Team
HEATHER RODRIGUEZ, MSW, CAPRC II
Vice President of Recovery Advocacy and Programs
Director, Indiana Recovery Network
Heather Rodriguez is Vice President of Recovery Advocacy and Programs for Mental Health America of Indiana and Director of the Indiana Recovery Network. Heather is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a bachelor and master’s degree in Social Work and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Consultant (CADAC) II, and a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach (CAPRC) II.
Heather has a passion for working with underserved and marginalized populations and loves working with organizations and individuals throughout the state of Indiana to develop and strengthen recovery ecosystems. Heather helped create and oversees the statewide Regional Recovery Hub program which consists of 21 organizations providing free peer recovery support services to all 92 Indiana counties.
Heather is a person in sustained recovery and believes that recovery supports are an integral part of an individual’s journey to overcome challenges associated with substance use and or mental health concerns and that individuals have the right to choose which pathway of recovery works best for them. Heather is a mother, and an avid Colts and Pacers fan.
REBEKAH GORRELL, CAPRC II, CCHW
Recovery and Advocacy Administrative Manager
Rebekah Gorrell has been with Mental Health America of Indiana since 2016, and has joined the IRN team in 2020. She has a background in event coordination and management. Rebekah is a person in recovery and has used her personal experience to help others. She is a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach II, as well as a trained Youth Peer Support. Rebekah believes, “Recovery is whatever you want it to be, recovery is not linear, and we are here to support you on your journey.”
SEAN MCDONOUGH, MBA, CAPRC II
Recovery and Advocacy Operations Manager
Sean joined Mental Health America of Indiana and the Indiana Recovery Network as a Project Coordinator in 2020. He is currently the Recovery and Advocacy Operations Manager and Peer Supervisor of the IRN hub. Sean started his career in various roles on Wall Street in New York City. Prior to joining MHAI, Sean was a Peer Specialist at Aspire in Noblesville, IN. Before that, he worked as a Behavioral Health Technician and Recovery Coach at Hickory House treatment center in Greenfield, IN. Sean is a Certified Supervisor Peer Recovery (CSPR-PR) and Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach II (CAPRC II). He holds an undergraduate business degree from Indiana University and an MBA from New York University. Sean’s hobbies and interests include everything music and sports.
JENN VAN NUYS (she, her, hers), CHW/CRS
Project Coordinator
Jenn Van Nuys is a CHW/CRS (Community Health Worker/Certified Recovery Specialist). Jenn joined the Indiana Recovery Network in September 2023 as the Recovery Community Specialist. Jenn has previous experience working in treatment centers and recovery residences. Most recently Jenn worked in a county jail providing peer support services and facilitating JCAP (Jail Chemical Addictions Program). Jenn has a passion for working with underserved persons, removing stigma, and advocating for no barrier services. Jenn also wants to assist in growing rural communities’ recovery supports as well as assisting in certifying more Recovery Community Organizations (RCO’s) in the state. Jenn is a person in long term recovery and an active member in her recovery community. Jenn believes that there are multiple pathways to recovery and every person needs to be heard and valued. Jenn is working on obtaining her Level 2 Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach (CAPRC) credential.
JUSTINA PFEFFER, PSPR-PR, CAPRC II, CPS
Recovery Community Specialist
Justina joined the IRN in March 2024 as a Recovery Community Specialist. She is a certified PSPR-PR, CAPRC II, CPSP and enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University for Social Work. Justina is a person in sustained recovery, working in the field since 2018. She has multiple years of experience including inpatient/outpatient treatment, justice involved, and working in the community. Justina strives to provide a safe space for people to find a recovery community and resources needed to be successful on their recovery pathway.
She believes that recovery is a path that the person finds for themselves to be their best selves.
Justina is a mother of 4 beautiful children. She enjoys music, concerts, sunshine, and family time. Justina comes from a big family and feels that family is an important part of her recovery path.