crisis Emergency Response Team, where it is her responsibility to assess needs, de-escalate, provide resources for treatments, and eliminate any barriers that might be a hindrance for the person in need. She is also a member of Mississippi Crisis Intervention Teams Association to help strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and mental health professionals. 

Jonathan Kilby

Certified Peer Support Specialist, Gulf Coast Respite House

Johnathan Kilby is a Certified Peer Support Specialist at the Gulf Coast Respite House whose life and work embody the profound power of transformation and resilience. Having navigated a complex and turbulent past that once placed him on Arkansas’s most wanted list, Johnathan’s journey has taken him through unimaginable adversity, including battling cancer and enduring the devastating loss of his son.

After cycling through treatment facilities, it was in his third treatment center that a pivotal shift occurred: he woke up with a true willingness to change. His path eventually brought him through the Harrison County Intervention Court, a critical turning point that helped anchor his accountability and long-term recovery. Today, Johnathan channels those lived experiences into his advocacy, bridging the gap between community members, law enforcement, and the judiciary. Currently pursuing a degree in social work at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, he is dedicated to fostering empathy, dismantling stigma, and showing that recovery and redemption are possible even from the most difficult places.

HEALTHCARE PANEL

Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM

President, American Society of Addiction Medicine

A prominent American psychiatrist, addiction medicine specialist, and the President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Stephen Taylor’s focus is on expanding access to evidence-based addiction care. Dr. Taylor also works as the Medical Director of the Player Assistance/Anti-Drug Program for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). He is board-certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine with over 30 years of experience.

Dr. Utsav Nandi

Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Population Health Science, and the Associate Director of Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine, at University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)

Dr. Utsav Nandi is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Population Health Science, and the Associate Director of Research in the department of Emergency Medicine, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). He completed his emergency medicine residency, Master of Science in clinical investigation, and Master of Science in population health science at UMMC. He works clinically as an attending physician at UMMC’s emergency department. His research is focused on understanding and ameliorating the social drivers of multiple health conditions in Mississippi including opioid use disorder, severe maternal morbidity, and firearm injury through ED-based treatment and community linkage-to-care programs.

Heather Rowley

Hospital Administrator and Executive Director of Support Services, Singing River Gulfport

Heather Rowley currently serves as the Hospital Administrator for Singing River Gulfport & Executive Director of Support Services and has been a dynamic leader in hospitals for 20+ years.
From the very beginning of her nursing career, Heather’s drive has been process improvement that benefits patient outcomes and streamlines the work of the bedside caregiver.

She has a passion for helping other people achieve their goals and is successful at building high functioning teams. She believes that leaders are not bosses; they are teammates that are your biggest cheerleader.

Heather started her career with an Associate of Science in Nursing followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

She has bedside and leadership experience in various hospital settings, including medical-surgical, labor and delivery, surgical services, nursing administration, risk management, and education.

Heather’s community involvement includes serving on various boards, including Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, Rotary Club of Orange Grove, and Gulf Coast Heart Walk.

Heather currently lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her biggest role outside of work is mother to her children and her cats. She enjoys thrift and antique shopping, volleyball, crafting and DIY, and traveling to places that tourists do not frequent.

Brenda Foster

Lead Nurse Navigator, Mississippi State Department of Health

Brenda is a Registered Nurse with 12+ years of behavioral health experience, including 7 years in inpatient psychiatric nursing and 6 years in substance use disorder (SUD) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) coordination.

Currently serving in a statewide public health leadership role, she supports evidence-based opioid response initiatives, MAT expansion efforts, provider collaboration, and improved linkage to care for individuals with substance use disorders. Her work includes urine drug screen interpretation, crisis triage, trauma-informed patient engagement, and systems-level coordination across emergency departments, outpatient providers, and community organizations.

Kimberly S. Bennett, LCSW-S, C-DBT, ICST, CDP

Behavioral Health Program Director, Covington County Hospital

Kimberly S. Bennett serves as Behavioral Health Program Director for Covington County Hospital, providing leadership and oversight for Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program, Covington Place Therapy and Counseling, and the social services component of the inpatient Senior Care Behavioral Health Unit.

A Licensed Certified Social Worker, Credentialed Sandtray Therapist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy professional, Kimberly brings experience across outpatient, intensive outpatient, and acute inpatient behavioral health settings. She works with individuals across the lifespan, with special interests in trauma, addiction, relationships, and helping individuals navigate life challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change.

