Eva Shepard: Eva was born in rural Vermont, an area heavily impacted by substance use and lacking in accessible care. At 16, she made the decision to become a therapist and work with people with substance use disorders and mental health challenges. She obtained a bachelors in psychology from Virginia commonwealth university, a masters in addiction studies from the international program of addiction studies (IPAS) through the medical college of Virginia. During Covid she returned to school and earned a masters of science in clinical mental health counseling. She is dually licensed as an MLADC/LCMHC and has worked in many roles supporting those seeking recovery and long-term wellness.