Now serving both Southern and parts of Northern Nevada
Now serving both Southern and parts of Northern Nevada
Andria Peterson, PharmD
Executive Director
Andria Peterson received her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Roseman University of Health Sciences in Henderson, Nevada in 2008. She completed a PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, and worked as a clinical pharmacist in the pediatric and newborn intensive care units (NICU) at St. Rose Dominican Hospital (Henderson, Nevada) from 2009 to 2021. She founded the EMPOWERED program in 2018 and currently serves as Executive Director where she provides leadership and plays a critical role in mobilizing state, local and grass-roots level stakeholders to promote recovery and improvements in the quality of life for program participants and their families.
Rachel Mack, LMSW, LADC
Associate Program Director
Rachel Mack is a licensed Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor for the State of Nevada. She is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2008 where she attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She has extensive experience working with clients experiencing opioid use disorder- specifically pregnant and postpartum women. She has also worked in the outpatient setting as a substance abuse counselor, and in the inpatient setting providing level of care assessments and referrals to individuals seeking treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse. Rachel is passionate and dedicated in providing support for participants of the EMPOWERED program as they navigate their journey from surviving to thriving.
Farzad Kamyar, MD
Psychiatrist
Farzad Kamyar MD, board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, provides psychiatric supervision for the EMPOWERED program at Roseman. Within Psychiatry, he has a passion for treating Substance Use Disorders, especially during pregnancy. He is a firm believer that the medical community needs to approach care for mental health no differently than for other chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, and should be evidence-informed, nonjudgmental, compassionate, and empathic in delivery of care.
Evonne Hernandez, MSW
Program Care Manager
Evonne Hernandez received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada- Las Vegas in 2021. Her education and her ability to connect with diverse communities has contributed to her professional profile across local, state, and federal agencies. She has worked closely with underserved, underrepresented, high risk, and vulnerable populations, to help break down barriers and assist with program development. Evonne has been a part of the Vegas Valley since 2001 and continues to be passionate about identifying the needs of the community to advocate informed change that bridge gaps in services.
Quinnie Winbush, CPRSS
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Quinnie Winbush is a peer recovery support specialist in long term recovery. She was recently appointed to serve on the Advisory Council for a Resilient Nevada and previously worked with Google on their “Recover Together” initiative. She grew up in California and finds power in sharing her story that led her to overcoming her life challenges, trials and tribulations on her journey to sobriety. She is proud of her strong integrity, self-esteem, self-respect, morals, values and her zeal for life. She credits the 12-step program with helping her establish coping skills that she utilizes on a daily basis to choose to live one day at a time. Quinnie plays an integral role is supporting program participants of the EMPOWERED program and is passionate about empowering women, children and families in the Southern Nevada Community.
Rachel Williams, LCSW, LADC
Therapist
Rachel Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in the State of Nevada. She has worked in the field of mental health for over 5 years with individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and various forms of relationship issues. She has also worked with individuals who have experienced physical and sexual trauma, emotional abuse, substance use/abuse, LGBTQ+ issues and parenting challenges. She employs a variety of interventions and uses modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Behavior Modification, EMDR and Psychotherapy. Rachel’s approach in therapy revolves around using personal dialog and treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each client she assists. Rachel believes that her personal life experiences working in fast food, manufacturing and retail industries along with serving as a preschool teacher and children’s caregiver help her connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Amani Wilson
Program Coordinator
Amani Wilson serves as the Program Coordinator at EMPOWERED, warmly welcoming visitors with a smile and ensuring smooth office operations. With prior experience working with children across all age groups, Amani holds a BS in Psychology. Inspired by the opportunity to uplift others in recovery, Amani finds fulfillment in being a cheerleader for mothers on their journey. What excites her most about EMPOWERED is the chance to give back to a program that transformed her own life, fostering resiliency. Amani's passion for music shines through her proficiency in the viola and violin, along with her desire to open a recording studio, fueled by her associate degree in music business and technology.
Marricella "Maudi" Adams, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Marricella "Maudi" Adams is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at EMPOWERED, where she provides therapeutic services, coordinates care, and engages with pregnant and postpartum individuals facing substance use disorder challenges. With six years of experience in mental health, including roles as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Crisis Support Specialist, Maudi brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Master of Social Work from Widener University, earning her clinical social work license in 2023. Maudi is inspired by EMPOWERED's passionate team and is excited to bring wrap-around services to Rural and Northern Nevada, leveraging her deep understanding of the challenges families face in accessing care. Outside of work, Maudi is a board game enthusiast, particularly fond of strategy games like Villainous and Catan.
Brittany Bailey-Duran
Program Care Manager
Brittany Bailey-Duran serves as the Program Care Manager at EMPOWERED Northern Nevada, dedicated to linking pregnant and postpartum mothers to essential care services, including prenatal care, adoption/abortion resources, and substance use disorder treatment. With 8 years of experience in mental health, previously as a Community Health Worker/Safe School Professional, Brittany provided crucial support to students and families, offering mental health services and crisis management. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Brittany is driven by her passion for serving underrepresented individuals and ensuring every baby receives a strong start in life. She finds inspiration in EMPOWERED's mission and is thrilled to collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference. Outside of work, Brittany is proud to be the first college graduate in her family and enjoys tending to her small homestead in Rural Nevada with her husband and four children.
Rachel Jones-Dooley, CPRSS
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Rachel Jones-Dooley brings her passion for peer support to EMPOWERED as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. With three years of experience at The Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality, Rachel's dedication to empowering women in recovery, particularly mothers like herself, drives her work. As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), Rachel's lived experience informs her approach. Her excitement stems from EMPOWERED's mission to break generational cycles and change lives. Outside of her professional life, Rachel is a proud mother of two, celebrating eight years of sobriety. She also finds joy in competing and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as indulging in her love for singing.
Teara Voris, CPRSS
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Teara Voris is a dedicated Peer Support Specialist at the EMPOWERED program, bringing over three years of experience from NAMI of Western Nevada, where she served in quality assurance and as a team lead. Certified in peer support and community health work, Teara continues her education to enhance her skills. Passionate about helping others, Teara wholeheartedly believes in EMPOWERED's mission and is eager to bring its benefits to communities. Already immersed in the journey with Empowered, Teara finds joy in connecting with fellow team members. A proud mother of five and grandmother of three, Teara's own life challenges fuel her commitment to supporting others.
EMPOWERED - Roseman University College of Medicine
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This publication was supported in whole or in part by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Bureau of Behavioral Health, Prevention, and Wellness through funding provided by the Nevada State Opioid Response Grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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