Brandis Belser is a Lead Public Health Advisor on the Drug Free Communities Support Grant Program that is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) whom Partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With 10+ years in the Grants and Contracts workforce, Brandis has a managed an extension portfolio to include Emory University, Johns Hopkins University and other Universities, State and Local Health Departments, Community Based Organizations, and Hospitals across the nation. With a passion for service and helping others, her current role is to help to establish and strengthen collaborations to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. Through her hard work and dedication at the CDC, Brandis received an Honor Award for Efficiencies and Administration in 2020 and was nominated for two Honor Award in 2022 for Excellence in Creating Programmatic and Administrative Efficiencies for the Drug Free Communities Program and for Being a Leader of the people. Her extensive technical expertise in the Grants community combined with her ability to build strong partnerships across the healthcare sectors and community organizations has delivered powerful results throughout her career. Brandis is passionate about education and has a Master’s in Education from Ashford University and runs a Homework help site on Facebook. She is dedicated to using her experience in both the public and private sectors to broaden access to high quality education by supporting innovation, reducing barriers to entry, and building strong communities.

Gabrielle Graham, MPH, is an epidemiologist and opioid public health analyst with District 4 Public Health. In this position, Gabrielle has been involved in the implementation of disease prevention and treatment initiatives, built partnerships with stakeholders, and facilitated various projects within District 4. Previously, Gabrielle completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at Duke University and her masters’ degree in Epidemiology at Tulane University. Before attending Tulane, Gabrielle worked as an ED medical scribe at a local hospital whilst completing her pre-med requirements at Florida Atlantic University. While at Tulane, Gabrielle interned for the Health Council of Southeast Florida where she prepared epidemiological reports on chronic disease, HIV and Vaccine Hesitancy. She also worked as a case investigator for the Palm Beach County Department of Health providing health education and resources to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 Cases. In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys Burn Boot Camp, reading and traveling. Gabrielle looks forward to continue making an impact within the public health field.

Alyse comes to community work with a background of 20+ years in sales, marketing, and management as a partner in a local communications and advertising agency. She is passionate about community work and creating change in systems. Alyse currently handles the finances, operations, and marketing at Pathways2Life. In 2020, the organization received a Drug Free Communities grant that funded One Johns Creek and she became the Program Director. Through her leadership with OJC, the coalition has had several huge community wins: Obtained a permanent prescription drug take back box for the city; Provided over 2,500 Deterra drug deactivation bags to residents; Helped promote 4 DEA prescription drug take back days that continues biannually; Trained about 40 people in trauma informed care both in the private and faith sectors; Supported changes in vape shop ordinances for the city; Provided trainings, events, education, and awareness; Started Handle With Care in the city schools; Started the No Shame Campaign with Mayor and City Council Proclamation. Alyse’s desire is to see students launched into their adult lives with the coping skills and strategies to approach difficulty with resilience while creating a thriving community of wellness.

Michael Mumper is Director of Programs for Drug Free Fayette, a prevention coalition in metro Atlanta, Georgia.  He is also Executive Director of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy, and President of the Georgia Alcohol Policy Alliance, two statewide policy organizations.  Michael serves as Chair of the American Heart Association’s Georgia Advocacy Steering Committee, and has consulted for the SAMHSA-funded Opioid Response Network.  He catalyzed Drug Free Fayette’s 2019 “Got Outcomes” award from Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA); earned Let’s Be Clear Georgia’s 2020 Prevention Champion for work in marijuana prevention and policy, and was named one of two “Advocates of the Year” for CADCA in 2022.  Michael earned an MBA from Emory University, and led business management teams at GE Capital, Random House and Turner Broadcasting before shifting to prevention, coalition building, and policy.

Dr. Tonya Knox is serving as the Project Coordinator for the Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant covering Athens-Clarke County and Auburn, GA (Barrow County). Dr. Knox has earned degrees in psychology (BA), public health (MPH), and business (DBA) throughout her professional career. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist (ICPS). She currently serves a co-facilitator for the state of Georgia monthly Drug Free Communities meetings. She has worked in the area of public health education with an emphasis on adolescent health in the state of GA for over the past 14 years. She has extensive, collaborative connections in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, and other counties across the state. She also has experience with facilitating alcohol and drug prevention education, diversion, evidenced based curriculums, and coalition building classes. She is working with the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (SAPCA) and the Auburn Prevention Project (APP) to provide guidance in planning and implementing community programs that will address alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and prescription drugs among Athens-Clarke County and Auburn, GA youth ages 11 to 18. Dr. Knox resides in Barrow County where she is a wife and mother of 4 children who loves spending time with family and friends, dancing, and relaxing at home.