Team
HEATHER RODRIGUEZ, MSW, CAPRC II
Vice President of Recovery Advocacy and Programs
Director, Indiana Recovery Network
Heather Rodriguez, Vice President of Mental Health America of Indiana Recovery and Advocacy Programs and Director of the Indiana Recovery Network, holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Driven by her passion for enhancing recovery ecosystems across Indiana, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the statewide Regional Recovery Hub program in collaboration with DMHA, managing the initiative until December 2024.
As someone in sustained recovery, Heather advocates for the importance of accessible recovery support services and emphasizes that individuals should have the freedom to select their preferred recovery pathways to address challenges related to substance use and or mental health concerns.
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.”
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.