Founding Board Members
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Courtney Keister Clark, Ed.D.
Founding Member As an educator, it is in my nature to help people and to leave this world a better place. When I lost my brother Tyler to an accidental overdose in 2012, I wanted to support him in leaving his legacy on this world. The way that everyone is working together to turn their individual heartache into helping others inspires me at every turn. My hope for atTAcK addiction is that continues to prompt conversations about addiction and eliminates the shame and stigmas associated with addiction. |
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Rebecca King, MSN, RN, NCSN
Primary Prevention Advocate Email: Becky.King@attackaddiction.org Phone: 302-547-8913 We are in the midst of one of the worst public health epidemics. I have witnessed first hand the devastation on families and communities. I am the mother of a daughter in long term recovery. I don’t want others to endure the pain our family did. Through education, awareness and support I feel I can help provide hope and help to erase the stigma associated with addiction. My motto is “HOPE lives; Recovery IS possible”. My hope is that those struggling with any addiction can find peace and serenity in recovery. I hope the awful stigma that is associated with addiction is something others will no longer have to endure. |
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Elizabeth L. Perkins
Parent Support Email: Liz.Perkins@atTAcKaddiction.com Phone: 302-598-6296 Liz feels very fortunate to be able to contribute as a board member of the atTAcKaddiction organization. Liz just celebrated her 15 th year as a clinical audiologist at the Nemours Senior Care Clinic in Wilmington, following many years working for local ENT doctors. She received her Master’s in Education/Audiology from the University of Virginia in 1976. Liz currently lives in Newark with her husband Marty along with three cats, Gus Leo and Jacks, and Oscar, her son’s beloved Jack Russell. Liz is the mother of two children, Alexis 30 who currently resides in Concord N.C. and works as a social media coordinator for NASCAR’s PRN Radio. After losing her first born, John M. Perkins, Jr. from an accidental overdose on May 5, 2011, she shouldered unbearable grief. Through this, she started the first GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) support group in Delaware. Her advocacy in helping other parents who have lost children similarly grew after connecting with Don & Jeanne Keister. Her family and the Keisters, along with Dave & Gail Humes and Kathy & Bill Shields have been central in the push to pass several state laws. Among these include the Delaware Good Samaritan 911 Law, also known as “The Kristen L. Jackson &John M Perkins, Jr. Law” (2013) and expanded and easy access to Naloxone (2014). |
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Matt Keister
Recovery Activities Coordinator I lost my 24 year old brother, Tyler Keister on December 23, 2012. None of us thought that addiction would enter our lives, but it did. When I saw how many people showed up for this cause, it was truly inspiring. I think our group has had a positive impact on people going through this within their own families. I hope that we continue to create a less judgmental public and foster a supportive community so that when addiction grabs someone they will seek help. I am proud to be part of an organization that honors those we’ve lost and supports those who still fight. The three capitalized letters in atTAcK represent my brothers initials-Tyler Armstrong Keister. Although the name of our non-profit honors my brother, this organization has the power to affect everyone who has suffered from this disease. |
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Josh Ragnis
Recovery Support Services As a person in long-term recovery I have personally battled with addiction and mental illness and I know the struggles it entails. I know the pain addiction causes to the addict and everyone who cares about them. I don’t want others to go thru that pain if they don’t have to and for the people who are going thru that pain, I want to help them through it. I was a friend of Tyler Keister and I saw him struggle thru his addiction, until he ended up losing the battle. I have been with atTAcK addiction since its inception and I have had the honor and pleasure of seeing the positive difference we have made in the lives of those who struggle with addiction. My hope is that through our work, more people become educated on the truth of addiction and the possibility of a positive outcome. |
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Karl Fischer
Marketing and Communication Strategy Email: Karl.Fischer@attackaddiction.org My wife and I are parents to 4 children. Our 2 boys are in long term recovery from opiate addiction. Our oldest sons best friend, Tyler. Our members create hope and action for others in need. Addiction is a family disease and we have young people in recovery, siblings, spouses, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who come to us in need. We have walked their path and lived their nightmare — we are a community who can support, direct and advise. My hope is we could work our way out of existence but that is not likely in my lifetime so my hope is that we continue to build a community that inspires and motivates others to erase the stigma of addiction and motivate those in need through their recovery. Dawn Hess-Fischer
Email: Dawn.Hess-Fischer@attackaddiction.org Phone: 302-388-5809 We are close friends with the Keister family and Tyler was like a 2nd son to me. My oldest son and Tyler were best friends. This is a terrific organization of “home grown” people who come from all different backgrounds and are motivated for different reasons but we are all driving toward a common goal. And the fact that we are making a difference and saving lives is incredibly inspiring. My hope is that we continue to grow and change the future for those suffering from the disease of addiction; that we expand with others who can continue the work we have begun. |