Hi everyone! My name is Teegan Deuso and I would like to introduce myself! I have served as a school counselor for 10 years and had the privilege of serving as program coordinator for Franklin County Caring Communities, a Vermont non-profit focused on substance use prevention. While working in this capacity, I experienced the power of strategic prevention and increased access to treatment as I built a thriving, impactful, dynamic, and data-driven program in my school and greater community. Through the thoughtful writing and management of multiple prevention grants and the coordination of projects such Teen Institute, Sticker Shock, Peer Support, and Community Dialogue Nights, my goal was to break down individual organizational silos, empower youth to make healthy choices for their own well-being, and create safe environments where connection can thrive, and addiction can be prevented.
Additionally, I have written and advocated for school substance use policy change with one goal in mind: ensuring youth access to substance use education and treatment. Through strong restorative-style processes, we saved students with disabilities and substance use addiction from expulsion and connected them to treatment. This work is a true highlight of my career. 
As I settle into the CVARR Coalition Coordinator role, I hope to support the current work of CVARR by helping to identify needs, build capacity, plan strategically, and implement resources creatively. I hope to further engage the Lynchburg community and Virginia state leaders to focus on policies supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery. These can be challenging issues, but together, we can create a healthy, safe, and thriving community for all. If you are interested in hearing more about the work CVARR is engaging in, I would love to chat with you!