Executive Director, Board President
Jay came to Seed Sower, Inc, as a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He served in military intelligence as a Russian linguist and signals intelligence specialist. He spent the last five year of his military service with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, working in support of international chemical and biological arms control and nonproliferation programs. He completed his military service as an instructor and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Russian Arms Control Speaking Proficiency Course at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California.
Following his military career, Jay completed his MBA at West Virginia in 2013. His professional history includes both government and private industry employment including foodservice management, classroom instruction, curriculum development, financial management analysis, organizational leadersprogram and process improvement. He is married to his wife, Paige and has 3 wonderful sons - Sam, Caeden and Cooper.
Jay's passion for recovery services has grown over an 8 year span of supporting organizations involved in community recovery efforts. He believes: "Recovery isn’t an “I” thing or a “you” thing. It’s a “we” thing. It’s a community effort that leverages the collective strengths and talents of local and regional governments, community organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to work together toward a future far less burdened by the destructive and pervasive nature of SUD. We don’t recover alone. We recover together.
Program Director
Nicole is a West Virginia native. She grew up in Nimitz, WV and graduated from Summers County High School in 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, with a minor in child development and family studies from West Virginia University in 2009.
Nicole knew that she had a passion for psychology and used the next few years to explore what she wanted to do in terms of a career. During this time, she held different positions as a contractor with the WV DHHR, helping parents reunite with their children and she also served as a service/care coordinator for a local mental health clinic, helping to link and advocate for patients with substance use disorder and mental health issues.
Nicole earned a masters degree in social work from Concord University in 2015. Since then, she has provided therapy services to people with substance use disorder, patients with mental health disorders, and children with behavioral problems. She is certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). Her passion is helping those struggling with substance dependence. Nicole is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in marriage and family counseling from Liberty University.
She lives in Hinton, WV with her husband, 4 dogs, and 4 cats. She and her husband are both members of the Hinton First United Methodist Church and Nicole serves on the worship committee and is a member of the choir. She enjoys cooking, baking, singing, reading, crocheting, and traveling.
Melissa is a mom of six and grandmom of three. She was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia and relocated to Greenbrier County ten years ago to raise her younger children close to extended family. She is in her first year of college for Substance Use Counseling.
Melissa writes: "I am a person who is recovering from alcohol use disorde
Melissa is a mom of six and grandmom of three. She was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia and relocated to Greenbrier County ten years ago to raise her younger children close to extended family. She is in her first year of college for Substance Use Counseling.
Melissa writes: "I am a person who is recovering from alcohol use disorder with twenty-eight months of sobriety. My passion is helping people find sobriety, and the ability to find joy in life that follows their decision to take that first step.
My daughter and I like to cook together, attend church, take hikes in the mountains, and go on weekend trips to visit family in Virginia."
Jessica is a Recovery Coach working toward her certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. She is also a trained Recovery Dynamics Provider. She is energetic, passionate about recovery, and a dedicated learner. Jessica writes:
"I am a mother of three wonderful boys Hunter, Thomas and Brantley and four fluffy cats. I am from Pag
Jessica is a Recovery Coach working toward her certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. She is also a trained Recovery Dynamics Provider. She is energetic, passionate about recovery, and a dedicated learner. Jessica writes:
"I am a mother of three wonderful boys Hunter, Thomas and Brantley and four fluffy cats. I am from Page, WV but I reside in Oak Hill, WV with my boyfriend Spencer. I am a person who is recovering from alcohol use disorder. I have been substance free for over two years and I am now a Recovery coach/ PRSS. My calling in life is to help women that are like me to achieve sobriety and keep it.
I like to spend my spare time taking my children to do anything outdoors. We like to go for hikes, mushroom hunting and catching crawdads. I am an avid reader of Stephen King, I like reading books like IT, Misery and The Stand. I also like to read manga and graphic novels. My books are my prized possessions."
SOWING SEEDS TO RECOVER TOGETHER
In a garden, as in recovery, seeds do not take deep root in unhealthy soil. In rocky soil, they get carried away. In shallow soil, the roots don’t grow deep, and they wither and die. But in deep, healthy soil the roots grow deep and full, allowing healthy growth and life. Jesus speaks of this in the bible in his parable of the sower, referring to the condition of the heart and how it is prepared to receive. At Seed Sower, we both prepare the soil and nurture the heart so that the seeds of recovery can grow deep, healthy, and strong.