Election Committee Note: Jennifer Carpenter has withdrawn her nomination after the start of the voting period.

Candidate Statement

It is truly an honor to be considered for a role within CCAPP. I have long admired the legacy and leadership of individuals such as Phil Allen, former CEO of Pat Moore Foundation, and Roger Kendrick. I continue to draw inspiration from Pete Nielsen, Kristina Padilla, and Devon Wayt, whose tireless dedication and integrity sot a standard I aspire to meet in my own professional journey.

I proudly display my CCAPP certifications (CAMS, CTE, OMHRS. CMHRPS) in my office; a reflection of my commitment to excellence and continuing professional growth, I have also completed an educational requirements in addiction studies and am in the process of submitting my application for the IC&RC exam.

My motivation entering this field was deeply personal. I lost my sister to a heroin overdose in 2000, and my mother-who struggled with anxiety and depression – passed away in 2010. My own recovery began much earlier when I entered Phoenix House in 1985, successfully completing the program in 1988. After several years of sobriety and professional success as an executive with Co1dwelJ Banker, I relapsed in 2000.

Everything Changed on August 2, 2006-the day of my arrest and the beginning of a new chapter. With my children placed in foster care, I entered Drug Court, completed Cooper Fellowship and Perinatal programs, and worked NACHT at Pat Moore Foundation. Within a year, I regained custody of my children and began advancing professionally, ultimately becoming Director of Finance/Admissions before our 2017 merger with D’Amore Healthcare.

Since 2020, I have served as Chief Operating Officer at O’Amore, overseeing operations across five mental health facilities. These experiences fuel my passion for reducing stigma, expanding access, and mentoring others. Being considered for a CCAPP role is a deeply meaningful opportunity to give back to the community that helped save my life.

Candidate Statement

I am honored to be nominated for election to the CCAPP Membership Board of Directors. For more than thirteen years, I have worked to strengthen California’s behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) systems through leadership, workforce innovation, and a deep commitment to equity and access to care.

In my current role as Project Director and Senior Consultant II at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP), I lead statewide initiatives focused on advancing and sustaining California’s behavioral health workforce. Most recently, I directed the development of the AB 2473 80-Hour SUD Counselor Curriculum, a historic initiative designed to support the preparation, retention, and professional growth of new counselor registrants. My earlier roles include Implementation Specialist for the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), and Clinical Director and Program Manager for multiple residential and reentry programs in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Los Angeles County’s AB 109 initiative.

I hold a Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership, and a Master’s in Banking and Financial Services Management. I am also a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAA DC) through CCAPP.

If elected, I will focus on enhancing member engagement, retention, and career advancement opportunities for CCAPP professionals. My goal is to strengthen the sense of belonging, recognition, and ongoing professional development that fuels both individual growth and the vitality of our field. I am committed to collaboration, transparency, and advancing CCAPP’s mission to empower and support its members statewide.

Candidate Statement

Sherry has dedicated her life to supporting people affected by addiction and helping them find hope in recovery. Born and raised in South Bay, California, her own recovery journey inspired her to enter the field of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in 2013. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of addiction and the courage it takes to seek help fuels her passion for guiding others on their path.

Sherry is Manager of Outpatient and Care Coordination at Fred Brown Recovery Services in San Pedro and Evening Supervisor at American Indian Changing Spirits. She earned her counseling certificate from Long Beach City College in 2016 and currently holds an SUD counseling certificate through CCAPP. Known for meeting people where they are, Sherry supports both staff and clients with dignity, empathy, and respect. Over the years, she has built strong relationships with community leaders, from local councilmembers to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

She has become a trusted voice and bridge between providers, agencies, and policymakers. Sherry has a natural ability to connect people and foster collaboration, often bringing providers together to share resources and strengthen services. She is someone others know they can count on- always approachable, available, and willing to step in to help. Sherry has worked with Los Angeles County DMH, numerous outreach organizations, and volunteered with at-risk youth to help break cycles of addiction. Well-known and respected in behavioral health, she currently serves on the CCAPP Board of Directors. By combining lived experience, clinical training, and leadership, Sherry has become a champion for both clients and providers, working to lift the field and keep recovery at the heart of it all.