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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Dave Humes
Founding Member After ten years in advocacy having lost his son Greg to an accidental opioid overdose, Dave recently retired from the board of directors. He cited his desire to spend more time with his family and to work on his health. Dave will continue his passion to conduct community training and distribution of naloxone. He will be an uncompromising voice in his role as an appointee to the Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission to assure these funds are spent properly to help one of our most vulnerable populations, people who are in current drug use and people entering recovery. Dave is particularly honored that Jeanne and Don Keister selected him to be seated on the initial board of atTAcK addiction in 2013. The three laws that Dave is most proud that atTAcK addiction enacted to become law are “The Kristen L. Jackson and John M. Perkins Jr. Law” Delaware’s 911 Good Samaritan Law, “The Community Based Naloxone Access Program” that has saved countless thousands of lives, and the nation’s first “Opioid Impact Fee Law” with funds that are generated being held in “stewardship fund” that is kept separate from the general fund. Dave’s vow to his son, Greg, was to somehow save a life in Greg’s name and to keep his memory alive. Saudade. Dave expressed how grateful he is for all of the friendships of various board members over the years and the friendships he has made with members of other advocacy groups. “We, not I!” |
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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. |