Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council

09/29/2025

Enjoy dinner before our big day!!

We will see you all tomorrow Hub 757!! 😃

Keira Moore

09/29/2025

🚨✨ The wait is almost over! ✨🚨

Tomorrow we gather for the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tony Dice
📚 Workshops on Ethics, Family Support, Personal Medicine in Recovery, Motivational Interviewing, Medicaid Billing & more
🤝 Vendors, networking, and CE opportunities

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
🕘 Doors open at 8:30 AM
📍 Hub757 – Suffolk, VA

Let’s come together to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of lived experience in recovery. 💪

We can’t wait to see you there!

09/27/2025

THANK YOU to our Conference Committee for all of the work they put in today completing the final task for conference preparation.

We’re 72 hrs away from the first annual Region 5 Recovery Conference and we couldn’t be more excited! 😆

Keira Moore

09/24/2025

⏰ We’re just 6 days away from the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30, 2025 at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA!

🌟 Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Tony Dice
📚 Powerful workshops & training sessions
✨ CE’s available for eligible sessions
🤝 Networking, vendors & more

✅ Registration is still open – but spots are limited! Don’t wait to secure your place.

👉 Register now: https://region5racrecoveryconferenc.sched.com/

Let’s come together to inspire change, share lived experiences, and .

Check out the schedule for Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference

09/23/2025

See everyone next Tuesday at Hub 757!

09/20/2025

Join Shawn A. Barksdale Hub 757 for the Region 5 Recovery Advisory CouncilRegion 5 Recovery Advisory Council Conference.

🌟 Workshop Facilitator Spotlight 🌟
We are proud to feature Jared Smith, Western Region Peer Recovery Specialist with the Virginia Department of Corrections, as one of our facilitators for the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30th at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025�📍 Location: Hub757 – Suffolk, VA�🔗 Register now: www.region-five.org

“Mr. Jared Smith serves as the Western Region Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) for the Virginia Department of Corrections, and he is an individual in long term recovery. His experience with substance use disorder, as well as his involvement with the justice system, began at the age of 14.

For 23 years Jared lived in active drug use and spent 13 of those years trying to find a recovery path that worked for him. In 2016, Jared was offered an opportunity to participate in Tazewell County Drug Court. Through the Drug Court Program, Jared received supportive service including counseling and peer support groups.

He graduated Drug Court in 2018 and became an Alumni Specialist. In 2019, he became a volunteer PRS with Tazewell Probation and Parole and in 2020 he became a PRS contractor with the Virginia Department of Corrections, which later led him to his current employment with the Department of Corrections.

In his current role, Jared offers direct peer services to those under probation supervision for multiple district locations and the Appalachian Community Corrections Alternative Program. He also provides supervision and coaching to PRS contractors, and he assists as co-facilitator for PRS trainings in correctional centers.

Jared is a certified Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist, a certified Integrated Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist, a REVIVE! Trainer and he holds additional certifications in the recovery field. Jared also recently received certification to facilitate The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health’s 72-Hour Peer Recovery Specialist training. He works with various recovery coalitions and has held several service positions within a local 12-step fellowship. Jared remains an active father to his 18-year-old daughter, Annie.”

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025�📍 Location: Hub757 – Suffolk, VA�🔗 Register now: www.region-five.org

We are honored to have Jared bring his powerful lived experience, professional expertise, and passion for peer support in the justice system to this year’s conference!


CNNWAVY TV 10ABC7Senator Joe MorrisseyDon Slater WAVY TVAndy Fox WAVY TVNathan Epstein WAVY TVChris Reckling WAVY TVNorfolk State UniversityNorfolk State AthleticsHampton University- OfficialHampton University AthleticsOld Dominion UniversityCam NewtonChad Johnson

09/19/2025

🚨 Training Opportunity for Peer Supporters 🚨

The Crisis Service Training for Peer Supporters is happening October 28–30, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Virtual).

This three-day training will introduce best practices in crisis care and equip participants with the knowledge and skills to provide effective, recovery-oriented support during moments of crisis.

🔑 Key Topics:
• CPRS Ethics
• Crisis Receiving Centers
• Roots of Recovery & Peer Support
• Warm Lines & Crisis Lines
• Understanding Mental Health Conditions
• Trauma-Informed Care

✅ 18 CEUs upon completion
💻 Virtual | $250
📅 Must have 72hr PRS Training completed

This endorsement training prepares Peer Recovery Specialists, behavioral health providers, and community professionals to respond with confidence, compassion, and competence.

👉 How to Apply: Log in to www.vaprs.org → “Your Trainings” → Crisis Endorsement Training (ID #1932).

For questions, contact: Shatyra Colston, RCPRS-PG-CS, iFPRS
📧 info@resilientbydesignsolutions.com

Let’s keep building strong, compassionate crisis response in our recovery community. 💪✨

09/18/2025

Join Shawn A. Barksdale at Hub 757 for the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council Conference.

🌟 Workshop Facilitator Spotlight 🌟
We are proud to feature Donald McCourtney, PhD, MBA, CPRS, IGRS, BARA, ICGC-II, as one of our distinguished facilitators for the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30th at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025�📍 Location: Hub757 – Suffolk, VA�🔗 Register now: www.region-five.org

“For the past 48 years, Donald McCourtney, PhD has worked as an expert and leader in treatment and recovery for Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders. He has developed, implemented, and guided inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment and recovery programs throughout the United States. While working in Las Vegas, Nevada he established a gambling-specific treatment and recovery program for Problem Gamblers.

Currently, Don is the Lead Problem Gambling Coordinator for the Office of Recovery Services with Department Behavioral Health and Disability Services for the State of Virginia.
His educational background includes a one-year substance use disorder counselor training program with Hazelden Betty Ford: World Renowned Provider for substance use disorders, a PhD in Psychology and a MBA.