Kimberly is passionate about strengthening behavioral health services and expanding access to high-quality mental health care—particularly in rural communities.

FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES PANEL

Will Taylor

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Recovery is the New High

Will Taylor is a dedicated professional in long-term recovery, bringing valuable experience to the table. He has a proven track record of successful collaboration with the faith community and has been a driving force behind significant changes in behavioral health program design, financing, and state/local government affairs over the past seven years. Will has worked on various impactful initiatives through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and has previously served as a clinical counselor in the non-profit treatment field. His passion lies in fostering strong relationships and making a meaningful impact within faith-based organizations, non-profits, and communities. Will excels in managing various aspects of community engagement and effectively communicates values to diverse audiences, instilling confidence in his abilities and expertise. He has demonstrated success in building and operating addiction treatment programs at both the outpatient and residential levels of care. Will credits his success to God and the nature of being an individual with lived experience as he is in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, as well as an individual with a justice environment and the fact that individuals were willing to invest in him along his journey.

Matthew Riley

CROP Program Specialist, MSPHI

Matthew Riley is a seasoned professional, faith leader, and community advocate with more than 25 years of experience in education, corrections, accountability court programs, workforce development, reentry, and community-based programming. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing effective programs, building strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities that improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Mississippi.

Matthew currently serves as a Program Specialist with the Congregation Recovery Outreach Program (CROP) at the Mississippi Public Health Institute. In this role, he works to strengthen partnerships among congregations, mental health providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to advance recovery support, mental health awareness, and community engagement. His work emphasizes faith-based outreach and collaboration, helping congregations and communities become better equipped to support individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges.

Previously, Matthew served as the Assistant Facility Administrator at East Mississippi Correctional Facility,  Statewide Director of Reentry for the Mississippi Department of Corrections , where he developed reentry initiatives and built partnerships with government agencies, employers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Matthew has also worked with East Central Community College in Decatur, MS and the Mississippi Community College Board, strengthening his expertise in education and workforce development. His accountability court experience includes the Hall County Superior Court Drug Court Program within the Northeastern Judicial Circuit in Gainesville, Georgia providing him with experience in treatment, supervision, recovery, and community reintegration.​​

Matthew’s professional experience is complemented by a strong academic foundation. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in Leadership from Belhaven University, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mississippi Valley State University, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from East Central Community College. He has also completed specialized training in correctional management, grant writing, program development, workforce development, and leadership. Matthew’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others, strengthening communities, developing effective programs, building partnerships, and creating pathways toward hope, recovery, opportunity, and positive change. He believes in the power of education, opportunity, collaboration, and faith-based engagement to help individuals overcome barriers and build healthier, more productive lives. His passion for serving others extends beyond his professional responsibilities, motivating him to remain actively engaged in initiatives that address social and economic challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Mississippi and beyond.

Jimmy Stewart

Pastor, First Baptist Church Gulfport

A graduate of William Carey University and The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Jimmy Stewart was born and raised in South Mississippi. He has served churches from the Tennessee State Line to the Coast Line since 1979 and he has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Gulfport (FBG) since 2010. He and Janice have been married for 44 years and have two adult children. Dr. Stewart’s son and daughter in law are house parents to five teenage girls at Homes of Hope in Purvis, MS. The Stewart’s daughter lives in San Diego and travels the world with her career. Dr. Stewart’s Doctor of Ministry degree focused on helping churches be as healthy as possible. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path,” guides his life and ministry! The mission of FBG is Amplifying Hope Across the Coast By Connecting People to Life in Jesus! He also serves as Secretary for the Home of Grace Board.

Troy Sandifer, CPRS

Founder and CEO, Hustle Recovery, Inc.

Troy Sandifer is the Founder and CEO of HUSTLE Recovery, Inc., a nonprofit addressing addiction and housing instability through innovative recovery support services. Motivated by personal loss and his own long-term recovery journey, Troy launched a navigation model that has connected over 6,200 individuals to treatment and housing. Under his leadership, HUSTLE now operates twelve gender-specific recovery residences, an outpatient treatment center, a vocational rehabilitation aftercare program, and Tennessee’s first Respite Housing model – credited with a 92% success rate and now expanding statewide. Troy is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, board member on multiple recovery centered organizations, and recipient of SAMHSA and opioid abatement funding for recovery innovation.

