405 Capitol Street, Suite 900, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 343-0728 | Fax: (304) 343-0760
405 Capitol Street, Suite 900, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 343-0728 | Fax: (304) 343-0760
Christina Mullins is the Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. Previously, she served as the Commissioner for the Bureau for Behavioral Health, Director of the Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health and has worked in a variety of maternal and child health programs. In her 23-year tenure with the Department of Health and Human Resources, she has worked to establish West Virginia’s youth anti-tobacco campaign, collaborated with a multitude of partners to launch a surveillance system for neonatal abstinence syndrome, and co-authored the 2016 West Virginia Overdose Fatality Analysis. Christina was honored with the Maternal Child Health Bureau Director’s Award in October 2018 for her national contributions to the health of infants, mothers, children and children with special health care needs.
As president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Chuck Ingoglia leads the national charge to ensure people living with mental illness and addictions have access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery. To accomplish this, he harnesses the voices and support of the more than 3,000 National Council members who serve over 10 million individuals nationwide.
Prior to being named president and CEO, Chuck led the National Council’s policy and practice improvement work, directing the organization’s federal and state policy efforts and overseeing trainings and programs offered to more than 500,000 behavioral health professionals across the U.S.
Chuck draws from personal experience and a deep knowledge of the field acquired from more than 26 years’ professional experience to provide services, including site-of-service technical assistance, to members. He effects change at both the national and state level by playing a major role in policy advocacy and analyses on issues relevant to behavioral health. His efforts center on key issues such as parity, health care reform and improving access to behavioral health treatment in communities.
Before joining the National Council, Chuck provided policy and program design guidance to the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Earlier in his career, he directed state government relations and service system improvement projects for the National Mental Health Association (now Mental Health America), performed policy analysis for the National Association of Social Workers, and designed educational programs for mental health and addictions professionals for the Association of Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member of the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.
Chuck holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, both from The Catholic University of America.
Durand Warren is a leader forged in resilience, transforming personal trials into a platform for vertical leadership and transformational growth. With expertise spanning mental health, strategic development, and business leadership, he has dedicated his career to reshaping systems, inspiring change, and guiding others toward growth—both professionally and personally.
From Clinical Director at Logan Mingo Area Mental Health (2015-2018) to his current role as Director of Behavioral Medicine and Strategic Development at Williamson Health and Wellness Center, Durand has played a pivotal role in expanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services and redefining pathways to recovery and reintegration. His work isn’t just about treatment; it’s about transformation—breaking cycles, creating opportunities, and elevating individuals from survival to self-actualization.
Holding dual master’s degrees in Counseling and Business Administration, Durand blends clinical insight with strategic business acumen, bridging gaps between human potential and organizational impact. Recognizing his expertise, Governor Justice appointed him to the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling in 2021, a testament to his influence in shaping the profession.
His journey—from incarceration to executive leadership—embodies the power of vertical development. He stands as proof that leadership is not just taught, but earned through self-awareness, resilience, and relentless pursuit of growth. Now pursuing a Doctorate in Executive Leadership at the University of Charleston, Durand continues to explore how trauma-informed leadership can shape stronger individuals, teams, and communities.
Beyond his professional success, his greatest leadership role is within his own home. As a devoted husband to Kelly and father of seven, he believes that true success is measured not just in titles, but in the legacy we leave behind.
Angie Buckingham Melton serves as a Vice-President for McAllister & Quinn’s Non-Profit Practice. She provides legislative and strategic advice to clients in health care and other non-profit areas that seek opportunities to enhance funding through congressional legislation and federal research and project grants.
Prior to joining McAllister & Quinn, Angie was a strategic consultant and lobbyist for The Margolin Group over 12 years, focusing on safety-net health care issues. Angie also worked on Capitol Hill for over seven years, serving as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Vic Fazio, then Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., handling Appropriations Committee work, after starting her career with her home-state Senator Jim Sasser.
She also worked in both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Corporation for National and Community Service in the Congressional Relations Offices.
Angie received her B.A. in English from the University of Notre Dame and her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. She is admitted to the Bar in Maryland.
