Proof Alliance NC Training Program

Mary Affee

Founder/Owner
Horizon Integrated Wellness Group

TRAINING AREA:
Wake, Statewide

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Service Providers, Educators, Legal Advocates/Professionals, Substance Use Treatment Professionals

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I’m a trainer with Proof Alliance NC because I believe in empowering communities with knowledge about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Training is important to me because it multiplies impact—every person I educate can go on to support others. I love raising awareness about FASD because it helps reduce stigma, fosters empathy, and improves outcomes for individuals and families. Providing training on the prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies is especially meaningful, because prevention protects future generations and creates healthier communities."

Mary Affee

Founder/Owner
Horizon Integrated Wellness Group

TRAINING AREA:
Wake, Statewide

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Service Providers, Educators, Legal Advocates/Professionals, Substance Use Treatment Professionals

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I’m a trainer with Proof Alliance NC because I believe in empowering communities with knowledge about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Training is important to me because it multiplies impact—every person I educate can go on to support others. I love raising awareness about FASD because it helps reduce stigma, fosters empathy, and improves outcomes for individuals and families. Providing training on the prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies is especially meaningful, because prevention protects future generations and creates healthier communities."

Aida Algarin

Founder/Owner
Central Carolina Doulas

TRAINING AREA:
Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Scotland, Robeson, Wake, Harnett, Lee, Johnston, Bladen, Samson

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Service Providers, Substance Use Treatment Professionals, General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I’m passionate about raising awareness of FASD and believe it deserves more attention in our community. As a trainer, my goal is to educate our community, support prevention efforts, and empower caregivers. By sharing knowledge and connecting families with valuable resources, we can help children with FASD receive the support they need to thrive."

Aida Algarin

Founder/Owner
Central Carolina Doulas

TRAINING AREA:
Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Scotland, Robeson, Wake, Harnett, Lee, Johnston, Bladen, Samson

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Service Providers, Substance Use Treatment Professionals, General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I’m passionate about raising awareness of FASD and believe it deserves more attention in our community. As a trainer, my goal is to educate our community, support prevention efforts, and empower caregivers. By sharing knowledge and connecting families with valuable resources, we can help children with FASD receive the support they need to thrive."

Stephanie Antkowiak

Executive Director
The Arc of High Point

TRAINING AREA:
Guilford, Randolph, Forsyth, and Davidson

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers and Educators

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because it is important that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as any other person. Helping the greater community understand how to prevent FASD and also how to help people with FASD be included in our community is my passion"

Stephanie Antkowiak

Executive Director
The Arc of High Point

TRAINING AREA:
Guilford, Randolph, Forsyth, and Davidson

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers and Educators

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because it is important that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as any other person. Helping the greater community understand how to prevent FASD and also how to help people with FASD be included in our community is my passion"

Melanie Bell

Founder/Executive Director, CADC
City Lights Ministry

TRAINING AREA:
Forsyth, Surry, Guilford

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, Middle/9th, Parents, Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I'm a trainer with Proof Alliance NC because to be apart of preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and educate the communities I serve in my non profit, about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)."

Melanie Bell

Founder/Executive Director, CADC
City Lights Ministry

TRAINING AREA:
Forsyth, Surry, Guilford

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, Middle/9th, Parents, Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I'm a trainer with Proof Alliance NC because to be apart of preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and educate the communities I serve in my non profit, about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)."

Lauren Borchert

Program Manager, Proof Alliance NC
The Arc of North Carolina

TRAINING AREA:
Charlotte/Mecklenburg, Statewide

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Prevention: College, General Population, High School, and Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
“I’m trainer because I love educating people about FASD because I'm passionate about combatting misinformation when it comes to alcohol and pregnancy."

Lauren Borchert

Program Manager, Proof Alliance NC
The Arc of North Carolina

TRAINING AREA:
Charlotte/Mecklenburg, Statewide

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Prevention: College, General Population, High School, and Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
“I’m trainer because I love educating people about FASD because I'm passionate about combatting misinformation when it comes to alcohol and pregnancy."

Julie Davis

System of Care Family Partner, Clinical Strategies
Vaya Health

TRAINING AREA:
Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Clay and Graham

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers and Educator

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"It is important to share facts and dispel myths of the effects of consuming alcohol during pregnancy and to empower people to make informed decisions. It is also important to me to provide support to families of children with a FASD diagnosis, through education and support in the parenting journey."

Julie Davis

System of Care Family Partner, Clinical Strategies
Vaya Health

TRAINING AREA:
Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Clay and Graham

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers and Educator

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"It is important to share facts and dispel myths of the effects of consuming alcohol during pregnancy and to empower people to make informed decisions. It is also important to me to provide support to families of children with a FASD diagnosis, through education and support in the parenting journey."

