Olivia Dale Pape
Director
"I’ve been involved with the WVU Collegiate Recovery Program since I moved to West Virginia in 2015. There will never be enough time or enough words to express just how incredible this program is. Serenity Place is such a safe space for me and other individuals who are in, seeking or supporting recovery. As a person living in long-term recovery, it is so meaningful for me to be able to connect with others who can relate to my experience and provide me with support and encouragement. Everyone is compassionate and giving and funny and interesting—there’s never a shortage of laughter at Serenity Place! I am so grateful to be a part of the amazing community."
Email OliviaAndrew Caryl
Program Coordinator
"I am a person in long-term recovery and one of the original students of WVU Collegiate Recovery. This program provided me with an opportunity to grow in my recovery and become a leader in this community. I was able to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree at WVU through the support and connections provided by this program. My hope as Program Coordinator is to provide students in recovery at WVU the support and resources necessary for them to thrive in their recovery."
Email AndrewKatie Merrill
Graduate Assistant
"I chose to work with the Collegiate Recovery program because it offers me the chance to contribute to a nurturing and supportive environment where students can truly thrive personally and academically. I am deeply grateful to get the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of students, understanding and addressing their unique struggles with substance use, mental health, and other challenges. I love that I get to collaborate with a dedicated team to create a positive environment, promote wellness, and provide tailored resources for those who need them. The Collegiate Recovery program has always been close to my heart and inspires me to promote positive change. This role aligns profoundly with my personal and professional values, and I am excited to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives while also growing and learning in my professional journey."
Sadie Holland
Student Employee
"I was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia and I will always have a very special place in my heart for this state and its people. I am currently studying Mental Health & Addiction Studies with a minor in Special Education, so working for Collegiate Recovery seemed like the perfect step to take in beginning my journey of what I hope will be a lifetime of giving back to my community. I look forward to forming many new connections and friendships along the way!"
Mary Taylor Shaak
Student Employee
"I am a junior at West Virginia University studying Mental Health & Addiction Studies. Collegiate Recovery has been very beneficial for me as a student in recovery. It has allowed me the chance to find community, feel welcomed, and grow as a person. I am thankful for Collegiate Recovery and am excited to be part of such an awesome program. In my free time I enjoy going on walks, reading, and listening to music!"
Marin Nicholson
Student Employee
"I am a sophomore at West Virginia University majoring in Mental Health and Addiction Studies with a minor in Criminology. This is my first experience with Collegiate Recovery. Working at Collegiate Recovery has been an amazing experience and opportunity! The community here is so welcoming and has allowed me to grow as a person. I am grateful I get to work at Collegiate Recovery. In my free time, I enjoy playing softball, listening to music, painting, and going for walks."
Bailey Morgan
Social Work Field Placement Student
"I am a senior Social Work major with a minor in Addiction Studies. I am so grateful to have the chance to complete my field placement here at Collegiate Recovery. I love that I get to work with a wide variety of people who are on a recovery journey and that I get the chance to further my education and experience in such a wonderful environment and program. I am excited to contribute my skills and knowledge while learning from the experiences and resilience of those I work with. This placement is an opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of recovery in a collegiate setting and to support students in achieving their personal goals. I am excited to be a part of this empowering community and to grow both professionally and personally during my time here. "
Layla McGrogan
Student Employee
"I am a freshman at West Virginia University, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. My involvement with collegiate recovery has been vital in helping me create meaningful connections and establish a support system as I embark on my college journey. I am definitely a people person, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to connect with, and help other students form a community. I am eager to continue my work in collegiate recovery, striving to make a positive impact on others' lives."
Ella Wix
Student Employee
"I am a senior in the Mental Health and Addiction Studies major with a minor in Psychology. Collegiate Recovery has been my main source of finding purpose in community here at WVU. Working here has been the foundation of my career for becoming a counselor and giving back to society. I have gained so much knowledge through this program about recovery and all of its different pathways. I’m so grateful to be working with such amazing people who are motivated to bettering our communities. Our staff are so welcoming to anyone that steps foot into Serenity Place and that is what sets us apart from other programs."