Certified Clinical Supervisor of the Year
Carol Haller
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is proud to recognize Carol Haller, LMSW, CCS, CAADC as the recipient of the 2025 Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) of the Year Award.
Carol Haller is the Clinical Director at Recovery Services Unlimited, Inc. (RSU), where her commitment to compassionate, and evidence-based substance use disorder treatment has impacted both individuals in recovery and the professionals who serve them. With a master’s in social work from Western Michigan University and certifications as a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Carol exemplifies dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.
Her leadership at RSU has been pivotal in fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. Carol spearheaded numerous recovery awareness initiatives, including organizing community outreach programs and Recovery Night events, bridging the gap between substance use disorder treatment and public understanding. She has also developed valuable partnerships with local health departments, behavioral health agencies, and law enforcement to enhance harm reduction services and improve continuity of care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
“Carol’s commitment to the field and the people she serves is unmatched,” says Brandi Clanton, who nominated Carol for this award. “She is a mentor, a resource, and an advocate, consistently prioritizing the well-being of both her clients and her staff.”
Carol’s efforts extend beyond clinical services. She has been a trailblazer in expanding recovery pathways, introducing peer recovery coaching, gender-specific groups, and trauma-informed therapies to RSU’s offerings. Additionally, her work in workforce training and development has equipped addiction professionals with the skills needed to address co-occurring disorders, crisis intervention, and harm reduction strategies.
As a mentor and supervisor, Carol has shaped the careers of numerous substance use disorder professionals, providing clinical supervision and guidance to staff and interns. Her structured supervision models have been instrumental in staff retention and professional growth, while fostering an environment of continued success.
Her advocacy for workforce improvement, policy change, and expanded access to recovery services has positioned Carol as a respected leader. Her track record of client success stories speaks volumes about the the impact of her work.
Carol’s professional and personal wellness practices further enhance her effectiveness as a clinician and leader. She models work-life balance, ensuring she remains support for her team.
Carol Haller’s commitment to innovation, mentorship, and advocacy, paired with her leadership at RSU, makes her an outstanding recipient of the 2025 MCBAP Certified Clinical Supervisor of the Year Award. Her work benefits countless individuals, families, and professionals across Michigan. Congratulations, Carol!
Certified Clinical Supervisor of the Year Past Winners
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Year
Ken Heuvelman
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is proud to recognize Ken Heuvelman, MS, LPC, CCS, CAADC, NCC as the recipient of the 2025 Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) of the Year Award. Based on this, he was nominated for and also won the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) International Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC) Professional of the Year for 2025!
Ken currently serves as an outpatient therapist at Professional Counseling Center (PCC) and is the owner of Ad Populum Consulting & Counseling, where he brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to his clinical work—one shaped by personal experience, academic rigor, and a deep commitment to the behavioral health field.
A tireless leader, Ken has dedicated his career to improving access to high-quality substance use disorder services. Prior to his current role, Ken served as the SUD Director for Region 10 PIHP and as a Clinical Coordinator with Port Huron Odyssey House (PHOH). With PHOH he developed and expanded innovative programming like a Quick Response Team (QRT), partnering Peer Recovery Coaches with law enforcement to provide outreach and care after overdose events. With PCC he also played a key role in launching Michigan’s second SUD Family Support Program across five counties, supervising new CADC development plan staff to deliver in-home services for families with child welfare involvement who are impacted by substance use.
Ken’s contributions to community engagement are equally remarkable. He chaired the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Workgroup within the St. Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body, supported naloxone distribution campaigns through the St. Clair County Health Department Harm Reduction program, and volunteered as a coach for his son’s baseball team. His advocacy extended to the state level, where he testified on House Bill 5077 to expand naloxone access and ran for State Representative of District 64 in 2024.
A dual Master’s degree holder in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ken maintains numerous credentials and has specialized training in areas such as crisis de-escalation, multicultural humility, and motivational interviewing. His work with Michigan State University and the ACORN research network helped create a SUD Health Equity Report Card and conduct a landscape analysis of services in St. Clair County.
According to nominator Carrie Plahutnik, “Ken leads by doing. He doesn’t just talk about solutions—he creates them. He’s the kind of professional who says yes when others hesitate.”
Ken’s influence reaches beyond service delivery; he has mentored countless new clinicians, supported MCBAP development plan candidates, and presented at state and local conferences including the MDHHS SDOH Summit and the CMHAM SUD & Co-Occurring Disorders Conference.
