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 AndrewElla Wix
Graduate Assistant
“I am grateful to have been part of the Collegiate Recovery Program here at WVU. Through supporting students on campus, to my peers and coworkers, this program has helped me become the best version of myself. I’ve found purpose and community within this program and can’t thank Olivia Dale Pape and Andrew Caryl enough for the opportunity. I genuinely enjoy coming to work for these people every day, knowing that I am doing something good for my community. Although I am graduating, I am thrilled to come back in the Fall 2025 semester as Collegiate Recovery’s Graduate Assistant while I start my degree in the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling!"
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."
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."