Center for Addiction Prevention & Support

Steven Seiler, Ph.D., MSW, CPS I

Professor, Sociology
Director
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Dr. Steven Seiler is a sociological social psychologist and social worker. He began his career as a sociologist focused on general social research on the impact of social technology on the self and personal relationships. However, his professional focus shifted to community engagement in substance misuse prevention and recovery around 2015. Since then, he has worked closely with Power of Putnam on prevention effort on campus and in the community. Additionally, to further strengthen his knowledge and preparedness to serve our community, he pursued a Masters in Social Work and attended the CADCA’s National Coalition Academy. 

 

Elizabeth Ramsey, Ph.D., CFLE

Associate Professor, Human Ecology
Assistant Director of Evaluation Planning and Compliance
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After years working in the field as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), Family Mediator, Public School Educator, Women’s and Children’s Ministry Director, and Developmental Specialist, Dr. Ramsey is Assistant Professor at Tennessee Technological University in Human Ecology and serves as the Assistant Director of TN Tech Center for Addiction Prevention and Support.

Dr. Ramsey’s areas of research include Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS); training and education of foster parents; social health education in public school systems; implementation of Trauma Informed Care in helping professions; the mitigation and prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)– abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction; and building resilience in children and families who have experienced ACEs and/or trauma.

My Personal Why

At the peak of the national opioid crisis, I had a dear friend who was fostering an infant with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The baby spent a week in the NICU at Vanderbilt being treated for NAS. When he was released, he exhibited many symptoms of withdrawal including tremors, irritability, vomiting, blotchy skin, and high pitch inconsolable crying to name a few. I’ll never forget the first time I held him – tiny, shaking, unsettled, and reeking of vomit in my arms– I had this overwhelming urge to make a difference for him and all babies like him. But where do you start? The answer became clear after years of research: the moms–the baby had a birth mother who struggled with substance use, and her struggle did not just happen out of nowhere. She had a background of unimaginable trauma. Knowing that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma is a generational cycle and that SUDs are correlated with abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, I became a champion of prevention, recovery, and building resilience for all individuals and families.

 

Donna P. Vize, LMSW

Assistant Director of Program Operation

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Donna is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with extensive experience across multiple areas of social work and behavioral health services. She earned her MSW from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. Throughout her career, Donna has served as a domestic violence victim advocate, children's and adult care manager, and individual therapist. She spent nearly a decade working with the Warren County Tennessee Drug Court program, where she provided support and guidance to individuals navigating recovery and the justice system. Donna has also worked in pre-arrest diversion services and has served as a Mental Health First Aid trainer and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainer. Her professional experience includes suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and community education. She is an ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) trainer, Moral Reconation Therapy facilitator, and Intensive Outpatient Treament facilitator, bringing a compassionate and evidence-based approach to the individuals and communities she serves.

 

Matthew Silvey, JD, MSSW, LCSW

Lecturer, Department of Sociology & Political Science
Education Coordinator
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Matt Silvey is a social worker, attorney, and lecturer. His clinical experience includes community mental health, forensic social work in the public defense system, hospice care, and public guardianship, as well as private psychotherapy practice with individuals, couples, and families. He has provided legal representation to low-income and otherwise vulnerable citizens in the Upper Cumberland in a broad range of civil issues including divorce, domestic violence protective orders, debt collection defense, predatory lending practices, public housing and eviction defense, and administrative proceedings related to access to public health and benefits. He currently teaches social work values, concepts, and ethics, with a specific interest in the intersection of professional practice, public policy, and the justice system. Matt is a proud Tennessee Tech alum.

My Personal Why

In my professional work and in my personal life, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of substance misuse. Much of my career has been spent helping people navigate a complicated healthcare system and cope with the stress of change. Along the way, I have found that the most effective interventions reduce stigma, increase access to care and community, and create lasting support systems. That’s a big part of what we do at CAPS. I strongly believe that building and supporting inclusive communities for those seeking lasting recovery from substance misuse (as well as emotional and behavioral difficulties) is essential work in a just society.

 

Adrienne Lees

Senior Prevention Coordinator 
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Adrienne Lees graduated from Tennessee Tech in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with a focus on Human Development and Family Sciences. While at Tennessee Tech Adrienne earned the Outstanding Human Development and Family Science Student in 2023 award and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Adrienne is currently working towards her Master of Science in Social Work at The University of Tennessee – Knoxville.

My Personal Why

The reason I love working for The Center for Addiction Prevention and Support is because I personally lost many years of my life and beloved friends to addiction. I know firsthand how crucial support during your emerging adult years can be and providing that to Tennessee Tech’s college students and emerging adults in the community gives me great joy.

 

Garrett Travis

Support Coordinator

Garrett Travis is an undergraduate student in the Communications program with a concentration in Journalism. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran who worked as a Special Operations Capabilities Specialist - Communicator. He deployed to East Africa, supporting 1st Marine Raider Battalion in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia. He is an active member in the Student Veteran Organization and is expected to graduate in 2027.

My Personal Why

During my time in the military, I watched young men and woman lose everything to substance misuse and mental health challenges. Those challenges seem to become catastrophic to many when they transition to the civilian world. Personally, I have had to deal with many of those challenges and understand how important this work is for a healthy community. It’s a great honor to be able to help build and maintain an inclusive support system for those seeking recovery.

 

Trey Johnson, CPRS

Network Coordinator
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Trey Johnson is a dedicated professional in the field of substance use services, bringing years of experience from working directly in alcohol and drug treatment into a new role focused on prevention. As the Network Coordinator for the Upper Cumberland and Drug Coalitions, he works to strengthen community partnerships, support prevention initiatives, and promote healthier outcomes across the region. Trey is also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (C.P.R.S.) with lived experience, offering a unique and authentic perspective that bridges treatment and prevention while helping address substance misuse at its roots and fostering long-term community resilience.

My Personal Why

I do this work because I've seen firsthand the impact substance use can have on individuals, families, and communities, and I want to be part of the solution. As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with lived experience, I'm driven to use my story to create hope and help others find a path forward before they reach crisis. Working in prevention allows me to strengthen communities and make a difference early, so fewer people have to experience the hardships I've witnessed and overcome.