meet the team

Aisha Diss is a dedicated advocate for recovery and harm reduction, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Indiana Tech and is a person in long-term recovery from opioid use disorder and justice involvement.

Aisha has earned multiple certifications, including as a Peer Support Professional, Level II Peer Recovery Coach with a mental health enhancement, Level II Alcohol & Drug Addiction Consultant, and Supervisor of Peer Recovery. Her deep understanding of the complexities of recovery fuels her commitment to supporting individuals on their journey.

As the founder and executive director of project.ME, Aisha leads a nonprofit organization that provides peer recovery coaching and harm reduction support throughout Allen County and surrounding areas. She is passionate about creating accessible, person-centered support services and ensuring that recovery is possible for all.

Outside of her work, Aisha has been married for 14 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, three adult children, and four granddaughters. She also finds joy in music, collecting, and scary movies.

Kiersa Barrand is a dedicated Certified Peer Recovery Coach, Certified Peer Support Professional, and Harm Reduction Specialist with a passion for helping others through shared lived experience. She is currently serving as a one-on-one Recovery and Dreams (RAD) Team Peer, Drop-in Peer, and Peer Lead at Project.ME, where she uses her personal journey of recovery to inspire and uplift others. Kiersa believes in the transformative power of connection and empathy, offering support to those navigating their own paths to healing.

In addition to her professional role, Kiersa is a loving mother to her 12-year-old daughter and enjoys spending time with her family. In her spare time, she is an avid music lover and collector of vinyl records, finding both relaxation and joy in her musical hobbies.

With a heart full of compassion and a commitment to harm reduction, Kiersa uses her experience to empower others, fostering resilience and self-discovery. Her work is a testament to the strength found in community and the profound impact of understanding and support.

Kara has been an integral part of the project.ME team since 2022. As one of the original team members, she serves in multiple roles, including Community Trainer, Volunteer Coordinator, and Peer Support Specialist on the Recovery and Dreams (RAD) team, as well as a primary drop-in center peer.

A person in long-term recovery from mental health challenges and trauma, Kara is also a loved one of someone impacted by substance use. Her lived experience, combined with her credentials as a State Certified Peer Support Professional, Certified Peer Recovery Coach, and Nationally Certified Harm Reduction Specialist, allows her to offer compassionate and informed support to others.

In addition to her work at project.ME, Kara is employed at Empower Energy, where she enjoys engaging with the community differently. Outside of work, she has a passion for plants and cats, bringing care and warmth to both her personal and professional life.

Caiden Neace is an Administrative Peer Lead and Get-There Coordinator at project.ME, where he supports transportation access, street outreach, and daily operations that help keep people connected to recovery resources. He is a Certified Peer Support Professional (CPSP), Certified Peer Support Professional Supervisor, and has additional training in harm reduction, ASIST, and naloxone administration.

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Caiden approaches peer support with understanding, encouragement, and a focus on helping people see hope beyond what they may be facing in the moment. Peer support and harm reduction are personal to him, as both have played meaningful roles in his own recovery and continue to shape how he shows up for others.

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As he grows in the field, Caiden hopes to expand his confidence, knowledge of community resources, and ability to support people in their recovery. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, spending time in nature, and discovering new music.

Craig Stegaman, CPSP, HRS is a person in long-term recovery from both substance use and justice involvement. With a deep passion for helping others find their path to recovery, Craig has obtained certifications as a Certified Peer Support Professional (state-level) and a Harm Reduction Specialist (national credential). His personal journey through recovery has inspired him to dedicate his life to assisting others who are facing addiction and the challenges of long-term incarceration.

Craig is currently enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University, pursuing an Associate's degree in Addiction Counseling to further deepen his knowledge and impact in the field. Since July 2024, he has been an integral part of project.ME, serving as a Recovery and Dreams (RAD) team peer, Harm Reduction Street Outreach worker, and drop-in peer. In addition, Craig actively chairs Narcotics Anonymous H&I meetings, providing valuable support and guidance to individuals in recovery.

Dedicated to his own recovery and the well-being of others, Craig continually strives to make a positive difference by offering support, mentorship, and compassion to those in need. His commitment to his community and his ongoing work in recovery services reflects his unwavering belief in the power of transformation and hope.

Chelsey Timm is a Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC-A) serving individuals involved in the justice and recovery systems in Whitley County. She is a PATCH Scholarship recipient, supporting her continued growth in the peer support field.

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Chelsey facilitates the Whitley County Jail Chemical Addiction Program (JCAP) and provides peer support to Restoration Court participants, offering steady, relationship-based support rooted in lived experience, empathy, and accountability. She is passionate about meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they navigate recovery and stability.

