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."
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Andrew 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."
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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! "
Marissa Mangione, Student Employee
"I am currently in my senior year at West Virginia University majoring in Mental Health and Addiction Studies with a minor in Psychology. As someone in this major, when I graduate, I hope to be a substance use counselor. Collegiate Recovery has given me so many opportunities to pursue what I am passionate about while continuing to help me learn and grow as a worker in this field. When I am not at Serenity Place or class, I love to be with my Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters drinking Starbucks, listening to music (especially One Direction), and watching whichever television show we are binging that week!"
Charley Stinespring, Graduate Assistant
"I will be working with Collegiate Recovery as a graduate assistant, while I start my Master’s degree in the Counseling program. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies here at WVU! After completing my degree, I plan to become a Licensed Professional Counselor so I can work in the field of mental health and substance use. In my free time, I enjoy drinking iced coffee, listening to Taylor Swift, and taking photos as a hobby."
Madison Willard, Graduate Assistant
"Hi! My name is Madison Willard and I am pursuing my Masters of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. I graduated May of 2023 from WVU with my Bachelors in Psychology with Minors in Addiction Studies and Women and Gender Studies. I plan on becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor and furthering my career at the Veterans Affairs Hospital working with people with substance use and mental health disorders. In my free time you can find me hanging out with my Hedgehog Draco and my cat Marley along with taking care of my plants. "
Katie Merrill, Student Employee
"I am currently a senior majoring in Addiction Studies and Mental Health with a minor in Communication Studies. I was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia but for the last 8 years, I have lived in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. I am a person in long-term recovery who came to WVU with a passion to serve my hometown community. When I heard about Collegiate Recovery in 2020, I jumped at the chance to volunteer, which was one of the best decisions that I have ever made! I am now a Student Worker with Collegiate Recovery and a Peer Support Ally. This is not just a job, this is a passion! I love that I get to see the Collegiate Recovery community supporting students, building connections with students, and empowering students so that they are not just surviving college but thriving! I am so honored to be a part of the CR community and can't wait to see where my experience takes me."
Tess Janson, MSW Student
"I graduated from WVU in 2019 with a BS in Recreation, Parks, & Sustainable Tourism, minor in Communications studies. Post grad I set west to become a Wildland Firefighter. I became a Fire Apprentice for the US Forest Service, stationed in Oregon. Most of my career was spent on handcrews, fighting fires all over the country. Currently, I am studying for my Master's in Social Work and am the Program Support Staff Rental Operations Graduate Assistant for Adventure WV. I feel blessed & am excited to be a part of the Collegiate Recovery team for my Generalist Field Placement! With dreams of returning to fire and be part of the mental health movement for first responders & veterans, I am thrilled to be back & look forward to the adventures ahead!"
Abi Church, Senior Capstone Student
"My name is Abi Church and I am currently working with Collegiate Recovery as a capstone student this semester. I will be graduating this December from WVU with a Bachelor's in Health & Well-Being and a minor in Addiction Studies. I started coming to Collegiate Recovery events during my sophomore year and have made so many great connections. I am so grateful to be a part of a program that supports students in recovery while promoting a healthy campus lifestyle. After graduation I hope to continue my passion with a career in the recovery field. When I am not at Serenity Place, I enjoy watching reality television with my roommates or cheering on WVU sports!"