In this powerful episode of The NOCE Dose, we dive deep into the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and its profound impact on People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) communities seeking treatment. Hosted by Bianca D. McCall, LMFT, this Listening Session brings together a diverse panel of experts and advocates dedicated to fostering recovery-friendly spaces in both the workplace and community.
Bianca, alongside a dynamic group of panelists, including Cheryl Nixon, Daniel Fred, Rhonda Fairchild, and Teresa Sands, explore strategies for challenging and reducing stigma, creating environments that encourage individuals to seek help, and sustaining long-term recovery.
Listeners will gain insight into evidence-based recurrence prevention strategies, and how these can be applied to today’s PWUD communities. The panel also highlights the importance of creating recovery-friendly spaces—how these spaces contribute to sustained recovery, reduce stigma, and promote inclusivity.
Join us for this insightful conversation as we explore innovative ways to support individuals on their recovery journey and advocate for systemic change in mental health and addiction care.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in reducing stigma, fostering recovery-friendly environments, and promoting lasting change in addiction treatment and support.
Guests:
Cheryl Nixon, PRSS, Northern Nevada Hopes
Cheryl Nixon has been a Peer Support Specialist since 2018. Cheryl is in recovery and loves to give back to the recovery community. During this time Cheryl has worked alongside community partners like Washoe County, Crossroads Women and Children program. Cheryl became certified by the state of Nevada as a Certified Peer Support Specialist. #PRSS-5063. In 2022 Cheryl accepted a position with Northern Nevada HOPES, Cheryl has made strides in her career and is now the Lead Peer Support Specialist. Cheryl works directly with the Medicated Assisted Treatment team and other Peers across Hopes agencies. Cheryl has been recognized for her inspirations work with her Northern Nevada Hopes as a key note speaker during their annual HOPES’s conference. Cheryl also received the “Inspire” award by the Nevada Dry Society Gala. Cheryl has been a key component in making community connection, reducing stigma for client in recovery and leading by example.
Daniel Fred, M.S, PRSS-S
Daniel has been in long-term recovery since July of 2002, and has been married to his amazing wife, Kristy, since 2004. Together, they’re raising three incredible daughters who keep life exciting. Daniel is a dedicated advocate, sharing hope wherever he can. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University, where he was a member of the collegiate recovery program, and fell in love with the world of recovery support. That passion led him to the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned his master’s degree in Human Development Family Sciences, specializing in Addiction Treatment Services. Daniel helped build and now directs Nevada’s Recovery and Prevention program (NRAP) at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he also teaches addiction treatment studies. He’s been recognized as Faculty of the Year (twice!) for his commitment to students and recovery education. Previously, he served as Director of Recovery and National Outreach at Transforming Youth Recovery, advocating for recovery nationwide.
He’s served on multiple local and national advisory boards, working to expand recovery resources and break the stigma of addiction. Whether in a classroom, on a board, or just in conversation, Daniel’s goal is simple—help more people see that recovery is possible.
Rhonda Fairchild, PRSS-S, Housing Director, TiNHIH
Rhonda Fairchild first became a member of the Las Vegas recovery community 31 years ago after being introduced to a 12 step program during her stay at a local rehabilitation facility. With the support of her family and a newfound fellowship she returned to her career as a cocktail server at one of Las Vegas’s most beloved downtown casino hotels. In 2009 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Upon graduation, she turned her attention to substitute teaching. She served as a life skills instructor at the Clark County School District’s Mission High School, the nation’s first all public school for young people with substance use disorders. She is honored to be a part of this historic public school project where she can teach and mentor children who are eager to make positive changes in their lives. She is also the Housing Director of the TiNHIH sober living and treatment combined program, & APG (Alternative Peer Group) a recovery community center for teens and young adults. Fairchild has lived in Las Vegas since 1974. She is the mother of six adult children and grandmother to twelve. She and her life partner, Paul, enjoy tandem bicycling and traveling to ghost towns and small communities near Las Vegas.
Teresa Sands, PRSS, Admissions Coordinator, Virtue Recovery Center
Teresa Sands is a devoted advocate, educator, and leader dedicated to advancing addiction recovery and promoting harm reduction initiatives. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Teresa deeply connects to her community and brings a unique perspective to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus on addiction studies from Indiana Tech. She is pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, she is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, blending professional expertise with lived experience to empower individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) while keeping people who use drugs safe and ensuring they have a seat at the table. As an Admissions Coordinator, she helps individuals and families overcome the challenges of accessing treatment, guiding clients through the complexities of care, and providing them with the resources and support they need to start their recovery journey. With 18 years of experience in show business, Teresa also brings a unique empathy and understanding to her advocacy for sex workers and survivors of sex trafficking. Her background has fueled her passion for human rights and commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels respected and supported. Teresa is a proud member of the Recovery Advocacy Project Nevada, where she actively advocates for policies that support all individuals, including people who use drugs. She is also the Nevada Chapter Lead for Young People in Recovery, where she collaborates with amazing community partners to organize harm-reduction workshops, conduct overdose prevention training, facilitate Narcan distribution events, and create pro-social and safe spaces for the LGBTQIA community. Through these efforts, she emphasizes the importance of educating 2 communities about multiple pathways to recovery and ensuring equitable access to care for underserved populations.
Resources:
- Watch the Video Version of this Listening Session: Listening Session: Recovery Continuum & Recurrence Prevention Strategies
- Transforming Youth Recovery – https://www.
transformingyouthrecovery.org/ - Recovery Advocacy Project – https://www.recoveryvoices.
com/ - Foundation for Recovery – https://forrecovery.org/
- Behavioral Health Group – https://www.bhgrecovery.com/
- Nevada’s Recovery & Prevention (NRAP) – https://nvrap.com/
- Northern Nevada HOPES – https://www.nnhopes.org/
- TiNHiH Foundation: Empowering Recovery and Wellbeing – https://tinhih.org/
- Virtue Recovery Center – https://www.
virtuerecoverycenter.com/