George Massengill

President, Reach Impact Institute 

George Massengill is a Tennessee-based behavioral-health executive, licensed addiction counselor, entrepreneur, and recovery advocate with more than three decades of experience in addiction treatment, mental health, healthcare development, and technology. He earned his social-work degree from the University of Tennessee and holds Tennessee licensure as an addiction counselor (LADAC).  Massengill currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of RCN Treatment Centers, and Co-Founder and President of Reach Impact Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on reducing overdose deaths and creating sustainable pathways from “Rescue to Recovery.”

Throughout his career, Massengill has held executive, clinical, marketing, and business-development roles with organizations including the University of Tennessee, CRC Health/Acadia Health, Peninsula Health System, Bradford Health Services, Philips Holdings, and JourneyPure. He served as CMO/EVP and a board member with JourneyPure and has been involved in developing behavioral-health treatment services across the country.

An entrepreneur as well as a clinician, Massengill has founded, developed, and sold multiple behavioral-health organizations, including The Wellness Centers, HealthConnect America, Recovery Living Services, and Serenity Centers/Serenity Network. His work has included integrated networks encompassing detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient services, recovery housing, case management, and community-based behavioral healthcare.

His current work through Reach Impact Institute centers on overdose prevention, Naloxone access, stigma reduction, recovery housing, community and faith-based recovery supports, public policy, and building longer-term systems of care for people affected by substance-use disorders. Reach’s initiatives have included community impact summits and Naloxone vending-machine projects in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Massengill has also spoken publicly on behavioral-health innovation and addiction treatment. His professional focus increasingly emphasizes treating addiction as a chronic condition and strengthening the continuum from overdose rescue ➡ treatment ➡ recovery support ➡ housing ➡ employment and community reintegration ➡ long-term recovery.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS PANEL

Stephen Maxwell

Director, Corrections Investigation Division, Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Steven Maxwell previously held the rank of colonel while serving with the Department of Public Safety during his 29-year law enforcement career before assuming the position of Director of the Corrections Investigation Division for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Maxwell received numerous accolades for his leadership skills including the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) Claude Stuckey Award for a sustained and superior record of service and the MBN Director’s Award for outstanding performance and contributions in furtherance of the agency’s mission.

Maxwell is a lifelong resident of Mississippi and graduate of Stone County High School in Wiggins. He continued his education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he obtained an associate’s degree, followed with a bachelor’s degree in corrections from Langston University. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Maxwell is also a graduate of the FBI 252nd National Academy Class and served as an adjunct faculty member of William Carey University from 2013-2018.

Grace Fisher

Director of Public Affairs, MDOC

During her tenure at Mississippi’s largest corrections agency, Grace has had an unwavering commitment to public service and strategic communication. The role requires a mastery of teamwork and the ability to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, which she has rigorously applied to foster open dialogue across all branches of government.

Her leadership has fostered practical public affairs strategies and nurtured a positive work environment that bolsters employee engagement. This has been achieved through a blend of creative writing skills and a collaborative approach, refined during her tenure as Metro Editor, enabling her team to communicate the agency’s mission and values effectively.

Dr. Katie Gann

Nurse Practitioner, Mississippi Department of Corrections

Katie Gann is a nurse practitioner from Tupelo, MS dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities she serves. In addition to her clinical practice as a cardiovascular nurse practitioner for the last 15 years, she is passionate about public health education, mental health awareness, substance-abuse prevention, and empowering healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to the challenges facing today’s youth.

Katie has developed an interactive mental health pep rally program for middle and high school students. Through this initiative, she addresses important topics including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, social media, and suicide prevention.

As a healthcare provider, educator, and advocate, Katie is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help. She brings a unique perspective through her experiences in clinical practice, community education, and youth mental health advocacy.

 

Jason Carney

Region 3 Community Corrections Director

Jason Carney manages probation and parole agents in 20 counties in Region 3, which includes the southernmost counties in Mississippi. Before moving to his current position, he had served as Community Corrections Region 2 director. He began his career with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as an Intensive Supervision Officer (House Arrest Officer) in 2002, bringing nearly 10 years of law enforcement experience with the City of Columbia, Mississippi Police Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in forensic science from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Jeremy Gordon

Lieutenant, Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Lieutenant Jeremy Gordon has been commended for his achievements in law enforcement and his dedication to community safety. With an impressive seventeen years of service, Lt. Gordon has established himself as a highly skilled Crisis Negotiator and Crisis Intervention Coordinator (CIT). He also plays a vital role as a CIT Instructor and holds the designation of Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, reflecting his dedication to proactive safety initiatives. His experience as a former member of the Jackson Police Department SWAT Team showcases his capability in high-pressure situations, highlighting his commitment to protecting the community. As a Training Academy Coordinator, Lt. Gordon has earned numerous instructor certifications, including those in Mental Health First Aid and ADAPT+ defensive tactics, demonstrating his dedication to the professional development of his colleagues.

