ADMINISTRATION & QUALITY MANAGEMENT
MICHAEL MARTIN DRAIN, MSIL, OWDS
PRESIDENT & CEO
Michael Martin Drain, the President and CEO of Step-Up, Inc., has dedicated his career to fostering positive change and empowerment. With a profound background in leadership and advocacy. Previously, he served as the Career Coaching and Special Projects Director at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, where he honed his skills in education and career development. Notably, he is the co-creator and Project Director of The Elevate: Change Starts Here program, a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on opening educational pathways and career opportunities for adults and juveniles within the criminal justice system. Michael’s commitment to reintegration and rehabilitation extends to his work as a former Regional Director for the Department of Correction, HIRE program (Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry). This program’s mission is to help individuals with felony convictions secure employment and vital resources in Indiana. Throughout his career, Michael has excelled as a thought leader, advocate, activist, and community organizer. His accomplishments include establishing employment pipelines with Fortune 500 companies for returning citizens and securing multiple grant awards, leading to project expansions across Indiana. With an M.S. in Leadership & Management and Bachelor’s from IUPUI, Martin Drain is proud to serve Step-Up and the community at large.
DENNIS WILKINSON
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Since 2005, Dennis has been part of the Step-Up family. He was a volunteer for 13 years until he began working at Step-Up as the Director of Finance in 2018 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2024. Dennis has been using his creative vision and excellent insight in agency management to enhance the operations at Step-Up. His background includes Internal Audit, Loss Prevention, Finance, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana State University. Dennis has been with his partner since 1999 and they were married in 2017. They both enjoy traveling, warm weather, swimming and getting together with friends. Dennis is originally from Terre Haute and is one of 9 children.
SIMONE ROUNDTREE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Simone joined Step-Up as our Chief Financial Officer in April 2024. As a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Simone chose to remain local and further her education by attending IUPUI, where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance. Serving in progressive roles, in various organizations, including a local credit union, Indianapolis Public Schools, and local private and charter schools, Simone has over 12 years of experience in the non-profit industry, within the financial services, government, and education sectors. Simone’s financial career has enabled her to help individuals increase their awareness in financial literacy to reach their personal goals, provide strategic financial management for organizations, and serve as a leader to strengthen organizational health. Simone is excited to join Step-Up and committed to positively impacting the greater community by combining her passion for finance and her purpose for helping others. In her spare time, Simone likes to work out at the gym, watch game shows, spend time with family and friends, and create engaging quotes.
HANNAH KISTLER, MSW, LCSW
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES
Hannah started her tenure at Step-Up, inc. in 2012 as a Non-Medical Case Manager and transitioned to her position as the Director of Client Services in mid-2016. Hannah is a Licensed Social Worker, with a Master of Social Work from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Anderson University. Hannah is enthusiastic about her role and brings over 12 years of experience in the field of HIV client services. In her free time, Hannah enjoys watching women’s soccer and spending time outdoors.
ABBY CARR, MPH
DIRECTOR OF RE-ENTRY SERVICES
After completing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Dayton in 2015, Abby Carr found her passion for the field of public health while serving a year with AIDS United AmeriCorps. In 2016, she pursued her Master of Public Health at the University of Indianapolis and began her career at Step-Up, Inc. As the Director of Re-Entry Services, Abby is passionate about reducing health disparities and instilling hope in Indiana Department of Correction. Additionally, Abby serves as the President on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Society for Public Health Education and as Adjunct Faculty at her alma mater, the University of Indianapolis.
CONNER TIFFANY, MPH
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND PREVENTION
Conner graduated from Indiana University – Bloomington with a Bachelors degree in Biology in 2018. During the latter end of his time at IU Bloomington, Conner found his passion in public health which influenced him to pursue a Master of Public Health at IUPUI. Conner focused heavily on prevention within health policy and completed his Master of Public Health in 2020. He began his professional career at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in the violence prevention field before transitioning to the HIV/STD field where he led quality improvement and health equity efforts throughout the state. Conner is excited to continue his profession career in prevention at Step Up. In his free time, Conner enjoys a plethora of activities, including running with his father, playing trivia at local venues with his group of friends, and hunkering down to watch a new documentary.
