Speaker:
Casey Copeland, Director of Recovery Services, Arkansas Department of Human Services
Amanda Vardaman, Data Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Human Services
This session covers what employers must understand before hiring or expanding peer recovery support specialist positions. Casey and Amanda explain how to recruit the right peer beyond lived experience, how to set clear role boundaries that prevent burnout and role drift, and how peer-to-peer supervision protects the integrity of the profession. This is a practical conversation on how to set peers up for success in real settings, not a theoretical discussion.
Webinar Materials:
Additional Resources:
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Casey Copeland | Director of Recovery Services, Arkansas Department of Human Services
Casey Copeland is the Director of Recovery Services for the State of Arkansas and a Peer Support Peer Supervisor. Living in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder since 2017, Casey began his path as a Peer Support Specialist, known for his genuine empathy and knack for connecting with people battling substance use and mental health challenges. His first year of recovery was dedicated to volunteering with various organizations in Central Arkansas.
Once he achieved abstinence from substances, Casey met and married his wonderful wife, Megan, and in 2020, they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Adilynn. Deeply committed to his faith, Casey gives all the credit for his achievements to God and stays focused on his recovery by actively participating in a recovery program. When he's not working, Casey loves spending quality time with family and friends, working out, and enjoying the great outdoors. He's also a deacon at his church, which brings him great joy.
Casey has worn many hats over the years, including Director of Arkansas Peers Achieving Recovery Together (APART), Director of Rock of Hope transitional houses, co-founder and president of The Copeland Foundation (TCF), and Chairman of the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee (APAC). Now, as the Director of Peer Services for the State of Arkansas, Casey has played a key role in creating, managing, and rolling out numerous programs statewide. His efforts have made a big splash in improving substance use and mental health services in Arkansas, championing inclusivity, and empowering people on their recovery journeys.
Amanda Vardaman | Data Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Human Services
Amanda Vardaman has been in long-term recovery from substance use disorder since October 4, 2014, beginning her journey at the age of 19. She has a diverse professional background, with experience in management, accounting, event planning, communications, graphic design, and administration.
In her role at the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Recovery, Amanda leverages her expertise to enhance peer services across the state. She was hired as a Program Coordinator at DHS in March 2023, initially managing the Peer Achieving Collaborative Treatment (PACT) program. Amanda has since taken on additional responsibilities, including management of the Specialty Courts Program, direction and training of the Good Grid data reporting platform, and data reporting for federal grants.
Amanda is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist as of June 2024. She serves as the co-chair of the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee (APAC), serves as a board member of The Copeland Foundation (TCF) and Saline Recovery Connection, and is deeply committed to a twelve-step program, participating in sponsorship, actively working the 12 steps, and engaging in service work at the group, area, and regional levels.