Franchelle Daniels

Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

Franchelle Daniels is a seasoned criminal justice professional, educator, and credentialed victim advocate with more than two decades of dedicated public service across Mississippi. She currently serves as an Incident Assistance Coordinator for the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, providing statewide crisis response and investigative support for high-profile law enforcement incidents, while continuing her longstanding role as Victim Assistance Coordinator for the 2nd Circuit Court District Attorney’s Office, where she champions trauma-informed care and legal rights for survivors of violent crime. Daniels also prepares future criminal justice leaders as an Adjunct Professor at William Carey University, drawing on extensive expertise in crisis intervention, forensic interviewing, and interagency collaboration. She holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from William Carey University and a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi, and actively serves as Co-Chair of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association Victims Assistance Legislative Committee.

COURT SYSTEMS PANEL

Stacy Miller

Public Health Analyst, Mississippi Overdose Response Strategy at CDC Foundation

Stacy Miller is the public health analyst in Mississippi for the CDC Foundation’s national Overdose Response Strategy (ORS). Stacy has gained over 30 years’ experience in Mississippi’s public and private mental health system serving in leadership and administrative roles. Stacy realized the need for overdose prevention and treatment while serving for over a decade as a Facility Director of a 24-hour adolescent mental health program where she added an evidenced based alcohol and drug prevention and treatment model.

Along with a Master of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, she earned designation as a Certified Public Manager, a Fellow of the American Association on Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, is a graduate of the John C. Stennis State Executive Development Institute, and a Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40”. When not connecting public health and public safety partners to prevent community overdoses, Stacy enjoys boating and camping with family and friends.

Judge Trent Favre

Hancock County Court Judge

The Honorable Trent Favre was appointed by Governor Bryant in 2017 to serve as Hancock County’s first County Court Judge. He was elected to his first term in 2018 and is now serving his second term.  He presides over youth court matters and a county court docket.  Prior to his appointment, he practiced 19 years in civil litigation as well as healthcare and governmental law.

In 2019, he was named Mississippi’s Champion for Children (judicial branch) and the Child Welfare and Child Advocacy Committee (The Mississippi Bar) Reunification Hero.  While on the bench, he has served on Mississippi’s Court Improvement Team, Mississippi Access to Justice Commission, and Mississippi Children’s Justice Commission.  In 2020, he was presented The Mississippi Bar’s prestigious Judicial Excellence Award.  In 2021, he received the Community Hope Award presented by Canopy and he was selected to serve on CASA’s National Judicial Leadership Council.  Also, in 2021, he created Hancock County’s first Family Treatment Court.  In 2023, he was named a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and as Hancock County Excel by 5’s Champion for Children.   He currently serves on the Child Welfare Advisory Committee of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, the Board of Excel by 5, and the Diversity Committee of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).  In 2025, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the NCJFCJ and appointed by the Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve on the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Council.  He is also a certified practitioner in TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), which has been foundational to his trauma-informed judicial practice.

Judge Michael Dickinson

Youth Court Judge, Harrison County

Following law school graduation from the Mississippi College School of Law, Judge Dickinson worked as a practicing attorney, and later as a partner with Daniel Coker Horton & Bell, P.A., until his election in 2018 as Harrison County’s Youth Court Judge.  As Youth Court Judge for the past eight years, he has focused the Court’s efforts on improving the lives of the children and families of Harrison County through implementation of best practice standards and evidence-based programs in both child welfare and juvenile justice.

​For juvenile justice, he prioritizes rehabilitation for juvenile offenders while ensuring public safety and understanding the importance of being tough, yet fair.

​For child welfare, his focus is on reducing child abuse and neglect, keeping families together when safe to do so, and providing high-quality family time for children in custody.

Judge Stacie Zorn

Youth Court Judge, Jackson County

Judge Zorn is a lifelong resident of Jackson County and a graduate of both Ocean Springs High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned her juris doctor at the University of Mississippi School of Law before returning to Jackson County to join the Pascagoula law firm of Heidelberg Steinberger, P.A. Her focus is on children and families.

