Western Region: WTAADAC
WTAADAC is the Western Regional Affilliate of The Tennessee Association for Addiction Professionals (TAADAC). We are your local connection to The National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to education, and advocacy for our members.
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If you are a professional or peer supporter in West Tennessee working or volunteering in the field of substance-use treatment we invite you to connect with our organization. We are committed to serving the needs of our members as they strive to provide the best treatment, therapy, and support for individuals and families struggling with substance-use disorders and other co-occurring behavioral health challenges.
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WTAADAC Regional President:
2025 Conference Presenters
Karen Morgan - is a licensed addictions counselor in Tennessee with over 30 years of clinical experience. She is nationally certified as a Master Counselor through NAADAC and holds a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) certificate. Specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, Karen places strong emphasis on trauma informed care. She currently holds the role of Executive Director at Grace House of Memphis and has a part time private practice with Hope Enrichment Center
John Burke - has been committed to supporting individuals in overcoming addiction since beginning his career in the behavioral health field in 2017. His personal experience in long-term recovery informs his approach, allowing him to offer a unique perspective and deep empathy in his work. With a strong background in working with justice-involved populations, John has gained extensive experience in Shelby County’s Treatment Courts, assisting individuals as they navigate the recovery process. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Recovery Coach at CAAP within the State Opioid Response (SOR) Program, where he provides critical guidance, support, and resources to individuals striving to achieve and sustain long-term recovery.
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Todd Hickman, LCSW-Private Practice Clinician
Todd Hickman is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly three decades of experience in the mental health field. Based in Franklin, Tennessee, Todd has been in private practice since 1988, working with individuals, couples, and families to support emotional well-being, personal growth, and healing. Todd continues to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client's unique story and challenges. IN addition to his clinical work, Todd serves on the board of the Community Enrichment Program (CEP), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities or those who thrive outside traditional definitions of success. His work with CEP reflects his deep commitment to inclusion, dignity, and helping people discover their purpose.
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Charles Winton LPC, EMDR II
Charles Winton is a licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR Level ii practitioner with over two decades of experience in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and mental health advocacy. Known for his calm, grounded presence and clinical insight, Charles specializes in helping individuals heal from complex trauma through evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices. He is passionate about equipping both clients and clinicians with tools for sustainable emotional wellness and recovery. Charles continues to be a sought-after speaker and trainer across the Southeast, bringing clarity, compassion, and clinical excellence to every space he serves.
Dr. Tanjala Gibson - Pediatric neurologist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, I am director of the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Clinic at the Boling Center for Disabilities and director of the TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders Clinic at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. My patient care emphases include tuberous sclerosis complex, adults and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and behavioral concerns and disruptive behaviors such as aggression and self-injury.
William Drury is a seasoned behavioral health leader specializing in addiction recovery program development and clinical staff training. His work focuses on integrated care models that promote lasting recovery outcomes.
Bishop Fredrick Gillam Jr., LPC-MHSP, LMFT
Bishop Fredrick Gillam Jr. is a respected mental helth professional, marriage advocate and ministry leader wth over a decade of clinical experience. He is dually licensed as a LPC-MHSP in Tennessee and Mississippi and as an LMFT in Tennesseess. As a seasoned AAFT Aproved Supervisor, he provides training and mentorshio for clinicians and faith leaders alike.
Stacy Dodd, CEO is a certified addiction interventionist, author, and nonprofit leader. As the founder of The Hope and current Territory Manager for Woodland Recovery Center, he mentors at-risk youth and champions restorative programs. Stacy was named Man of the Year (2022) by the Southern Chamber of Commerce.
Angela Quadrani, LMSW
Angela Quadrani is a licensed Master Social Workr and dynamic behavioral healthcare professional witha passion for empowering individuals and organizations towards growth, healing, and sustainable development. Withexpertise in trauma-informed care, leadership coaching, and systems-level support, Angela brings a thoughful, strenghts-based approach to every environamnt she serves Her work bridges clinical excellence with comapssionate leadership, makingher a trusted voice in behavioral healthand organozational wellness. Angela is dedicated to fostering environmantes where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Tommy Corman is a Peer Recovery Specialist who's personal through addiction and recovery fuels his commitment to supporting others inn similar battles. With a passion for peer-led support. Tommy brings authenticity, empathy, and lived experience this work in the recovery community, He is known for his ability to connect deeply with individuals navigated trauma, substance use, and reentry offering.
Scot Brewer,
Scot has been in the SUD/MH field for over 15 years. He has held positions from Behavioral Health Tech to SUD Counselor. Scot pursued education to broaden his scope in his chosen field. He is now a Master's Level Clinician, who works in the field attempting to find placement for anyone with SUD/MH issues he encounters.
Tanjala T. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Gibson is an internally recognized expert, neurologist and neurodevelopmental disabilities specialist who lends uncommon expertise to the field. After serving at Johns Hopkins and Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD, she decided to focus on underserved populations of individuals in Memphis, TN and surrounding areas.
Doug Smith , BS, CADC II-Founder & Developer: Innovative Realities, has a BS in Psychology from Eastern Oregon University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II. Doug has innovated many modern approaches to treatment services, including a developing new patient-centered treatment model. He developed the Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT) model and speaks nationally to professionals in the field about its positive outcomes. Doug is the recipient of the Oregon Association of Addiction Professional of the Year Community Service Award. He is a member of the Oregon NAADAC board, serves on the NAADAC- LGBTQIA2+ committee, and is also a NAADAC approved education provider.
David Fuller has worked in the field of substance abuse treatment and/or prevention for almost 15 years. Most of those years have been in outpatient substance abuse programs, including intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) programs, both in Memphis, TN, and Alabama. David has been in his current role as a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) with the Memphis Area Prevention Coalition (MAPC) for 3 in a half years.
Violet Newborn, CPRS— Artist. Activist. Architect of Healing.
Violet Newborn is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Color Your Story Onto Mine (CYSOM), a Tennessee-based nonprofit and Recovery Faith-Based Initiative. Honored with NAMI’s 2025 Lionel Aldridge Champions Award, Violet is known for her compassionate leadership and innovative healing methods that blend art, faith, and emotional literacy. Through partnerships with TDMHSAS, TAMHO, and Shelby County Juvenile Courts, she empowers survivors of childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges to reclaim their stories through creativity, resilience, and connection.