The radio “dean” of West Virginia broadcasters, Hoppy Kercheval joined West Virginia Radio Corporation in 1976. Through the years Hoppy’s assignments have spanned the gamut to include news, sports, and talk.
A native of Summit Point in Jefferson County, Hoppy began as a news anchor/reporter at WAJR in Morgantown while still attending West Virginia University. After graduating with honors from WVU, Kercheval took over as news director at WAJR and began carving an identity as one of the leading broadcasters in West Virginia.
A founding father of MetroNews, Kercheval served as news director until assuming the role of Vice President of Operations in 1991. In 1993, he created MetroNews Talkline, which has become a signature program of the network. Hoppy’s gift of interviewing made Talkline a must-listen for policy makers and anyone interested in state politics and the day’s top news events.
Kercheval has moderated numerous political debates of candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. National reporters and talk shows frequently call on Hoppy for his insights into West Virginia politics.
Hoppy has a Master of Science in Journalism degree from WVU. He also has an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from West Virginia Wesleyan and a Presidential Honorary Doctorate from WVU.
Kercheval has received a number of honors over the years, including the Mel Burka Award, which is given annually by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association to the state’s top broadcaster. He is also a member of the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Hoppy semi-retired in January 2025, but he continues to provide weekly commentaries on current events while making appearances on Talkline to provide insights and observations on state issues. He also serves as a media consultant for WVU Medicine and is on the Board of Directors of Shepherd University’s Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications.
An avid traveler, Hoppy’s adventures have taken him to more than two dozen countries. He and his wife, Karin, live in Morgantown. They have one son, Ben, who works for CBSSports.com.
Sonia Chambers has a wide variety of heath care experience. She began her professional life working for Congressman Bob Wise, serving as Legislative Aid, Legislative Director and Staff to the House Budget Committee. In 1992, Ms. Chambers returned to West Virginia where sheserved in various state government capacities including Director of Policy for Governor Caperton, Special Assistant for Coordinated Health Purchasing for the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency and Deputy Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. In 2001, Sonia was appointed to the West Virginia Health Care Authority (WVHCA). As Chair of WVHCA, she oversaw administration of hospital Rate Review, Certificate of Need, Clinical Data Analysis and Financial Disclosure. Since 2015 Sonia has led the West Virginia Health Information Network (WVHIN), the state’s Health Information Exchange. In addition to public sector positions focused on health care, she has worked for Marshall Health as the Affiliation Manager and Corporate Compliance Officer.
Sonia is a graduate of Davidson College. She loves her family, cycling, yoga, the great outdoors, live music and good food.
Lisa Q. Zappia is the President and Chief Executive Officer with Prestera Health Services. Prior to being promoted to this position in March 2021, she was the Clinical Director at the Center. She has an MBA and an MA in Mental Health Counseling. She holds several certifications and is a Licensed Professional Supervisor and Licensed Professional Counselor. She began her career as a resident counselor at Barboursville School and then upon completion of her master’s degree began providing outpatient therapy at Prestera in 1990. Since that time, she primarily held leadership positions, working in community, inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. She continued her work as a therapist working with people of all ages with various life issues in a private practice setting on a part-time basis while working in leadership in those settings.
She has provided consultation and training to many individuals and agencies and was a part time instructor at Marshall University. She is a past president of the West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association, is active in the West Virginia Behavioral Health Provider’s Association, and currently serves on several boards.
Michael Wells is a seasoned police detective and consultant, known for his unwavering commitment to public service, crisis intervention expertise, and law enforcement experience spanning over twenty-nine years. With extensive experience in, criminal investigations, negotiations, and crisis assessment care, Mike has demonstrated leadership, empathy, and problem-solving skills throughout his career.
As a Senior Police Detective at the Albemarle County Virginia Police Department since January 2003, Mike’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping law enforcement practices. Notably, he has spearheaded the Criminal Investigations Cyber Crime Unit since 2010, which focuses on identifying and eliminating child exploitation. He serves as the District 4 Coordinator for the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, managing training and budgetary needs for nine police agencies. Mike has been an essential part of the Crisis Negotiations Team since 2012, and simultaneously, he leads the Crisis Assessment Team, collaborating with mental health professionals and community resources to provide comprehensive care.