From being a person served to becoming a provider, clinical supervisor, and respected leader in the field, Ken’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, service, and excellence in addiction care. MCBAP and IC&RC are honored to celebrate his contributions with these well-deserved awards. Congratulations, Ken!
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Year Past Winners
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Year
Larry Edwards
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is proud to present Larry Edwards as the recipient of the MCBAP CADC of the Year award for 2025.
Larry Edwards, LLMSW, CCS-DP, CADC, CPRM, CPRC, serves as the Case Manager Supervisor at Sobriety House, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan. With over a decade of dedicated service in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), Larry is recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals on their path to healing.
Larry’s professional journey in SUD treatment began when he enrolled in the Wayne County Community College Addiction Studies program; an experience that he describes as transformative. He has an MBA in Finance and a master’s degree in social work. He holds an LLMSW and multiple credentials including the CCS-DP, CADC, CPRM, and CPRC. Each of these achievements reflects his commitment to continuous education in the field of SUD, ensuring that every individual he serves receives evidence-based, high-quality, and compassionate care.
At Sobriety House, Larry has facilitated therapeutic groups since 2014 and now supervises a team of professionals. He serves on the organization’s Quality Compliance Committee, driving innovation to meet workforce and community needs. In 2017, he was honored as Department Head of the Year for his outstanding contributions
Larry is also engaged in advocacy and community leadership. He serves as a Precinct Delegate for the 12th Congressional District Democratic Convention, is an active member of the NASW-Michigan Chapter Social Justice Anti-Racism Committee and contributes to initiatives with the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee (PAC) program.
During his award acceptance, Larry emphasized that this honor reflects a shared mission: “This award isn’t just about me. It is a recognition of the collective effort of everyone in this great organization.” He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and mentors at Sobriety House, including CEO Dana Smith and Clinical Director Virdell Thomas, and encouraged continued advocacy. “Addiction is a complex challenge, but recovery is possible. Let’s continue to challenge stigma, advocate for accessible treatment, and empower individuals to find their path to recovery.”
We are honored to recognize Larry Edwards for his outstanding service, professionalism, and impact on the field of addiction treatment in Michigan. Congratulations, Larry!
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Year Past Winners
Certified Prevention Consultant of the Year
Lisa Peeples-Hurst
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is proud to honor Lisa Peeples-Hurst as the recipient of the 2025 Certified Prevention Consultant (CPC) of the Year Award.
Lisa Peeples-Hurst serves as the Public Health Promotion & Prevention Supervisor at the Berrien County Health Department, where she has worked for over two decades to advance public health, substance use prevention, and community wellness. With more than 24 years of experience, Lisa leads the daily management of prevention services and initiatives for the county, fostering collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practice throughout her work.
Lisa holds the Certified Prevention Consultant (CPC) credential through MCBAP She is a trainer in several evidence-based prevention models, including the SPF Application for Prevention Success (SAPST), Prevention Core Competencies, Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS), and Narcan administration. Her dedication to professional development is evident through her leadership roles on the Berrien County Opioid Settlement Taskforce and her facilitation of initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in her region.
Her ability to inspire others is demonstrated through her long-standing leadership in prevention coalitions and professional associations. Lisa is the Chair of the Voice. Change. Hope. Alliance—Berrien County’s Substance Use Disorder Prevention Coalition—and has served in leadership roles within the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD), the Michigan Prevention Association, the Michigan “Do Your Part” underage drinking workgroup and the MCBAP Prevention Committee. Appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Black Leadership Advisory Council Health Committee, Lisa has advised on statewide health policy recommendations.
Lisa’s innovative spirit has directly impacted her community. She played a central role in securing a Narcan vending machine for Berrien County and co-created the award-winning “Get the Dirt on Weed” campaign, a prevention initiative aimed at reducing underage marijuana use. This campaign earned the 2024 PROOF Gold Award from the Public Relations Society of America/Sabo Marketing Company for “Most Effective Campaign on a Shoestring Budget.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lisa is deeply committed to community service. She is a Diamond-Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Alumnae Chapter, where she also serves as Chaplain and Past President. She is the National First Vice President of Charms, Inc., a civic organization funding local and national nonprofit efforts, and continues to mentor and support others in the prevention workforce.
Lisa Peeples-Hurst exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and innovation. Her lifelong commitment to community health and prevention makes her a deserving recipient of the 2025 MCBAP Certified Prevention Consultant of the Year Award. Congratulations, Lisa!
