Meet the Team

Many can tell you about the horrors of active addiction but few know that the disease can be arrested, at some point. My name is Jumaane and I am an addict. Staying clean JUST FOR TODAY has afforded me the opportunity to find a new way to live without the use of a mind - mood altering chemical and, or substance. The saying “once an addict always an addict” is a LIE! My clean date is October 19, 2000 and at Total Abstinence… we do RECOVER!

Tiara is a dedicated Operations Manager and Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS) at Total Abstinence. Since starting her personal journey to recovery on October 9, 2014, Tiara has passionately devoted herself to supporting others in their paths to sobriety and wellness. With extensive experience in managing recovery, she brings a blend of empathy, strategic insight, and organizational expertise to her role. Tiara's commitment to fostering a supportive and effective recovery environment is central to her work, ensuring that Total Abstinence continues to be a beacon of hope and transformation for its clients.

Hi! My name is Debbie Durham. I am honored to join the Total Abstinence team! I graduated from EKU in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I worked 4 years as a youth counselor at a children's home. In 2013 I became a CPS investigator for the Cabinet of Health and Family Services. I became a supervisor in 2019. I love to travel and spend time with my family. I have worked with parents with substance misuse for 11 years.

My name is Tara Sexton and I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Kentucky and a Certified Addictions Professional in Florida. I have been working in the field of Substance Abuse in a variety of settings since 2006. I am a Masters Level Criminologist and Adjunct Professor at Eastern Kentucky University in the Women's and Gender Studies Department. I am currently the Clinical Supervisor for Total Abstinence in Richmond, KY.

My name is Candiace Lawrence. I am 32 years old. I am a Peer Support Specialist, I have been doing it for a little over a year now, and I absolutely love it! I have been in recovery for 2 years. I had to do the whole rehab thing and then went to a sober living house. I was in the sober living house for a year, then I graduated, and they helped me learn how to live life without the use of any substances! Not only did I stay clean, but I can now do the normal everyday things by myself. I live life on life terms! I'm here to share the message of experience, hope, and give strength to others and show that it is possible to recover!!!

Bethaney Long, LCSW, earned her BSW from Murray State University in 2005 and her MSW from Western Kentucky University in 2012, achieving her LCSW in 2022. She specializes in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more, using approaches like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and EMDR. With over 20 years of professional experience, Bethaney is passionate about mental health. She is very excited to join Total Abstinence, where she can use her education and experiences to support both the clients and the agency in achieving their goals.

My name is Nannette Shepherd, I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. I have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. I was born and raised in Sandusky Ohio. I came to Kentucky 15 yrs ago because of a job transfer with Ford motor company. I’ve been in recovery for 9 years.