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

Undergraduate Program Director, Assistant Professor, & Opioid Workforce Expansion Project (OWEP) Coordinator | Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Dr. Beth Harmer is a dedicated social work educator and clinician with almost 20 years of experience in mental health and addiction services for children and families. She earned her Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of St. Thomas in 2021 and her Master of Social Work degree from Western Carolina University in 2010. Since 2016, Beth has served as an assistant professor at Western Carolina University, where she is the program director for the BSW Program. 

Beyond her academic role, Beth is an active community leader, serving on several boards including NC Foundation of Alcohol and Drug Studies, Addiction Professionals of NC, and Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. She is also deeply involved in substance use prevention and recovery initiatives across Haywood, Jackson, Swain, and Macon Counties.

Beth holds multiple professional certifications, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor in North Carolina. She has supervised clinicians working toward their LCAS, CADC, and LCSW credentials since 2011. Passionate about improving mental health and addiction services, Beth focuses on education, training, and supervision, ensuring that the next generation of social workers and addiction counselors are equipped to provide high-quality care. Her commitment to both clinical practice and community service has made a lasting impact on the field.

Paul Weaver, MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, CCTP
Board Vice President

Clinical Director | Red Oak Recovery
Asheville, NC

Paul Weaver, MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, is a seasoned mental health professional with a passion for supporting emerging adults, particularly those with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders. With a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, Paul has worked extensively in both hospital and outpatient settings. His therapeutic approach is influenced by the work of Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, and Carl Jung, focusing on themes of autonomy, identity formation, and the search for meaning and purpose.

Paul is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (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. His role as Clinical Director at Red Oak Recovery allows him to continue his work with emerging adults while also exploring his interests in Eco and Adventure Therapy, blending his professional expertise with his passion for nature and sustainability.

Outside of work, Paul and his wife, along with their two young children, enjoy spending time camping, hiking, and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, which they call home. His personal and professional commitment to sustainability and the outdoors aligns with his desire to integrate nature-based therapies into his clinical work. Paul is dedicated to fostering meaningful change in the lives of his clients, helping them build resilience, find purpose, and thrive in their recovery.

Yasmin Gay, PhD, CCJP, LCAS, LCMHC, CRC, MAC, CCTP, CCS
Board Treasurer

Addiction Research & Clinical Health M.S. Degree Programs & Assistant Professor | Wake Forest University, School of Medicine
Program Director | Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Winston-Salem, NC

Dr. Yasmin Gay is an accomplished clinician and educator with extensive experience in providing administrative, direct care, consultation, and supervision across diverse settings for individuals with disabilities and impairments. She specializes in 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 in several areas, including 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 Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP).

Currently, Dr. Gay serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Wake Forest School of Medicine, where she teaches and provides clinical supervision to emerging clinicians and healthcare professionals. Her work focuses on trauma-related injuries, substance use, behavioral addictions, and co-occurring conditions. Additionally, Dr. Gay is the project lead clinician for the newly established Trauma Connection Supportive Care and Wellness Clinic, where she oversees clinical services and provides outpatient counseling support.

As the owner and operator of Essential Path Counseling and Consultants PLLC, Dr. Gay brings her expertise in rehabilitation counseling, trauma-informed care, and addiction treatment to individuals and communities in need. Her career is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use, through education, clinical practice, and advocacy.

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

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

Dr. Kendra Davis is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and counselor known for her energizing and empowering approach to education. Described by many as a “vitamin B12 shot,” Dr. Davis has delivered impactful presentations for numerous organizations, including the North Carolina Foundations for Alcohol & Drug Studies, NC Department of Public Safety, YWCA Hawley House, and The Bethesda Center for the Homeless, among others. Her eclectic presentation style, combining audio-visual aids and interactive activities, ensures that learning is both engaging and practical.

Dr. Davis holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Winston-Salem State University. She also earned a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Studies from Apex School of Theology. Her professional credentials are extensive, including certifications as an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). She is also certified as a Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJP) and a Sex Offender Treatment Specialist (CSOTS).

