Meet The Team
Founder
Allen Burnette is a Man of God and an individual in long-term recovery from Winchester, TN. Allen is a proud Father of three beautiful daughters and two handsome young men. Being present with his children and his relationship with God are the most important reasons for his journey. Allen has 18 years of lived experience with mental health and substance use. Allen is a Graduate of the Franklin County Recovery Court, class of 2008, and continued to provide Recovery Support to others in the program afterward. In 2013, Allen started working with the Franklin County Prevention Coalition & became the Recovery Coordinator with the TN Lifeline Peer Project through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Allen served as the Region 5S Coordinator, who was tasked with reducing stigma related to addiction. Allen served his region and state by helping individuals and families restore relationships and wellness. During his tenure, Allen has served on many councils, such as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Dangerous Drug Task Force, where he served as a Drug Endangered Children Coordinator. In May 2024, Allen accepted the Coffee County Recovery Court Director position in Manchester, TN. From 2006 - 2024, as an individual in the Recovery Court program to the Director of a Recovery Court program, it is nothing But God, and that is the High that keeps Allen passionately thriving daily.
Co-founder
Will Taylor is a dedicated professional in long-term recovery, bringing valuable experience to the table. He has a proven track record of successful collaboration with the faith community and has been a driving force behind significant changes in behavioral health program design, financing, and state/local government affairs over the past seven years. Will has worked on various impactful initiatives through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and has previously served as a clinical counselor in the non-profit treatment field. His passion lies in fostering strong relationships and making a meaningful impact within faith-based organizations, non-profits, and communities. Will excels in managing various aspects of community engagement and effectively communicates values to diverse audiences, instilling confidence in his abilities and expertise. He has demonstrated success in building and operating addiction treatment programs at both the outpatient and residential levels of care.
"Will credits his success to God and the nature of being an individual with lived experience as he is in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, as well as an individual with a justice environment and the fact that individuals were willing to invest in him along his journey."
Ambassador
Ginger Wells-Smith: After overcoming 33 years of drug use and 16 years of incarceration, Ginger Wells is now on a mission to inspire others. With her wealth of experience in reducing stigma, preventing substance abuse, and improving access to recovery support services at the state and county levels, Ginger is a powerful advocate for change. Her work in substance abuse treatment has highlighted the urgent need for safe spaces and improved resources for individuals dealing with trauma and seeking reentry services. Ginger has been in long-term recovery since 2017 and is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Ambassador
Lydia Price has been in long-term recovery from a co-occurring disorder since 2016 years. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and is passionate about helping others find their path to recovery. Lydia is actively involved in the recovery community and shares her story to foster resilience in those who may be struggling. Lydia brings several years of experience from the recovery housing continuum, serving as program director during her last tenure.
Ambassador
Colby Lane is an individual in long-term recovery from poly-substance use since November 2017. Colby is passionate about providing solutions to the problems that our communities face with behavioral health issues. Colby has spent the last six years working in prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support, as well as with justice-involved individuals re-entering society.
Ambassador
Dave Hodges has been on a personal journey of long-term recovery since 2006. His experiences have led him to found the Grundy Safe Communities Coalition in Tennessee in 2010. In 2013, he helped develop the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Lifeline Peer Project and currently serves as the Lifeline Peer Recovery Coordinator for his region, which covers 5 counties. Hodges was honored as the Peer Recovery Specialist of the Year in 2016. Since 2010, Hodges has also served Grundy County, Tennessee as a Reserve Deputy. Throughout his recovery journey, Hodges has been a ministry leader for numerous Celebrate Recovery programs across Tennessee. Presently, Hodges is the Executive Director of the Grundy Recovery Alliance Community Endeavor, a nonprofit peer recovery support center, where he is dedicated to carrying out the goals and mission of the Lifeline Peer Project in Grundy County.