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.

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.

Asa Langston is the Program Director at FAVOR Lowcountry, a Recovery Community Organization dedicated to supporting those affected by substance use disorders. In long-term recovery since June 21, 2018, Asa became a Certified Peer Support Recovery Specialist in October 2020. Since joining FAVOR Lowcountry in October 2022, her personal journey and professional expertise have made her a vital part of the organization, where she leads programs to foster resilience and hope.

Asa is also a junior at the College of Charleston, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Studies with minors in Sociology and Communication. Asa's story is a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and community service.

I have been a board member of FAVOR Lowcountry since 2015 and have 17 years of experience in addiction treatment, specializing in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Currently, I serve as the National Clinical Director for the Midwest division of Behavioral Health Group, the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited outpatient opioid treatment recovery centers in the U.S. As a family member in recovery, attending my first family peer recovery meeting was a profound moment for me, emphasizing the importance of community. My professional and personal experiences fuel my passion for advocating for individuals and families in recovery, supporting evidence-based treatment, harm reduction, and multiple pathways to recovery, which is why my work with FAVOR Lowcountry is so important to me.

James, a dedicated advocate for recovery since 2017, found purpose at FAVOR Lowcountry through their Peer Support Training program in 2022. Quickly advancing to Operations Manager, he demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the organization's mission. Pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel, James aims to further his expertise to better serve the community. Passionate about giving back, he actively works to reduce stigma and raise awareness about addiction and recovery. “Recovery provides me with tools, opportunities, and experiences for a fulfilling life. My purpose at FAVOR is to help anyone find the resources to support their long-term recovery.”

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.

Talia Wahl holds a Master of Public Health from UNC and serves as the data manager; monitoring and evaluation specialist at FAVOR Lowcountry. She brings over four years of public health experience to nonprofit organizations, specializing in project management, data analysis, and evaluation measures. As a coordinator and consultant for community organizations focused on preventing, treating, and supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD), Talia is dedicated to enhancing research accuracy and data collection. She believes these elements are crucial for improving project outcomes and legislative responses, ultimately contributing to better lives and recovery support for those affected by SUD.

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.

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.