Amy Hendricks

Prevention and Training Coordinator
Proof Alliance NC / The Arc of NC

TRAINING AREA:
Western NC, Statewide as needed

MODULE SPECIALTY:
All modules

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer gives me the opportunity to share this important information with a variety of disciplines, which allows for deeper conversations about how we all have an opportunity to build FASD informed communities and prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies."

Amy Hendricks

Prevention and Training Coordinator
Proof Alliance NC / The Arc of NC

TRAINING AREA:
Western NC, Statewide as needed

MODULE SPECIALTY:
All modules

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer gives me the opportunity to share this important information with a variety of disciplines, which allows for deeper conversations about how we all have an opportunity to build FASD informed communities and prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies."

Kelly Holder

Chair of OB/GYN, Medical Director of Maternity Care Center, Addiction Medicine Specialist
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
UNC Chatham/Eleanor Health

TRAINING AREA:
Statewide if Virtual; Medical/SU Conferences, Medical Education/Training

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers, Educators and Substance Use Treatment Professionals, Prevention: College population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"As a physician and mother it is important to me to provide education to the community about FASD, to prevent alcohol exposed pregnancies and to raise awareness about living with and supporting individuals with an FASD."

Kelly Holder

Chair of OB/GYN, Medical Director of Maternity Care Center, Addiction Medicine Specialist
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
UNC Chatham/Eleanor Health

TRAINING AREA:
Statewide if Virtual; Medical/SU Conferences, Medical Education/Training

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers, Educators and Substance Use Treatment Professionals, Prevention: College population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"As a physician and mother it is important to me to provide education to the community about FASD, to prevent alcohol exposed pregnancies and to raise awareness about living with and supporting individuals with an FASD."

Shamika Howard

Provider Educator
Vaya Health

TRAINING AREA:
Western NC areas, Buncombe, Henderson, Burke, Cherokee, McDowell, Madison, Yancey, and Transylvania

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers; Prevention: College, General Population, High School, and Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
“Providing training on preventing FASD is important because I enjoy spreading education and awareness that FASD is 100% Preventable. I am so passionate about this subject matter, and I strongly feel this information needs to be shared with as many people as possible."

Shamika Howard

Provider Educator
Vaya Health

TRAINING AREA:
Western NC areas, Buncombe, Henderson, Burke, Cherokee, McDowell, Madison, Yancey, and Transylvania

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers; Prevention: College, General Population, High School, and Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
“Providing training on preventing FASD is important because I enjoy spreading education and awareness that FASD is 100% Preventable. I am so passionate about this subject matter, and I strongly feel this information needs to be shared with as many people as possible."

Judith Johnson-Hostler

Coordinator of Perinatal Substance Use Project
The Alcohol and Drug Council of North Carolina

TRAINING AREA:
Raleigh-Durham for in-person, Statewide Virtually

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support, Substance Use Treatment Professionals; Prevention: College, General Population, High School, Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I love educating people about FASD because in 2005 I was hired as the coordinator of FASD in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. At my time of hire, I had been working in the of field addiction for over 14 years and I knew very little about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Due to my lack of knowledge of the severe damage that could occur because of alcohol use during pregnancy, I made it my mission to teach others about FASD and especially other substance use providers."

Judith Johnson-Hostler

Coordinator of Perinatal Substance Use Project
The Alcohol and Drug Council of North Carolina

TRAINING AREA:
Raleigh-Durham for in-person, Statewide Virtually

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support, Substance Use Treatment Professionals; Prevention: College, General Population, High School, Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I love educating people about FASD because in 2005 I was hired as the coordinator of FASD in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. At my time of hire, I had been working in the of field addiction for over 14 years and I knew very little about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Due to my lack of knowledge of the severe damage that could occur because of alcohol use during pregnancy, I made it my mission to teach others about FASD and especially other substance use providers."

Simone McIntyre

Founder/Owner
Speak Your Peace Counseling, Coaching & Consulting

TRAINING AREA:
Cleveland, Burke, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, Rutherford

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Service Providers, Educators, Legal Advocates/Professionals, Substance Use Treatment Professionals

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I love educating people about FASD because increased awareness leads to early identification, support, and understanding. Many people are unaware of the lifelong impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, and I find purpose in helping to bridge that knowledge gap with hope and practical strategies."

Simone McIntyre

Founder/Owner
Speak Your Peace Counseling, Coaching & Consulting

TRAINING AREA:
Cleveland, Burke, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, Rutherford

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Service Providers, Educators, Legal Advocates/Professionals, Substance Use Treatment Professionals

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I love educating people about FASD because increased awareness leads to early identification, support, and understanding. Many people are unaware of the lifelong impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, and I find purpose in helping to bridge that knowledge gap with hope and practical strategies."

Kimber Mork

Program Coordinator of Behavioral Health
Atrium Health/Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics of the Carolinas

TRAINING AREA:
Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Stanly

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service providers and educators

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because I believe learning excites hope with direction. FASD is preventable!"

Kimber Mork

Program Coordinator of Behavioral Health
Atrium Health/Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics of the Carolinas

TRAINING AREA:
Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Stanly

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service providers and educators

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because I believe learning excites hope with direction. FASD is preventable!"

