PROJECT TEAM
Welcome to the HOPE Project, a dedicated team of passionate and committed faculties working towards a common goal – empowering adolescents and children in rural communities. Our team of experienced faculties brings together a diverse range of expertise, including human development and family studies, nursing, education, social work, healthcare, and community development. By leveraging our collective knowledge and skills, we aim to create programs that foster positive change and provide a brighter future for the youth in rural settings.
Join us in our journey to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals in rural areas. Together, let’s build a foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future, one grant at a time.
Dr. Deborah Casper
Program Director
Dr. Casper is an Associate Professor in Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Human Environmental Sciences (CHES). Dr. Casper serves as the PI and Program Director and has a range of experiences with research and practice as well as leadership related to youth mental health. Dr. Casper leads the Child and Adolescent Peer Relations and Interactions (CAPRI) Research Lab, housed in the Judy Bonner Child Development Center. She is a faculty affiliate of the Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions as well as the Center for Youth Development and Intervention. Dr. Casper is the HDFS Graduate Program Director and the coordinator of the undergraduate HDFS youth and adolescent development concentration.
Dr. Tricia Witte
Associate Professor, CHES, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE EXPERT
Dr. Blake Berryhill
Associate Professor, CHES, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
TREATMENT COORDINATOR
Dr. Carly Downs
Associate Professor, CHES, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
CLINICAL TRAINING & MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR
Dr. Mercy Mumba
Associate Professor, Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
RECOVERY PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST COORDINATOR
Dr. Letisha Scott
Clinical Assistant Professor, Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
Dr. Hee Yun Lee
Professor, School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
DATA COORDINATOR
Dr. Tongi Mugoya
Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling, College of Education, University of Alabama
PREVENTION AND EVALUATION COORDINATOR
Dr. Laura Hopson
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
SERVICE DELIVERY COORDINATOR
Rhonda Bell
CHES, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
RECOVERY PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Alana Parrish
CHES, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
RESEARCH PROJECT COORDINATOR
Tiffany Green
CHES, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Our University Affiliates
College of Human and Environmental Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
The esteemed College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama stands as a pivotal affiliate of our project. Renowned as a senior academic unit in the State of Alabama, the College has consistently excelled in offering distinguished professional programs in the expansive field of human environmental sciences. With a rich history marked by national recognition for academic excellence, the College boasts a stellar faculty, high-quality academic programs, and a track record of successful graduates. Affiliation with such a reputable institution underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards in addressing the critical need for behavioral health and substance use services among children and adolescents in rural West Alabama counties, with a particular emphasis on Pickens County. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our mission, enhancing the project’s potential impact and reinforcing our dedication to providing outstanding resources and interventions.
School of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
The School of Nursing at the University of Alabama stands proudly as a key affiliate of our project. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in nursing education, research, and practice, the school brings a wealth of expertise and resources to our collaborative efforts. The School of Nursing’s distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive academic programs align seamlessly with our mission to address the imperative need for behavioral health and substance use services among children and adolescents in rural West Alabama counties, with a particular emphasis on Pickens County. This affiliation not only enhances the project’s credibility but also underscores our dedication to providing high-quality interventions that make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the community. Together, we strive to create a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve, guided by the shared values of excellence, compassion, and community engagement.
Social Work, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
The School of Social Work at the University of Alabama plays a pivotal role as a valued affiliate of our project. Recognized for its unwavering commitment to social work education, research, and practice, the school brings a wealth of expertise to our collaborative efforts. The School of Social Work’s distinguished faculty, with their rich blend of practical experience and scholarly achievements, align seamlessly with our mission to address the critical need for behavioral health and substance use services among children and adolescents in rural West Alabama counties, with a specific focus on Pickens County. Drawing upon its comprehensive programs and a commitment to experiential learning, the school’s engagement significantly enhances our project’s capacity to make a positive impact on the well-being of the community. Together, we strive to foster social change, uphold ethical standards, and empower individuals and families through collaborative and compassionate social work interventions. This affiliation symbolizes a shared dedication to advancing the principles of social justice and community welfare.