ASAP is fortunate to have a new Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS), Kristi McCaleb! Kristi is taking over for our previous ROPS, the wonderful, dedicated, inspirational Catherine Brunson, who is still with us in a part-time capacity. ASAP’s staff couldn’t be happier to have Kristi joining our team, and we know that the folks of Anderson County are going to appreciate her as much as we do.
Can you tell me about yourself?
My name is Kristi, and I’m excited to join the ASAP team as the new Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist! I am a native of East Tennessee and I’m currently working through my junior year at UT. I plan to continue my education working in the Public Health sector after earning my bachelor’s degree. I am the baby (as my momma would put it) of three girls and grew up in a minister’s family. I am married with four children and two grandchildren.
What do you do when you’re not working in the ASAP office?
I love gardening and canning; no doubt activities that I learned to love from my childhood summers with my grandmother. When I’m not spending time with my family, I’m usually out in the military community. I currently serve as a TN Event Advisor for a Gold Star Family organization, and an Event Coordinator for a local veterans’ group.
Why did you choose ASAP of Anderson?
I have often been asked why I am so passionate about substance use prevention. My own family’s experience with substance use, and the frustrations therein, eventually became my own platform for facilitating conversations centered on hope, instead of shame and regret. My desire is that some change will be accomplished through the TN Save a Life education program that we provide, that hard conversations will start to move our community away from despair and disgrace toward hope and dignity. I’m truly excited to serve in this capacity, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!