Rising Stars
The Awards Committee of The Museum of African American Addictions Treatment and Recovery recognizes and honor individuals who early in their career have demonstrated leadership, ingenuity and success in the Substance Use Disorders profession. Their early success suggests they will have a major impact nationally as it pertains to substance use disorders treatment and recovery. The Rising Stars for 2024 are Jessica A. Love Jordan and Byron Thompson. Scroll down to learn about their work.
2024
Jessica A. Love Jordan, ABD, LCPC, NCC, CADC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor in the state of Illinois. Based in the Chicagoland area, she is an Instructor and Coordinator in the Addictions Studies graduate program at Governors State University, a Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor at Cultivate Your Essence, LLC, and the Owner/Operator of Love Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC. Jessica is passionate about providing education & training focused on helping clinicians enhance their knowledge, skills, and capacity for effectively addressing substance use and mental health disorders. In her tenure, Jessica has presented at national and regional conferences, coordinated facilitated professional and community-based training and advocacy initiatives, and has contributed to professional literature, including NAADAC’s “Advances in Addiction & Recovery”. She earned her MHS in Addictions Studies from Governors State University, where she is currently completing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Byron Thompson is the Regional Partnership Manager for The Phoenix in the midwest. In the spirit of a Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Phoenix has a mission to build sober communities throughout the United States which emphasizes fitness and community in recovery.
Byron has utilized his leadership skills to create partnerships with a range of organizations in Milwaukee, Chicago and Detroit. Some of the partners include: The Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Ninja Gym, Legendary Fitness, Yoga Studio, numerous treatment centers and sober living facilities. Byron also organizes Recovery Basketball tournaments, drug free hip-hop events and the annual Soberfest in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
2023
Jarmichael Harris, MS, LCAS is the founder and CEO of Engage Recovery and serves as director of Scholastic Recovery for the Addictions Professionals of North Carolina. He provides consultations nationally on how to implement successful collegiate recovery programs. For a decade Jarmichael provided recovery support services for adolescents and young adults.
Jarmichael is also an advocate. Kristen Harper described Jarmichael as “A fierce soldier for recovery advocacy.” His areas of advocacy include: shifting from the acute care model solely towards a recovery oriented system of care and addressing racial disparities in behavioral health treatment. Jarmichael cares deeply about undeserved communities. He stated, I don't want to be a billionaire unless it means having more resources to invest in communities.
Jarmichael is also a gifted communicator. He is equally effective as a keynote speaker and workshop presenter. Meeting planners have said of Jarmichael's presentations, He is one of the best speakers in the industry! He has the gift to change thinking and uplift spirits. He motivates participants to achieve everything life has to offer. He is real, educational and motivational! Jarmichael's other modes of communication in substance use treatment and recovery includes written publications, video's, audio tapes, podcasts and TED Talks.
His work has received recognition and honors including: the East Carolina University 40 Under 40 Leadership Award; ECU DARS Alumni of The year and ARHE Collegiate Recovery Staff member of the Year.