SHERIKA SIDES, MPH
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
Sherika has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Indiana University- Bloomington and a Master’s in Public Health from Indiana State University. Before coming to Step-UP, Sherika worked as the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator at the Indiana State Department of Health. Sherika’s professional background also includes working as a disease intervention specialist and a community health worker at the Marion County Public Health Department. In her spare time, Sherika enjoys spending time with her family and dog and volunteering at the humane society with her son.
MARA WHITE
QUALITY MANAGER
Mara joined the Step-Up team in October of 2018 as a case manager with the Re-Entry Services team. Mara is a graduate from Indiana State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Mara has extensive experience working in the criminal justice system, through the county jail, work release, and later transitioning to provide support through reentry services. In August of 2019, she transitioned to her current position as the Quality Manager, where she develops and implements strategies aimed at improving the quality of our programs and services.
MARCELLA MCMASTERS
FINANCE ASSISTANT
Marcella recently joined Step-Up in July of this year. Her background encompasses a degree in Occupational Therapy and studies in business. Having run her own business for eleven years, she brings experience of bookkeeping with an enthusiastic attitude in working with the Step-Up agency and their mission. Marcella enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and enjoys having with her dog.
ROY SMITHSON
RECEPTIONIST
Roy is from a one stop-sign town called Farmland, and that’s exactly what it is, farming land. He had an extensive career in Retail Management, form Blockbuster Video, Borders Bookstores and Z Gallerie. He joined out team as a Receptionist and Non-Medical Case Manager when the latter closed its doors in 2019. His passion for customer service not only helps our clients but also builds partnerships with other tenants in the building. He is an avid movie watcher which led to a 10-yr part-time job for Landmark theaters. He also loves to read Mystery Thrillers, and his favorite author is Iris Johansen, especially her Eve Duncan series. When Roy’s not at work he can be found at his home with his partner of 30 years. He enjoys working in his yard and the yards of his neighbors and friends. His love for things that bloom and look pretty transcends into his yard where you can find a beautiful array of flowers and hastas that bloom from Spring to late Fall.
CLIENT SERVICES
ABBY FOLTZ
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Abby began her role as a Non-Medical Case Manager at Step-Up in March 2018. She has always had a passion for working closely with the community and assisting underserved populations. She enjoys working with and building meaningful relationships with the communities we serve. In her free time, Abby enjoys playing with her daughter, spending time outside, being barefoot, and cooking.
ALLI DILL
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Alli has joined Step-Up this year after a lifelong interest in mental health services and the LGBT+ Community. In 2019, she received her Associates in Psychology from Ivy Tech Community College, and then went on to graduate from IUPUI in 2024 with her Bachelors in Social Work. She has previous experience working in childcare and hospitality. Alli also volunteers at a free healthcare clinic for impoverished individuals. In her free time, Alli enjoys spending time with her cat and fiancé, as well as painting and reading her expansive book collection.
ANTOINE R. DAVIS
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Antoine just recently joined the Step-Up team in May 2024 as a Non-Medical Case Manager. Antoine is a California native who has lived in Indiana for the past 7 years. He has been in case management with experience in HIV/AIDS for almost 6 years. He is currently in the BSW program at IUPUI with a goal of getting his masters in mental health. Antoine lives in Indianapolis with his husband and adorable cats. On his free time, if he’s not at school. He’s in his garden playing in the dirt.
BAILIE WOODS
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Bailie graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, with a heavy focus in the Performing Arts. After college, she found herself in leasing offices, where she realized she would rather be on the supportive side of housing. She is well versed in housing policy, particularly Tenant Rights and HUD Fair Housing, and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and connections within the community. Outside of Step-Up, Bailie enjoys spending time with her fiancée and their growing zoo of pets. She’s also trying to learn how to cook and seizes every opportunity to travel! She’s excited to begin her work at Step-Up and is eager to help people access the assistance they need.
DUSTIE GOLDSMITH, MSW, LCSW
MEDICAL CASE MANAGER & MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
Dustie Goldsmith, MSW, LCSW, is a Medical Case Manager and Mental Health Clinician for Step Up’s HIV Client Services. Dustie earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Indiana University School of Social Work. Prior to joining the team at Step Up in 2019, Dustie has worked in various mental health roles including with survivors of domestic violence, individuals placed in long term inpatient psychiatric care, children in foster care settings, children placed in juvenile detention centers, and in suicide prevention at an Indianapolis children’s hospital emergency room. In her free time, Dustie enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, reading, and long-distance running.
