ADMINISTRATION & QUALITY MANAGEMENT
MICHAEL MARTIN DRAIN, MSIL, OWDS
PRESIDENT & CEO
Michael Martin Drain is the President and CEO of Step-Up, Inc., a 20+ year agency dedicated to improving the health of underserved and marginalized communities. Under his leadership, Step-Up expands access to prevention, education, case management, and counseling services while tackling stigma and inequity.
Beyond Step-Up, Michael serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Fathers and Families Center and is the newest Board Member for the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. Michael also serves on the NAESM Board of Directors (Atlanta, GA), where he helps advance national conversations on health equity and community empowerment.
With a background spanning corrections, workforce development, and higher education, Michael has created pathways for returning citizens, secured critical funding, and forged partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Holding an M.S. in Leadership & Management and a Bachelor’s from IUPUI, he brings vision, advocacy, and impact to every role—driving change that opens doors and transforms lives.
Brody Stahl
Director of Finance
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing, Brody began building a strong foundation in finance through experience in both banking and agency environments. Bringing thoughtful and strategic mindset, Brody joins the Step-Up, Inc. team to support the organization’s mission and contribute to long-term, positive impact. Outside of work, Brody values time spent with family and friends, staying active, and cheering on the Pacers and Fever.
HANNAH KISTLER, MSW, LCSW
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES
Hannah joined Step-Up, Inc. in 2012 as a Non-Medical Case Manager and transitioned into the role of Director of Client Services in 2016. Hannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Anderson University. She brings more than 15 years of experience in HIV client services and is passionate about supporting individuals and communities impacted by HIV. 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.
SHERIKA SIDES, MPH
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND PREVENTION
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.
Talesa Howell
Clinical Quality Manager
Talesa joined Step-Up, Inc. as a HepLink Care Coordinator in April 2024. Before stepping into this role, she served as System Administrator and Program Manager for the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), where her dedication and impact were widely recognized. She was honored as a 2020 TechPoint Mira Award recipient for Community Impact through IDOC, a 2021 NCIA Keynote panelist and speaker, and the 2022 Commissioner’s Rising Star.
Talesa graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2026. Talesa has a passion for Social Justice a She considers it a great honor to work alongside talented individuals who share a common mission—bringing hope, encouragement, and education to those they serve.
MANUEL GONZALEZ-CARRASCO
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
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 has been leading research in numbers since its inception in Indiana. In July of 2026, Manny transitioned into the Development & Fundraising Manager and hopes to grow in this administrative position. Manny hopes to continue to bring focus to social issues that include the Latinx/Ingenious, LGBTQ+, and the many other underserved communities in Indy.
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
JAKE DEAN, MSW, LCSW
Case Management Supervisor & 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.
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 SMITH
NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGER
Alli joined Step-Up in 2024 after a lifelong interest in mental health services and the LGBT+ Community. In 2021, 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 in childcare, hospitality, and fostering animals. In her free time, Alli enjoys spending time with her cats and husband, as well as gardening and reading her expansive book collection.
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.
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.
EMILY GRESE, MSW, LCSW
SENIOR HOUSING CASE MANAGER & INTERN SUPERVISOR
Emily graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2017 and a Master’s in Social Work in 2018. She joined Step Up as an intern in February 2017 and was hired later that year as a Non-Medical Case Manager. Emily now serves as the Senior Housing Case Manager and Intern Supervisor, where she not only supports clients in securing stable housing but also oversees and mentors social work interns. She is passionate about guiding students through their field placements, helping them grow professionally and gain confidence in their skills. In her free time, Emily enjoys playing with her dog, baking, and exploring different parks around the city.
BAILIE WOODS
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Bailie graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor's in Nonprofit Management. After college, she found herself working in property management, where she slowly realized she would rather be on the supportive side of housing. She is well versed in housing policy, particularly tenant right and fair housing, and focuses her time on tenant advocacy and developing strong landlord-tenant relationships. Outside of Step-Up, Bailie enjoys spending time with her wife and their growing zoo of pets, learning how to cook, and traveling as much as possible. She looks forward to continuing her work alongside her team at Step-Up, and expanding her knowledge and network throughout Indy!
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.
OUTREACH, PREVENTION & TESTING SERVICES
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.
KEVIN CARSON
TESTING MANAGER
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.
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.
CHYANNE JONES
CONNECTIONS PLUS PREP NAVIGATOR
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.
LAKEYSHIA JOHNSON
HRSO Street Outreach Supervisor
Lakeyshia Johnson earned her Medical Assistant certificate from Brown Mackie College in 2008. She began her professional career in customer service, where she discovered her passion for helping others. In 2013, she joined Ally Bank and quickly advanced to Team Lead and later Night Operations Manager, gaining valuable leadership experience and knowledge of banking and finance.
After ten years in customer service, Lakeyshia transitioned to a receptionist role with Rolls-Royce before pursuing more direct, community-centered work. From 2021 to 2023, she worked as an independent harm reduction contractor for a nonprofit organization. In June 2023, she became a Wellness Navigator, connecting clients to care and helping them develop practical life skills.
Since 2024, Lakeyshia has served as the Connect to Cure Testing Coordinator. She is committed to helping clients overcome barriers, access essential services, and become the people they have always envisioned themselves to be.
MICHAEL ROBINSON
TESTING COORDINATOR
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.
