Upstream Team

Kathleen is the founder and Executive Director of Upstream Prevention, Inc. She is an IC&RC Certified Prevention Specialist with a Master of Public Affairs (University of Missouri) and a B.S. in Psychology (Missouri State University). While working on her MPA, she was awarded the Mel Carnahan Public Service Fellowship and was the 2013 Stanley L. Botner award recipient. She got her start in prevention as a research assistant for Missouri’s Partners in Prevention, before moving to Indiana to work at the Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University-Bloomington as a Research Associate and Community Prevention Specialist. She is a trained facilitator for the nationally recognized Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST), Ethics for Prevention, and Question.Persuade.Refer (QPR). She has served as a trainer, technical assistance coach, and evaluator within the prevention field in the past nine years. 

Michelle is the Community Coordinator of Empower Johnson County. Michelle was instrumental in the development of Empower Johnson County and was officially hired as Community Coordinator in October 2016, following the funding announcement of the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant. Michelle holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. In 2017, Michelle became a graduate of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America National Coalition Academy. She is also a Certified Peer Program Educator through the National Association of Peer Program Professionals, an FFA Leadership Center Challenge Course & Low Ropes Certified Facilitator and trained to provide numerous evidence-based tobacco and substance use prevention programs.

Miranda is the Assistant Community Coordinator for Empower Johnson County. She is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist through IC&RC, as well a National Trainer for the Strengthening Families Program. Miranda began her prevention career in Morgan County as the Program Director and Interim Executive Director of Morgan County Substance Abuse Council. She has lived in Johnson County for more than 10 years and is thrilled to be part of the team at Upstream Prevention/Empower Johnson County. This position allows her to make a difference in the county where her family lives and her two daughters attend school. Youth substance prevention is Miranda’s passion, and she is excited to support youth, parents, and all six Johnson County school systems with their prevention needs.

Dawn is the Project Coordinator for Upstream's School-Based Implementation Grant, and Upstream's newest team member! Dawn has completed her CYC-P, (Child & Youth Care Professional Certification) and holds a BS in Elementary Education. Dawn has over 25 years of service to youth and children. Dawn recently worked with the Safe Place program and the prevention of youth runaway and homelessness. She also is a certified trainer in the prevention of human trafficking. Dawn enjoys working with all ages and is looking forward to working with each school system in Johnson County to bring about the prevention of suicide.

Michaela is the Project Evaluator for Upstream's internal and external evaluation needs. Michaela holds a Bachelor from Arts from Ohio State University, Master of Public Policy and Graduate Certificate in Health Administration & Policy from the University of Chicago, and Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Prior to joining Upstream, Michaela spent 12-years as a freelance writer and researcher. She has also worked as a policy analyst for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research and evaluation manager at the Prison Advice and Care Trust (in London), state government relations for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and in constituent services for the Ohio Senate. She’s also an Associate at Dartington Service Design Lab in the UK, where she helps use data and evidence to transform systems and improve programs for children and families. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her three teenage kids.

Kaleb is a certified Peer Recovery Coach, working through Upstream's Indiana CARES ECHO grant. He has a passion for recovery and wants to use his lived experience to benefit others on their road to recovery. He will focus significantly on Upstream's harm reduction outreach and initiatives focused on supporting individuals in active use to move towards a recovery path. His experience as someone in long-term recovery provides him a unique perspective and ability to reach individuals in an empathetic manner they can relate to.

Chris is the Financial and Grants Manager for Upstream. He holds a Bachelors in Accounting from Western Governors University and is proud to start his professional career with Upstream. He has a strong interest in finance management for nonprofits and is excited to use his skills to help support Upstream's mission and growth. He is dedicated to serving his community and volunteers with the Friends of the Johnson County Public Library at their book sales.

Jaycie is our part-time Baby and Me Tobacco Free Recruiter and Facilitator. Jaycie holds a B.A. in Psychology and Business from Franklin College. She is passionate about educating and serving the community as she also works at the Johnson County Health Department as the Health Educator. Jaycie is honored to be a part of this program and looks forward to expanding it in the hope to help more women in our community live healthier lifestyles.

Erica is the Project Coordinator for the ATLAS (Assisting Through Loss After Suicide) and the Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review Team initiatives.  Erica has experienced first-hand the devastating loss of family and friends to suicide and substance use disorder, and she is extremely passionate about the initiatives she supports.  She holds a B.A. in Psychology from IUPUI and a M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.  Erica is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  She started her career in the behavioral and mental health fields over 20 years ago and has had the honor to work in community initiatives, respite care, behavioral therapy, project and program management, and school supports assisting individuals of many different ages.  Erica and her family have lived in Johnson County for generations, and she is proud and excited to serve her home community to help improve the quality of life and health outcomes of her neighbors!

Rachel is also a certified Peer Recovery Coach that has a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs associated with recovery. She will work with our other coaches to provide non judgmental support, guidance, and advocacy to empower individuals to reclaim control over their lives. With a passion for helping others, she is dedicated to promoting holistic wellness and recovery, addressing not only substance use but also co-occurring mental health challenges, trauma, and social determinants of health. With a strong belief in the power of peer support, she understands the importance of building connections within the recovery community and beyond. Whether facilitating support groups, providing one on one coaching, or collaborating with other professionals, she is dedicated to fostering a sense of hope, resilience, and community among those seeking recovery.