EMILY GRESE, MSW, LCSW
HOUSING TEAM LEAD
Emily graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2017 and with her Master’s in Social Work in 2018. She joined Step Up as in intern in February 2017. In December of 2017, Emily began working for Step Up as a Non-Medical Case Manager and is currently in the position of Housing Team Lead. In her free time, Emily enjoys playing with her dog, baking, and exploring different parks around the city.
HOLLI YOUNG
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Holli recently began working with Step Up, Inc. as a Non-Medical Case Manager. She originally discovered the organization in 2013 when she completed her internships working with both the Care Coordination and Outreach and Education teams. She went to school for Human Services and graduated as an HS-BCP (Human Services Board Certified Professional), and then went on to study Social Work at Indiana Wesleyan University. She has been working in Medical Billing for the past several years and is excited to get back into the field and start this new journey working within the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, hiking, traveling, swimming, and shopping!
JUAN VELOZ
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Juan is new to the HIV Services team. He began working with us as an Outreach and Testing Coordinator and is ready to embark on his journey as a Non-Medical Case Manager. He has always been passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ and Latino Communities. He is looking forward to helping both communities and providing comprehensive services. In his spare time, Juan enjoys exercising, spending time with friends, and going out dancing.
JAKE DEAN, MSW
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Jake has worked at Step-Up since May of 2018. Jake graduated with his BSW in 2018 and his MSW in 2023, both from Ball State University. He lives in the Indianapolis area with his husband and their pets. Jake enjoys spending his free time visiting state parks, reading, cooking, and taking classes on interesting subjects.
RASHA DARKAZLI
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Rasha Darkazli joined Step-Up as a Non-Medical Case Manager in Jun 2023 , She has more than 8 years of experience in case management working for multiple international and national agencies. Rasha received her first Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Baghdad while her second Bachelor was in Arts in Translation from the University of Almustansiriya. She previously worked at several nonprofit organizations with a focus on Case Management. She also worked as Accountant and Voucher Examiner for USAID. She believes that every person deserves affordable healthcare and a safe place to live, and that equitable access to health & housing are keys to the wellbeing and growth of individuals and communities.
OUTREACH, PREVENTION & TESTING SERVICES
AARON STEWART-CURET
NHBS LEAD INTERVIEWER
Aaron joined Step-Up Inc. in May 2023 as a NHBS Field Interviewer. He has worked in various fields, ranging from cultural advocacy and community-based care and resourcing before arriving to the medical non-profit field. When he is not out in the community working, he enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends and finding new ways to spoil his little fur baby, Zora. Aaron is extremely excited to be a part of the Step-Up, Inc organization and is looking forward to helping it achieve its mission and goals.
ANA COOPER
OUTREACH AND TESTING COORDINATOR
Ana is an Outreach and Testing Coordinator with Step-Up Inc. since January of 2018. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Marian University. Ana has worked in family services helping a diverse population of families. Ana is excited to also support the Latino community in Indianapolis as she is fluent in Spanish and English. Ana enjoys spending time with friends and family in her free time.
CHYANNE JONES
NHBS FIELD INTERVIEWER
Chyanne came into Step-Up as an NHBS Field Interviewer for the PWID 2024 cycle. She is currently in school majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. She likes to incorporate her extensive 7-year knowledge of the customer service industry along with her education in criminal justice and psychology to find the best ways to support Step-up and the communities. Her favorite color her whole life has always been blue. She loves to find time to cook diverse cultural cuisines while also finding a delightful book to read. She also has a wholesome love for Korean dramas along with reality TV. She spends most of her free time at home playing video games if she is not busy with schoolwork.
ERVIN GAINER
BRANCHES TESTING COORDINATOR
Ervin is grateful to be the Branches Testing Coordinator for the Branches Program at Step-Up, Inc. He started as a client in 2012 and now has come full circle as a full-time employee. Ervin received his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in 2009. Ervin has over a decade of experience working in STI/HIV prevention in Central Indiana. He started his career as an Outreach Clinic Technician at Bell Flower Clinic in 2013, providing HIV testing and counseling services to at-risk populations. He then was promoted to working as a Disease Intervention Specialist, tracing contacts of people diagnosed with STIs and HIV to provide testing, counseling, and treatment information. Before joining the Step-Up, Inc team full-time, Ervin had a brief case management role at Damien Center, providing comprehensive services and care coordination to people living with HIV. At the same time, he was working part-time at Step-Up, Inc as a National HIV Behavioral and Surveillance (NHBS) Field Interviewer for the NHBS team’s last cycle in the summer/fall of 2023. Through his various roles, Ervin has gained a wealth of knowledge about STI and HIV prevention, testing, and care that he utilizes to help improve the health of his community. As a person living with HIV, he is thankful for the opportunity to use his expertise to provide prevention education and awareness to the community regarding HIV/STI and stigma. His passion is ensuring that at-risk populations have access to the resources and information they need to live long, healthy lives.
