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 10-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 White, CPSP, HRS, CARC 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 brings a compassionate and authentic perspective to his work, shaped by his personal journey of mental health recovery and his experiences with a parent affected by opioid use disorder. As a dedicated and versatile peer at project.ME, he plays a vital role as a social media manager, community outreach specialist, and drop-in peer. Caiden also contributes to the distribution of life-saving naloxone, empowering individuals and increasing access to this critical resource.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Caiden is passionate about photography, music, and finding tranquility in nature. Known for his strong work ethic and adaptability, he excels both independently and in collaborative settings. Caiden is always ready to step into any role that helps support his community and drive positive change.

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.

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.

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 one with another on the way, and she finds grounding in full moons, reflection, and her crystal collection.

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Dawn Payton is a Certified Peer Support Professional at Project.ME, where she provides peer-led, person-centered support to individuals navigating substance use, mental health, and justice-related challenges. She is trained in Trauma-Informed Care, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Mental Health First Aid, and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention.

Dawn brings both professional training and lived experience to her role, including personal experience with substance use disorder, justice involvement, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Additionally, as the only child of parents who experienced substance use and mental health challenges, she has a deep understanding of the broader family and generational impacts of these issues. This perspective informs her empathetic, respectful approach to peer support.

In her role at Project.ME, Dawn operates the Indiana 211 Peer Recovery Line, provides peer support at the Drop-In Center, and works one-on-one as a Recovery Coach. She supports individuals in identifying goals, building stability, and navigating resources using a strengths-based, person-centered approach.

Dawn is committed to helping individuals recognize their potential while working to reduce stigma surrounding substance use, harm reduction, and mental health. She believes in the power of collaboration, advocacy, education, and human connection as essential tools for sustainable recovery and community wellness.

Frank is a certified peer support professional with lived experience with mental health challenges and substance use. Frank's work is grounded in harm reduction, compassion, and the belief that people are the experts of their own lives. He shows up without judgment—meeting individuals where they are while honoring their autonomy, dignity, and resilience.

Frank's approach centers on the belief that the most powerful form of harm reduction is human connection. Frank prioritizes presence over pressure, listening over fixing, and creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Through relationship-centered, trauma-informed, and person-centered care, he works to foster trust, hope, and meaningful connection.

Frank holds a  level I Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Consultant credential and is a Certified Peer Support Professional, along with holding an Associate’s degree in Human Services–Social Work. These credentials support his commitment to ethical practice and continued professional growth. He plans to further his education and deepen his understanding of the field while continuing to refine the skills he uses to support individuals on their recovery journeys.

Outside of his professional work, Frank values self-care as an essential part of overall well-being. He finds grounding and restoration through time spent in nature, caring for plants, and spending time with his dog—practices that help him remain present, balanced, and connected.

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.