Nash Acuna
Executive Director
Nash Acuna started with CCDP in November 2021 as our Opioid Prevention Coordinator. She is a professional artist, Certified Creative Life Coach, and Certified Prevention Specialist. Nash loves to incorporate the benefits of the arts in her prevention work. Her favorite part of the job is connecting with youth and senior citizens in our community and teaching them about the risks of substance abuse. In her free time, Nash enjoys painting, gardening, and spending quality time with her family, pets, and friends.
Rebecca Marr
Finance Manager
Rebecca Marr is the Finance Manager at Carter County Drug Prevention, where she combines her passion for our community with strong organizational and financial skills. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is also the owner of a travel agency, helping families and individuals explore the world with ease. Rebecca is a proud mother of three children, all of whom have been actively involved in CCDP’s Youth Coalition for many years, continuing the family’s commitment to positive youth development and community engagement.
Valdare Johnson
Program Coordinator
Valdare Johnson has a passion for supporting individuals in recovery and at-risk youth. As a Certified Recovery Coach, Peer Support Specialist, and Overdose Response team member, Valdare works within Carter County Detention Center to guide inmates through pre/post-release options and recovery programs. He is our Volunteer and Community Service Coordinator and he is very active with our community events and our partners. He also coordinates the PEAK Mentor Program and is actively pursuing certifications in Prevention and Recovery Support. A person in long-term recovery, Valdare is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all, inspired by his four children and his mission to build stronger, healthier community connections.
Denise Woods
Program Coordinator
Denise Woods, a Certified Prevention Specialist I, resides in Mountain City, TN. I have worked in prevention for 12 years in many capacities such as Prevention Coordinator and SADD Club Advisor, as well as drug prevention classes in schools, jails, and the community. I enjoy working with data to get a clear picture of issues in the community and finding ways to make positive changes in individuals’ lives. I have 2 adult children who have families of their own and 1 grandchild. I love my cats (Tiny Tim & Squirt). I enjoy taking care of, and spending time with my family.
Harlee Whittemore
Program Coordinator
I coordinate life-changing programs at Carter County Drug Prevention with a focus on deep, authentic connection. I am guided by the principle that lived experience is a powerful tool for empathy and change. My mission is to empower our youth to confidently choose a drug-free path while fostering a safe community for all. My work is professionally reinforced by credentials in Abuse Prevention, Trauma-Informed care, Substance Abuse Outreach training, and Social Emotional Learning training. I am passionate about merging prevention efforts with mental health support, ensuring every program I run not only educates but also uplifts the human spirit.
Jessi
Program Coordinator
Jessi is passionate about nurturing, guiding, and fostering trust with our children. As the Youth Program Coordinator, she looks forward to utilizing her many years experience as an educator, artistic director, and mother to provide support to our youth, and as such, guidance to prevent the abuse of substances. She also looks forward to integrating the five fine arts into prevention, teaching alternative coping skills, and building confidence to simply say, “No.”
Sarah Stewart
Program Coordinator
Sarah brings a passion for supporting youth and strengthening community to her role at Carter County Drug Prevention. With a background in youth engagement and education, as well as a B.S. in Criminal Justice with additional studies in psychology, she’s dedicated to helping young people feel supported and empowered.
Outside of work, she’s happiest spending time with her kids and family, wrangling her two rambunctious dogs, or getting creative through baking. She believes that community grows stronger when we show up with compassion—and maybe a few homemade pastries.