Sara Osborne

Executive Director
The Arc of Gaston County

TRAINING AREA:
Gaston county; Partners' catchment area, extending over to the Raleigh metro area

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers and Educators

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because it allows me to deliver new information, or reinforce existing knowledge, related to alcohol use and pregnancy in engaging formats to specific groups as well as the community at large. Presenting this information provides prevention and support across the board."

Sara Osborne

Executive Director
The Arc of Gaston County

TRAINING AREA:
Gaston county; Partners' catchment area, extending over to the Raleigh metro area

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Support: Service Providers and Educators

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because it allows me to deliver new information, or reinforce existing knowledge, related to alcohol use and pregnancy in engaging formats to specific groups as well as the community at large. Presenting this information provides prevention and support across the board."

Desiray Savage

Community Champion
NC Maternal Health Innovation

TRAINING AREA:
Mecklenburg, Cabarrus Stanly, Union, Gaston, Lincoln

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I love educating people about FASD because it is one of the most preventable developmental conditions, and spreading awareness can truly make a difference. Teaching maternal health allows me to empower women with the knowledge to make healthy choices that support both their own well-being and their baby’s future. My goal is to promote prevention, compassion, and understanding so every family has the chance to thrive and every child has the opportunity to live free from the effects of FASD.""

Desiray Savage

Community Champion
NC Maternal Health Innovation

TRAINING AREA:
Mecklenburg, Cabarrus Stanly, Union, Gaston, Lincoln

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I love educating people about FASD because it is one of the most preventable developmental conditions, and spreading awareness can truly make a difference. Teaching maternal health allows me to empower women with the knowledge to make healthy choices that support both their own well-being and their baby’s future. My goal is to promote prevention, compassion, and understanding so every family has the chance to thrive and every child has the opportunity to live free from the effects of FASD.""

Mikayla Robins

Advocate and Community Liason
The Arc of NC

TRAINING AREA:
Rowan, Statewide

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me simply because when we know better, we do better! I want to share the knowledge that I was once unaware of to educate others about FASD and how we can prevent alcohol related pregnancies with the right resources, tools, and support."

Mikayla Robins

Advocate and Community Liason
The Arc of NC

TRAINING AREA:
Rowan, Statewide

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me simply because when we know better, we do better! I want to share the knowledge that I was once unaware of to educate others about FASD and how we can prevent alcohol related pregnancies with the right resources, tools, and support."

Foresa Walker

Director of Human Services
The Arc of NC

TRAINING AREA:
Wake County

MODULE SPECIALTY:
College, General Population, High School, and Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to share life-changing experiences and pertinent information."

Foresa Walker

Director of Human Services
The Arc of NC

TRAINING AREA:
Wake County

MODULE SPECIALTY:
College, General Population, High School, and Middle School

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Being a trainer is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to share life-changing experiences and pertinent information."

Rebecca Wheeler

School-Based Care Coordinator
Alliance Health

TRAINING AREA:
Cumberland, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Orange, Mecklenburg and Wake

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, Middle/9th, College Students

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I'm a trainer with Proof Alliance NC to support the health and well-being of North Carolina's children! Counteracting myths and misinformation about alcohol-exposed pregnancies is an essential step in prevention."

Rebecca Wheeler

School-Based Care Coordinator
Alliance Health

TRAINING AREA:
Cumberland, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Orange, Mecklenburg and Wake

MODULE SPECIALTY:
Educators, Service Providers, Middle/9th, College Students

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"I'm a trainer with Proof Alliance NC to support the health and well-being of North Carolina's children! Counteracting myths and misinformation about alcohol-exposed pregnancies is an essential step in prevention."

Diane Yorke

Community Member
Pediatric Nurse, Retired

TRAINING AREA:
Orange and Carteret

MODULE SPECIALTY:
General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Most people have little to no understanding of the effects that alcohol consumed during pregnancy can have on a developing fetus. Alcohol exposure to the infant during pregnancy can cause lifelong physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neural impairments. It is so important to share this information for two reasons: first, so the incidence of alcohol exposed pregnancies may be reduced, perhaps eliminated; and second, to recognize and provide the appropriate supports to children born affected by prenatal alcohol exposure to ensure they reach their full potential."

Diane Yorke

Community Member
Pediatric Nurse, Retired

TRAINING AREA:
Orange and Carteret

MODULE SPECIALTY:
General Population

QUOTE FROM TRAINER:
"Most people have little to no understanding of the effects that alcohol consumed during pregnancy can have on a developing fetus. Alcohol exposure to the infant during pregnancy can cause lifelong physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neural impairments. It is so important to share this information for two reasons: first, so the incidence of alcohol exposed pregnancies may be reduced, perhaps eliminated; and second, to recognize and provide the appropriate supports to children born affected by prenatal alcohol exposure to ensure they reach their full potential."