Executive Board

PRESIDENT

Elyse was born and raised in Reno. She went to Wooster High School. Since 2012 she has held various public policy jobs. Elyse worked for Congressman Mark Amodei and Governor Brian Sandoval. She also worked on the Overdose Data to Action Grant where she worked to improve the state’s overdose surveillance. Currently, Elyse is a lobbyist. Elyse learned about harm reduction during her time working with the OD2A grant. She feels compelled to work in the Harm Reduction space she because she believed in the inherent value of every person. Elyse is also on the Board of The Community Food Pantry. When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her family and her cats (mostly her cats!).

VICE PRESIDENT

Ezra has lived experience with co-occurring recovery. Due to this, he became passionate about treatment, which ultimately led them to learn about harm reduction. The idea of keeping people who use drugs (PWUD) alive just makes sense to them. Ezra worked in the treatment field through inpatient, outpatient, case management and Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) roles. These experiences created a deep sense of love, respect and empathy for those experiencing SUD or co-occurring disorders, as well as the path each individual takes to achieve a unique recovery. Ezra is also passionate about LGBTQIA+ rights because they were raised by two moms and around many queer folks. Ezra will always fight for equity for all individuals.

TREASURER AKA FERAL GOBLIN CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS

Hi everyone. I have been in recovery from chaotic heroin use and homelessness since 2002. Harm reduction as a pathway and mental health services (among other things) have been helpful in my recovery journey. I am a former methadone patient and consumer of harm reduction outreach services. I have worked in the healthcare field since 2004 in a variety of positions in a variety of clinical and nonclinical settings and am a certified peer recovery support specialist (CPRSS) and supervisor. At heart, I am an implementer and have enjoyed implementing new programs in a variety of settings including an opioid treatment program, mobile outreach, recovery community organization, the jail, emergency departments, and a county agency. I have also served on a variety of state boards and enjoy serving on three nonprofit boards. I completed my Master of Arts in Anthropology (with a focus on medical anthropology) at the University of Nevada, Reno with a graduate certificate in Gender, Race, and Identity Studies. My graduate research focused on the ways in which harm reduction as a counter discourse helped to frame and maintain the radically inclusive social space of a local syringe services program for people marginalized and excluded elsewhere. I am currently pursuing a DrPH to advance my knowledge and skill set in quantitative data analysis in public health and enhance the ability for people without a voice to engage in participation in public health dialogue. My favorite role is being a loving partner and a mother to my fantastic 18- and 12-year-old children and our Boston Terriers who keep me very busy.

SECRETARY

Madalyn is a Master of Public Health and a proud native Nevadan. She is looking forward to staying in Nevada to pursue a career in harm reduction policy and advocacy work through her position at NNHRA. Madalyn is also a proponent for interweaving the entire family unit into harm reduction practices and ultimately believes we must meet and accept people where they are to cultivate positive change. In her free time, Madalyn loves to explore Nevada, visit hot springs, read books, play basketball, and bake cookies.

EDUCATION & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE CHAIR

Bethany Wilkins has been in various stages of relationship with substance use for over ten years, is an expert in rural harm reduction, and founded Nevada County’s first Syringe Service Program (SSP). She has over ten years of experience in harm reduction and substance use, as well as five years of experience with street-based outreach and public health consulting. Starting her Masters in Public Health program in 2025, Bethany has dedicated her career to advancing evidence-based strategies to minimize the negative outcomes of substance use, and advance harm reduction frameworks. Her work spans harm reduction policies, innovative treatment models, and community outreach programs, making significant strides in improving outcomes for individuals and rural communities affected by unregulated supply and lack of resources. Bethany has been a key advisor for Nevada County Public Health AOD, Nevada County Mental Health and Substance Use Advisory Board, and Northern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance in developing effective harm reduction initiatives. Known for her commitment to both awareness and advocacy, Bethany continues to influence policy and practice through her expertise, aiming to create a more compassionate and practical approach to substance use challenges.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE CHAIR

With a background in human services focusing on youth development & advocacy and discharge planning for seniors transitioning out of an acute care setting, I am new to the world of harm reduction. I draw inspiration to do this work from both lived experience, and the recent loss of a loved one who deserved so much better than what we gave her in terms of support.  I am forever grateful to my mother for being my constant and loving me through my lowest moments. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. To my cousin that did not have someone willing and able to meet her where she was, I’m truly sorry that didn’t see you. I will carry you with me while I do this work, and I will take every opportunity to tell your story to help families overcome their biases and keep their loved ones alive.

DRUG USER ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Nicole is the founder of a grass roots volunteer organization focused on supplying those experiencing homelessness in her community with lifesaving necessities. Her life long path in activism has lead her to have the privilege to serve her region further with NNHRA. Harm reduction is a subject she is wildly passionate about, and she is interested in bringing it to the forefront of the conversations she intends to have with both her community and local leaders interested in creating a true systemic change for the better.