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Chelsey aspires to continue growing as a peer professional and to support individuals across the full spectrum of recovery. Outside of her work, she is a mother of two, and she finds grounding in full moons, reflection, and her crystal collection.​

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Ashlee is a RAD Team Peer Recovery Coach at project.ME, providing compassionate, person-centered support to individuals navigating substance use, mental health, and recovery. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Indiana Tech and is a Certified Peer Support Professional (CPSP), Certified Peer Support Professional Supervisor, and Certified Re-Entry Specialist.

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Ashlee maintains a full caseload of recoverees, supports drop-in center operations, and is actively involved in the community through Family Recovery Court and the Wells County Drug Taskforce. Her approach is grounded in lived experience, resilience, and meeting people where they are.

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Ashlee is committed to continued personal and professional growth and has recently stepped into a leadership role. In this role, she uses her passion for mentoring peer coaches while maintaining high standards of care and serving as a strong role model of recovery. She believes recovery is a unique, nonlinear journey and is dedicated to meeting each person exactly where they are. Outside of her professional advocacy, Ashlee enjoys painting, crocheting, baking, reading, and spending time with her animals.

Frank Ryba is an Indiana 211 Peer at project.ME, where he carries a caseload of recoverees and provides individualized peer support rooted in compassion, harm reduction, and lived experience. He is a Certified Peer Support Professional with personal experience navigating both mental health challenges and substance use.

 

Frank believes people are the experts of their own lives and approaches peer support by meeting individuals where they are, without judgment or pressure. His work centers on human connection, trust, and creating spaces where people feel heard, respected, and supported in defining their own recovery goals.

Frank also holds a Level I Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Consultant credential and an Associate’s degree in Human Services–Social Work. He is committed to continued learning and professional growth within the peer support field.

Outside of work, Frank enjoys spending time in nature, caring for plants, and spending time with his dog.

Taylor O’Reilly serves as a Peer Support team member and Street Outreach specialist with project.ME, where he provides harm reduction education and Naloxone training to individuals in the community. Through his work, he is committed to increasing access to lifesaving resources and supporting efforts to reduce overdose rates.

Taylor approaches peer support with authenticity and compassion, striving to be “an umbrella in someone’s storm.” He meets people where they are, leading with openness, acceptance, and a strong commitment to judgment-free support. His passion for this work is rooted in a deep belief in connection, dignity, and the importance of ensuring individuals have the knowledge and tools to stay safe.

He is dedicated to continued growth in the peer support field, embracing every opportunity to learn, develop, and strengthen his impact. Inspired by the leadership and culture at project.ME, Taylor is committed to showing up as his full, authentic self while helping to challenge stigma in his community.

Outside of his professional role, Taylor finds joy in attending recovery meetings, celebrating milestones with others, listening to music—especially recovery-focused content—and learning new skills. He is grounded by witnessing others grow, succeed, and thrive in their own journeys.

Lindsay Foulks is a Drop-In Center Peer at project.ME, where she provides supportive, nonjudgmental connection to people navigating substance use, mental health challenges, and recovery. She is a Certified Peer Support Professional (CPSP) and QPR trained.

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Lindsay brings lived experience with substance use, incarceration, recovery, and harm reduction to her work. Her own experience accessing syringe services showed her the importance of reducing risk, building trust, and treating people with dignity—even when they are not ready to stop using substances. Today, she strives to help others feel heard, respected, and hopeful while meeting them wherever they are on their path.

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Lindsay is currently attending Ivy Tech Community College and expects to earn an Associates in Social Work. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, nature walks with her dog Rocky, and spending time with family and friends.

Travis Sheets is a Peer Recovery Coach at project.ME, where he supports the Outreach Team and Drop-In Center. He is a Certified Peer Support Professional (CPSP) with a strong interest in criminal justice, mental health, substance use, and recovery.

Travis approaches peer support with the belief that every person’s recovery path is unique and should reflect their individual goals, circumstances, and needs. He strives to meet people where they are and help them identify recovery goals that feel realistic, achievable, and meaningful to their lives.

Peer support matters deeply to Travis because not everyone has access to healthy encouragement, positive influences, or a strong support system. He believes everyone deserves the opportunity to recognize their strengths, experience happiness, and have someone in their corner. Through his work, Travis hopes to provide the kind of consistent support and encouragement that can help people move forward on their own path to recovery.

Travis plans to continue growing in the peer support field by remaining of service to people who need connection, encouragement, and positive support. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to, creating, and performing music, collecting records and other niche items, reading, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with his wife and three children.