RECOVERY CONTINUUM PANEL

Rod Thurman

Senior Program Manager, MSPHI

As Senior Program Manager at the Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI), Rod works at the intersection of strategy, systems, and compassion.

He is committed to building programs that make recovery real, from increasing access to behavioral health services to investing in prevention, workforce development, or sustainable systems. Rod leads initiatives spanning counties, coalitions, and communities, always centering the most impacted people. His efforts span rural counties, federal grants, and grassroots partnerships, all focused on reducing substance use and strengthening behavioral health supports. 

Logan Terry

Co-founder, National Institute for Behavorial Health
Executive Director, Hope in the Hills

Logan Terry is a co-founder of the National Institute for Behavioral Health and the Executive Director of Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit organization advancing recovery efforts throughout Appalachia. His leadership is informed by both his professional experience and his own long-term recovery since January 2018. He also serves as an advisor to multiple state and federal agencies, helping to advance behavioral health, substance use, and recovery policies and systems.

Logan’s professional experience spans behavioral health administration, policy development, peer recovery support, recovery housing, workforce development, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and the creation of programs that support sustained recovery. At the center of his work is the belief that addiction must be treated as a chronic disease. He works to build person-centered systems that connect treatment with peer support, stable housing, employment, families, faith and community organizations, and other forms of recovery capital, helping individuals achieve lasting health, stability, purpose, and self-sufficiency.

Troy Sandifer, CPRS

Founder and CEO, Hustle Recovery, Inc.

Troy Sandifer is the Founder and CEO of HUSTLE Recovery, Inc., a nonprofit addressing addiction and housing instability through innovative recovery support services. Motivated by personal loss and his own long-term recovery journey, Troy launched a navigation model that has connected over 6,200 individuals to treatment and housing. Under his leadership, HUSTLE now operates twelve gender-specific recovery residences, an outpatient treatment center, a vocational rehabilitation aftercare program, and Tennessee’s first Respite Housing model – credited with a 92% success rate and now expanding statewide. Troy is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, board member on multiple recovery centered organizations, and recipient of SAMHSA and opioid abatement funding for recovery innovation.

Dr. Sam MacMaster

Co-Founder and Chair,
Advisory Board at National Institute for Behavioral Health

Samuel A. MacMaster, Ph.D. is an expert in the behavioral health field with over three decades of experience in the design, delivery, and evaluation of substance use and mental health treatment services.  He has developed programs across the United States, and in several foreign countries, focused on implementing innovative approaches to meeting the needs of underserved populations. He was the Co-founder of a behavioral health company where he served as the Chief Clinical Officer; and has held similar executive level positions in two other large national treatment organizations where he was responsible for developing and driving similar rates of growth and qualityin clinical programming.  He is currently an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Meharry Medical College and was previously a member of the faculty of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor Medical College and the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee.

A pioneer in the area of outcome studies and the identification of barriers to engagement in treatment services, he has conducted numerous federally funded research studies and demonstration projects regarding the efficacy of behavioral health approaches. He has been a frequent speaker at academic and industry conferences across the globe and has published three books and over 75 peer-reviewed articles focused on behavioral health topics. He holds a PhD in Social Welfare and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami of Ohio. 

Prior to entering academia in 1999, Dr. MacMaster worked as a clinician for over a decade in a variety of addiction treatment settings. A person living in long-term recovery, he remains a tireless advocate for recovery for all individuals who struggle with addiction.

Jordan Butler

Executive Director, McCoy House Extended Care for Women

Jordan Butler joined the McCoy House Extended Care for Women in 2024. As a dedicated nonprofit professional with a rich background in community service, she directs a structured, compassionate recovery residence designed to help women heal, rebuild, and establish a strong foundation for long-term recovery. She is also the co-founder of Refill Jackson, a workforce development program. With a passion for service and a personal journey of living in recovery, Jordan channels her experiences into her work, fostering positive change and supporting those in need.

PUBLIC HEALTH and SAFETY TEAMS PANEL

Michael Kelly

Project Manager, Substance Use Prevention, Mississippi Public Health Institute

At MSPHI, Michael leads statewide initiatives at the intersection of behavioral health, public safety, and community resilience. With a background in law enforcement, including service as a former Chief of Police, Michael brings over two decades of experience in crisis response, emergency management, and trauma-informed leadership. He has been recognized both locally and nationally, receiving honors such as Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and National Peacemaker of the Year for his innovative and compassionate approach to community care.