Mike’s dedication to fostering growth and professional development extends beyond his department. Since 2007, he has been a Lead Instructor for the Thomas Jefferson Area Crisis Intervention Team, imparting crisis intervention and de-escalation skills to law enforcement professionals and community partners across the region. He has also taken on the role of a consultant and instructor, lending his expertise to police departments, law firms, businesses, and crisis intervention programs across the nation. His consultancy work encompasses crisis intervention training, program development, and incident debriefing, ultimately contributing to improved crisis intervention practices.
Lori Dudley Wood, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is an accomplished mental health advocate, leader, and consultant with an extensive track record in crisis intervention, program development, and clinical services. Her dedication to mental health awareness and community well-being has earned her many accolades throughout her impactful career.
Lori’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized, including her receipt of the John L. Snook Child Advocate Award in 2019 and the Virginia CIT Behavioral Healthcare Practitioner of the Year award in 2018. She has also been honored as the CIT International Behavioral Health Practitioner of the Year in 2017 and received the CIT Advocate Award for Mental Health Awareness in 2011.
Lori’s commitment to enhancing mental health services extends to her roles in leadership and consultation. As a Consultant and Trainer since 2011, she has delivered comprehensive trainings covering mental health, suicide prevention, risk assessment, substance abuse, and program development. Lori shines through her lectures, keynotes, and classroom instruction, where she imparts valuable insights and strategies related to crisis intervention, youth, suicide, and mental health and substance use disorder topics.
Kevin Miller brings over 23 years of seasoned expertise to the realm of law enforcement, coupled with an unwavering dedication to revolutionizing training paradigms. While his career journey has been impactful, it’s his commitment to training that truly set him apart.
As a seasoned police captain, Kevin’s has a track record of leadership and operational excellence. Serving as the Patrol Division Commander, he orchestrates the daily operations of a 100-officer strong team, driving strategic planning and resource allocation to bolster community safety.
Kevin’s prior role as the Office of Professional Standards Commander underlined his commitment to transparency and accountability. His oversight of internal investigations, use of force incidents, and citizen complaints underscored his ethical compass and dedication to fostering a professional culture.
Rebekah D. Mathis-Stump (Becky) is co-owner of Ethos Leadership Group, LLC. An analyst and solution-generator by nature, she works with clients to identify their needs and develops a plan to reach their desired results. Becky particularly enjoys working with clients on strategic thinking, culture development, and leadership coaching.
Becky earned a life membership in The Order of the Barristers, a national honor society recognizing excellence in oral advocacy, while completing a Doctor of Jurisprudence at West Virginia University College of Law.
Becky is married to West Virginia native, Jeff Stump, and spends a good portion of her free time with him – golfing and cheering on the Mountaineers.
Garrett Adkins is the founder and CEO of Impact Media, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Huntington, WV. His agency partners with behavioral health organizations across and beyond Appalachia to enhance video production, marketing strategies, and admissions growth. Passionate about behavioral health—especially SUD programs—Garrett believes that cutting through the digital noise is key to helping mission-driven organizations attract more patients, so they can focus on what matters most: serving those in need.
Mark Drennan is an accomplished executive leader with a proven track record in business development, government relations, and strategic growth. With a deep commitment to streamlining government processes, reducing regulatory burdens, and enhancing efficiency, Mark has dedicated his career to making West Virginia a better place to work, live, and raise a family.
Mark currently serves as the Vice President of Business Development for the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), where he is responsible for expanding the organization’s impact, forging key partnerships, and developing sustainable behavioral health solutions for children and families. His role focuses on identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and enhancing NYAP’s ability to serve communities effectively.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Adam J. Falcone is a partner in the national health law practice group of Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP where he counsels a diverse spectrum of community-based organizations that render primary and behavioral healthcare services. Mr. Falcone counsels clients on a wide range of health law issues, with a focus on fraud and abuse, reimbursement and payment, and antitrust and competition matters.
Mr. Falcone began his legal career in Washington, D.C. as a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. As a member of the Health Care Task Force, he led and participated in civil antitrust investigations and litigation of anticompetitive activity among health care providers. Mr. Falcone received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and his law and public health degrees from Boston University.