KACI LAKE
NHBS FIELD INTERVIEWER
Kaci is a newer member of Step-Up, having just started a few weeks ago. She is originally from the east coast but has been living in Indianapolis, Indiana since 2011. Her current role involves working as a part of the NHBS team as a field interviewer. Kaci’s journey in harm reduction began by volunteering with the Never Alone Project, where she graduated with the first cohort class, specializing in harm reduction. She is currently enrolled at Colorado Technical University, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kaci enjoys spending her free time in her garden, tending to her chickens, playing MMO games on her Xbox and hanging out with her toy poodle, Buttons. Kaci brings dedication, passion, and a commitment to positive impact to her work at Step-Up.
KEVIN CARSON
CONNECTIONS PLUS PREVENTION COORDINATOR
Kevin Carson is originally from Gary, IN. During his free time, he enjoys hanging out with family and friends. Kevin also likes to cook, eat, and watch tv. His favorite color is lavender, and he loves Chinese food especially orange chicken from Panda Express. Kevin was in the military from 1997 to 2000. By being in the military during the times of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, he got passionate about the LGBTQ+ community thriving towards more success and putting a stop to all stereotypes against the community. Kevin hopes to strive in this MSM Cycle 2023.
KIPP MORGAN
TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
Kipp Morgan started his career in community work promptly after graduating from Indiana Wellness College. With a license in Sports and Spa Massage Therapy, he tailored his practice to provide services to marginalized individuals in a safe and healing environment. In the beginning of 2023, Kipp Morgan Massage found an office to call home at Connected in Community. Through his experience as a transgender man of color, Kipp has often found himself helping clients, mutuals, and friends as an amateur gender affirming liaison. When he has spare time, Kipp enjoys writing scripts and performing on stage and screen. He also enjoys touching grass, dancing with his wife cuddling up with his Sphynx cat and Shiba Inu.
KUIRSEL KELSO
NHBS FIELD INTERVIEWER
Kuirsel brings a rich and varied background to their work, rooted in agriculture but extending across industries like construction, mechanics, and the service industry. As a sexual abuse and cult survivor on their own healing journey, Kuirsel has learned how to use their empathy as a powerful tool – which now drives their work in the non-profit sector.
Passionate about advocating for the Trans/Non-binary and Queer community, as well as promoting sexual health and wellness, Kuirsel has dedicated themselves to volunteering with multiple organizations. Their commitment and experience has led them to a vital role with Step-Up, Inc. as part of the NHBS program, where they continue to make a meaningful impact.
LAKEYSHIA JOHNSON
CONNECT TO CURE TESTING COORDINATOR
Johnson graduated in the summer of 2008 from Brown Mackie College as a Certificate Medical Assistant. After graduating, she decided to begin another career as a Customer Service Representative in 2008 to 2013 where she liked to help people. In 2013 she began at Ally Bank where she quickly excelled to team lead and then the nighttime Operation Manager until 2018, while there she was able to learn how the banking and finance system works. After 10 years in Customer Service Johnson decided to try another career path as a receptionist for Rolls Royce from 2018 to 2021. In 2021 Johnson decided that it was time to start helping people directly, so she went to a Non-Profit Organization as an independent contractor for Harm Reduction where she enjoyed her work and helping people from 2021 to 2023. Johnson started working for an organization to start helping people more directly as a YTG Wellness Navigator in June of 2023. Johnson loves helping her clients directly with linkage to care as well as daily life skills to help them become the person they always dreamed to be. Johnson as of 2024 works as the Connect to Cure Testing Coordinator which she plans to retire from as she sees a future with this organization.
LILIANA DOMINGUEZ
NHBS FIELD INTERVIEWER
Liliana has been working at Step-Up as a NHBS Field Interviewer for her second year. She is delighted to be part of the Step-Up team and excited to continue this community work. Outside of work Liliana’s hobbies are watching movies, dancing, spending time with his friends and food. Her favorite food is Mexican food.
