Serving Southern and parts of Northern Nevada, and Weber and Davis Counties, Utah
For media inquiries please contact Jason Roth, Vice President for Communications, Roseman University of Health Sciences, at jroth@roseman.edu or 702-968-1633
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
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.
Krista Hales, DBH LADC-S
Associate Director
Krista Hales is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Intern Supervisor with a Doctorate Degree in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. Krista has been working in substance use treatment since 2008 and has developed programming across multi-levels of care through integration and innovative treatment options. Establishing recovery-oriented systems of care for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders has been a passion of hers since a young age. Additionally, Krista serves the Las Vegas Recovery community in numerous fashions. She is an active member of several entities throughout the state including the Nevada Governor's Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, the Southern Nevada Opioid Advisory Council (SNOAC), and Shine A Light Foundation. She is also planning committee Lead for Recovery Village at Las Vegas PRIDE and Narcan at Night. Krista is a firm believer in all individuals being given fair access to supportive services when trying to find balance in their wellness journey.
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.
Samantha Ketron, CPRSS
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Samantha, a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Community Health Worker, brings to EMPOWERED her extensive experience in long-term recovery, as both a mother and former client at EMPOWERED. With firsthand insight, she intimately understands our clients' challenges and passionately supports them in forging a fresh start and all-around happier life.
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.
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.
Velvet Beaman
Program Coordinator
Velvet Beaman is the program coordinator for our Northern Nevada team. In long term recovery herself, Velvet brings life experience as well as a strong educational background piece to her role at EMPOWERED. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with her BA in criminal justice and her undergraduate focus was addiction treatment studies through the CASAT program. After completing an internship and working as a legal assistant for a short time, she has found that her true calling is in this line of work instead. She is currently back in school at UNR to complete her peer support specialist certification as well as pursuing her Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, specializing in addiction treatment services. She has a strong passion as an advocate for women in such a vulnerable population due to her own journey to sobriety. She is a proud mother of an eight-month-old son (and eight-year-old fur baby too!), who give her the strength to achieve her goals and strive to be the best version of herself every single day. Her main focus with EMPOWERED is to help as many mothers as possible, to motivate and support them on their own paths in life wherever they may lead!
Aubrey Allen, CSW
Program Care Manager
As a dedicated Program Care Manager for EMPOWERED in Weber County, Aubrey Allen specializes in supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals who currently use or have used substances like opioids or stimulants. Her role involves conducting comprehensive needs assessments and bio-psycho-social evaluations to tailor services that enhance clients' well-being. Passionate about fostering connections, Aubrey ensures access to vital resources within the agency and broader Weber County community, empowering them to achieve healthier futures for themselves and their families.
Elizabeth Myers, CPRSS
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Elizabeth Myers is a Certified Peer Support Specialist for EMPOWERED in Weber County, Utah, and a person in long-term recovery. She also is the Chair of the Addiction Recovery council in Weber County, Serves on the Criminal Justice Council in Davis County, is a Board member of the Utah Peer Network, and serves on the steering committee of the Weber County Sheriff's Reentry Coalition. She is grateful to be here today with the mindset of creating opportunities for herself and sharing that with others. Striving to be her best, helping others, and being a part of the world that can and will make a difference is very important to Elizabeth and a passion of hers. She is continuing to further her education and expanding herself to learn and share her strengths and experience with others, letting others know that success and happiness is possible. She enjoys building connections in the community and staying actively involved with organizations that can benefit others with resources and awareness. Elizabeth is grateful to be part of the EMPOWERED team, to bring hope and inspire the women in the program. She is passionate about supporting them in their key to success and brings the confidence to help build them to be the best versions of themselves.
Sabrina Samora-Flores, CPRSS
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Sabrina Samora-Flores is a dedicated Peer Recovery Specialist with a profound passion for empowering others to achieve and sustain a fulfilling life. Drawing from her own journey through substance use and recovery, Sabrina connects with hard-to-reach individuals on a deeply personal level, earning their trust and offering a perspective rooted in lived experience.
As a mother of four cherished children, she finds immense gratitude and joy in her relationships with them, constantly striving to set a positive example through her actions. Sabrina’s life is enriched by her appreciation for her family and the unwavering support system that surrounds her, driving her commitment to helping others find their path to recovery and resiliency.
EMPOWERED - Roseman University College of Medicine
Toll Free (833) 481-7681 | empowered@roseman.edu
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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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