Chantel Weisenmuller, Ph.D. is Vice Chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry and Director of the Psychology Internship at the Charleston Area Medical Center. She is also an Associate Professor at the WVU School of Medicine – Charleston. Previously, Dr. Weisenmuller served as a training clinic director at an APA-accredited doctoral program and has provided clinical services in forensic, community mental health, school, and developmental center settings. She is currently President of WVPA and served six years on the APA Council of Representatives.
She is proud of the work WVPA does to support psychologists throughout the state and the communities they serve through advocacy, outreach, and professional development. Her clinical career has focused on improving access to behavioral health care in rural and underserved communities in Appalachia. In her downtime, she enjoys painting, fiber arts, and NY Rangers hockey.
Dr. Hall is a third-generation West Virginia physician originally from Clarksburg. He attended college, medical school and family practice residency at WV University. After 15-years of private practice in Bridgeport, WV, he became involved in the establishment of the WV Medical Professionals Health Program serving as the Founding Medical Director. He has served as President/Executive Director of the West Virginia Society of Addiction Medicine (WVSAM). He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He is a certified Medical Review Officer by both the American Association of Medical Review Officers and the Medical Review Officer Certification Council. He is also a Board Registered Interventionist with the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS).
Nationally, Dr. Hall is a Board of Director and Past President of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs. He has served on numerous committees and is currently Co-Chair of the Accreditation Review Council in the establishment of the FSPHP’s Performance Enhancement and Effectiveness Review Program (PEER) for Physician Health Programs and treatment centers. He served on the Federation of State Medical Boards Impaired Physicians Committee in the updating of the Impaired Physicians Policy in 2012 and the 2021 update on the Federation of State Medical Board’s Workgroup updating the “Policy on Physician Illness and Impairment:
Towards a Model that Optimizes Patient Safety and Physician Health”. Dr. Hall has also served as a member of the West Virginia Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse (GACSA).
Dr. Uzama Price is an esteemed licensed behavior analyst and accomplished scholar-practitioner with over 19 years of dedicated experience in the behavioral health field. Her impactful work centers on empowering children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental illnesses in North Carolina. Originally from Jamaica, Dr. Price has enriched her expertise over three decades of living in the United States. With a robust educational foundation that includes a doctorate in Education, advanced post-doctoral studies in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a recent master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University, Dr. Price stands at the forefront of her field. She has contributed to research as an associate on the Developing Gratitude Study at the University of NC-Greensboro and has expertly designed training programs to foster workforce development in Canada, Jamaica, NC, and throughout the United States. Her training initiatives encompass vital areas such as sexual health promotion, supported decision-making, cultural awareness, criminal justice, autism, intellectual disability, and mental health. Dr. Price’s exemplary contributions have been recognized through prestigious honors, including the NADD Member of the Year Award in 2021 and the Partner Award from NC START in 2022. In February 2023, she further showcased her commitment to the field by participating in the Capacity Building Institute for NASDDS (National Association of State Directors Developmental Disabilities Services).
Today, she proudly serves as the President of the Jamaican Association of Greensboro and actively engages with professional organizations such as NC ABA, the NC Counseling Association, and the NADD. Dr. Price’s blend of experience, leadership, and passion for advocacy positions her as a transformative force in the behavioral health landscape.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Associate, a position in which he utilizes his expertise to successfully lead varying projects for OPEN MINDS. His areas of expertise include financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22-year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction Pittsburgh Mercy achieved over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, and adopted a new performance management program for managers
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as, specialized primary care, integrated care management and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 straight years profitability.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, in Wheeling, WV, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Mike Garrett worked in the KS CMHC system for approximately 42 years, first as a clinician, having earned a graduate degree in clinical psychology, and then as the CEO of Horizons MHC for the last 15 years prior to his retirement. In 2020 Horizons was awarded a SAMHSA grant to become a CCBHC and received provisional certification as a CCBHC in May 2022. Mike was also active with the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of KS (ACMHCK), serving as President from 2014-2016.