MATT SEYMOUR
NHBS FIELD SITE SUPERVISOR
Matt started his time with Leap-In as an interviewer during the 2022 PWID cycle and is continuing his work as the Lead Interviewer during the 2023 MSM cycle. Since joining this project Matt has been involved with providing testing services all throughout Marion County. In his free time, he enjoys playing videogames, reading, and hanging out with his friends. His favorite color changes all the time but is currently blue, and his favorite thing to eat is a nice BBQ burger.
MANUEL GONZALEZ-CARRASCO
NHBS PROGRAM MANAGER
Manuel (Manny) Gonzalez-Carrasco started his HIV services career in New Mexico as a Housing Non-Medical Case Worker. The position was temporary, but Manny fell in love with the work and the difference he was making in his community. In September 2020 Manny moved back to Indianapolis and continued his journey in the HIV field. In Spring of 2022, Manny transitioned into the NHBS Manager role and has managed the LEAP IN program since then. The program brought top numbers in it’s first year in Indiana. Manny hopes to continue to bring focus to social issues that include the Latinx/Ingenious, LGBTQ+, and the many other underserved communities in Indy.
MICHAEL ROBINSON
TESTING MANAGER
Michael has several years of experience in the customer service field and is great at creating a safe and comfortable space for someone to obtain testing services. He has been certified by both Red Cross and Indiana State Department of Health as a HIV/AIDS instructor, counselor, tester. Michael has been with Step-Up since 2013.
RACHEL BIDDLE
CONNECTIONS PLUS PROGRAM MANAGER
Rachel studied Community Health at IUPUI, graduating in 2021. She found a love for this work through Dr. Carrie Foote’s AIDS in Society course. She served as an Ending the Epidemic AmeriCorps Member from 2021-2022 at Step-Up where she found a passion for prevention and outreach. Through this, she came to understand the importance of meeting people where they’re at and connecting community members to supportive services. After AmeriCorps she joined the Step-Up Prevention team full time. Her favorite part of her job is doing street outreach and connecting with people. Rachel values the education she can share with the community to reduce HIV/STI stigma. She is happy to be at Step-up and looks forward to continuing her professional growth. In her free time Rachel loves spending time with her nieces and friends.
SYLVIA THOMAS
HARM REDUCTION MANAGER
Sylvia Thomas has been with Step-Up since May 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in U.S. History. In her career, she has worked as a case manager assisting people living with HIV, an HIV Prevention Educator, and a Harm Reduction Manager. Sylvia is also an Artist and Public Life Resident in Garfield Park for Big Car Collaborative. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with chosen family, watching movies, reading, travelling, and performing.
RE-ENTRY SERVICES
CHAD WILLIAMS
REENTRY COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
Chad Williams is honored to be a part of the Step-Up Team as the Reentry Community Health Worker. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and graduating from Kentucky State University with a bachelor’s in arts, specializing in Public Administration and Vocal Performance, I have a passion for being a voice for the unheard and beauty for the arts. I enjoy fulfilling my duties as a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and embodying our motto, “Culture for service and service for humanity.” In my leisure time, I enjoy performing and singing in various arenas, working out at the gym, and being a dog dad.
CHRISTINE EASLEY
REENTRY MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
Christine graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from Indiana State University. Christine is currently attending IUPUI to obtain her Master’s in Social Work as well as becoming LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) . Christine has had 4 years of professional experience working in the field of case management. Christine enjoys self care activities; exercising, yoga, canvas painting, traveling and spending time with friends and family. “Self care is how you take your power back”
EMILY LEFFEW
HEP LINK COORDINATOR
Emily joined Step-Up in January 2024 as a Practicum Student and a Heplink Care Coordinator in March 2024. Emily will graduate with her bachelor’s in social work with a minor in Spanish in May 2024. Prior to working at Step Up, she volunteered at Recovery Cafe Muncie and Second Harvest Food Bank. She is excited to get started in the field with Step Up! Emily is always listening to music and in her free time she enjoys hiking, spending time with friends, and live music.
