Our Advisory BoardIn order to assure that our organization represents a cross section of ALL stakeholders in Kentucky's behavioral health system, the KYSTARS Advisory Board has Statewide Representation.
The Board is comprised of: Consumers Kentucky Peer Specialists Leadership Academy Graduates Family Members Providers CMHC Staff State Psychiatric Hospital Staff At-Large Members |
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Tiffany Arrows
Dr. Tiffany Arrows earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2017, her Master’s in Professional Counseling in 2013, and her BA in Psychology in 2002. She has worked in the mental health field for 22 years in multiple roles including two state psychiatric hospitals, residential youth, case management, clinical services and administration in the criminal justice system, and most recently serving as the Regional Director for Specialty and Outreach Services for the community mental health center,
New Vista.
New Vista.
Lisa Paxton
Lisa Paxton is an adult peer support specialist by the route of a life of hard knocks that certifies her along with the KY state training to be called a peer specialist. Lisa earned her Masters of Professional Counseling from the University of the Cumberland and now holds a National Certified Counselor credential and Licensed or Professional Clinical Counseling--Supervisor. Lisa has worked in mental health for over 21 years in different roles concerning services for different programs. Currently, She works as a Permanent Supportive Housing therapist and does clinical supervision for those that receive services at Mountain Comprehensive Care Center.
Kelly Gunning
Kelly is the Co-Director of KYSTARS and the Creative & Operations Director of NAMI-Lexington. She is a Community Psychologist and a strong advocate for individuals with Mental Illness and their families. Kelly has been a continuing advocate for improving mental health services in Kentucky and is the 2012 recipient of MediStar's Governor's Dignity of Humanity Award".
Frances Howard
Frances Howard, an Occupational Therapist, Director of Psych Rehab Therapy and Coordinator of the Recovery Center at the ARH Psychiatric Center in Hazard, KY. She has been employed by ARH for the past 12 years.
Valerie Mudd
Val is the NAMI Lexington Consumer Programs Coordinator, a KY Peer Specialist and the Director of Participation Station. She is a longstanding member of the NAMI National Consumer Council. Valerie has been a trailblazer for peer services throughout the state.
David Riggsby
David is the Co-Director of KYSTARS and Recovery Enthusiast with NAMI-Lexington. He worked for 27 years at Eastern State Hospital, most recently in Quality Management. David is a staunch advocate for Recovery-based services in Kentucky.
Susan Turner
Susan is the Manager for the Bridgehaven Center for Peer Excellence. She has worked as a consumer advocate and mental health provider for over 29 years. Susan is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) and Adult Peer Support Specialist. She has made recovery for all her life’s work .
Debbie Homan
Debbie Homan joined Bridgehaven Mental Health Services in March of 2020 as an Adult Peer Support Specialist. Before joining Bridgehaven, she worked in Illinois for 4 years as an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Supported Employment Trainer and 9 years as an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Supported Employment Specialist with a Community Mental Health Center. Debbie believes that work and employment have been a powerful force in her mental health recovery. Debbie received her B.A. in Communications from Elmhurst College and her Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University.
Laura Cunningham
Laura Cunningham, is a BHDID Program Administrator with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in Frankfort, Ky. She manages the DBHDID TRIS system, which monitors the accounts and certifications for Kentucky Peer Support Specialists. Laura has been employed with DBHDID since 2016. Prior to that she worked for Eastern State Hospital for 18 years.
Marcie Timmerman
Marcie is the Executive Director at Mental Health American Kentucky. She received her Master of Health Administration from the University of Kentucky in 2012 after completing an internship with NAMI Lexington. She has served as the NAMI Walk manager for 2013 and 2014, and has been a team captain since 2009. Marcie has served in clerical roles at outpatient mental health facilities for eight years and is looking forward to building on that experience throughout her administrative career.
Amy Hinton
Amy is a Community Support Program Manager at LifeSkills, Inc.
Amber Collins
Amber is a Program Administrator with DBHDID. She earned her Master’s in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsay Wilson. She has worked in the mental health field for 12 years in multiple roles including peer support, case management as well as clinical services and administrative roles.