president
Jackie Russell Norwood
Our organization’s heart, where passion meets purpose! Jackie, a 49-year-old Medical Laboratory Technician at Mercy Tower West in Fort Smith, Arkansas, deeply committed to both healthcare and community service. As a proud member of Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Church and youth leader, my faith fuels my dedication. My journey, marked by the joy of motherhood and the pain of loss, inspires my commitment as your Board President to prevent others from enduring similar heartbreak. Join me in our journey of compassion, resilience, and hope as we make a difference together.
vice president
Robbie Willis
Hailing from Johnson County, Arkansas, Robbie celebrates twenty-four years of marriage and serves as the discipleship pastor at Link Church in Clarksville, AR. With a background as an ordained minister and Board-Certified Master Mental Health Coach, Robbie has been a guiding light for over two decades, offering support to those battling addictions and trauma. As Vice President of Stepping Stones Recovery of Arkansas, Robbie is committed to the mission of providing hope and healing to individuals and families across the Arkansas River Valley.
treasurer
Born and raised in Hagarville, AR, Emilie Piper is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others and contributing to her community’s success. With a background in financial and account analysis, Emilie is committed to bringing success and growth to Stepping Stones through effective financial planning. She believes that, one step at a time, we can improve our region and provide refuge to those who need it most during life’s most challenging moments.
secretary
Taisa Brumagen
Taisa is a certified Peer Support Specialist and workforce training coordinator at the Wellbeing Initiative Inc. located in Lincoln, Nebraska and deeply passionate about the recovery journey. With lived experience in substance use and mental health, Taisa actively supports her own recovery since 2016, believing in the power of shared stories to reduce stigma and foster inclusivity. Join us in welcoming Taisa as our Board Secretary, dedicated to building hope and advocating for inclusivity in recovery journeys.
founder
Joseph Cruz
Joseph began his recovery journey in January 2013, accumulating over a decade of personal experience and achieving certification as a Peer Supervisor in 2019. Leveraging his profound understanding of mental health and substance use disorder, Joseph supports others on their recovery journeys, making a positive impact in the Johnson County area. With his pivotal role in initiatives like the Jail program and J.C.O.R.E, Joseph’s lived experience drives his passion to empower individuals and communities toward positive change.
advisory board
Pat Brannin
Naloxone Program Director at the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, brings 36 years of expertise in prevention and social services. With a BA in Journalism and certifications in prevention, Pat serves as a federal grant peer reviewer and spearheads educational material development for the Naloxone Program. Join us in welcoming Pat to our advisory board, enriching our mission with her wealth of expertise.
advisory board
Mary Haynes
Mary is a resilient individual with 35 years of ongoing recovery from mental health and substance abuse. With extensive experience as an Arkansas Peer Recovery Specialist and Chaplain at the Benton County Sheriff’s office for two decades, Mary brings invaluable insights to our advisory board. Now retired, Mary looks forward to sharing her expertise and cherishing family moments while contributing to our mission of recovery and support.
advisory board
Todd Lovell
Todd has maintained his recovery since January 3, 2008, brings extensive experience and dedication to our advisory board. With a longstanding career at ABB since September 18, 2003, Todd’s passion for the recovery process extends into his personal and professional life. Committed to aiding fellow members in their journey, Todd’s unwavering support enriches our mission at Stepping Stones.
advisory board
Tammy Dodson-Hernandez
Tammy is a seasoned Management Professional with nearly a decade of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to our board. With a personal journey through addiction and recovery, Tammy channels her passion into creating compelling content that deeply resonates with her audience. Married to Sergio for a decade, Tammy is a proud mother to two boys, David and Christian, enriching our board with her commitment and unique perspective.