Mike Garrett is currently working as a consultant for the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of KS (ACMHCK). His work has been focused on assisting KS CMHCs determine their readiness for CCBHC certification and helping the CMHCs identify the development that is still needed to become a CCBHC. This work included helping the CMHCs prioritize their tasks in each of the SAMHSA six CCBHC Program Requirements and thus helping them to develop a project timeline for each requirement. This work assisted the CMHCs in their preparation for the CCBHC certification site review.
With more than two decades of experience in business consulting and leadership development, Kathleen Walker is a trusted expert in talent strategy and organizational growth. As Co-Owner of Epiphany Consulting, LLC, she has spent 20+ years helping businesses identify, develop, and retain top-tier talent—ensuring that organizations build strong leadership pipelines that drive long-term success. Kathleen specializes in strategic workforce solutions, executive coaching, and leadership training, equipping companies with the tools to enhance performance and foster innovation.
Throughout her career, Kathleen has provided consulting services across state government agencies, small businesses, and major corporations, tailoring talent and leadership strategies to meet the unique needs of each sector. She has played a key role in developing workforce initiatives, improving operational efficiency, and guiding leadership teams to drive sustainable growth. Her expertise spans recruitment strategies, employee retention, succession planning, and organizational development, making her a sought-after advisor for businesses looking to enhance their internal leadership and company culture.
Nikki Tennis is a West Virginia native who received her degrees in journalism, law, and communication studies from WVU. She started out as a lawyer representing domestic violence survivors at Legal Aid of West Virginia before working for more than 17 years in state government, where her roles included being the first Director of Children’s Services at the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and Director of the Children’s Office at the Bureau for Behavioral Health. She currently manages engagement, training, and quality projects at Acentra Health.
Gerry Sandusky is the play-by-play voice for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, a New York Times best-selling author of Forgotten Sundays, and the sports director for Baltimore’s NBC affiliate, WBAL-TV.
The son of a former NFL coach, Gerry has found his own niche in coaching as president of The Sandusky Group, a leadership communication company. Gerry is The Communication Coach who helps leaders expand their influence, income, and career potential by becoming better communicators in front of the room, zoom, and the camera.
Gerry is also a three-time Emmy and two-time Edward R. Award winning broadcaster who lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife Lee Ann. Gerry and Lee Ann are grateful that their grown children have chosen fun towns like San Diego and Nashville to call home.
Kathi Richards is a strategic leadership coach. Co-owner of Epiphany Consulting, one of West Virginia’s premier business consulting practices. Dedicating over 25 years of expertise in talent development, leadership coaching, and maximizing human potential by providing assessment tools to organizations striving for growth and impact. With a people-first approach, Kathi empowers organizations to unlock their potential through self-awareness, connection, and leadership excellence.
Kathi believes that true leadership is about inspiring, not just managing. She partners with businesses to shift perspectives, strengthen teams, and build cultures where both people and performance thrive. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that organizations are meant to serve people and communities, not the other way around. This unwavering commitment has guided her career, inspiring businesses to embrace cultures of growth and purpose.
With over 17 years of experience in medical and behavioral health software, Jon originally joined Remarkable Health to establish the Customer Support Team, focusing on the daily success of the existing customer base. He eventually transitioned to the Growth Team as a Solutions Engineer, leveraging his deep expertise in the EHR to demonstrate product capabilities, guide product enhancements with the Product and Engineering teams, and support sales efforts for both new and existing customers. Now, as Director of Client Success – AI at Netsmart, Jon plays a pivotal role in helping organizations harness artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and empower staff. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.
Julie Hiett has 30 years of experience in mental health, social services, population health and care coordination. She began her career as a Crisis Case Manager at a County CMHC in KS and was a School Social Worker prior to moving out of direct care and into Healthcare IT.
Julie has been at Netsmart 13 years, working with clients across the country at the provider, county and state level, providing expertise on behavioral health, value based care, care coordination and population health solutions. Her main focus is assisting providers to consume and action client data across the healthcare continuum, utilizing data from disparate systems to improve clinical outcomes and lower the cost of care. She has partnered with agencies in many different environments, including several statewide implementations, county partner collaborations, health homes, CCBHCs, justice involved/re-entry programs and has experience in multiple payor models, including IPA/ACO models.