This panel discussion will provide an overview of what culturally-specific community recovery organizations are, how they fit into the continuum of care, information about the intersections of culture, parenting, and substance use, and what researchers can do to build stronger partnerships and conduct research that is meaningful to the community.

Amanda Esquivel is a Hispanic woman in long term recovery from substance use disorder. Amanda has lived experience with addiction, incarceration, and houselessness.

While attending Portland State University full time she began working for 4D Recovery as a certified recovery mentor. She soon found a passion for providing recovery services to the LGBTQIA2s+ community and advocating for expansion of treatment and recovery services. She currently holds a CRMII, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and teaches a LGBTQ+ cultural competency training focused on peer work.

Fernando Pena is a Dominican-American born and raised in The Bronx, New York City. Fernando moved to Portland Oregon in 2010 with the goal of becoming a substance abuse counselor. In 2011 he began his career working with adolescents and gang involved Latino youth in Washington County. 

In September 2020, with the mission of increasing recovery support services for the Latinx community in the Portland Metro area, Fernando accepted the position of Director of Operations for NW Instituto Latino and is now Executive Director of NW Instituto Latino.

Jerrod Murray identifies as a person in long-term recovery from alcohol and drugs since 2012. He is the founder and current Executive Director of Painted Horse Recovery, a Culturally specific Native American non-profit organization.

He was a member of the Native Nations Club which supports intertribal Native American / Alaskan Native students.

He contributes in the Native American recovery circles with a culturally specific approach. Jerrod holds credentials as a Certified Recovery Mentor.

Julia Mines has been working in the field of substance use and mental health services for over 20 years. She draws strength from her life experiences, including serving as Executive Director for The Miracles Club. Her first job working with the recovering community was with Stay Clean Inc., an inner-city spiritual treatment program serving late-stage African American substance users.

Coming out of the grips of substance use disorder herself and wanting to change the world, Julia trained to become a CADC. She went on to obtain two master’s degrees and certifications that allow her to be a leader in substance use treatment and mental health services in Portland. She continues to represent African American and underserved populations with undying passion.

Tony Vezina identifies as a person in long-term recovery from alcohol and drugs and has been sober since 2012. He is the co-founder and current Executive Director of The 4th Dimension Recovery Center (4D). This innovative non-profit youth recovery center serves over 500 young people each month with comprehensive recovery support services.

Over the past four years, Tony has been a force for change in Portland, founding the Portland Community College (PCC) Recovery 101 Club in addition to his groundbreaking work with 4D.

Tony is a visible and respected leader in the youth recovery field in Oregon, and as such, is often invited to present about effective youth recovery support practices at high schools, community colleges, and trade associations.

Tess K. Drazdowski, Ph.D., is a Research Scientist, licensed clinical psychologist, and Co-Investigator of the JEAP Initiative. She holds a dual Ph.D. in clinical and developmental psychology. Dr. Drazdowski researches how to improve access to evidence-based practices for youth and young adults with substance use and mental health symptoms, particularly for those with criminal legal system involvement. She enjoys training and supervising providers across systems and working with adolescents and young adults from a strength-based perspective.

Camille Cioffi, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at the Prevention Science Institute at the University of Oregon. Her research focuses on improving health, mental health, and substance use outcomes among people with substance use disorders who are pregnant and parenting with a particular focus on highly stigmatized populations including people experiencing houselessness and people who inject drugs.