Bio Type: CAMP Staff

Maya is a Clinical Research Coordinator and Substance Use Navigator at CAMP. Her interest in substance use started when she joined a clinical psychology lab in college that focused on the neural and behavioral mechanisms of substance use. She then spent a summer working in the emergency department at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, where she advocated and helped many patients with substance use who were also unhoused. She has conducted her own research on barriers to SUD treatment for people who are unhoused, with a specific emphasis on how homelessness impacts an individual’s access to and engagement with treatment. She is passionate about harm reduction education, patient advocacy, and community-based research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.

Shawn is a Clinical Research Coordinator and Substance Use Navigator at CAMP. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During his studies, he was involved in research exploring the potential for behavioral modifications to reduce opioid medication misuse in chronic pain patients. He also volunteered at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Harriet Lane Clinic as a resource navigator for the families of pediatric patients. Shawn’s interest in substance use research and treatment began when local health officials visited his high school to speak about the opioid crisis. Now, he is committed to serving those with SUDs, reducing stigma, and exploring addiction medicine. One of his favorite things to do at CAMP is attend outreach events where he can engage with community members and provide education on substance use treatment and recovery. In his free time, Shawn enjoys watching movies, going to the gym, meditation, and professional wrestling.

Rosa is a Lead Substance Use Navigator and Clinical Research Coordinator for the CAMP team with a focus on the Hospital to Housing partnership with Project HOME. She has worked in harm reduction and homeless services in Philadelphia since 2016 primarily in the Kensington neighborhood. Rosa’s past roles have included case management at a low-barrier emergency shelter, being part of a non-fidelity ACT team for chronically homeless Philadelphians with Opioid Use Disorder, and serving as an HIV Medical Case Manager at a Federally Qualified Health Center. She is dedicated to building connections between systems of care to support the health, dignity, and resilience of people who use drugs and experience homelessness.

When not at work, she spends her time baking for her friends, reading memoirs, and spoiling her cat.

Born and raised in the heart of South Philadelphia, Kelli is more than just a local resident—she’s a beacon of hope and support for those navigating the complex journey to wellness. As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Lead Substance Use Navigator, Kelli brings a wealth of wisdom, experience and unwavering dedication to her peers. Beginning her journey at Prevention Point Philadelphia, her work now focuses on aiding individuals grappling with mental health crises, substance use, domestic violence and reentry challenges following incarceration.

A fierce advocate for overdose and harm reduction education, she sits on the Community Advisory Board at the PHMC Health Center on Cedar Ave, volunteers for the grassroots organization Reclaim Phila for the Working Families Party and contributes to the safety workgroup for domestic violence prevention with the city of Philadelphia. Kelli believes in dismantling systemic barriers and promoting evidence-based treatments.

Outside of her professional life, Kelli is a dedicated mom, wife, and doting grandma. She treasures time spent with her family and friends, finding joy in the simple moments that make life meaningful.

 

“It’s hard enough to be invisible, yet alone be disposable” -k

Diamond is a dedicated Certified Recovery Specialist who has personally been on the receiving end of benefiting from Penn’s Care Connect Warm-Line and is now fueled with passion to assist others in finding their own road to recovery. In the early stages of her recovery, Diamond worked as an Outreach Specialist, where she connected with individuals struggling with substance use, providing them with the support and resources they needed. Her lived experience plays a vital role in her deep understanding of the barriers faced when linking individuals to care. Diamond is now stepping into her role as a Substance Use Navigator for PennLink as well as the Center for Addiction Medicine & Policy and believes that her work is not just a “job” but a calling—one that she approaches with dedication, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the possibility of change. With just the right amount of trust and care, anything is possible!

Liz is a highly experienced Project Manager, Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), and Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) with a deep commitment to fostering long-term recovery and promoting harm reduction strategies. With a rich background in substance use treatment and recovery, Liz has become a respected leader in the field, known for her innovative approaches and dedication to improving the lives of those affected by addiction.

One of Liz’s most notable achievements is the development of the first and only harm reduction curriculum in Bucks County, PA. This groundbreaking initiative has provided vital education and resources to individuals, helping to reduce the risks associated with substance use and offering practical strategies for safer behaviors. Her work in this area reflects her deep understanding of harm reduction as an essential component of a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery.

Liz brings extensive experience in clinical assessments, education, program development, and case management. She has worked with a diverse range of populations, tailoring her approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her background in clinical assessments allows her to identify the specific challenges faced by those in recovery, enabling her to develop targeted interventions that support sustained sobriety.

As an educator and program developer, Liz has created and implemented numerous initiatives designed to empower individuals in recovery. Her programs are known for their practicality, accessibility, and effectiveness, providing participants with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of recovery. Liz’s case management experience further enhances her ability to coordinate care, advocate for her clients, and connect them with the resources they need to thrive.

Liz’s passion for her work is evident in every aspect of her career. She is a strong advocate for harm reduction and believes in meeting people where they are, without judgment. Her approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep belief in the potential for change. Through her work, Liz has made a lasting impact on the recovery community, helping countless individuals reclaim their lives and achieve their recovery goals.

Brad(he/him) is a Clinical Research Coordinator/Substance Use Navigator for UPenn’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy. He self identifies as a former IV opioid user who is nearing a decade free of illicit opioid use and considers himself the luckiest guy in the world. Brad spent 5 years working with a non-profit MOUD program on Kensington Ave and really pushed long acting injectables, eventually getting 40% of their MOUD patients on long acting injectable Buprenorphine. Brad is an animal lover and loves making music of multiple genres.  They do not take their recovery for granted and every day recognizes just HOW lucky they are. This remains one of the driving forces behind their drive to help others get on their individual path’s toward their own recovery. Brad will never forget how bad opioid withdrawal is and tries to help others avoid this and show that there is another way.

Caitlin is a Certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialist and Clinical Research Coordinator at CAMP, where she primarily supports the Penn PROUD (Perinatal Resources for Opioid Use Disorder) Clinic. With her own life-long journey through recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges, Caitlin brings a deeply personal understanding to her work, embodying empathy, active listening, and genuine support for those she serves. Her dedication to empowering individuals in their recovery journey has been a natural progression of her passion for service.

Alongside her role at Penn, Caitlin is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at LaSalle University, strengthening her expertise and commitment to her field. Her experiences continually inspire her to be a compassionate resource, offering not only support but also a pathway toward positive change for those facing similar challenges.