Beth Harmer, DSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Foundation President 

Asst. Professor & Opioid Workforce Expansion Program Grant project coordinator (Western Carolina University)
Cullowhee, NC

Board Term 1st: (Oct. 1) 2021 – (Sept. 30) 2025

Beth Young, DSW received her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree from the University of St. Thomas in 2021 and her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Western Carolina University in 2010. She has been on faculty in the Department of Social Work at Western Carolina University since August of 2016. Beyond her role as an assistant professor, she oversees the Graduate Addiction Studies Certificate Program and is the Opioid Workforce Expansion Program Grant project coordinator.

She is a board member for Full Spectrum Farms, Vecino’s Migrant Farmworkers Mental Health Advisory Board, Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction, and the Mountain Area Pro Bono Health Services Clinic. She has worked extensively with mental health and addiction services for children and families for the last 15 years. Additionally, she engages with the community through her work on substance use prevention and recovery alliances in Haywood, Jackson, Swain, and Macon County as well as through being a consultant for grants in the seven western counties that are focused on improving the provision of prevention messaging, education on addiction, and treatment for adults, adolescents, and children and families.

She holds credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor in NC. She has supervised clinicians seeking their LCAS or CADC since 2011 and has supervised clinicians seeking their LCSW since 2012. Her passion lies in improving mental health and addictive disorder services through education and training of social workers, addiction counselors, and supervisors.

Paul Weaver, MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS
Foundation Vice President

Board Term 1st: …

Paul Weaver, MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS has a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, Paul has worked extensively with Emerging Adults in both hospital and outpatient settings, largely focusing on the client with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders. Being deeply influenced by the work of Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, and Carl Jung, Paul tends to focus on themes of autonomy and power, identity formation, and meaning and purpose in his work with clients. Paul is also trained in EMDR and provides clinical supervision and training through the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. Paul and his wife’s passion for the outdoors and for sustainability drew them to the Asheville area, where Paul serves as the Clinical Director at Red Oak Recovery. Working at Red Oak enables Paul to continue to focus on his work with Emerging Adults and explore his interests in Eco and Adventure Therapy. When not working, Paul, his wife, and their two young children spend much of their time camping, hiking, and enjoying the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Yasmin Gay, PhD, CCJP, LCAS, LCMHC, CRC, MAC, CCTP, CCS
Foundation Teasurer

Asst. Professor & Program Admission Chair, Addiction Research & Clinical Health M.S. Degree Programs (Wake Health)
Winston-Salem, NC

Board Term 1st: (Oct. 1) 2021 – (Sept. 30) 2025

Dr. Gay has immeasurable clinical experience providing administrative, direct care, consultation, and supervision in diverse settings for individuals with various disabilities and impairments, with specifics to best practices in providing trauma informed, culturally competent clinical and supportive services for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Dr. Gay holds a doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She is credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) and a Certi¬fied Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP).

Dr. Gay currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Wake Forest School of Medicine teaching, providing clinical supervision, and instruction to upcoming clinicians, medical, and health care professionals working with individuals with trauma related injuries, substance use and behavioral addictions and other co-occurring impairments. Dr. Gay also serves as project lead clinician with the newly developed Trauma Connection Supportive Care and Wellness Clinic, providing clinical oversight and outpatient counseling support for patients in need of ongoing care. She also owns and operates Essential Path Counseling and Consultants PLLC.

Michael Daniels, MSW, LCSW-A, LCAS, CCS
Foundation Secretary

East Carolina University School of Social Work
Greenville, NC

Board Term 1st: (Mar. 1) 2019 – (Sep. 30) 2024

Michael is coordinator of the Addiction Certificate program at East Carolina University School of Social Work where he trains and prepare students to become licensed clinical addiction specialist (LCAS). He teaches courses in group counseling, foundations of addictions and advanced techniques in treating substance use disorders. Michael has extensive experience in providing clinical supervision for students and other professionals seeking licensure. Prior to joining East Carolina University, Michael worked 20 years in prisons with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in various roles such as, providing services for offenders with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and as a clinical supervisor for treatment teams. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from NC State University and his Masters in Social Work (MSW) from East Carolina University. Michael is passionate about preparing future clinicians to enter the addiction profession.

Kendra Davis, D.Min., MRC, M.Div., MAC, LCAS, CSOTS, CCJP, CCS, IAADC
Board Member

Founder, K*Metamorphosis Counseling Services
Wnston-Salem, NC

Board Term 1st: (Oct. 1) 2023 – (Sep. 30) 2027

Dr. Kendra Davis has been described by many as a vitamin B12 shot, “There is no way to be in her presence and not be ENERGIZED, EDUCATED & EMPOWERED.” Dr. Davis has severed many organizations as both a keynote speaker & trainer. Organizations include (NCFADS) The NC Foundations For Alcohol & Drugs Studies: Summer School & Winter school, State Employees Association of NC (SEANC) Emerging Leaders Luncheon & The Advanced Leadership Training Institute, The NC Department of Public Safety, NC Division of Prisons, NC Department of Community Corrections, Administrative Office of Courts – Drug Treatment Court & Family Court, Experiment In Self-Reliance (ESR), YWCA Hawley House, Hosanna House of Transition, The Mcleod Addictive Disease Center, Addiction Recovery Care Association Inc (ARCA), UNC-Chapel Hill, South Central Recovery, The Bethesda Center for the Homeless, and Samaritan Ministries for the Homeless (just to name a few). Dr. Davis eclectic presentation style of teaching including but not limited to audio / visual aids and activities make learning fun and practical for everyone.”