J. JOHNSON
FORENSIC CARE COORDINATOR
J. Johnson serves as a Forensic Care Coordinator, offering person-centered, community-based services to individuals with criminal justice involvment. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y, Mr. Johnson is a combat veteran of the U.S. Army. During his military career he traveled extensively both domestically and abroad, residing in Europe for ten years. During his career he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Maryland. After his civilian career which included over twenty years of both corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Mr. Johnson now focuses his energies on social service as exemplified through his personal motto “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
JESSICA BEYER
PEP PROGRAM MANAGER
Jessica is excited to work with Step-Up! She began working with the Indiana Peer Education Program, INPEP, and Step-Up while incarcerated in Indiana Department of Correction in 2019. Upon her release from IDOC, Jessica knew she wanted to help others and continue her journey to help others with criminal justice involvement. Jessica wants others to feel how she felt during her time in INPEP – not judged or belittled, but part of a team and fully accepted. In her free time, she enjoys goofing around with her son and taking mini vacations to explore with her husband. She also enjoys training dogs and cooking!
KEVIN HENRY
PEER EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Kevin began working with the first INPEP team while still incarcerated and filled that role for five years until his release. Now, he is thrilled to be working at StepUp as a Peer Education Program Specialist with the outside team and hopes to help futher our goals and outreach. He wants everyone to feel the acceptance, support and purpose that he has with this program. Kevin holds degrees from Ball State and Ivy Tech in Addictions Counseling, Philosophy and Sociology, and is also a CCHW.
KRIS ROEHLING
HEPLINK PROGRAM MANAGER
Kris is a graduate of Rollins College with a BS in Psychology. She has decades of experience as a Recovery Coach, Community Health Worker, and Human Rights Advocate. Kris joined the staff of Step-Up in March of 2020 as the HepLink Care Coordinator and now serves as the HepLink Team Lead to ensure that people in Central Indiana gain access to treatment and get the cure for Hep C. Kris is passionate about evidence-based, integrated, person-centered models of care including syringe access, SBIRT, Motivational Interviewing, overdose reversal, harm reduction and housing first models of care.
LORENZO BELL
PEP PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Lorenzo joined INPEP in August of 2019 while incarcerated at the Indiana Department of Corrections. He has restarted his journey with Step-Up after a short break to further his education. During this time, he obtained his Certification in Peer Recovery Coaching. He has joined the team as a PEP Program Specialist. Lorenzo is passionate about inspiring, educating, and being a resource for incarcerated individuals, during and after their incarceration. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, working out, and spending time with his family.
TALESA HOWELL
HEP LINK COORDINATOR
Talesa Howell began her role as a HepLink Care Coordinator in April of 2024. Prior to her time with Step-Up, Inc. Talesa served as the Webmaster and Program Manager for Indiana Department of Correction. Her hard work and dedication has been recognized as a 2020 Award Recipient for TechPoint Mira awards for Community Impact through IDOC, a 2021 NCIA Keynote panelist/speaker, and the 2022 Commissioners Rising Star. Talesa looks forward to graduation with an associates in applied sciences with studies in biotechnology this May. She believes it to be a great honor to be among so many talented individuals with one purpose, to bring hope, encouragement, and education. Talesa volunteers her time serving at-risk youth in her community, and loves to laugh, dance, play frisbee, roller-skate, and hopes to own a Sphynx one day.
TOMMY CHITTENDEN
PEP ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Tommy, originally from Florida, pursued Youth Ministry at Atlanta Christian College in 1970 before settling in Plainfield, Indiana, in 1977. Apart from a brief stint in Seattle, WA, he’s been rooted in Indiana ever since. With two sons and a growing family, Tommy’s life revolves around his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Transitioning from youth ministry to a 25-year career in the Travel Industry, Tommy later served in AmeriCorps at Step-Up, ultimately becoming the Director of Reentry. Tommy built the foundation for the program that exists today. After semi-retirement, he worked in various prevention-focused roles until returning to Step-Up in January 2024. As the PEP Engagement Specialist, Tommy works with Peer Education Program graduates on the threshold of re-entry to community and family life……and it is good to be “back home.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ERIC DAVID
Board Chair
JOHN RANDOLPH
VICE CHAIR & SECRETARY
JON MARKEE
TREASURER
RICH FARMER
Member
MARISSA MILLER
Member
BRYN JACKSON
Member
Tracey Jackson
Member
Catherine Kibiger
Member
Heather Dane
Member
Tracey Jackson
Member
Dusty Ferguson
Member
Heather Dane
Member
