Colleen is a Complex Care Coordinator and Certified Peer Support Specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina's Department of Psychiatry Consult Liaison Service. She focuses on supporting medically complex patients with co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and collaborates closely with individuals seeking treatment and recovery. She also serves as Project Coordinator for REBIRTHED coordinating Peer Recovery Doula services for birthing individuals with substance use disorder throughout South Carolina. Colleen holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Community-Based Doula Trainer, Mindfulness Coach, and practitioner of the healing arts. Her lived experience as a person in recovery allows her to deeply connect with those striving for sobriety.

Currently serving as Treasurer, I have been a Board member since May 2015. I've been in long-term recovery since July 1984 and spent 35 years in the field of addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. Although recently retired, I continue to do part-time consulting in addiction treatment and recovery. Retirement has allowed me to focus on what feeds my soul: recovery and the work of FAVOR Lowcountry. Recovery is very important to me; it has given me the chance to fly. I believe that recovery is a gift available to anyone with a substance use disorder, and it's about finding the right support within their community. FAVOR Lowcountry's mission of supporting recovery through peer support, education, and advocacy aligns perfectly with my values, which is why working with them is so meaningful to me.

Ellen is a dynamic speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for personal empowerment. After achieving over two years of sobriety, a 100-pound weight loss, and a life rooted in mindfulness and yoga, she founded Booze Free Babes, a thriving sober sisterhood and personal development community. Through her coaching programs, 90 Days to the Empowered Babe and The EVOLVE Method, she empowers women to transform their lives with self-love, resilience, and purpose. In addition to her work in sobriety and personal growth, Ellen is the owner of Frazier Lending Group, a skilled mortgage broker, and a real estate investor, passionate about helping women achieve financial independence. As a TEDx applicant and host of Booze Free Babes: The Podcast, she inspires others to unlock their potential and embrace transformation.

Justin Jellico is a compassionate individual in recovery since June 5, 2023, dedicated to personal growth and helping others on their journeys. He works as a Behavioral Health Technician at Sea Grove, supports individuals as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) through FAVOR Lowcountry, and proudly graduated from Drug Court in January 2025. Justin also serves on the Education and Advocacy Subcommittee of FAVOR Lowcountry’s Board, helping shape recovery education and awareness initiatives throughout the community. Always eager to learn and grow, he brings heart, humility, and a deep commitment to service, healing, and inspiring hope in others.​

Joe, a board member of FAVOR Lowcountry, has been in long-term recovery since 2020 and is dedicated to helping others live substance-free lives. As Director of The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation, he supports individuals in maintaining recovery post-treatment by providing a safe and supportive housing environment. Joe is also completing a master’s in clinical counseling at The Citadel, aiming to offer therapeutic services to those navigating sobriety in a city like Charleston. His passion aligns with FAVOR’s mission of peer support, education, and recovery advocacy, emphasizing that recovery can be fun and fulfilling without stigma.

Marty S. Player is a person in long-term recovery who grew up in South Carolina and has lived in Charleston since 2005. In his day job, he is a physician and serves as Professor of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Marty credits his initial and ongoing recovery journey to the many people who supported him and the access to treatment and services he received. With deep gratitude for the help he found, Marty believes in the importance of strengthening and expanding access to recovery services so that others can find the help they need to maintain long-term recovery.

He is excited to be part of FAVOR Lowcountry and looks forward to expanding the reach and mission of the organization.

Forrest, a Charleston native, serves as Chairman of FAVOR Lowcountry, bringing over seven years of experience in addiction treatment and a passion for guiding individuals towards recovery. In long-term recovery since 2016, Forrest has dedicated himself to being the support he wished he had during his own struggles. As a business development leader at Banyan Treatment Centers, he plays a pivotal role in directing individuals towards substance use and mental health treatment. Forrest's commitment to FAVOR's mission of peer support, education, and recovery advocacy resonates deeply with his belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive in recovery. His love for his community drives his dedication to helping others find their path to healing.

Ashley, originally from Cleveland, OH, began her sobriety journey on September 6, 2015, and has since become an active member of the recovery community in Charleston. With over a decade of experience in addiction treatment services, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a board member, playing an instrumental role in programs that support individuals in recovery. Outside of her professional work, Ashley enjoys spending time at the beach, being with friends, and nurturing her relationships with her godchildren. Her passion for helping others and commitment to improving lives make her a valuable asset to the board and the broader recovery community.

Marcus epitomizes an unwavering commitment to mental health and wellness, job readiness training, and the transformative influence of vision boards. He serves as a beacon of passion and dedication, propelled by an ardent desire to empower individuals to realize their fullest potential. With a wealth of qualifications and experiences, Marcus stands as a stalwart in the realm of mental health and self-care. His repertoire includes roles such as a former North Carolina Mental Health Block Grant committee member, a certified Job Readiness Trainer, and a national Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator.

Marcus is the Training Director at Holy City Well Being Mental Wellness Training Group.

Tasia K. Stevenson, a Columbia, South Carolina native and College of Charleston graduate, is passionate about empowering those affected by addiction and mental health challenges to turn setbacks into setups for future success. Inspired by her early experiences as an exchange student in Paris and Cameroon, she encourages individuals to find their voice, hope, and purpose. By day, Tasia works as a Litigation Paralegal, and in her free time serves her community through the Junior League of Charleston, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the League of Women Voters, South Carolina Women in Leadership, and as Parliamentarian for the Rosemont Neighborhood Association and Precinct President for Charleston’s Precinct 221. She enjoys giving back, spending time with loved ones, and lives by the motto, “The price of greatness is responsibility.”

Yolanda is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Harm Reduction Specialist, and Certified Peer Support Specialist. She has extensive experience in individual and group counseling in both inpatient and outpatient settings, sharing her lived experience whenever possible. Currently, she is the Program Administrator of Admissions at the Charleston Center, supervising Clinical Counselors, the Intake Team, and the Peer Support Specialist Team. She is part of the Zero Suicide initiative and has served on various task forces, including the Addiction Crisis Task Force, Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force, and Charleston City Homelessness Outreach. Yolanda also collaborates with local law enforcement and EMS for post-overdose follow-ups, providing NARCAN training and kits to reduce fatal overdoses.