In 2010, Dr. Davis founded K*Metamorphosis, a counseling and professional development firm dedicated to filling critical treatment and training gaps in the community. Through K*Metamorphosis, she empowers individuals with the tools and resources needed to transform their lives. Dr. Davis is also the author of It’s ONLY a Test: Mastering the Addiction Counselor’s Exam, a hands-on study guide designed to help addiction counselors succeed.

Her life mission is rooted in the belief of the butterfly effect, where small changes can lead to significant transformations.

Jason Yates, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Board Member

Field Coordinator | North Carolina Professional Health Program
High Point, NC

Jason Yates is a Field Coordinator with the North Carolina Professionals Health Program, bringing over 25 years of experience in the substance use and mental health fields. Beginning his career in 1998 working with the homeless population, Jason has dedicated his life to supporting individuals facing substance use disorders and mental health challenges. He holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, along with credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).

For more than two decades, Jason provided clinical and administrative leadership at Caring Services, Inc., an organization focused on helping homeless individuals with substance use and mental health issues. He has also facilitated training sessions for the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) and taught as an adjunct instructor at UNCG since 2011.

Outside of his professional work, Jason is passionate about volunteering with human and animal welfare organizations and enjoys foraging, especially for mushrooms, as well as playing softball and gardening. His dedication to both his professional work and community service makes him a valuable asset to any team.

Karen Wheeler, LCSWA, LCAS
Board Member

Behavioral Health Director | Center for Community Transitions
Founder & Owner | Clear Mind Counseling, LLC
Charlotte, NC

Karen Wheeler is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and the Behavioral Health Director at the Center for Community Transitions in Charlotte, NC, where she oversees reentry services for incarcerated women with 1-3 years remaining on their sentences. Since 2019, she has also operated Clear Mind Counseling, LLC, providing individual therapy and DWI services in the Charlotte area.

Karen earned her graduate degree in social work from Winthrop University and has nearly three decades of experience in the mental health and addiction fields. Over the years, she has had the privilege of supporting clients on their journey to therapeutic healing and early recovery. Her deep passion for the helping profession drives her commitment to supporting individuals facing challenges related to mental health and addiction.

Outside of her professional life, Karen enjoys traveling, gardening, and cooking. She’s also a fan of action movies and fiction reading. A lifelong learner, Karen is excited to bring her expertise and dedication to her new role as a board member of NCFADS, where she hopes to continue making a positive impact in the community.

Arthur Payne, MS, LCAS, MAC, CCS
Board Member

Program Director | Morse Clinic of Durham
Raleigh, NC

Arthur is dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma and substance use disorders. With a focus on empowering clients to develop healthier self-perceptions and stronger relationships, he customizes treatment to meet each person’s unique needs. Trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Arthur uses a range of approaches to support recovery.

He holds a Master’s of Science in Psychology with a focus on Adult Substance Abuse from Southern New Hampshire University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology from Allegheny College. Arthur’s professional experience spans working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children with special needs, adolescents, and incarcerated populations.

As Vice Chair of the North Carolina Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (NC-ATOD), Arthur advocates for treatment professionals and supports the expansion of opioid treatment services across the state. He is also an active member of the Durham community, with a special focus on improving housing access for individuals engaged in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or living with opioid use disorder. Through his work, Arthur is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and advancing the treatment landscape in North Carolina.

Virginia L. Johnson, CPS
Consultant

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

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
Consultant

Co-Founder, Empowered Ideas & Fuquay Coworking (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
NC-CERT Responder, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
FMR. Division 9 Staff Officer/Current Auxiliarist, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCG Sector North Carolina)

James Wong is a nationally recognized speaker, emergency manager, instructor, 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.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic, James was tapped to support the residents of North Carolina, and currently serves as the Private Sector Manager and Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) Coordinator at North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM), and is recognized as a national speaker often on behalf of FEMA, NBEOC, All Hazards Consortium (AHC), and numerous other agencies.

Jim Edmundson, EdD
Founder & First Executive Director

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

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.