ESTRELLA ARIAS
OUTREACH & TESTING COORDINATOR
Estrella Arias is excited to join Step-Up as a Field Interviewer with the NHBS team. She recently moved to Indianapolis from Mexico, where She spent over nine years working in the tourism and customer service industries in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. She truly looking forward to being and growing as part of the Step-Up team, learning more about the community, and contributing to its mission. Outside of work, She enjoys cycling, working out, dancing, traveling, and caring for animals and plants.
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 and 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 in 2013, providing HIV testing and counseling services to at-risk populations. He was then promoted to working as a Disease Intervention Specialist. Before joining Step-Up, Inc team full-time, Ervin worked 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. His passion is ensuring that at-risk populations have access to the resources and information they need to live long, healthy lives.
SYLVIA THOMAS
Health Intervention Program 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.
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.
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.
Colette Wolfe
NHBS Interviewer
Colette is so excited to be coming back to Step-Up to work on the NHBS team for the 2026 MSM cycle. She is returning from working on the NHBS team last year for the HET cycle and looks forward to bringing her previous interviewing experience, training, and knowledge as well as her limitless passion for serving the community of Indianapolis to help lead the team to another top placement amongst the 22 participating US cities that work with the CDC to administer surveys and collect community data that leads to the innovation of HIV prevention measures each year. Colette is so grateful to have the opportunity to engage with, educate, and support the Indianapolis community at the local sites and venues partnering with Step-Up this year. She loves the people she works with like family and can’t wait to see what this year has in store for her and Step-Up.
RE-ENTRY SERVICES
EMMA MCKEE
MSW, LSW
Emma graduated from Indiana University with both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees. She began her journey with Step Up, Inc. as an intern in 2025 and later joined the organization as a HepLink Care Coordinator. Emma is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who is passionate about providing compassionate, trauma-informed care and connecting individuals with resources that promote stability, wellness, and empowerment. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog, baking, and spending time outdoors.
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.
RACHEL MAXEY
HEP LINK COORDINATOR
Rachel Maxey is a proud lifelong Hoosier with deep roots in Indianapolis. She brings a diverse background in human services, healthcare, health information management, and community outreach. As a Hepatitis C Care Coordinator with Step Up, Inc., Rachel supports individuals affected by Hepatitis C through care coordination, education, treatment navigation, community outreach, and connections to medical and social resources. She is also passionate about HIV and Hepatitis C testing, prevention, and reducing barriers to care.
Rachel earned her Associate Degree in Human Services from Ivy Tech Community College in Spring 2025 and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at IU Indianapolis, with plans to graduate in Spring 2027.
Through her professional and academic experiences, Rachel has developed a strong commitment to advocacy, health equity, and community-based support. She is passionate about helping people navigate barriers and connecting them with the resources and opportunities they need to achieve healthier, more stable futures.
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 INHOLT
PEP PROGRAM MANAGER
Jessica Inholt is the Program Manager for the Indiana Peer Education Program (INPEP) and Outside Peer Education Program (OUTPEP) at Step-Up Inc. Drawing from her lived experience and professional expertise, Jessica is passionate about peer education, reentry support, and serving at-risk and underserved communities. She is committed to empowering others to recognize their strengths, build healthy connections, and advocate for themselves and their communities. Jessica is a Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Public Health Peer Educator, Mental Health First Aid certified, and an Indiana Forensic Peer Support Specialist. Outside of work, she enjoys creating new experiences with her son, traveling, being in nature, and cooking.
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. 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.”
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.
VERONICA HOLLOWAY
PEP PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Veronica is originally from Fort Wayne, IN. She has one adult son. After completing her A.A.S. in Software Applications and Programming, Veronica spent almost a decade in social services, working as a Residential Care Staff member, Intake Coordinator, and Case Manager at a women’s transitional living house. She then worked as a Skills Technician for a nonprofit behavioral health organization. Veronica is excited to serve her community as a PEP Program Specialist at Step Up. She was first introduced to INPEP while incarcerated and is thankful to have the opportunity to use the skills she developed to serve others and further her education. Her passion for service extends beyond her professional life. Veronica served on the worship team for 6 years and in various other roles at her church. Veronica loves to help people, sing, read, workout, and spend time with her loved ones.
AMANDA HORTON
PEP EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Amanda Horton is a PEP Education Specialist on the Reentry Team, where she facilitates OUTPEP and Power Through Choices education. She provides evidence-based, age-appropriate sexual health education through interactive presentations for youth and other impacted communities in partnership with community organizations. Amanda educates on healthy relationships, consent, communication, sexual health, STI prevention, harm reduction, testing, and community resources. She is passionate about empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and build healthier communities. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors, playing sports, and making memories with her family.
DEVANTE GILBERT
PEP Program Specialist
Devante began his journey with the Indiana Peer Education Program (INPEP) while incarcerated in the Indiana Department of Correction. After his release, he joined OUTPEP and later became a full-time member of the Step-Up team, where he is dedicated to serving the community he loves and helping uplift humanity as the PEP Program Specialist.
Devante is passionate about supporting others through recovery, personal growth, and positive change. He is a Certified Advanced Practitioner in Meditation through The Center of Mind Body Medicine and serves as a Sheik within his Islamic community.
CATHRINE KIBIGER
MEMBER
JON MARKEE
TREASURE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ERIC DAVID
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
TRACEY JACKSON
VICE PRESIDENT
JOHN RANDOLPH
VICE CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY
BRYN JACKSON
MEMBER
HEATHER DANE
MEMBER
MARISSA MILLER
MEMBER
SHAMIKA ANDERSON
MEMBER
DUSTY FERGUSON
MEMEBR