He is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, International Gambling Recovery Specialist, Board Recovery Advisor and an International Certified Gambling Counselor II through the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board. Furthermore, Don functions as a Board member and treasurer of the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.”

We are grateful to have Don’s decades of expertise and leadership in recovery, treatment, and problem gambling as part of this year’s conference!



CNNLeague of Women Voters of VirginiaWAVY TV 10ABC7Senator Joe MorrisseyDon Slater WAVY TVAndy Fox WAVY TVAndy Fox WAVY TVNorfolk State UniversityNorfolk State UniversityTidewater Community CollegeHampton University- OfficialHampton University AthleticsRyland ClarkSouthern Virginia Higher Education Center

09/17/2025

🌟 September is Recovery Month! 🌟

Join us at the Pathways Drop-In Center for a full month of Food, Fun, & Fellowship. We’ve got activities, groups, and special events designed to bring our recovery community together.

📅 Monthly Drop-In Activities
• Mindfulness, Recreation, Karaoke, Outdoor Days & more
• SMART Recovery groups & Movie Nights
• Guided Journaling and Gratitude sessions

🚶‍♀️ Recovery Month Hike
📍 Stumpy Lake Natural Area Park, 4797 Indian River Road, VA Beach
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 1–3 PM (rain date: 9/21/25)
Enjoy hiking, meditation, socialization, and recovery resources. Refreshments provided. Transportation available upon request.

🛠 Build Your Own Recovery Box
📍 Pathways Drop-In Center
🗓 Friday, September 26, 2025 | 7 PM
An evening of crafting, pizza, and fellowship as we create personalized recovery boxes for gratitude, goals, and acceptance.

👉 Transportation provided — call 757-385-6950 for details.

Let’s celebrate Recovery Month together and continue building connection, hope, and resilience across our community. 💙

09/15/2025

Join Shawn A. Barksdale as he MC's the first annual Peer Recovery Advisory Council's Conference September 30, 2025 Hub 757 in Suffolk, VA.

🌟 Workshop Facilitator Spotlight 🌟
We are excited to feature Heather Peck, CPRS & CPMC-T, as one of our amazing facilitators for the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30th at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.

“My mission is to support Peer Recovery Specialists, clinicians, and recovery program leaders to build highly effective relationships with people served, while living their own healthy lives.

I have deep gratitude to people with whom I have worked to strengthen Recovery Care through my work with VOCAL Virginia, Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center, and currently as a servant leader. Together with Peer Run Programs, CSBs, DBHDS, and DARS, we innovate and deliver truly healing IPS Employment Support and Pat Deegan Associates Personal Medicine Coaching for Virginians living in recovery.

I value the prescriptions: What can I do to suffer less? Seek ways to reduce the suffering of others. What can I do to be happy? Focus on how to support other people's happiness!

I became a Certified Personal Medicine Coach and educator to strengthen my wellness practices and resiliency through life challenges. I want to continue supporting people around me to DO all they can for self-care and professional effectiveness!”

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025�📍 Location: Hub757 – Suffolk, VA�🔗 Register now: www.region-five.org

We are honored to have Heather share her wisdom and passion for recovery-centered care at this year’s conference!

09/15/2025

🎥 Meet Region 5 Coordinator, Keira Moore
Today we sat down with Keira Moore, Region 5 Advisory Council Coordinator, to talk about the upcoming Region 5 Recovery Conference: Bridging the Gap, happening September 30, 2025 at Hub 757 in Suffolk, VA.

In this video interview, Keira shares her story, her passion for peer-led recovery support, and why this event will be such a powerful opportunity for connection and growth.

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
📍 Location: Hub 757, Suffolk, VA

Call to Action:
✅ Watch Keira’s interview now and get inspired
✅ Register today to secure your spot: [region-5.org]
✅ Share this post and invite a friend to join us


Region 5 Recovery Advisory CouncilWAVY TV 10Senator Joe MorrisseyDon Slater WAVY TVReentry and Recovery AllianceLeague of Women Voters of VirginiaNorfolk State UniversityOld Dominion University

09/14/2025

🌟 Workshop Facilitator Spotlight 🌟

We are proud to feature Ann-Marie Byrd, Eastern Region Peer Recovery Specialist with the Virginia Department of Corrections, as one of our workshop facilitators at the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30, 2025 at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.

“Ann-Marie Byrd serves as the Eastern Region Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) for the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC). She is a Registered Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with endorsements in Crisis Services and Integrated Forensics. Ann-Marie is also an Integrated Forensics PRS Trainer, APPR (Action Prevention Plan for Recovery) Facilitator and Trainer, REVIVE! Lay Rescuer Trainer, and a MARS (Medication-Assisted Recovery Support) Facilitator and Trainer-of-Trainers.

Ann-Marie began her recovery journey after 13 years in active addiction, which started at the age of 35. In 2017, following a drug-induced seizure, she chose to begin medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone. That decision marked a turning point in her life. Now, nearly eight years later, she continues her journey in long-term recovery and credits her faith and dedication to service as the foundation of her new life.

Beyond her professional role, Ann-Marie volunteers as Secretary of the Franklin/Southampton County Wellness Coalition and remains active in her community. She is a proud widow, mother of two married daughters, and grandmother of five. Ann-Marie considers each day a gift and is passionate about helping others find hope, healing, and freedom in recovery.”

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
🕘 Doors Open: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Hub757 – Suffolk, VA
🔗 Register now: www.region-five.org

We are honored to have Ann-Marie bring her lived experience, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to recovery to this year’s conference.