Staff
Dr. Steven Seiler, Director
Dr. Elizabeth Ramsey, Assistant Director of Evaluation Planning and Compliance
Ms. Donna Vize, Assistant Director of Program Operations
Mr. Matt Silvey, Lecturer and Education Coordinator
Ms. Adrienne Lees, Senior Prevention Coordinator
Mr. Garrett Travis, Support Coordinator
Ms. Melanie Reynolds-Curtis, Prevention Coordinator
Mr. Trey Johnson, Network Coordinator
Mr. Asher Heineman, Prevention Specialist
Mr. Evan Spychalski, Prevention Specialist
Steven Seiler, Ph.D., MSW, CPS I
Professor, Sociology
Director
Email »
Dr. Steven Seiler is a sociological social psychologist and social worker. He began his career as a sociologist focused on general social research on the impact of social technology on the self and personal relationships. However, his professional focus shifted to community engagement in substance misuse prevention and recovery around 2015. Since then, he has worked closely with Power of Putnam on prevention effort on campus and in the community. Additionally, to further strengthen his knowledge and preparedness to serve our community, he pursued a Masters in Social Work and attended the CADCA’s National Coalition Academy.
Elizabeth Ramsey, Ph.D., CFLE
Associate Professor, Human Ecology
Assistant Director, Center of Addiction Prevention and Support
Email »
After years working in the field as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), Family Mediator, Public School Educator, Women’s and Children’s Ministry Director, and Developmental Specialist, Dr. Ramsey is Assistant Professor at Tennessee Technological University in Human Ecology and serves as the Assistant Director of TN Tech Center for Addiction Prevention and Support.
Dr. Ramsey’s areas of research include Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS); training and education of foster parents; social health education in public school systems; implementation of Trauma Informed Care in helping professions; the mitigation and prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)– abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction; and building resilience in children and families who have experienced ACEs and/or trauma.
My Personal Why
At the peak of the national opioid crisis, I had a dear friend who was fostering an infant with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The baby spent a week in the NICU at Vanderbilt being treated for NAS. When he was released, he exhibited many symptoms of withdrawal including tremors, irritability, vomiting, blotchy skin, and high pitch inconsolable crying to name a few. I’ll never forget the first time I held him – tiny, shaking, unsettled, and reeking of vomit in my arms– I had this overwhelming urge to make a difference for him and all babies like him. But where do you start? The answer became clear after years of research: the moms–the baby had a birth mother who struggled with substance use, and her struggle did not just happen out of nowhere. She had a background of unimaginable trauma. Knowing that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma is a generational cycle and that SUDs are correlated with abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, I became a champion of prevention, recovery, and building resilience for all individuals and families.
Matthew Silvey, JD, MSSW, LCSW
Lecturer, Department of Sociology & Political Science
Education Coordinator
Email »
Matt Silvey is a social worker, attorney, and lecturer. His clinical experience includes community mental health, forensic social work in the public defense system, hospice care, and public guardianship, as well as private psychotherapy practice with individuals, couples, and families. He has provided legal representation to low-income and otherwise vulnerable citizens in the Upper Cumberland in a broad range of civil issues including divorce, domestic violence protective orders, debt collection defense, predatory lending practices, public housing and eviction defense, and administrative proceedings related to access to public health and benefits. He currently teaches social work values, concepts, and ethics, with a specific interest in the intersection of professional practice, public policy, and the justice system. Matt is a proud Tennessee Tech alum.
My Personal Why:
In my professional work and in my personal life, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of substance misuse. Much of my career has been spent helping people navigate a complicated healthcare system and cope with the stress of change. Along the way, I have found that the most effective interventions reduce stigma, increase access to care and community, and create lasting support systems. That’s a big part of what we do at CAPS. I strongly believe that building and supporting inclusive communities for those seeking lasting recovery from substance misuse (as well as emotional and behavioral difficulties) is essential work in a just society.
Adrienne Lees
Senior Prevention Coordinator
Email »
Adrienne Lees graduated from Tennessee Tech in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with a focus on Human Development and Family Sciences. While at Tennessee Tech Adrienne earned the Outstanding Human Development and Family Science Student in 2023 award and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Adrienne is currently working towards her Master of Science in Social Work at The University of Tennessee – Knoxville.
My Personal Why
The reason I love working for The Center for Addiction Prevention and Support is because I personally lost many years of my life and beloved friends to addiction. I know firsthand how crucial support during your emerging adult years can be and providing that to Tennessee Tech’s college students and emerging adults in the community gives me great joy.
Garrett Travis
Support Coordinator
Garrett Travis is an undergraduate student in the Communications program with a concentration in Journalism. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran who worked as a Special Operations Capabilities Specialist - Communicator. He deployed to East Africa, supporting 1st Marine Raider Battalion in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia. He is an active member in the Student Veteran Organization and is expected to graduate in 2027.
My Personal Why
During my time in the military, I watched young men and woman lose everything to substance misuse and mental health challenges. Those challenges seem to become catastrophic to many when they transition to the civilian world. Personally, I have had to deal with many of those challenges and understand how important this work is for a healthy community. It’s a great honor to be able to help build and maintain an inclusive support system for those seeking recovery.