Certified Prevention Consultant of the Year Past Winners
Certified Prevention Specialist of the Year
Leigh Moerdyke
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is proud to recognize Leigh Moerdyke, CPS-M, as the 2025 Certified Prevention Specialist of the Year.
Leigh Moerdyke, CPS-M, serves as the Prevention and Advocacy Program Director for Arbor Circle; overseeing the agency’s prevention services across 5 counties including; Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo and Ottawa Counties. She has been a dedicated leader in the field of substance use prevention for over 18 years. Throughout her career, Leigh has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of youth and families through evidence-based, community-centered strategies. Under her leadership, the Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has seen measurable outcomes, including significant increases in the average age of first use of alcohol, marijuana, and vaping products, and a reduction in youth being provided alcohol by legal-aged adults.
Holding a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and a CPS-M credential since 2009, Leigh is recognized statewide not only for her leadership but also for her dedication to training and mentoring others. She recently became a Certified Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Trainer, helping professionals across Michigan reconnect to the CSAP Core Strategies for Community Change. Her dedication to learning and sharing knowledge extends far beyond her job description—she is also certified as a MI-ACE Community Champion, HOPE Facilitator, QPR Trainer, Youth Thrive Trainer, SFPF Trainer, Mandated Reporter Trainer, and Period of Purple Crying Trainer. Each month, she leads educational sessions to ensure others benefit from these vital programs.
Leigh’s innovative leadership is most evident in the way she champions professional growth within her team. As her nominator Vicki Kavanaugh noted, “Leigh held both a practice test session and a session on how to navigate the Certemy process. In the past four months, we’ve had three staff take and pass the CPS exam!” Leigh’s efforts have created a culture of excellence, where emerging professionals are encouraged, supported, and inspired.
Described as “a leader that we all look to in Ottawa County,” Leigh continues to drive initiatives like the Youth Assessment Survey, Emerging Drug Trends workgroup, and youth advocacy efforts. She is known as the connector who transforms ideas into action, ensuring prevention remains a priority at every table.
Beyond her technical expertise, Leigh is a true mentor. Vicki reflected, “She has NEVER stopped trying to teach me to be a better preventionist, supervisor, or mentor myself. And she has done this for most of our staff, in different ways; she has helped each and every one of us be better at our jobs.”
Leigh Moerdyke’s influence is felt not just in the success of programs and data-driven outcomes, but in the growth of the people and communities she serves. MCBAP is honored to celebrate her exceptional contributions to prevention in Michigan.
Certified Prevention Specialist of the Year Past Winners
Certified Peer Recovery Mentor of the Year
Lauren Letzmann
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is proud to honor Lauren Letzmann, CPRC, CPRM, CPS-DP as the recipient of the 2025 MCBAP Certified Peer Recovery Mentor (CPRM) of the Year award. Lauren is the Project VOX Organizer at CARE of Southeastern Michigan, where her passion for advocacy, education, and recovery support is evident in everything she does.
Lauren leads with authenticity, compassion, and innovation. Through Project VOX, she has spearheaded public policy efforts, coordinated outreach and education efforts around substance use, and ensured that people in recovery and their families have access to safe, supportive environments. Her leadership was instrumental in the placement of multiple NaloxBoxes throughout Macomb County, including one at a state Senator’s office, providing free and potentially life-saving access to Naloxone.
Lauren’s work doesn’t stop at the office door. She is deeply engaged in the recovery community, helping to plan events and promote healing spaces. She also organizes sober outings through Project VOX, including trips to sporting events and art workshops at the Detroit Institute of Arts, creating meaningful connection and inclusion for individuals in recovery and their families.
Described as “a coworker that everyone dreams of having,” Lauren’s presence is deeply felt throughout her agency and the broader community. According to her nominator, Natalie Waske, “Her recovery story leaves the students, and even the adults in the room, in complete awe of her resilience and strength.” Lauren’s transparency and courage in sharing her lived experience with young people and professionals alike has inspired many to reimagine what recovery can look like.
Lauren is a Certified Peer Recovery Coach and Mentor, and she continues to expand her impact by pursuing certification as a Prevention Specialist. She is also earning her Bachelor of Science degree focused on Public Health at the University of Michigan—a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and service.
Whether mentoring others, speaking to youth about the possibilities of recovery, or collaborating with elected officials and coalitions across Macomb County, Lauren exemplifies the power of recovery and the importance of purpose-driven work. As Natalie so aptly stated, “Lauren is an advocate that is worthy of admiration.”
Congratulations to Lauren Letzmann, a true changemaker and the 2025 MCBAP CPRM of the Year.