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.
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.
Jennifer Christensen, MSW, CADC-I
Reno Program Care Manager
Jenn is a dedicated professional serving in the EMPOWERED program, bringing a strong foundation as a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor–Intern (CADC-I). She has experience working with children and in the broader mental health field, further strengthening her ability to support individuals and families across a range of needs. With a deep commitment to perinatal mental health, Jenn is especially passionate about preventing postpartum suicide, overdose, and infant loss. She actively promotes healthy pregnancies and works to ensure women feel safe, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. In addition to her professional training, Jenn brings lived experience with postpartum depression and anxiety, which deepens her empathy and strengthens her connection with the individuals she serves. Driven by both her personal journey and professional purpose, Jenn strives to help women move beyond survival and toward truly thriving in their recovery journeys. She believes in creating compassionate, judgment-free spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and reconnect with their strength. Jenn is proud to be part of the EMPOWERED mission and is dedicated to bringing its life-changing impact to the communities she serves.
Briauna Peterson, PRSS-Intern
Reno Program Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Briauna, is dedicated to supporting individuals on their Recovery Journeys. Raised in rural Nevada and trained at the University of Nevada, she brings both professional knowledge and lived experience in Recovery to EMPOWERED. She is passionate about continued learning and deepening her understanding through reflection, self-compassion, and emotional awareness. It is her goal to walk alongside others, helping them build both a sense of internal stability and a sense of peace within themselves. Briauna values authentic connection and takes a person-centered approach that supports resilience and purpose for lasting recovery. In addition to her work, she enjoys the outdoors and believes that meaningful hobbies and community involvement play an important role in building a sustainable and fulfilling life.
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.
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.
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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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