Dr. Davis is a graduated of Winston-Salem State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology & a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is also a graduate of Apex School of Theology where she earned a Masters of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Studies.

Dr. Davis is an Internationally Certified, Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, licensed by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium, the NC Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board, the NC Problem Gamblers Program and the National Association of Forensic Counselors. Dr. Davis holds the following credentials: Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJP), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist (CSOTS).

In 2010, Kendra established K*METAMORPHOSIS, a counseling and professional development firm. This organization was birthed out of Kendra’s desire to fill a much needed treatment and training gap in the community. Kendra is committed to empower individuals with the necessary tools and resources required to make their dreams become a reality. Her life mission is built on the belief of the butterfly effect, where small changes can make a big difference.

In 2016 Kendra published, It’s ONLY a Test: “Mastering the Addiction Counselors Exam” a power packed study guide for participatory learners. This workbook is filled with practical exercises, worksheets and written assignments that engage the reader in a wide range of independent study sessions. In addition Dr. Davis facilitates Exam Prep Courses, her hands-on approach to learning will empower the participants with the key concepts required to “MASTER” The Addiction Counselors Exam.

Sarah E. Cothren, MPA, MPP
Executive Director

Raleigh, NC

With a diverse background in academia and nonprofit leadership, Sarah is exceptionally well-suited to further NCFADS’s mission of providing top-tier training to addiction professionals across North Carolina.

Her educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Appalachian State University, along with dual master’s degrees in public administration and policy. Sarah’s experience in the nonprofit sector ranges from volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s NC Chapter (AFSP-NC) to assuming key roles such as Chair of the Public Policy Committee and Associate Area Director. Noteworthy among her achievements is securing a $200,000 CDC Comprehensive Suicide Prevention grant, a testament to her strategic acumen and
commitment to community well-being. As Director of Development for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of East NC (MAW-ENC), Sarah further honed her skills in relationship-building and organizational impact. Her dedication to fostering partnerships and her passion for NCFADS’s mission will undoubtedly propel the organization to new heights. Sarah’s vision for NCFADS is
encapsulated in her statement: “…leverage my current and future skills so NCFADS can continue to educate the community on a topic that is critical to the health, safety, and peace of North Carolinians.”

Virginia L. Johnson, CPS
Ex Officio Board Member

Prevention Director, Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education
Co-Founder, Empowered Ideas & Fuquay Coworking
Fuquay-Varina, NC

Board Term 1st: (Oct.1) 2009 – (Sep. 30) 2013
Years of Supporting NCFADS: 2009 to Present

Virginia is a speaker, instructor, facilitator, communications specialist and marketing strategist. Her experience  bridging gaps between nonprofits, government and corporations; along with expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, event management and nonprofit sustainability have positioned her as a knowledge leader in several fields – including her passion for substance abuse prevention, in which she has been a Certified Prevention Specialist since 2001.

Virginia has coordinated federal and statewide initiatives, community mobilization and capacity efforts, developed targeted messaging and integrated digital advocacy within the nonprofit sector. She also has over 12 years of community festival and professional conference management experience. Virginia is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Empowered Ideas, a marketing communications firm focused on small businesses and nonprofits.

James C. Wong
Marketing Communications & Technology Consultant

Co-Founder, Empowered Ideas & Fuquay Coworking (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
NC CERT Responder, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
FMR. Division 9 Staff Officer, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (Raleigh, NC)

Years of Supporting NCFADS: 2013 to Present

James Wong is a nationally recognized speaker, instructor, digital marketing and communications strategist, and passionate social entrepreneur.

From 2007-2012, James served as the Marketing Communications Manager for the iContact Corporation (a division of the Vocus Corporation), an industry leading email marketing services provider, and pioneered digital strategies which spearheaded iContact into the social media marketing industry.

In 2010, James co-founded Empowered Ideas, a nationally recognized marketing communications firm for small businesses, nonprofits and government agencies — with a diverse coast-to-coast client portfolio.

In 2014, he co-founded Fuquay Coworking, an award-winning creative coworking space for entrepreneurs, startups, and business professionals.

In 2019, he was appointed as a Division 9 Staff Officer (5th Southern Region) in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and proudly supports efforts across the state to ensure safe waterways and environmental protection.

His passion for diversity in leadership and community outreach has led to special recognition by the Society of New Communications Research (SNCR), North Carolina Army National Guard, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBA), The Men of Semper Fidelis (MSF), and by Asian Focus of North Carolina. In addition, James currently serves on the Senior Advisory Council, and is a past President of the RTP Chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP); a Marketing Committee Member for the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce (2014-Present); and as the Marketing Chair for the Triangle Association of Black Journalists (NABJ-RDU). He has also served as the President of the Triangle Interactive Marketing Association (TIMA) in 2012.

Jim Edmundson, EdD
Founding Executive Director

North Carolina Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies (1978-2016)
Clayton, NC

Jim Edmundson began an affiliation with NCFADS in 1978 serving as its administrative coordinator. As a university administrator, Jim contributed leadership, academic program planning, and operational processes to the development of NCFADS. After retiring from UNCW as Vice Chancellor of Continuing Studies in 1992, he was named Executive Director and served in that role until his retirement in 2016. Jim’s exceptional leadership over a span of 38 years resulted in the NCFADS Lifetime Achievement Award being changed to include his name to honor his extensive and valuable service.