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.
Email: bradford.meck@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
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.
Heather Aspero, Lead Substance Use Navigator at CAMP, previously supported the Whole Health Study, led by Dr. David Mandell, Dr. Hillary Bogner, and Dr. Kyle Kampman, which focuses on the treatment of opioid use disorder and psychiatric disorders in a primary care setting. Heather has been a Recovery Specialist for the state of Pennsylvania since 2015. Prior to joining the Center, she was working with individuals with Substance/Opioid Use Disorder in the community and in outpatient settings. Heather holds a Bachelors of Applied Arts and Sciences from UPenn and is passionate about clinical research, substance use, and mental health care accessibility, and continuing her education to further help others. Outside of Penn, Heather enjoys relaxing and spending time with her two children, friends, family, and pets.
Shakyra is a Clinical Research Coordinator, and a Substance Use Navigator at CAMP and works closely with the PROUD Clinic. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Science and a Master in Applied Psychology. She has a background in community engagement and mental health services and brings a holistic, people-centered approach to the team. During her previous experience as an engagement specialist, she connected individuals to vital resources-ranging from mental health care, substance use support, housing, and nutrition. In addition, she collected and analyzed data, to improve community outcomes and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, addiction, and recovery. Now aspiring to becoming a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), she’s committed to advancing healthcare through ethical, inclusive, and patient-focused research. Outside of work, Shakyra is a dedicated wife and mother who enjoys writing, music, traveling, watching a good TV series, and spending quality time with family and friends. She’s passionate about meeting people where they are and supporting them on their journey towards holistic wellness.
Tara serves as the Team/Program Enrichment Manager for Penn CAMP. Previously, she contributed to an NIH research study at the Penn Center for Mental Health (CMH), which focused on collaborative care models for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring psychiatric conditions undergoing buprenorphine therapy in low-threshold primary care settings. In that capacity, she spearheaded the implementation of peer recovery support and offered programmatic supervision at Penn Medicine and Lancaster General Health. Tara is dedicated to harm reduction and addressing healthcare and basic service access disparities for underserved and at-risk populations.
Randy is a dedicated Substance Use Navigator at Penn’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, committed to helping individuals find their path to sobriety and build lasting recovery. As a person in recovery himself, he has transformed his lived experience into a meaningful career focused on supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Randy is an active member of the Montgomery County recovery community, where he previously managed recovery housing and programs for individuals living with substance use disorders. In that role, he drew on his own recovery journey to provide hope, encouragement, and practical guidance to residents navigating the challenges of early recovery.
With lived experience in both substance use and the criminal justice system, Randy brings a unique and valuable perspective to patient care. His insight strengthens Penn Medicine’s ability to deliver compassionate, high-quality services to individuals affected by substance use disorders. Through peer support, motivation, and strong relationship-building, Randy has made a lasting impact in the recovery community, inspiring others to pursue and sustain their recovery journeys.
Randy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The Pennsylvania State University. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid sports fan who enjoys watching games, relaxing with a good TV show, and taking well-earned naps in his spare time.
Sissy is a Substance Use Navigator for the Center of Addiction Medicine & Policy. She began this role in December 2025. Previously, she spent five years as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at The Wedge Recovery Center and The Be Well Center, Goldman Clinic, where she facilitated group sessions and individual counseling. She holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from West Chester University and is preparing to apply to Penn’s Master of Social Work program. Sissy is passionate about patient-centered care and guiding individuals on their recovery journey. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with her friends, and family. She also has a five-year-old pug named Pokey!
Gary serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Substance Use Navigator for the CAMP team, focusing his efforts on the Kensington Wellness Support Center and Wellness Court. He joins the team following a distinguished 30-year career with Pretrial Services Agency in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, Gary held several key roles, including diagnostic criminal investigator, case manager, and community treatment specialist. His background within the treatment division involved conducting mental health assessments and developing supervision plans to support and stabilize clients within the justice system.
Driven by compassionate empathy, Gary is dedicated to improving the welfare of others, ensuring fair justice, and motivating positive change. Outside of work, Gary is a dedicated family man and an eager learner with a wide range of passions. He stays active through basketball, running, and tending to his yard, but truly prizes the time spent traveling with his wife and exploring fine dining. Whether he is immersed in a good book, enjoying music, or simply cherishing a quiet day with his family, Gary finds balance in staying active and valuing every moment.
Abbe is a Clinical Research Coordinator and Substance Use Navigator. She graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her interest in substance use started with her father’s long-term sobriety, which gave her appreciation for the impact that recovery support and compassionate care can have on individuals and families. Her background contains research while at Dickinson College, using animal models to understand behavioral and neurological mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of depression and drug dependence. Prior to joining Penn, she was a program assistant helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorder with support, education, and empowerment for their recovery journey. She is driven to help individuals find low barrier access to resources, community-based research, and non-judgment care. Her approach comes from family history, respect, and encouragement to allow individuals to know they are not alone. Outside of Penn, Abbe enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, as well as traveling.
