Affiliate Directors
Gerald Lott
Gerald Lott, CPRS, is the Founder and Executive Director of Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery (SVVOR), a non-profit Recovery Community Organization serving four counties in Illinois. A Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and convicted felon, Mr. Lott draws upon over 17 years of personal long-term recovery (since April 2008) to lead SVVOR's mission. His background includes a degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and varied professional experiences before fully dedicating himself to recovery advocacy in 2018.
Through SVVOR, Lott actively builds the local recovery community by providing support services, sober housing for men, sober-social events, and the "Recovery Greenhouse" podcast. His vision includes expanding SVVOR's impact with innovative resources like collegiate recovery programs, recovery farms, and improved access to MAR and treatment. He contributes to broader efforts via roles with the National Peer Recovery Alliance and Illinois state recovery task forces, embodying his belief that recovery requires active work and determination.
Samantha Evans
Sam Evans is the Program Manager for Hope Recovery Community, a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in Medina County, Ohio, serving those impacted by addiction. She is also a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter in Ohio. She has a passion for recovery and loves to build the systems which serve people in or seeking recovery from Substance Use Disorder.
Sam has over 5 years of recovery from drugs and alcohol. She has served as an Advisory Council Member for Hope Recovery Community since 2019 and Chair of the National Peer Recovery Alliance Ohio Affiliate since its formation in 2023. She is an alumni of the LEAD Institute inaugural class and graduate of Cuyahoga Community College.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her family, creative photography, and riding her motorcycle. She also believes strongly in the importance of service to the community and has built a life dedicated to serving others both personally and professionally.
J.K. McAtee, PRSS
A Business Management graduate of Fairmont State University and Buckhannon, WV native, J.K. has over 28 years invested in his personal recovery. His background includes sales, sales management and
food services management. He is graduate of the WV Leadership Academy, serving as the Coordinator for the WV Leadership Academy for Consumers and Families from 2012 - 2018.
McAtee is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist and seasoned facilitator of Peer Support services recognized by the Copeland Center as an Advanced Level Facilitator of Wellness Recovery Action Plan and Certified Wellbeing Mentor. J.K. has had a hand in several peer run programs throughout the state of WV, and he is an active advocate for persons with lived experience through the WV Behavioral Health Planning Council. He facilitates Recovery Education programs while serving as coordinator of WVRecovers.Org, the statewide peer network. J.K. is also Assistant Program Director of Peer Resource Network Org. McAtee holds down an executive committee post for the WV Behavioral Health Planning Council serving as the council’s Treasurer.
John Singer
John Singer is a Certified Peer Specialist with a strong commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders. With a background as program coordinator for the Dunnica Sobering Support Center with Preferred Family Healthcare and numerous recovery housing programs he brings valuable experience in providing compassionate peer support and promoting community-based recovery services.
Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work, John is focused on deepening his understanding of social services and expanding his ability to create positive change. His work is driven by a dedication to reducing stigma around substance use and empowering individuals to achieve lasting recovery and personal growth.
Crystal Holland, APR, SIT
Crystal Holland serves as a Peer Supervisor in training with the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, bringing four years of dedicated service. Her commitment is deeply rooted in her personal recovery journey, which began in 2018 following a challenging 22-year battle with methamphetamine and alcohol addiction that encompassed incarceration and homelessness. Finding transformation through a faith-based program and her relationship with Jesus Christ, Crystal has maintained nearly seven years of long-term recovery, using her experience to inform her work.
Passionate about aiding others facing similar struggles, Crystal actively functions as an overdose responder, provides crucial resources to victims and families, facilitates Narcan and opioid education, and is integral to the Lonoke County PACT program's Phase 2 and 3 peer support initiatives. She proudly supports the Sheriff's Office's "Investigate, Educate, and Rehabilitate" campaign under Sheriff John Staley's leadership and was honored for her impactful contributions as the 2024 recipient of the Justice-Involved Peer Service Award.