Michael’s work focuses on building bridges between public health and public safety—supporting the development of PHAST (Public Health & Safety Teams) across Mississippi, and partnering with local, state, and national stakeholders to reduce harm, increase access to care, and promote systems-level change.

Known for his grounded, heart-centered style, Michael is passionate about helping leaders and communities reimagine safety, justice, and healing.

Mary Kay Doherty

Youth Court Administrator, Adams County

Mary Kay is a community coordinator, court administrator, and nonprofit treasurer based in Natchez, Mississippi. She serves as the Youth Court Administrator for the Adams County Juvenile Justice Center and is active in local public health, children’s coalitions, and animal welfare advocacy. She is the program coordinator for Adams County Families First and serves as treasurer for the Adams County Coalition for Children and Youth and she is involved with local initiatives like the Adams County PHAST team addressing public health outreach.

Kiesha Coleman

Community Organizer, Center for HOPE

Founder and CEO of the Center for HOPE. Kiesha has served as the visionary leader behind a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations, particularly girls and youth at risk of exploitation, trafficking, abuse, and gang involvement. Her role is to advance the mission of fostering resilience, healing, and systemic change through trauma-informed care.

Bill Rogers

Grants and Contracts, Covington County Hospital

A native of Covington County, Bill brings a diverse background in education, public health, and community service to his role at CCH. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Science Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and previously served as a secondary science teacher. He later retired from the Mississippi State Department of Health, where he worked as a public health environmentalist.

Bill’s work with CCH has expanded his involvement in behavioral health, beginning with the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant, for which he served as Program Director. Through this initiative, he helped establish the Covington County Consortium for Prevention, Treatment & Recovery (C3PTR), a community-focused effort bringing together organizations and individuals to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services related to Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), and other behavioral health needs.

Today, Bill continues to direct C3PTR, working with community partners to promote collaboration, increase awareness, and improve access to behavioral health resources throughout Covington County.

Through programs such as C3PTR, along with CCH’s Covington Place and Brightside services, Bill is helping advance CCH’s commitment to addressing behavioral health needs and improving the well-being of individuals, families, and the community he has proudly called home.

Leonard Papania

Director of Corporate Security and Community Advocacy, Oceans Healthcare

Leonard Papania is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security, and public service. As Director of Corporate Security and Community Advocacy for Oceans Healthcare, he leads strategic safety and community initiatives across multiple behavioral health hospitals in nine different states. A skilled communicator and collaborator, Leonard forges trusted partnerships with law enforcement, public officials, and local stakeholders to create safer, more responsive healthcare environments.

Leonard previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Gulfport, Mississippi, overseeing daily city operations, public safety, finance, and infrastructure. His leadership was rooted in transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery. Before his administrative tenure, Leonard spent decades rising through the ranks in law enforcement—from patrol officer to Chief of Police—where he was widely recognized for driving innovation in community policing, officer training, and crime reduction strategies.

A passionate advocate for mental health and public safety integration, Leonard played a key role in founding the Mississippi Association of CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams). He sits on multiple advisory boards and continues to mentor leaders on law enforcement reform, crisis response, and diversity-focused strategies.

Leonard holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and the Southern Police Institute. His numerous certifications span executive protection, active shooter response, and narcotics investigation. Honors include the DEA’s Outstanding Contributions in Drug Law Enforcement Award and a Lifetime Leadership Award from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

CLOSING CALL TO ACTION

James Yancey

James Yancey is a speaker, trainer, and consultant with more than five decades of experience in leadership, crisis intervention, resilience, prevention, and human behavior. His career began as a U.S. Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructor, where he trained aircrew members to function under pressure in demanding environments. He later spent six years helping train military pilots in Saudi Arabia and went on to earn a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. For more than two decades, James worked in community prevention and behavioral health, including youth substance-use and suicide-prevention education, crisis response, and drug court programs. Working with prevention staff, he helped provide evidence-based education to more than 25,000 middle school students and also trained prevention professionals across Mississippi.  James has served in major community crisis-response efforts, worked for 14 years with a drug court, and helped establish a Veterans Drug Court in Mississippi. In 2023, he received the Elizabeth C. Powers Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in prevention. Today, James speaks on leadership under pressure, resilience, burnout and resistance, crisis intervention and de-escalation, communication, and healthy decision-making. His style is practical, story-driven, and focused on ideas people can actually use.

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Community Health

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Substance Use Prevention

Pregnant African American Woman

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Maternal and Infant Health