Dan Griffin

Dan Griffin is recognized internationally as an expert on males and trauma. Griffin’s book, A Man’s Way through Relationships, is the first trauma-informed book written to help men create healthy relationships while navigating the challenges of the “Man Rules.” Griffin also wrote A Man’s Way through the Twelve Steps, the first trauma-informed book to take a holistic look at men’s sobriety.

Joyce Johnson,
MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, CARN-AP

Joyce Johnson is a known leader in Kentucky, but her advocacy, influence, and policy work also have a national impact. Joyce earned her master’s degree in Nursing at the University of Louisville and her post-graduate certification in Substance Use Disorder Treatment from Drexel University. Board-certified in both Adult Geriatric Primary Care and Addiction, in 2022, she wrote and was awarded a national grant to create an innovative mobile health project that now expands healthcare access to five underserved rural counties in Kentucky. Joyce was recently honored by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as the 2024 Kentucky Nurse Practitioner of the Year.

Aaron Smallwood,
MSW, CSW, LCADC, CCS

Aaron Smallwood has an unwavering commitment to healing and recovery and leads a team of dedicated clinicians at Stepworks. Aaron graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s in social work. He began his career as a clinician on the front lines, working directly with people in the throes of addiction. His tenure at both The Hope Center and Mountain Comprehensive Care deepened his compassion and empathy for those battling the disease. Aaron has a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by those in recovery, as well as a deep respect for each individual’s journey. Aaron believes in a holistic approach to healing that encompasses not only clinical intervention but also the importance of community, support, and empowerment. Aaron often claims, “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s community.”

Alex Elswick,
PhD

Dr. Alex Elswick is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, specializing in substance use prevention and recovery. He holds a Ph.D. in Family Science and has led nationally-recognized research and outreach efforts focused on addiction recovery, peer support, and harm reduction. As a published scholar and sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Elswick brings both academic expertise and lived experience to his work. His leadership has helped shape innovative, evidence-based programs that serve individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth.